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Cycle Syncing: Synching Your Health and Your Menstrual Cycle

Being a woman is a dynamic experience. Thanks to the ever-changing cascade of hormones, you’ve probably noticed that your mood, energy levels, and cravings are constantly changing throughout the month. The practice of cycle syncing uses this dance of hormonal shifts to your benefit.

The truth is that you are never in the same hormonal state twice a month. Every day is different. If you think about it, eating the same thing, doing the same workout, and engaging in the same activities day in and day out as your body is going through its natural hormonal fluctuations sounds counter-productive.

You don’t have to swim against the current. You can tune in with your hormonal fluctuation throughout the month. Navigating these changes can help you feel your best every day of the month. By planning your workouts, nutrition, and other activities according to your cycle, you support your hormonal health and create optimal function.

In this article, I want to talk about cycle syncing. What is cycle syncing? Who can benefit from cycle syncing? How cycle syncing may help with hormonal imbalance? And how to practice cycle syncing? You will get answers to all your cycle syncing questions.

What Is Cycle Syncing?

If you are a woman, I don’t have to introduce hormonal fluctuations to you. On certain days of the month, you are full of energy. Other days, you just want to curl up on the couch. Some days following a healthy diet feels easy. Other days, you are craving chocolate or other comfort foods. 

These changes are not just in your head. They may be connected to your menstrual cycle. And this is not a bad thing. Let me explain.

A 2008 study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics has found that hormonal fluctuations throughout your monthly menstrual cycle play an enormous role in your emotions, thought processes, appetite, energy, cognition, creativity, and other functions in your body (1). 

Researchers found that women experience higher self-esteem and a higher level of well-being during the middle of the cycle but are more likely to experience anxiety or depression before their period. Sounds familiar? I bet you can relate.

This is when cycle syncing can play a role. You don’t have to be a slave to your hormones. You can use them to your advantage by eating different foods and engaging in different activities depending on where you are within your cycle.

Is cycle syncing scientifically proven, though? Good question. The truth is that there is not enough evidence to support the benefits of cycle syncing. There aren’t many studies on the topic, and most of them are old or weak. 

However, there isn’t a shortage of anecdotal evidence. Millions of women have tried this practice and feel that it has changed their lives. Cycle syncing is entirely safe and natural. You have nothing to lose by trying it and so much to gain if it works for you.

Who Can Benefit from Cycle Syncing?

Cycle syncing is completely safe for anyone to try. Chances are, most menstruating women can benefit from practicing cycle syncing. However, there are certain women that cycle syncing may help the most. 

Women who may benefit from cycle syncing include those with the following conditions or issues:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Being overweight or obese
• Having low energy
• Wanting to conceive
• Having low libido
• Estrogen dominance

If you are experiencing fatigue, depression, anxiety, cravings, or are generally not feeling yourself around your period or during other parts of your cycle, cycle syncing may be a great idea for you. Considering your cycle when choosing your meals, workouts, and other activities, helps you stay mindful and in tune with your body’s needs every single day.

Framework for Cycle Syncing

Before we talk about how to practice cycle syncing, I want to go over the four phases of the menstrual cycle. I know many of us learned about this in health class, but it’s always good to have a reminder.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and ends at the start of ovulation. Early in this phase, your hypothalamus sends a message to your pituitary gland to release the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The FSH’s job is to trigger your ovaries to produce 5 to 20 small follicles with immature eggs. Usually, only one egg matures, however, sometimes two eggs can mature during the same cycle. Any extra follicles get reabsorbed into your body. During the follicular phase, there is an increase in estrogen, and your uterine lining also thickens to prepare your body for a potential pregnancy. The follicular phase lasts for 16 days on average, however, it may depend on the person, and may go anywhere from 11 to 27 days.

Ovulation

Ovulation means that it is the end of the follicular phase. Increased estrogen levels lead to the release of luteinizing hormones (LH) that cause ovulation. Remember the egg maturing during the last phase? During ovulation, your ovary sends this mature egg down your fallopian tube to your uterus. This egg is ready to be fertilized by sperm at this time. Ovulation is critical for pregnancy so tracking your cycle and knowing when ovulation occurs is crucial if you are trying to get pregnant. During ovulation, your basal body temperature rises, and your discharge thickens. Ovulation tends to happen around day 14 if you have a 28-day cycle. However, it may be different if you have a long or short cycle, which makes understanding your cycle important. Ovulation lasts for 12 to 48 hours. Unfertilized eggs die and dissolve afterward.

Luteal Phase

After ovulation, the luteal phase is next. After the follicular phase, the egg turns into a corpus luteum, which releases a lot of progesterone and some estrogen to help a fertilized egg implant. If you get pregnant during ovulation, your body will start producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to allow the corpus luteum to stay healthy and your uterine lining will thicken to support a healthy early pregnancy. HCG is also a hormone that pregnancy tests look for. However, if you don’t get pregnant and the egg doesn’t get fertilized during ovulation, the corpus luteum shrinks and reabsorbs, leading to a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. At this time, your body is getting ready for menstruation (your period), and you may experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, cravings, weight gain, and mood changes. 

Menstruation

Though most women are preoccupied with this phase, menstruation is only one stage of their menstrual cycle. This is when you get your period. If you are not pregnant, estrogen and progesterone levels will drop. The thickened uterine lining will start shedding along with other unwanted tissues, blood, and mucus. Depending on the person, a normal period may last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Everyone is different, however, if you are experiencing anything unusual, including unusually long, short, light, heavy, or painful periods, it is critical that you visit your doctor. Cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and headaches may also occur during this time, especially during the first couple of days of your period. Again, while some discomfort is normal, it is important to look into it if you notice anything unusual. 

Hormonal Imbalance, Estrogen Dominance, and Cycle Syncing

Estrogen dominance means that you have elevated levels of estrogen or hormone imbalances in your body. I wanted to touch on this for a moment because it is a common problem I see in my practice that can affect your symptoms, energy, and mood throughout the month. 

