Ep 9: Five Tips for Living a Full Life, Despite Severe Health Challenges

Irene is on an inspiring journey towards peace and acceptance of her uncertain health conditions. She shares five tips that have brought light into darkness.

Irene was diagnosed with celiac disease in December 2015. Despite a strict gluten-free diet, she continued having severe food reactions - which eventually led to a mast cell activation syndrome diagnosis. Irene reacts to food, stress, hormones, sunlight, temperature changes, medications, and other environmental changes. As with many mast cell patients, her reactions are not consistent. Something could trigger her one day, but be tolerated the next day. Accidental gluten ingestion has led to anaphylactic-like mast cell flares that take several weeks for recovery. The most isolating part of her illness has been avoiding scents and sunlight.