Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # NAUGHTYLITTLEMASTCELLS ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [The Blog](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/blog/) - [Popular Salt Options for POTS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/how-to-up-your-salt-intake/) - Updated January 10th, 2018 Why Salt? Doctors recommend salt to POTS patients for the sodium it contains. Remember salt is NaCl... sodium and chloride. The overloading of sodium causes the body to absorb some extra salt, and thereby extra fluid to boost blood volume. This in turn can increase blood pressure and reduce the dizziness - [How to Help Someone with Chronic Illness](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/families-know-help/) - I get plenty of emails from people who have a family member struggling with POTS or MCAS, so this post is for them.Yes, my family struggles too.I’m sorry to hear this is affecting your loved one. I know it’s hard for my own family to watch me go through this. They get dragged along the ups and - [Free Low Histamine Diet Recipes](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/free-low-histamine-diet-recipes/) - This is a growing collection of free low histamine recipes. The goal is to not feel totally deprived. There are plenty of delicious meals ahead of you. - [Grocery List- Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/low-histamine-diet-grocery-list/) - This grocery list to help someone kick-off their low histamine diet. No fancy recipes. Let's keep it real... being sick is exhausting and the last thing you're going to want to do is make fancy dishes. You can save that for a spoon-plentiful day. - [Low Histamine Food List– Sooo What Do I Get to Eat?](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/low-histamine-diet-sooo-what-do-i-actually-get-to-eat/) - Starting the Low Histamine Diet Confusion. It can be overwhelming hearing what you’re not supposed to eat. Before this particular doctor appointment, I had never heard of a low histamine diet. If I had read about it on the internet, I would’ve chalked it up to another trending fad. My doctor handed me a pithy - [Navigating Healthcare in the USA](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/navigating-healthcare-usa/) - You have the right to fire a doctor at the hospital, most therapists can do online web sessions, airlines offer free flights to get to distant medical care. There are so many helpful things to know. Finding good care is challenging, especially with the added complexity and expense of privatized health insurance... - [Stress & Autoimmunity](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/stress-autoimmunity/) - Why Chilling Out Can Help Your HealthThis post is about a book dedicated to how stress affects the body on a biological level- Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky. Though it’s technical, it’s really written for the layperson. It delivers amazing detail that you can actually understand without making you feel like a narcoleptic. I found - [Alcohol’s Waning Fun](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/alcohols-waning-fun/) - My first signs of mast cells behaving badly I used to love drinking. Nothing was better than late nights with friends, and washing my mind in a haze with the stuff at comedy clubs... one of my absolute favorite things in the world. Slowly though, alcohol became a steady, quiet and ever-growing red flag that - [The Hunt for a Healthier Mattress](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/mcas-friendly-mattress/) - Mattress shopping as a chemically sensitive person is rough. After a setback with a Casper mattress, I dug in and found a quality mattress that's allergy friendly. I detail the things I wish I knew a few years ago about the chemicals and materials in the majority of mattresses here in the US. - [Gifts and Gear... Happy Holidays!](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/gifts-gear-pots/) - The wishlist I wish I had when I first got sick. Get tools that help you keep living your life. Cooling vests & scarves, salt pigs, charcoal bags, Vanicream, Vogmasks, portable thermostats, mobility items! No sponsored products (nothing here is of course). Many of these are just generally thoughtful good gift ideas for a chronically ill person. - [Mozzarella Apple Panini- Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/mozzarella-apple-panini-low-histamine-diet/) - This sweet and savory panini uses fresh mozzarella cheese drizzled with honey and crisp apple to qualify as low histamine. Aged cheeses aren't allowed in this diet, so I've been finding myself missing brie, cheddar and plain old grilled cheese. This sandwich is my answer to all my cheesy cravings. I use a pink lady apple, which - [The Salt Tool for POTS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/salt-sodium-tool-pots/) - Why Salt?Doctors recommend salt to POTS patients for the sodium it contains. Remember salt is NaCl… sodium and chloride. The overloading of sodium causes the body to absorb some extra salt, and thereby extra fluid to increase blood volume. This in turn can increase blood pressure and reduce the dizziness and lightheadedness. Additionally, the higher - [Exercise!](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/exercise-pots/) - Exercise is a treatment, but not a cure. Anyone with POTS has probably already heard their doctor prescribe exercise. That can sound like a cruel joke when just standing feels like cardio… well, because it actually IS cardio. Anyone with POTS, who has googled POTS and exercise has probably already stumbled upon vague descriptions of - [Top 5 List: What to Say to a Chronically Ill Person](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/top-5-list-what-not-to-say-to-a-chronically-ill-person/) - There is a huge difference between empathy and sympathy. Which are you getting? When you're sick, a lot of people are trying desperately to say the right thing, but just fumble. Friends and family can mean well, but can say things that sting like daggers. Being chronically ill breaks our culture's espoused strong and independent ideal, which can make it even more uncomfortable for others to acknowledge... - [Pumpkin Pie- Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/pumpkin-pie-low-histamine-diet/) - This recipe has been tailored for a POTSie on a low histamine diet. A little extra salt, cinnamon and ginger, which has some anti-inflammatory properties. A little less ginger and egg yolks should make this one easy on the stomach and ultra-low histamine. This version has less