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance may result in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual cramps
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Decreased libido
• Headaches
• Depression
• Excessive menstruation
• Uterine fibroids
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Thyroid issues
• Breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, or colon cancer

The Cause of Estrogen Dominance

There are a variety of factors that may increase your risk of estrogen dominance and related symptoms, including:

• Chronic stress
• High body fat and obesity
• Poor diet high in inflammatory, refined, and processed foods and low in greens, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and clean protein
• Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens)

Addressing these underlying causes and improving your diet and lifestyle can help to balance your hormones, improve estrogen dominance, and reduce your symptoms. Cycle syncing may support these changes and health improvements.

Cycle Syncing

Everyone’s cycle is different. Tracking your cycle can help you to understand yours. Creating a calendar based on your own cycle can help you plan your workouts, meals, self-care practices, social engagements, and other activities.

 How does this work? Read on.

Exercise and Cycle Syncing

Pushing harder and fighting through pain is not always good for you when working out. Your hormones and energy fluctuate throughout the month. Mixing up your exercise routine based on your menstrual cycle may help support your body without compromising your health.

Here is how to plan your workouts when cycle syncing:

• Follicular phase: Your hormones are low, and it may affect your stamina. Light cardio, such as light runs, hiking, and flow-based yoga are great ideas.
• Ovulation: Your estrogen and testosterone levels are peaking, and your energy is probably higher at this point. This makes it an excellent time for more intense weight training, high-intensity training intervals (HIIT), Tabata workouts, circuit training, group classes, or a spin class.
• Luteal phase: Before your period, your estrogen levels are dropping. You may be starting to feel more tired. Moderate intensity workouts, such as pilates, power yoga, and lighter levels of strength training may be the best.
• Menstruation: Light movements are usually the best during this stage. Kundalini yoga, leisurely walks in nature, pilates, Tai Chi, and lots of rest may support your body best.

The key is to always listen to your body. If you are feeling good, you can push yourself a little bit more. But if you are tired or feeling off, it’s okay to ease your workouts a bit. I do believe the weight training is important for everyone, just at the level that your body can handle.

Nutrition and Cycle Syncing

Your nutrition is incredibly important for your health. But different foods may affect you differently through your cycle. 

Most importantly, no matter what stage you are in during your cycle, avoid inflammatory foods. I am talking about refined sugar, refined oils, additives, artificial ingredients, junk food, processed food, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid these foods and focus on whole foods nutrition instead. Eat regularly, every 3 to 4 hours (unless you do better otherwise), to help balance your blood sugar levels and avoid cortisol spikes or mood swings.

Follow these nutrition tips throughout the month while cycle syncing:

• Follicular phase: Add foods that support estrogen metabolization like cruciferous veggies (broccoli, etc.) , such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, including hemp seeds, chia seeds, kale, sugar snap peas, carrots, artichokes, sprouts, strawberries, blueberries, and apples will help to build energy.
• Ovulation: Support your liver and load up on anti-inflammatory foods, such as beets, carrots, apples, and cruciferous vegetables. These foods offer anti-aging benefits and protection from environmental toxins. Hydrating and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, such as grapefruit, berries, peaches, plums, grapes, cucumber, radishes, bell pepper, and greens can support your energy levels during this phase.
• Luteal phase: Add foods that help to produce serotonin and support your mood, like leafy greens. Prepare for menstruation with iron-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, red meat, and seafood. Load up on magnesium-rich foods, including pumpkin seed, almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and in limited amounts, dark chocolate (if tolerated) to reduce fatigue and improve libido. At this time, I recommend that you also increase your magnesium supplement dose. Avoid alcohol, added salt, artificial sweeteners, carbonated drinks, and dairy.
• Menstruation:  Since you are losing blood, restoring your iron levels with iron-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, red meat, and seafood is critical. Anti-inflammatory herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, parsley, and rosemary, and omega-3-rich anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish, seafood, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds may help to reduce cramps.

Remember, everyone’s body and nutritional needs are different. For example, if you have histamine intolerance, you need to follow a low-histamine diet and avoid high-histamine foods even while cycle syncing. Working with a functional health medicine practitioner (hint: my team and I!) can help you make the right nutritional decision based on your individual needs and health issues.

Improve Your Libido and Sex Life

From emotional stress to hormones, a lot can affect your libido and sex life. Estrogen dominance and high testosterone, both of which are very common for PCOS, can decrease your libido significantly. Too much cortisol, your main stress hormone, can also reduce your sex hormone and rob your libido.

Here is how cycle syncing can help:

• Follicular phase: During this stage, most women experience a lower sex drive. Creative foreplay, touching, and massaging may be preferred.
• Ovulation: Your estrogen and testosterone levels are at their peak. This is also the time when your body is ready to conceive. Whether ‘baby making’ is your goal or not, chances are, this is when you are the most interested in sex. This is a perfect time for spontaneity, trying new things, and keeping things exciting.
• Luteal phase: During this time, you may need a bit more stimulation to reach an orgasm. Trying out new positions or even some sex toys may be fun.
• Menstruation: While orgasms may help relieve your cramps, having sex during your period is a personal choice. Some women prefer to stay away from sex and prefer cuddles or resting instead. Listen to your body and support it with good nutrition.

Remember, good nutrition that supports your hormonal health is critical. Eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, leading a healthy lifestyle, and following these cycle syncing sexy suggestions can help you get your libido back and to have a creative sex life.

Fertility and Cycle Syncing

Cycle syncing may help your fertility. A 2007 study at Harvard University has found that diet and exercise habits may help to improve fertility. They followed 17,544 women and looked at factors of ovulatory infertility. They found that women who ate a diet rich in fiber, iron, plant protein, and high-fat dairy had better fertility scores than others. They were also more likely to take multivitamins and had a lower BMI than those with lower fertility scores (2). 

Focusing on good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle according to your menstrual cycle may improve your hormonal health and fertility. I recommend a diet rich in greens, vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, herbs, healthy fats, and clean protein to support your hormones and improve your fertility.

