A 20-year-old student in Los Angeles revealed that she is unable to go out to eat, and it's not because of money or picky eating but an illness that attacked her.
Jenna Gasttner was diagnosed with Mast Cell Disorders (MCAS) in March 2021 after months of abdominal cramps, bloating and nausea after eating.
She claims she is now limited to only glucose water and eight foods: turkey, fish, zucchini, cucumber, green beans, olive oil, salt and lime.
Gesttner says she is 'disappointed' and 'annoyed' that she can't go out to restaurants with friends - but the good news is that shopping at the supermarket only takes her three minutes.
MCAS is activated by the body's mast cells, a type of white blood cell found throughout the body, including in the skin, lungs, intestines, and near blood vessels.
Symptoms of the condition include rashes, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing and severe diarrhea after patients are exposed to the allergen.
Treatment initially focuses on antihistamines and aspirin to calm the immediate symptoms of allergy.
Doctors will then work with patients to determine what is causing the allergic reaction and what they can and cannot consume.
The cause of the condition is unknown, but the doctors claim that it is not related to any other disease or any obvious reason.
Among the few foods she can eat.
Green beans (Photo: ShutterStock)
Gasttner said she started having warning signs of MCAS when she was a child.
But the condition was only diagnosed in March 2021 after urine and blood tests.
"I was always the girl who had problems and it always sounded like an excuse. Eventually, I just stopped telling people that something was wrong," she said.
"My parents knew about my struggles, but they didn't know all the details - when they found out I was diagnosed, it shocked them. She added: 'I'm very lucky that my family supports me and helps me get the support I need.'
Before the diagnosis, she tried to consume several different types of food but suffered reactions to them.
When asked about life now, she said it's a 'mixed experience'.
Because of the diet, she must eat six times a day to ensure she gets enough nutrients.
She is also unable to try anything new at the moment, or visit restaurants with friends.
She admitted that she keeps a cupboard in her apartment full of snacks like candy, popcorn, chips, sauces and condiments, for friends.
"Food is social so I often feel left out when I'm not able to eat with my friends, but I've found my ways to be included, whether it's bringing my own food or eating before I go out."
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