sugar than your traditional recipe too. Ingredients 1/2 cup - [Mango Mint Smoothie- Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/mango-mint-smoothie-low-histamine-diet/) - Green smoothies are a great way for anyone to pack in nutrition. Since it can be difficult to find recipes with low-histamine foods, I'm sharing my favorite! I created this simple recipe with just a handful of ingredients. This smoothie looks super green, but it's wonderfully sweet and minty. Give it a try! Ingredients 1 cup kale* (or - [All That Arsenic in Rice](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/arsenic-rice/) - Rice is a staple for many people with mast cell and limited diets, but rice contains a surprising amount of arsenic, a carcinogen health organizations recommend minimizing. Estimate how much arsenic your diet contains, and find some ways to drastically reduce your intake. - [Let a Dog Help](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/get-a-therapy-dog/) - A good pet can be its own kind of therapy. There's also a huge difference between therapy dogs and service dogs. And what's the deal with people saying you can just go online to certify your own dog, so you can take him with you everywhere? - [A Surprise Wedding to Sidestep Chronic Illness](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/surprise-wedding-sidesteps-chronic-illness/) - If you're looking to marry the man or woman of your dreams and they're challenged by a chronic illness, maybe this could be an option for you! Nicole shares how her husband, Danny, surprised her with a wedding so she could skip the stress and step right into her big day. - [Flying with POTS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/a-traumatic-flight-with-pots/) - I used to love flying, but that all changed waking up on a red-eye from San Diego to New York. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. So how are you supposed to fly with POTS? Read about what felt like the worst case scenario, and the basics options POTSies have. - [Infographic! Making POTS Relevant](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/) - Please share it! It's about time to know about POTS. POTS is just as common, if not much more common than many other well-known debilitating conditions including: Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Type I Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Parkinson's Disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease, and many others... - [Desperate for a Diagnosis & Real Treatment](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/desperate-for-a-diagnosis-real-treatment/) - Advice for getting a diagnosis and better treatment The best way to get as much of your life back as possible is to get an accurate diagnosis, then to get the best available treatments. Sounds obvious, but since dysautonomia is still a frontier of ongoing research, someone not dedicated to the specialty may well have - [Managing The Drugs & Emergencies](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/managing-drugs-emergencies/) - Being sick is exhausting enough. Take some pressure off by getting organized and relaying important info to paper. Keep an “ER Protocol” and list of medications in your wallet. My cardiologist wrote a letter with an ER Protocol on official Scripps Clinic letterhead, complete with ICD (International Classification of Diseases) codes. It details my diagnoses - [Blueberry Mango Carrot Smoothie- Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/blueberry-mango-smoothie-low-histamine-diet/) - My new default brunch! Green smoothies are great for sneaking in a lot of nutrition. Since it can be difficult to find recipes with low-histamine foods, I'm sharing my new favorite green smoothie! I created this simple recipe with easy-to-throw-in low histamine ingredients. This smoothie is creamy and sweet. Give it a try! Ingredients 1 cup rainbow - [What's Histamine Doing in Your Body?](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/whats-histamine-doing-in-your-body/) - A lot. Histamine is a chemical messenger that travels to 1 of 4 types of receptors. Once histamine meets and binds with one of these receptors, it triggers more chemistry, serving many functions throughout the body. Histamine is generated in mast cells, and white blood cells called basophils and eosinophils. Most histamine is found in the skin, lungs - [Good Grief](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/good-grief/) - What am I grieving about? I’m not even sure what part of the grief process I’m in. Is it over yet? Is it ever going to be over? Being sick sucks enough, but I get to feel emo about being sick too. When are we going to be able to hack this so we can ## Pages - [Home](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/) - W elcome! This site is dedicated to living with POTS and MCAS, two invisible and surprisingly NOT so rare chronic illnesses. I worked hard to collect and distill the information you find here, because as you probably know, these conditions can be overwhelming and downright confusing. I hope you feel less alone, and find some - [Contact](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/contact/) - I return nearly every message I get. Reach me at brandy@naughtylittlemastcells.com. - [EverCompare](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/evercompare/) - [evercompare_table] - [What is MCAS?](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-mast-cell-activation-syndrome/) - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)MCAS is also commonly referred to as a type of Mast Cell Activation Disorder (MCAD).Let’s start with “what’s a mast cell?”Unless you’re a medical professional you’ve probably never heard of them. I certainly hadn’t. Mast cells are best known for releasing histamine and being a key player in serious allergic reactions… - [What is POTS?](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/) - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is not a rare condition, but most people haven’t heard of it. This is likely because it’s a newer term (coined in 1993) for a condition that was deeply misunderstood since the 1800’s. 1 to 3 million Americans have POTS, and it’s conservatively estimated that there - [My other work](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/digital-work/) - Just some advocacy and other work I’ve done. Even when sickness overwhelms your day, there’s more to your life than being sick. I try to remember what else matters to me, and I hope you can too. Illustrations I do simple illustrations. Little AnimationsSimple animation is a lot