How to Start Cycle Syncing?

Everyone’s body and everyone’s cycle is different. It is important that you track your cycle and understand your symptoms throughout the month. There are some great apps available that can help if you are not into pen and paper. It can take up to 3 months to really figure out the length of each phase of your cycle.

It’s important that you understand any health issue that may also be affecting your cycle, moods, energy levels, and other symptoms. Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you uncover any health issues you may be dealing with. 

Understanding your cycle and health challenges will help you to start your cycle syncing journey. Follow the recommendations in this article. Listen to your body and make modifications if needed as you go. 

Check Out the Health Babes’ Guide to Balancing Your Hormones

To learn more about your hormones and learn how to improve your hormonal health naturally, I recommend our book (co-authored by Dr. Krystal Hohn and myself) The Health Babes’ Guide to Balancing Your Hormones: A Detailed Plan with Recipes to Support Mood, Energy Levels, Libido, and More. This book is not only full of information but with an easy-to-follow plan and easy-to-make, delicious hormone-friendly recipes.

Final Thoughts

Cycle syncing is a practice that helps you tune in with your hormonal fluctuation throughout the month. Navigating these changes and planning your workouts, nutrition, and other activities according to your cycle can help you feel your best every day of the month. I recommend that you give cycle syncing a try to optimize your health and well-being.

If you are dealing with symptoms of estrogen dominance or hormonal imbalance, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

Sources

1. Farage MA, Osborn TW, MacLean AB. Cognitive, sensory, and emotional changes associated with the menstrual cycle: a review. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2008 Oct;278(4):299-307. doi: 10.1007/s00404-008-0708-2. Epub 2008 Jul 1. PMID: 18592262
2. Changes to Diet and Lifestyle May Help Prevent Infertility from Ovulatory Disorders. Harvard. Link Here

 

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by Peter Saydak

Histamine Intolerance and Your Gut

My patients with gut health issues, such as leaky gut syndrome, Candida overgrowth, SIBO, other gut infections, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, often experience symptoms of histamine intolerance as well. This is not surprising. 

Your gut is connected to everything in your body. Gut health issues, including leaky gut syndrome,  gut infections, and inflammatory bowel disease can trigger histamine intolerance. If you have symptoms of both gut health problems and histamine intolerance, it is critical that we address both so you can recover your health and reclaim your life.

In this article, you will learn everything about leaky gut syndrome, gut infections, and inflammatory bowel disease. You will understand what they are, what their symptoms are, and what causes them. I will discuss the connection between your gut, gut health issues, and histamine intolerance. Lastly, I will offer my best natural solutions for gut health and histamine intolerance.

What Is Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut is a condition in which the barrier of your intestines becomes ‘leaky’. A healthy gut lining has tiny holes that allow nutrients to pass through but block toxins and invaders. However, in people with leaky gut syndrome, these holes become too large and allow undigested food, bacteria, and toxins to pass through. 

When these harmful and foreign substances pass through your intestinal barrier, it can increase inflammation, trigger an autoimmune reaction, and cause a variety of symptoms and complaints from fatigue to digestive discomfort. Leaky gut syndrome can make it difficult to absorb nutrients and lead to mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Leaky gut syndrome can also cause low DAO enzyme production. DAO is responsible for breaking down excess histamine in your body. Not having enough increases your risk of histamine intolerance.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome may include:

• Various food sensitivities
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Skin problems
• Joint pain
• Thyroid issues
• Anxiety & depression

Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome 

The causes of leaky gut syndrome include:

• Dietary: Alcohol, gluten, sugar, processed food, casein, lectin
• Infections: Bacterial overgrowth, yeast overgrowth, parasites, and H. pylori
• Medications: Antibiotics, antacids, corticosteroids
• Stress: Increased cortisol
• Hormonal: Decreased thyroid hormones and sex hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone
• Autoimmune disease & inflammation: Autoimmune disease and intestinal inflammation are also known contributors
• Bacterial imbalances: Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance between the healthy as well as the pathogenic bacteria in the gut

What Are Gut Infections

Microbial and fungal infections are one of the top potential underlying causes of histamine intolerance. Helicobacter Pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Candida, small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO), and parasites are some of the top gut infections that you need to be aware of.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori is a common strain of bacteria that nearly half of our population carries, often without knowing about it. H. pylori can infect your stomach lining and lead to ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues. H. pylori can also decrease your stomach acid levels. It has been linked to autoimmunity, fatigue, mineral deficiencies, and liver problems. H. pylori infection can trigger increased histamine release that your body won’t be able to keep up which may cause histamine intolerance.

Symptoms of H. Pylori

Symptoms of H. pylori infection may include:

• Nausea
• Frequent burping
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Aching or burning sensation in your abdomen

Causes of H. Pylori

Causes of H. pylori infection may include:

• Contaminated food and water
• Person to person contact (saliva, vomit, and fecal matter)

SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines. Under healthy circumstances, your small intestines have relatively few bacteria, but if you have SIBO, there is an overgrowth. SIBO can lead to stomach acid issues, improper digestion, and digestion symptoms. Certain bacteria, including the one connected to SIBO, can also produce histamine leading to histamine release and too much histamine that your body won’t be able to keep up with setting you up for histamine intolerance.

Symptoms of SIBO

Symptoms of SIBO may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rashes
• Asthma
• Depression

Causes of SIBO

Causes of SIBO may include:

• Aging
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Diabetes
• Diverticulosis
• A structural defect in the small intestine
• Injury
• Fistula
• Intestinal lymphoma
• Scleroderma
• Recent abdominal surgeries
• Immune system disorders
• Celiac disease: Can be a major trigger as it leads to poor small intestinal functioning
• The use of certain medications: Immunosuppressants, PPI’s

Candida and SIFO

Candida and other fungal overgrowth is another top underlying cause of histamine intolerance. Candida is a fungus that in small amounts is beneficial for your health. It helps nutrient absorption and digestion. However, in excess, it can break down your intestinal lining, cause leaky gut syndrome, lead to toxin release, increase inflammation, and cause a variety of symptoms. Candida and fungal overgrowth can occur anywhere in your gut. Small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) refers to a specific overgrowth that occurs in your small intestines. Candida and fungal overgrowth may trigger histamine release. If the DAO enzyme is unable to keep up with excess histamine, it can lead to histamine intolerance and a list of health issues.

