• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • About me
  • Shop
  • Subscribe

Throughthefibrofog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About me
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About me
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » MCAS

    Published: Oct 25, 2018 · Modified: May 13, 2022 by Claire · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 2 Comments

    Trying to calm down a MCAS flare-up: being quiet and reducing stress

    Approximately a year and a half ago I was in Accident and Emergency (the ER for US readers!) at 3am. Unknown to me at the time I was having a MCAS flare-up with significant symptoms (mast cell activation syndrome). I had woken up boiling hot, shaking like a leaf and with very painful burning skin on my face. It was truly terrifying.

    This post is my story and for informational use only. It should not be taken as medical advice in any way, and it is important that you consult with a doctor if you have MCAS (or suspect you do) and follow their advice. Always consult a doctor before taking a new supplement.

    misty lake with mountains in the background.
    Jump to:
    • The struggle for a diagnosis
    • The experience of a MCAS flare-up
    • Eating a low histamine diet
    • Relaxation techniques
    • Prescribed medications
    • Supplements
    • Read relevant books

    The struggle for a diagnosis

    At A&E, they did nothing other than take some blood and give me anti-nausea medication. I wasn't nauseous, so that prescription remains a mystery! Of course, MCAS wasn't going to be on the forefront of the minds of the doctors or nurses, as it is a rare condition. I frequently come across medical professionals that have never heard of it; some google it in front of me . . .

    I was finally diagnosed with MCAS some months later, and prescribed antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers. I was also advised to take quercetin, a flavanol that is known to help with the condition, and follow a low histamine diet. In my opinion, the combination of these medications, supplements and dietary changes has stopped my condition from becoming worse.

    However, I do still suffer from flare-ups of symptoms. I think most people with chronic illness, whether MCAS or another condition, will agree with me when I say that a flare-up of symptoms is an emotional time. If things have been a little better, a set-back of heightened symptoms seems so unfair. It makes progress seem futile, perhaps impossible. It makes you sad, and down. I spend ages going over and over what I have eaten, how I've exercised etc etc to try and work out what caused the flare. Sometimes I can figure it out, most times I am none the wiser.

    Related post: Living with MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome)

    woman sitting on a black chair.

    The experience of a MCAS flare-up

    Today, as I am writing this, I have just had a really nasty flare-up of MCAS symptoms. For the past few days my skin has been intensely painful due to flushing, and I am so tired despite sleeping fairly well. My joints hurt, there is itchy skin and a permanent heightened headache.

    Although I don't know why my symptoms have flared, I know that any form of stress makes it far worse. So worrying over little things, as has happened a few times recently, isn't helpful.

    When I feel a flare-up starting, I know I have to make some changes and be more attentive to my health and my outlook on the increased symptoms. I can't change that I have this condition, but I can change my reaction to it. Being stressed and angry will undoubtedly happen from time to time. I think it is a natural response. But instead of sulking, I can do nice things and enjoy myself as best I can. Hopefully, reducing stress will also help with symptoms.

    Personally, I find that the following are the most beneficial:

    Eating a low histamine diet

    I follow the SIGHI food list to eat a low histamine diet, and try to eat predominantly whole foods rather than processed ones. That's not to say that I am perfect, and sometimes I have an ill-advised treat now and again, but when I am in a flare-up I go back to basics and eat nutritious food I prepare myself, including from my own low histamine recipes.

    And eating a low histamine diet doesn't have to mean boring food - have you seen all the cookies in my 'snacks' section on the low histamine recipes page?!

    I also like to look at cookbooks to find something fun to eat that fits with this diet. Some helpful low histamine cookbooks (not all follow the SIGHI list):

    • The 4-phase Histamine Reset Plan
    • Histamine Intolerance: The Cookbook
    • Mast-cell Friendly and Low Histamine Cooking

    Related post: Living the low histamine life - FAQ

    glasses and dried flowers on a book.