of fun. Wildlife Trade HandoutI researched, authored - [Get Started](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/get-started/) - This is the heart of the website. Content is broken up into chapter-like sections and links out to all blog posts and other resources. First! What are POTS & MCAS?I have a brief summaries here of POTS and MCAS to help explain these conditions to friends, family and fellow laymen.Special Medical Journal Issue all about POTS!Send - [About](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/about-me/) - My goal for this site is to be the resource I wish I had when I was freshly diagnosed with these conditions. I strive to organize, share and make sense of what I’ve learned, and to link to the best resources I’ve found. I hope to make someone’s life easier. These conditions are incredibly complex, - [FAQ- Shop](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/shop_faq/) - When will I receive my order? All prints ship within 5-10 business days. You should receive your order within 2 weeks or sooner! Allow for extra time for international orders. Do you accept international orders? Yes, all items ship worldwide and usually take 2-3 weeks to receive. Do you accommodate custom requests? Yes! You can get a - [The Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/low-histamine-diet/) - Low Histamine Diet… Only a stepping stone to a Personalized Low-Trigger Diet Ultimately this “low histamine diet” thing becomes so tailored to the patient based on their own sensitivities and experiences, that it becomes something else entirely. The name is misleading. Maybe the best way to think about it is a trial elimination diet that serves - [Shop](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/shop/) - [Opt-out preferences](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/opt-out-preferences/) - [cmplz-document type="cookie-statement" region="us"] - [Privacy Policy](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/privacy-policy/) - Our Online Privacy PolicyWe're committed to protecting your privacy. This page explains what personal information gathered about visitors to this website and how that information is used.Privacy and User ConsentBy visiting our website, you are providing consent for the website to use anonymous website traffic to improve our service. Our website uses Google Analytics and - [Recommended Books](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/recommended-books/) - Great Books for Those with Chronic IllnessHere’s a list of my favorite books that have helped me understand and reframe life with these crazy health issues. A great book connects us to others with similar challenges and offers help for our own struggles. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah CahalanThis New York Times - [Menu Demo](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/menu-demo/) - Animated MenuI illustrated and designed this for a yarn shop. Mouse over or tap it. Note that the links are broken for demo purposes. frontpage /> - [Animation](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/animation/) - [artsy](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/artsy/) - Infographic HandoutsI researched, authored and illustrated this infographic for one of my favorite organizations, Center for Biological Diversity. The cause means so much to me, and I wish more people appreciated how environmental health and human health go hand-in-hand. Animated Menu I illustrated and designed this for a yarn shop. Mouse over or tap it… - [Elementor #2466](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/elementor-2466/) - [Infographics](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/infographics/) - I'm the "graphic designer" of ALL of the infographics you see on this page. If you'd like me to create one for your non-profit or organization, I do plenty of volunteering, so feel free to contact me. I worked hard to collect, distill and express the information you see below, because as you know, explaining - [Start Here](https://naughtylittlemastcells.com/get-started) - Summary of what I know and where to get more info... Contents What are POTS & MCAS? Diagnosis Underlying and Coexisting Conditions Treatment Options Pharmaceutical Lifestyle & Other Options Environmental Considerations Mental Health Preparing for Emergencies Living Life Learning More About These Conditions Get Involved! First! What are POTS & MCAS? I have a brief summaries here - [What's it like having MCAS?](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-mast-cell-activation-syndrome/#experience) - What's it really like to have MCAS? New fears. Things that you used to take for granted now become a source of fear. Exerting yourself too much, eating the wrong food, getting too emotional, or getting too warm can all end up sending you to the ER. Limited exertion. You can actually be allergic to - [MCAS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-mast-cell-activation-syndrome/) - Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) MCAS is also commonly referred to as Mast Cell Activation Disorder (MCAD) Let’s start with “what’s a mast cell?” Unless you’re a medical professional you’ve probably never heard of them. I certainly hadn’t. Mast cells are best known for being a key player in serious allergic reactions... like someone having anaphylaxis - [What's it like having POTS?](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/#experience) - Yes, this all sounds awful, and the point is that it can be. There is no cure yet, but there is exciting research happening, and many treatment options. You grieve, you adapt and you persist! Your health might even improve over time... Quality of life assessments have shown that living with POTS can be like - [POTS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/what-is-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/) - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is not a rare condition, but for some reason most people haven’t heard of it. (I like to think of POTS as the "new" Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.) An estimated 1 in 100 teenagers will develop POTS, and only a small lucky percentage will “grow out” ## Products - [Whack-a-Mole](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/whack-a-mole/) - Whack-a-Mole Art Print Perfect print for someone experiencing illness, or modern life. Size: 8 x 10 in. with white border for framing. Printed on fine art paper. My original work (no ai here) - [MCAD Symptoms - Poster](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/mcad-symptoms/) - Education Poster