A woman from California faces a unique challenge, as her diet is restricted to just 13 different foods.
Jenna Gestetner, a 21-year-old hailing from Los Angeles, was diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) during her childhood.
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, MCAS refers to a “condition where patients undergo recurrent episodes analogous to anaphylaxis — exhibiting allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and severe diarrhea.”
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Gestetner shared with Fox News Digital that throughout her life, she has endured a range of seemingly random health challenges.
“I was always described as ‘sensitive,’ with delicate skin, a sensitive stomach, and an inclination to fall ill or get hurt easily,” she explained. “However, around the age of 12, my condition intensified.”
Jenna Gestetner, shown here, mentioned that she must be particularly cautious when dining out. (Jenna Gestetner)
Gestetner noticed that her symptoms, which include pain, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness, worsened with specific foods.
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“The more I consumed certain foods, the more intense the reactions became,” she stated.
The University of Southern California student mentioned her preferred snacks comprise assorted fruits. (Jenna Gestetner)
By avoiding certain foods, Gestetner noticed a significant improvement in her symptoms.
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“By the time I turned 18, my food options dwindled to fewer than 15, and I realized I needed to seek answers for my physical and mental wellness,” she said.
After enduring years of uncertainty, Gestetner was ultimately diagnosed with MCAS, and now she can only consume 13 specific foods without complications.
Gestetner underwent numerous tests to identify which foods triggered her allergic reactions. As of now, she has a limited diet consisting of only 13 foods. (Jenna Gestetner)
“The 13 foods I’m able to eat include white fish, turkey, green beans, zucchini, cucumber, lime, dates, grapes, raspberries, pears, chia seeds, water lily seeds, and olive oil,” she specified.
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The USC student mentioned that her two main hurdles in managing MCAS revolve around dining out and preventing cross-contamination.
“Most restaurants lack menu items suitable for me, so I often have to peruse several menus before locating one that offers something I can safely enjoy,” she explained.
Gestetner often has a meal of protein accompanied by vegetables for both lunch and dinner. (Jenna Gestetner)
She added, “I need to contact the restaurant to ensure they can prepare the food according to my dietary restrictions. Even so, eating out makes me anxious since even tiny traces of other foods might trigger a reaction.”
In her daily routine, Gestetner often consumes similar meals, which typically include turkey and chia seed pudding for breakfast, protein with vegetables for lunch and dinner, and fruits or water lily seeds as snacks.
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“It’s crucial for me to get enough calories while balancing the diverse food types I can eat to ensure I receive the necessary nutrients,” she remarked.
A woman suffers from allergies to over 100 foods, leaving her with only 13 options allowable in her diet. (Jenna Gestetner)
Among the major food items Gestetner must avoid are rice, pasta, bread, crackers, red meat, chicken, lettuce, apples, lemon, and various seasonings.
Currently, she shares her journey on social media, discussing her life with the condition.
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“I enjoy highlighting the positive aspects through content creation, experimenting with recipes using the foods I can consume,” she shared.
Furthermore, she mentioned, “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, as people feel acknowledged and inspired to persevere, viewing their own challenges from an optimistic perspective.”