Symptoms of Candida and Fungal Overgrowth

Symptoms of Candida and fungal overgrowth may include:

• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Brain fog
• Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
• Oral thrush
• Chronic sinus infection
• Vaginal and urinary tract infections
• Digestive issues
• Skin problems
• Hormonal imbalances
• Headaches and migraines

Causes of Candida and Fungal Overgrowth

Causes of Candida and fungal overgrowth may include:

• Unhealthy pH balance
• Weakened immune system
• Antibiotic use and certain medications
• Inflammatory and high sugar diets
• Blood sugar imbalance or diabetes
• Autoimmune disease

Parasites

Parasites include worms and protozoa that can trigger digestive issues, histamine release, and a variety of health issues. Worms are parasites that you may acquire from contaminated unwashed fruits and vegetables or uncooked or undercooked meat. Worms include roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. When you ingest their eggs, they end up hatching inside you. Their fecal matter can get absorbed in your bloodstream leading to an array of issues, including malnutrition and organ damage. Protozoa parasitic infections come from contaminated water and can lead to digestive issues and dehydration. If you have a parasitic infection, your mast cells will release histamine to fight the infection. Too much histamine, however, can lead to histamine intolerance.

Symptoms of Parasites

Symptoms of parasites may include:

• Digestive health issues (nausea, diarrhea, gas, constipation, yeast infection, etc)
• Chronic allergies
• Skin issues
• Anxiety, depression, confusion
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Appetite changes
• Anemia
• Rectal itching
• Circles under the eyes
• Bad breath

Causes of Parasitic Infections

Causes of parasitic infections may include:

• Contaminated water
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Uncooked and undercooked meat

What Are Inflammatory Bowel and Digestive Diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two common IBDs that people suffer from. Crohn’s disease can affect any of all areas of your gut and most commonly affects your colon and small bowel, whereas ulcerative colitis affects your colon or large intestine only. IBDs are closely linked to low DAO enzymes due to increased inflammation in the body. IBDs can also increase histamine release as a part of your body’s defense mechanism. No wonder that IBDs can increase your risk of histamine intolerance.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease may include:

• Urgent need to move the bowels
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may include:

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramping
• Inability to have bowel movements despite the urge
• Rectal bleeding and pain

Causes of IBDs

Causes of IBDs may include:

• Poor inflammatory diet
• Unhealthy and inflammatory lifestyle choices
• Chronic stress
• Poor microbiome health
• Food sensitivities
• Genetics and family history

Histamine Intolerance and Your Gut: The Connection

I’ve mentioned throughout this article that all these gut health issues can trigger histamine release and cause histamine intolerance. To help you understand this further, I want to dig deeper a little bit.

Increase in Food Sensitivities and Histamine Intolerance

SIBO, gut dysbiosis, and gut health issues can increase food sensitivities. As your body’s defense to food sensitivities, it may increase histamine release and cause histamine intolerance. Food sensitivities can also increase your risk of leaky gut syndrome and inflammation, which can further trigger an inflammatory response and related histamine intolerance.

Dysbiosis, SIBO, and Histamine Intolerance

Your gut is full of histamine receptors. The problem is that if you are dealing with gut health issues and gastrointestinal diseases, the expression of these histamine receptors can be altered (1). 

According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Physiological Pharmacology, both leaky gut syndrome and gut inflammation can lead to a gut bacterial imbalance that may contribute to histamine intolerance. In fact, a 2016 study published in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology has found that about 30 to 55 percent of people with digestive issues also have histamine intolerance due to the overgrowth of histamine producing bacteria (3, 4). 

According to a 2010 study published in the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, SIBO, which is a specific type of gut dysbiosis can lead to a lower or loss of tolerance to dietary histamine. A 2010 review published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology notes that the symptoms of histamines and SIBO often overlap indicating that at least some people have both conditions (4, 5).

Histamine Producing Bacteria, SIBO, and Histamine Intolerance

While SIBO can certainly trigger histamine intolerance, not everyone with SIBO has histamine intolerance. A build-up in histamine-producing bacteria in the small intestine can increase the likelihood of histamine intolerance. Certain bacteria, including L. bulgaricus and L. casei have been specifically linked to increased histamine production. Taking probiotics with lactic acid-based bacterial strains can add fuel to the fire if you have SIBO and histamine intolerance. If you have SIBO, opting for soil-based probiotics is a safer idea without feeding symptoms of SIBO (6).

Low Levels of DAO Enzyme and Histamine Intolerance

Intestinal inflammation and gut infections can contribute to decreased DAO enzymes. Since it’s responsible for breaking down histamine, the DAO enzymes are very important for preventing histamine intolerance and its symptoms. Past studies have found that low DAO enzyme levels and histamine intolerance may be associated with IBDs and leaky gut syndromes. 

According to a 1990 study published in Agent Actions, low DAO enzyme levels are linked to Crohn’s disease, while a 1995 study published in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology has linked low DAO enzyme levels to ulcerative colitis. According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, histamine intolerance may be associated with leaky gut syndrome (7, 8, 9). 

High-Histamine Foods and Histamine Intolerance

If your diet is high in high-histamine foods, histamine-liberating foods, and DAO-enzyme-blocking goods, you may overstep your body’s boundaries and exceed your body’s ability to break down excess histamine. This histamine build-up that can cause histamine intolerance can contribute to increased inflammation and gut health symptoms that may further feed and trigger that cycle of gut health issues and histamine intolerance (10).