Size: 16 x 16 in. Professionally printed on satin poster paper. My original work - [MCAS is No Picnic - Poster](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/mcas-no-picnic/) - Educational Poster Size: 16 x 16 in. Professionally printed on satin poster paper. My original work - [What's a Mast Cell - Poster](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/whats-a-mast-cell-poster/) - Educational Poster Size: 16 x 16 in. Professionally printed on satin poster paper. My original work - [Mast Cell Illustration](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/mast-cell-art-print/) - Mast Cell Illustration- Art Print Size: 8 x 8 in. with white border for framing. Printed on fine art paper. Framed option is black wood, and approximately 10.75 x 10.75 in. My original work (no ai here) - [POTS Party](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/pots-party-art-print/) - POTS Party- Art Print Size: 8 x 8 in. with white border for framing. Printed on fine art paper. Framed options are white or black wood, and approximately 10.75 x 10.75 in. My original work (no ai here) - [Magic Mirror](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product/magic-mirror-print/) - Magic Mirror- Art Print Your illness is real, even if it's hard to see. Size: 8 x 8 in. with white border for framing. Printed on fine art paper. Framed option is black wood, and approximately 10.75 x 10.75 in. My original work (no ai here) ## Elementor Header & Footer Builder - [Footer](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/elementor-hf/footer/) - Newsletter Get an email when there's a new post! No spam. No sharing. Only updates. Leave this field empty if you're human: Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved. ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/uncategorized/) - [Personal Stories](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/personal-stories/) - [Mental Health](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/mental-health/) - [Science-y Stuff](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/science-y/) - [Treatment & Help](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/treatment-help/) - [Low Histamine Diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/low-histamine-diet/) - [Infographic](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/category/infographic/) ## Tags - [diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/diet/) - [treatment](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/treatment/) - [MCAD](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/mcad/) - [POTS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/pots/) - [low histamine diet](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/low-histamine-diet/) - [antihistamines](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/antihistamines/) - [getting a diagnosis](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/getting-a-diagnosis/) - [how to get better treatments](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/how-to-get-better-treatments/) - [drug management](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/drug-management/) - [emergency preparation](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/emergency-preparation/) - [developing symptoms](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/developing-symptoms/) - [warning signs](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/warning-signs/) - [personal story](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/personal-story/) - [treatment for POTS & MCAD](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/treatment-for-pots-mcad/) - [getting POTS & MCAD](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/getting-pots-mcad/) - [how stress affects immune system](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/how-stress-affects-immune-system/) - [triggering autoimmunity](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/triggering-autoimmunity/) - [histamine effects](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/histamine-effects/) - [types of histamine receptors](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/types-of-histamine-receptors/) - [empathy vs sympathy](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/empathy-vs-sympathy/) - [why is illness awkward](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/why-is-illness-awkward/) - [being supportive](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/being-supportive/) - [mental health](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/mental-health/) - [therapy](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/therapy/) - [therapy dog vs service dog](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/therapy-dog-vs-service-dog/) - [grieving](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/grieving/) - [salt](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/salt/) - [flying with POTS](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/flying-with-pots/) - [exercise](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/exercise/) - [Levine Protocol](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/levine-protocol/) - [recipe](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/recipe/) - [anti-inflammatory](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/anti-inflammatory/) - [mattress](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/mattress/) - [lifestyle](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/tag/lifestyle/) ## Product categories - [Uncategorized](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-category/uncategorized/) - [Art Prints](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-category/art-prints/) - [Posters](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-category/posters/) ## Product tags - [art](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/art/) - [print](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/print/) - [gift](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/gift/) - [whackamole](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/whackamole/) - [whack](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/whack/) - [mole](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/mole/) - [poster](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/poster/) - [handout](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/handout/) - [educational material](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/educational-material/) - [magic](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/magic/) - [mirror](https://www.naughtylittlemastcells.com/product-tag/mirror/)