Let’s be honest. We use technology and phone apps a lot. Why not utilize various symptom trackers to discover more about your health and what may be stopping you from becoming your healthiest self! The more data you have, the more mindful you can become about yourself, and you will be taking steps closer to figuring out what is setting off your chronic condition. And guess what? Most of these tools and tricks are either free or very very low cost in the app stores. All it takes is a tiny bit more time from you to record the data. We got this!
If I ever feel myself having a flare-up where I am not tolerating a food, I begin keeping a food and symptom journal to see if I can play detective work and find out what the trigger is.
Next, I will give you the low-down on some of my favorite apps and tools.
My Top 5 Symptom Tracker Picks
- Cara is an app that helps track digestive symptoms. You can track your food along with your symptoms, and the app helps you to make correlations between the symptoms and foods. One thing to note is that food sensitivity symptoms are often delayed with onset 6 to 36 hours after ingesting a food.
- Symple Symptom Tracker (iphone only) is a super simple app that allows you to track your daily habits and routines. And, over time it will show you which habits and routines are helping you to feel better!
- mySymptoms Food Diary is very similar to Cara with a less sleek interface. This app also places a higher preference for daily habits and routines, and is a little less concerned with digestive issues. It is still an excellent option to track everything and make connections with your triggers.
- My Healthy Gut is an excellent app for those working on eating a gluten free diet. The app helps navigate the way, and helps you track down symptoms as well to determine if you really are feeling better going gluten free!
- I have to list MyFitnessPal as my last but not least option. Why? When logging your food, there is also a “notes” section for every day where you may write down any comments, concerns, or symptoms. MyFitnessPal allows us to make connections (more so when working with a Registered Dietitian) between macronutrient (carbs/proteins/fats) intake and how you are feeling. Google Play store here. Apple here.
Do you have an app or tool you like? Feel free to share it with us on our Facebook Group!