Stress, Mast Cell Stimulation, and Histamine Intolerance

Chronic stress can contribute to both histamine intolerance and gut health issues. Prolonged emotional stress can increase symptoms of SIBO, cause digestive discomfort, negatively affect your gut microbiome, and stimulate mast cell production. Mast cells are white blood cells that serve regulations of your immune system. They can be found throughout your body’s connective tissues and your gastrointestinal tract. 

Your mast cells are responsible for the secretion of histamine and the release of other cytokines. As chronic stress stimulates mast cell production, it can also stimulate increased histamine release, especially in the gut. This can specifically contribute to the ongoing cycle of histamine intolerance, inflammation, gut infections, and gut health symptoms.

What Is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for a number of functions in your body, including removing allergens as part of your immune response, communicating with your brain, and triggering stomach acid release to aid digestion. Histamine intolerance means that you have too much histamine which can lead to various health issues.

In a healthy body, as a natural part of your immune response, your body releases DAO enzymes to break down the build-up of histamine. If you have too much histamine, your body won’t be able to keep up and won’t be able to break down all the histamine build-up properly. Histamine intolerance affects your entire body, including your gut, brain, lungs, cardiovascular system, and hormonal health and can cause a variety of issues, including digestive problems, headaches, skin problems, hormonal issues, sleep disturbances, bladder problems, anxiety, and more. 

Natural Solutions for Gut Health Issues and Histamine Intolerance

Are you dealing with leaky gut syndrome, SIBO, gut infections, parasites, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other gut health issues and symptoms of histamine intolerance? Here is what I recommend to improve your health naturally:

Eat a Low-Histamine, Gut-Friendly Diet

To improve histamine intolerance and gut health issues, I recommend that you eat an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and low-histamine diet. Start by eliminating all high-histamine foods for one month, then slowly re-introduce them one by one following The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan. 

The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan is a plan that I developed to help people like you who are dealing with histamine intolerance and related health issues.  It is a simple yet refined system and it is important that you understand and follow each step properly. 

To understand each step and guide your recovery, I recommend that you read my book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More where I explain everything about histamine intolerance and each phase of the plan in detail and share delicious low-histamine recipes to nourish your body and support your health. Pick up a copy, today to learn more about the plan and my recommendations.

For extra recipes to support a low histamine diet using an air fryer, try out my book Fifty-one Low Histamine Air Fryer Recipes.

Reduce Stress and Improve Your Lifestyle

Since chronic stress and poor lifestyle choices can trigger histamine intolerance and increase gut health issues, I recommend that you follow a healthy and anti-inflammatory lifestyle that doesn’t cause increased histamine. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise regularly. Reduce your stress levels through meditation, breathwork, journaling, yoga, time in nature, quality me-time, and uplifting activities with friends and family. Along with dietary changes, it’s important that you eliminate toxic personal care and cleaning products as well and instead use organic, natural, or homemade products.

For very sensitive people that seem to have trouble tolerating a lot of foods and/or supplements, I highly recommend this The Gupta Course, for brain retraining. Here is Ashok Gupta on our Health Babes podcast explaining his method. Take a listen!

Try Supplements for Histamine Intolerance

I recommend HistoRelief. It is a synergistic blend of nutrients that provides natural support to balance your immune response. This blend features Tinofend®, a patented and clinically researched extract derived from the plant Tinospora cordifolia, which has a powerful ability to support immune regulation and immune response. As a result, it boosts your body’s ability to fight histamine-related symptoms. It includes quercetin, nettle leaf, vitamin C, and bicarbonate salt to help inhibit histamine release, support normal histamine metabolism, and improve immune health.

Final Thoughts

Having both gut health issues and histamine intolerance is common. I see it in my practice all the time. Gut health issues, including leaky gut syndrome, gut infections, and inflammatory bowel disease can trigger histamine intolerance. If you have symptoms of both gut health problems and histamine intolerance, it is critical that we address both so you can recover your health, regain your vitality, and reclaim your life.

If you are dealing with gut health issues and histamine intolerance, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

Sources: 

1. Sander LE, Lorentz A, Sellge G, Coëffier M, Neipp M, Veres T, Frieling T, Meier PN, Manns MP, Bischoff SC. Selective expression of histamine receptors H1R, H2R, and H4R, but not H3R, in the human intestinal tract. Gut. 2006 Apr;55(4):498-504. doi: 10.1136/gut.2004.061762. Epub 2005 Nov 18. PMID: 16299042

2. Schink M, Konturek PC, Tietz E, Dieterich W, Pinzer TC, Wirtz S, Neurath MF, Zopf Y. Microbial patterns in patients with histamine intolerance. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2018 Aug;69(4). doi: 10.26402/jpp.2018.4.09. Epub 2018 Dec 9. PMID: 30552302.

3. Enko D, Meinitzer A, Mangge H, Kriegshäuser G, Halwachs-Baumann G, Reininghaus EZ, Bengesser SA, Schnedl WJ. Concomitant Prevalence of Low Serum Diamine Oxidase Activity and Carbohydrate Malabsorption. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;2016:4893501. doi: 10.1155/2016/4893501. Epub 2016 Nov 30. PMID: 28042564

4. Lappinga PJ, Abraham SC, Murray JA, Vetter EA, Patel R, Wu TT. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: histopathologic features and clinical correlates in an underrecognized entity. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2010 Feb;134(2):264-70. doi: 10.1043/1543-2165-134.2.264. PMID: 20121616

5. Bures J, Cyrany J, Kohoutova D, Förstl M, Rejchrt S, Kvetina J, Vorisek V, Kopacova M. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jun 28;16(24):2978-90. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.2978. PMID: 20572300

6. Parker EC, Gossard CM, Dolan KE, Finley HJ, Burns CM, Gasta MG, Pizano JM, Williamson CB, Lipski EA. Probiotics and Disease: A Comprehensive Summary-Part 2, Commercially Produced Cultured and Fermented Foods Commonly Available in the United States. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2016 Dec;15(6):22-30. PMID: 28223894

7. Schmidt WU, Sattler J, Hesterberg R, Röher HD, Zoedler T, Sitter H, Lorenz W. Human intestinal diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in Crohn's disease: a new marker for disease assessment? Agents Actions. 1990 Apr;30(1-2):267-70. doi: 10.1007/BF01969057. PMID: 2115243

8. Raithel M, Matek M, Baenkler HW, Jorde W, Hahn EG. Mucosal histamine content and histamine secretion in Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and allergic enteropathy. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 1995 Oct;108(2):127-33. doi: 10.1159/000237129. PMID: 7549499

9. Schink M, Konturek PC, Tietz E, Dieterich W, Pinzer TC, Wirtz S, Neurath MF, Zopf Y. Microbial patterns in patients with histamine intolerance. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2018 Aug;69(4). doi: 10.26402/jpp.2018.4.09. Epub 2018 Dec 9. PMID: 30552302

10. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1185-96. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1185. PMID: 17490952

11. Weinstock, Leonard B. MD, FACG1; Brook, Jill MA2; Kaleem, Zahid MD3; Afrin, Lawrence MD4; Molderings, Gerhart MD5 1194 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Is Common in Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, The American Journal of Gastroenterology: October 2019. Link Here

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by Peter Saydak

Histamine Intolerance and Pregnancy

Morning sickness… Do I need to say more? You are overjoyed that you’re pregnant...only if you could skip the discomfort of having morning sickness. I hear you. I had hyperemesis gravidarum during my pregnancies. It’s morning sickness on steroids. I felt nauseous and was vomiting all the time during my entire pregnancy. I didn’t know back then that it was all because of histamine intolerance. 

Addressing histamine intolerance and MCAS during pregnancy is particularly important. Histamine intolerance can make your morning sickness worse and cause hyperemesis. It can also increase your risk of pre-eclampsia, spontaneous miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and preterm labor. Reducing your histamine levels naturally can greatly improve your pregnancy and reduce your risk of discomfort and complications.

In this article, you will learn about the role of histamine in fertility and pregnancy. You will understand histamine’s role before conception and during pregnancy. You will learn about histamine-related pregnancy issues and complications that may occur if you have histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). You will learn how to reduce histamine in your body naturally to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth.

The Role of Histamine in Fertility and Pregnancy

Proper histamine balance and function is absolutely critical for sexual functions, fertility, and pregnancy. You may not know this, but the embryonic and placental cells use histamine to communicate with each other. The placenta is high in histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and diamine oxidase (DAO) enzymes. It’s no wonder that histamine intolerance may affect your pregnancy.

Histamine’s Role Before Conception

Histamine plays an important role in your cycle and successful pregnancy. It triggers estrogen production in your ovaries and histamine release from your mast cells in your uterus. Progesterone, on the other hand, inhibits the release of histamine. Your endometrial cells use histamine as a messenger to communicate as they prepare for implantation, which causes normal fluctuation of histamine during your menstrual cycle (1, 2).

While histamine is much necessary for your cycle and conception, too much estrogen can become a problem. Excess histamine can lead to increased estrogen and hormonal imbalance, which can lead to a variety of issues. Histamine intolerance can stimulate pain receptors, cause uterine contractions, contribute to menstrual cramps, cause menstrual migraines, and lead to digestive issues. Women with endometriosis may have an increased risk of histamine intolerance or abnormal histamine metabolism, while histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) may increase your risk of endometriosis (3, 4, 5, 6).

Histamine During Pregnancy

Histamine is incredibly important for your healthy menstrual cycle, implantation, and healthy pregnancy. According to a 2-14 study published Pharmaepidemiology Drug Safety, using antihistamine may inhibit implantation and increase the risk of spontaneous abortion (7).

After implantation, your histamine levels increase. Your total blood histamine levels are the highest during the first trimester and gradually decline during the second and third trimester. The reason for this lies in your uterus. The uterine lining, uterine muscles, and placenta are all high in masts cells and HDC enzymes that during this stage increase histamine production in these areas. Histamine also helps the release of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and other hormones during pregnancy.

Breaking down all this extra histamine is absolutely critical for your health. This is when the DAO enzyme comes in to play an important role. According to a scientific paper published in Agents Action, researchers have found that DAO enzyme levels increase 500 to 1000 times by the first 20 weeks of pregnancy to tackle excess histamine and decrease blood histamine levels. You know those pregnancy food cravings and food aversions?! All the excess histamine may explain your strange new sensitivities, aversions, and cravings. While your histamine levels are the highest during the first trimester, the increase of DAO enzymes only starts to really kick in by the second trimester which may also explain your symptoms going away. (8)

These changes can become even more problematic if you are dealing with histamine intolerance or MCAS already. If you have histamine intolerance or consume too many high-histamine foods, your body won’t be able to keep up with the extra histamine released during pregnancy even with increased DAO enzyme activity. Some women’s bodies may also have an issue with producing enough DAO enzymes, especially if they have histamine intolerance already. Consuming too many DAO-enzyme-blocking foods, such as black tea, energy drinks, mate tea, green tea (green tea extract is ok!), or alcohol, can also interfere with your body’s ability to break down excess histamine.

According to a 2008 review published in Human Reproduction Update, histamine intolerance or an inability to keep histamine in the areas that it is needed can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes. Animal models have found that injecting histamine into pregnant animals leads to a variety of problems, including uterine contraction, spontaneous miscarriage, and fetal malformations (9).

Histamine Intolerance and MCAS During Pregnancy

If you were already dealing with histamine intolerance or MCAS before pregnancy, you may end up with more pregnancy discomfort or complications than those without histamine intolerance or MCAS. You may also develop histamine intolerance during pregnancy. Addressing histamine intolerance and/or MCAS is absolutely critical, not only for your health but your baby’s health as well. Increase histamine levels and the inability to increase placental DAO is associated with an array of health issues, including morning sickness and hyperemesis, pre-eclampsia, increase risk of spontaneous miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm labor. 

Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis

Morning sickness is an experience that most pregnant women are familiar with. It is nausea and vomiting that happens during pregnancy, especially during the first semester. Even though it’s called morning sickness, it can happen at any time during the day or at night, or throughout the day. Some women get through this experience with mild discomfort, for others, it can be a debilitating experience. If you’re like me, you develop hyperemesis gravidarum. 

Hyperemesis gravidarum is like morning sickness but a thousand times worse. While morning sickness is mild or moderate nausea that goes away after the first trimester, hyperemesis is extreme, persistent nausea and vomiting that usually lasts through the entire pregnancy and can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss. While it’s believed to be caused by the rapid rise of the HCG hormone, it may be triggered and increased by histamine intolerance or MCAS. According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Reproductive Immunology, high blood histamine or hyper-histamine can increase the risk or contribute to the discomfort of hyperemesis gravidarum. A 2008 review published in Human Reproduction Update has also found that increased histamine during pregnancy can increase the risk of hyperemesis gravidarum (10, 9).

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. This dangerously high blood pressure tends to develop after week 20 in women who didn’t previously have blood pressure problems. According to a 1984 study published in Human Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition has found that the total blood histamine level during pregnancy is correlated with the risk of and severity of pre-eclampsia. A 2008 review published in Human Reproduction Update has also found that increased histamine during pregnancy can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia (11, 9).

Spontaneous Miscarriage

Spontaneous miscarriage is a loss of a pregnancy that happens before the first 20 weeks of pregnancy without outside intervention. It is the most common during the first 12 weeks. According to a 1982 study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecologist, measuring DAO enzyme levels in 681 pregnancies with successful delivery and 102 pregnancies resulting in fetal death has shown that low DAO enzyme levels were more common among low birth weight deliveries and pregnancy losses than in healthy pregnancies and births. Low DAO level enzymes were associated with a 16.6 times higher risk of miscarriage at or before 12 weeks. A 2008 review published in Human Reproduction Update has also found that increased histamine during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous miscarriage (12, 9).

Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) means that your baby is growing slowly and doesn’t weigh as much as most unborn babies at that stage would. IUGR is diagnosed during an ultrasound and is most commonly found during the 6th, 7th, or 8th months of your pregnancy. IUGR refers to slow growth and the size of the baby, it does not refer to mental abilities or mental slowness. Most small babies with IUGR grow up to be healthy children and adults, however, when IUGR is detected, it’s important to rule out any problems and develop strategies to support the baby’s growth. According to a 1999 study published in Inflammation Research, mast cells and histamine during pregnancy can increase the risk of IUGR (13). 

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor refers to labor that happens before 37 weeks of pregnancy. While many premature babies grow up to be healthy children and adults, babies born preterm can have a variety of health issues, including serious, lifelong, or even life-threatening health problems. According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of Reproductive Immunology, material histamine levels can increase the risk of pregnancy complications that may lead to preterm labor (10).

Improve Your Pregnancy with The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan

If you have histamine intolerance or MCAS, pregnant, or want to conceive in the future, you don’t have to deal with pregnancy complications. You can reduce your risk of histamine-related debilitating morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous miscarriage, IUGR, and preterm labor naturally by following a low-histamine diet and lifestyle. You can feel healthier, more energetic, and vibrant throughout your pregnancy and protect your baby’s health by protecting yours.

To improve histamine intolerance and MCAS and lower your risk of debilitating morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, and other histamine-related pregnancy complications, I recommend that you eat an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and low-histamine diet. Start by eliminating all histamine foods for one to three months, then slowly re-introduce them one by one following The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan. 

Along with dietary changes, it’s important that you eliminate toxic personal care and cleaning products as well and instead use organic, natural, or homemade products. Additionally, I recommend that you follow a healthy and anti-inflammatory lifestyle that doesn’t trigger increased histamine. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise regularly. Reduce your stress levels through meditation, breathwork, journaling, yoga, time in nature, quality me-time, and uplifting activities with friends and family.

The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan is a plan that I developed to help people like you who are dealing with histamine intolerance and related health issues, including morning sickness or hyperemesis. It is a simple yet refined system, so it is critical that you understand and follow each step properly. 

To understand each step and guide your recovery, I recommend that you read my book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More where I explain everything about histamine intolerance and each phase of the plan in detail and share delicious low-histamine recipes to nourish your body and support your health. Pick up a copy, today to learn more about the plan and my recommendations.

Check Out the Health Babes’ Guide to Balancing Your Hormones

To learn more about your hormones and learn how to improve your hormonal health naturally, I recommend our book (co-authored by Dr. Krystal Hohn and myself) The Health Babes’ Guide to Balancing Your Hormones: A Detailed Plan with Recipes to Support Mood, Energy Levels, Libido, and More. This book is not only full of information but with an easy-to-follow plan and easy-to-make, delicious hormone-friendly recipes.

Final Thoughts

I felt sick all through time throughout my pregnancy because of hyperemesis gravidarum. I wish I'd known back then that histamine intolerance was the culprit all along. But now I know and I can help your pregnancy to be a better experience than mine. It’s possible to reduce your risk of histamine-related morning sickness, hyperemesis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), and preterm labor naturally by following a low-histamine diet and lifestyle. Follow my tips to reduce histamine in your body naturally to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth.