    Relaxation techniques

    Relaxation is pretty individual and we all like to do different things. For me, being outside, in the park or my garden, is one of the most restful things I can do. Perhaps it is cliche to say, but I find being in nature very calming. A picnic, and a good book and I am very happy for a few hours!

    I also like to meditate for its calming feeling. Some good apps include Insight Timer and the Calm app. Just five minutes makes me feel more grounded.

    Other ways to practice some self-care include reading for fun, watching a light-hearted movie, arts and crafts, playing with a pet, colouring books, a gentle walk (if able) or some slow stretches.

    Prescribed medications

    I always take my prescribed medications of mast cell stabilisers and anti-histamines, but when I am in a flare-up I am even more attentive to timing my medication correctly, and making sure I don't forget to take anything.

    Supplements

    There are some supplements, including quercetin and vitamin C, which are proven to help MCAS. I take these everyday, whether in a flare-up or not, but make doubly sure to take them when my symptoms are increased. I find quercetin to be particularly beneficial, and am thankful my doctor recommended it to me. Always consult with a doctor before taking a new supplement, as some people may not be able to tolerate.

    Read relevant books

    There are three books on MCAS that I return to when I am in a flare-up to sort-of 'check in' with my condition, educate myself and make sure that I am doing everything I can in terms of lifestyle changes to help myself. The three books I find very helpful are:

    • Mast Cells United, by Amber Walker
    • Never Bet Against Occam: Mast Cell Activation Disease and the Modern Epidemics of Chronic Illness and Medical Complexity, by Dr Lawrence Afrin
    • My Crazy Life: A Humorous Guide to Understanding Mast Cell Disorders, by Daniel and Pamela Hodge

    I'm not perfect, and my response to a flare-up will not always be that positive. But being aware that there are options to dealing with a flare makes me more likely to choose self-care over anger. And that can only be a good thing.

    I do want to emphasise that this isn't medical advice, and if you are in a flare-up of symptoms it is always advisable to speak to your doctor for professional advice.

    For more posts on MCAS and chronic illness come join me on Instagram and Facebook!

    Don't forget to pin the post!

    woman sitting on a dock with text overlay calming down a MCAS flare up

    UK Amazon product links

    The above links in text are US links, for my UK readers:

    Solgar quercetin

    Mast Cells United

    Never Bet Against Occam

    My Crazy Life

    Please follow the advice of your doctor as to all medical treatments, supplements, and dietary choices, as set out in my disclaimer. I am not a medical professional, and this is simply my story and the resources that are helpful to me.

    Tweet
    Share
    Pin
    Share
    « 10 tips for starting a low histamine diet
    Carrot celery soup with sage »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ange says

      April 25, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      This was such a reassuring read for myself, who has recently been diagnosed and have no clue where to start. It helps so much to know that I'm not alone and there are things that can be done to slow it down.

      Reply
      • Claire says

        April 25, 2022 at 2:40 pm

        Hi Ange, sorry to hear that you have MCAS as well, I know it's such a challenging condition to manage. I would definitely suggest having a look at the Mast Cell Action website if you have just been diagnosed as it has so much helpful information. All the best, Claire

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Claire. After a diagnosis of MCAS I began to follow a low histamine diet, which has helped me manage my symptoms. Here I hope to show that a restrictive diet can still be full of flavourful meals, and help you enjoy being creative in the kitchen.

    More about me →

    Popular recipes

    • Ginger beer (yeast free)
    • Spiced poached pears (without wine)
    • Rosemary chicken fillets (pan fried)
    • Apple and pear smoothie

    Recent Recipes

    • Turmeric turkey breast fillets
    • Cucumber mint mocktail
    • Low histamine teas (and coffee alternatives)
    • Whipped ricotta crostini

    As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Please see my disclaimer. I am not a doctor or healthcare professional. All posts are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice in any way.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Disclaimer
    • Cookie Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2022 Through The Fibro Fog

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT