Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. MCAS is serious and disabling and people with MCAS often experience significant and debilitating symptoms daily, including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal.
MCAS is often found in combination with other chronic conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
Healthcare providers frequently do not know about MCAS, and the tests for MCAS are problematic because they are not uniformly reliable. MCAS can be difficult to manage. Treatments include blocking mast cell mediators with anti-histamines and mast cell stabilizers, as well as avoiding triggers.
I’ve been following the SCD lately as part of my spring detox. With the SCD you avoid all fermentable carbohydrates, so this recipe is grain-free and refined-sugar-free.
SCD relies on food as medicine, so cultured yogurt is used as food to heal the gut, if tolerated.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory offers a helpful analogy for understanding symptom reactions with MCAS.
Think of your body as an empty bucket that you want to keep from overflowing. Different foods and activities fill your histamine bucket at different speeds but they combine to form the total level of histamine in your body (how full your bucket is). A fuller bucket means you have more histamine symptoms. When you manage triggers, reduce exposure to known triggers, and take medications and supplements to reduce histamine, you can manage the level of your bucket.
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1½cupsplain unsweetened coconut yogurtfor the frosting
1tbsphoneyfor the frosting
⅛tspvanilla powderfor the frosting
½tbspcoconut oilfor the frosting
¾cupblanched almond flour
¾cupcoconut flour
1cupfinely shredded carrots
¾cupshredded zucchini
½cupbutterat room temperature
½cuphoney
1eggat room temperature
½cupshredded unsweetened coconutoptional
½cupwalnutsoptional
½cupwater
1tspvanilla
¼tspsea salt
¼tspnutmeg
1tspground ginger
1tspground cinnamon
1tspbaking soda
Instructions
Start the day ahead and line a strainer with two layers of cheesecloth. Scoop the yogurt into the strainer, place over a bowl, and refrigerate for 6-20 hours to drain the excess liquid.
The next day, preheat the oven to 350 °F. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Cream the butter in an electric mixer. Add the honey and continue mixing until it is fully incorporated. Add the egg, carrots, zucchini, the flours, the optional ingredients, salt, spices, vanilla, and water). Mix for another minute until smooth.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Put it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, until golden and firm on top (so when you poke it gently with a finger it doesn't indent). Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
While the cake cools, make the frosting. Take the drained yogurt and spoon it into a small bowl. Add the vanilla powder and honey. Stir to combine. Gently melt the coconut oil in the microwave and stir it into the frosting.
Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting on the top. Serve immediately or freeze servings for later consumption.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but if you have histamine intolerance or MCAS you will want to freeze leftovers right away to make frozen yogurt. You can also strain this yogurt through cheesecloth overnight to make yogurt cheese.
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The SSP is a listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory created by Stephen Porges to unlock your ability to think, feel, and connect better through nervous system regulation. You use the SSP via an app on your phone and listen with over-the-ear headphones to specially filtered music that heals the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve. You subscribe to the app with a provider like me and listen to the specially curated music for 30 minutes each day for a 5-hour cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions
Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
Check out this powerful frequency device
Healy is an individualized microcurrent device I use to reduce inflammation. Check out this post for more about Healy.
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I provide one-on-one in-person and remote chronic illness and caregiver coaching and Sacred Self-Healing Sessions based on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, a proven novel co-creative healing modality detailed in my Books.
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
