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Brain Fog

Mast Cells and Food: What You Need To Know

Blank notebook

While there are different names for mast cell diseases, most of them have similar symptoms. Some people get the diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Sydrome (MCAS), while others might get a diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Disease (MCAD). The truth is, they both fall under the umbrella of Mast Cell Disease, as does Mastocytosis.

No matter the diagnosis, it can be difficult to figure out which foods are causing an issue for mast cell patients. The best way to address it is by keeping a food & symptom diary. You can use a notebook or an app to jot down what you ate, what time you ate it, and any symptoms you experience. 

 A food diary allows me, as the dietitian detective, to look for patterns. Sometimes I find a specific food is a culprit, other times I have to scrutinize the data. More often than not there is a common additive in foods that are being eaten unbeknownst to the patient. So, while there is no pattern in the foods consumed, the ingredient list shows otherwise. 

Talk to your doctor or dietitian about keeping a food and symptom diary. 

Want to try a low-histamine diet to see if it will help your mast cell disease symptoms? You can see a list of the complete low histamine foods to avoid HERE. Check out my low-histamine meal plan giveaway HERE.

Taking the Keto Plunge

Veggies

If you have done your research and are ready to start a ketogenic diet to help alleviate symptoms, here are some tools to have on hand:

1) A blood ketone monitor such as the Keto Mojo found HERE . You will need to check your ketone levels after meals to see how foods affect you.

2) Keto friendly flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, and flax meal. You can make breads, crackers, and even desserts from these products.

3) Water- lots and lots of water! It is so important on the ketogenic diet to drink at least as much fluids as you are consuming in calories. For instance, if you are eating 1800 calories per day, you need to drink at least 1800 ml of water.

4) Fats. But here’s the thing- you don’t need tons of meat and heavy cream. A heart healthy alternative to keto is using olive oil, avocados, and other plant based non-saturated fats such as walnuts and almonds. 

5) A dietitian! Calculating your macronutrients can be exasperating. Making sure you get enough micronutrients is no picnic easier. Consult with a registered dietitian trained in the ketogenic diet to help you navigate this way of eating.

The Ketogenic Diet

What should I eat?

You may have hear people talk about the keto diet for weight loss, but studies indicate the ketogenic diet can be helpful in decreasing symptoms of some neurological diseases & chronic pain sufferers. Most people often follow an Atkins-esque bacon, butter & eggs plan. Sounds disgusting doesn’t it? That’s why I developed a version of the ketogenic diet specially tailored to those with chronic inflammatory diseases that lends towards a Mediterranean diet. You can eat healthy and get into ketosis! Contact me to learn more about how this way of eating can work for you.