If you are dealing with histamine intolerance, MCAS, morning sickness, or hyperemesis during your pregnancy, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

 

Sources:

1. Bódis J, Tinneberg HR, Schwarz H, Papenfuss F, Török A, Hanf V. The effect of histamine on progesterone and estradiol secretion of human granulosa cells in serum-free culture. Gynecol Endocrinol. 1993;7: 235–239. Link Here

2. Vasiadi M, Kempuraj D, Boucher W, Kalogeromitros D, Theoharides TC. Progesterone inhibits mast cell secretion. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2006;19: 787–794. Link Here

3. Szelag A, Merwid-Lad A, Trocha M. [Histamine receptors in the female reproductive system. Part II. The role of histamine in the placenta, histamine receptors and the uterus contractility]. Ginekol Pol. 2002;73: 636–644. Link Here

4. Rosa AC, Fantozzi R. The role of histamine in neurogenic inflammation. Br J Pharmacol. 2013;170: 38–45. Link Here

5. Maintz L, Benfadal S, Allam J-P, Hagemann T, Fimmers R, Novak N. Evidence for a reduced histamine degradation capacity in a subgroup of patients with atopic eczema. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117: 1106–1112. Link Here

6. Orazov MR, Radzinskiy VY, Khamoshina MB, Nosenko EN, Tokaeva ES, Barsegyan LK, et al. [Histamine metabolism disorder in pathogenesis of chronic pelvic pain in patients with external genital endometriosis]. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter. 2017;61: 56–60. Link Here

7. Aldridge TD, Hartmann KE, Michels KA, Velez Edwards DR. First-trimester antihistamine exposure and risk of spontaneous abortion or preterm birth. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2014;23: 1043–1050. Link Here

8. Dubois AM, Santais MC, Foussard C, Dubois F, Ruff F, Taurelle R, et al. Blood histamine and plasma histaminase level during human pregnancy [proceedings]. Agents Actions. 1977;7: 112. Link Here

9. Maintz L, Schwarzer V, Bieber T, van der Ven K, Novak N. Effects of histamine and diamine oxidase activities on pregnancy: a critical review. Hum Reprod Update. 2008;14: 485–495. Link Here

10. Brew O, Sullivan MHF. The links between maternal histamine levels and complications of human pregnancy. J Reprod Immunol. 2006;72: 94–107. Link Here

11. Sharma SC, Sabra A, Molloy A, Bonnar J. Comparison of blood levels of histamine and total ascorbic acid in pre-eclampsia with normal pregnancy. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr. 1984;38: 3–9. Link Here 

12. Gahl WA, Raubertas RF, Vale AM, Golubjatnikov R. Maternal serum diamine oxidase in fetal death and low-birth-weight infants. Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1982;89: 202–207. Link Here

13. Szukiewicz D, Szukiewicz A, Maslinska D, Poppe P, Gujski M, Olszewski M. Mast cells and histamine in intrauterine growth retardation–relation to the development of placental microvessels. Inflamm Res. 1999;48 Suppl 1: S41–2. Link Here

 

 

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by Peter Saydak

SIBO, Histamine Intolerance, POTS, and Dysautonomias: The Gut Connection

If you are one of the 70 million people worldwide with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), chances are, you are always on the lookout for new solutions to improve your symptoms. I am happy to share that new research has found a connection between your gut health, histamine intolerance, and dysautonomias, including POTS. Dysautonomia or autonomic dysfunction is a condition in which the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not work properly. This may affect the functioning of the heart, bladder, intestines, sweat glands, pupils, and blood vessels. This means that improving your gut health may also improve your POTS symptoms and increase your overall well-being.

In this article, you will learn how dysautonomias and your gut are connected. You will understand what POTS is and its connection to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and histamine intolerance. Finally, I will offer some natural solutions for histamine intolerance, SIBO, and POTS to help you regain your health and happiness. 

Dysautonomia and Your Gut

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used for various medical conditions that are related to your autonomic nervous system (ANS). Your ANS is responsible for your body’s automatic functions. These functions include your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, dilation, temperature regulation, and anything else that you don’t have to consciously think about. 

You may wonder how your ANS is related to your gut. Your gut is part of your enteric nervous system (ENS). It is also called your second brain because it affects your entire body, including your immune system, digestion, metabolism, nutrition, physiology, brain, and mental health. Gut bacteria balance is critical for healthy gut function and overall health (1).

Your gut is in constant communication with your central nervous system (CNS) through the vagus nerve and ANS. This phone line between your gut and your CNS is a two-way system. This means that your gut affects your nervous system, while your nervous system influences your gut health. The two are connected and mutually affect each other (2).

Understanding the connection between your gut and your nervous system, you can understand how an unhealthy gut may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders and brain health issues. Different parts of your nervous system are connected through nerves as well. If your enteric nervous system inside your gut experiences imbalance, it affects your autonomic nervous system as well and can lead to chaos all over your body (3).

What Is POTS?

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common autoimmune disease that affects 70 million worldwide.

Symptoms of POTS include:

• Increased heart rate (30 beats/minute resting heart rates, increase to 120 or over when standing)
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues
• Sleep difficulties
• Shortness of breath

Causes of POTS

The exact cause of dysautonomias is not yet completely understood. While in some cases, they may be inherited, in other cases, they may be the result of a degenerative disease, prolonged inflammatory reactions, injury, or another disease. A recent case report has linked gut health to dysautonomia. The patient with POTS experienced a near full reduction of symptoms after successful treatment for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) (4, 5).

Does this mean that SIBO is connected to dysautonomias and POTS? As you already know, your gut health is strongly connected to your autonomic nervous system. It is only logical to think that SIBO or other gut imbalances can, in fact, contribute to dysautonomia. By treating the gut, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your symptoms of POTS or other types of dysautonomia as well (6).

The SIBO and Dysautonomia Connection

SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine. Research has connected SIBO to various autoimmune and neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and fibromyalgia. Stress on your immune system can also lead to an increase of norepinephrine from your sympathetic nervous system resulting in a flight-or-fight reaction. However, your gut microbiome balance is also closely connected to your nervous system. Gut bacteria imbalance is stress on the body and can result in the release of norepinephrine. As a result, SIBO can lead to your dysautonomia symptoms (7, 8, 9).

It is important to note that, one study has found that 27 out of 35 patients with POTS also had SIBO. This is 69% of POTS patients with SIBO. Connecting the dots between these research findings, it is critical that POTS patients get tested for SIBO and receive treatment for it if they have it (10).

Histamine Intolerance and POTS

POTS is a complex health issue, so it is important to cover everything and treat the root cause of your problems. This is why we have to look at histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), especially because research has found a connection between MCAS and POTS due to the prolonged inflammatory reactions caused by MCAS (11). 

Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for a variety of functions in your body, including getting rid of allergens as part of your immune response, communicating with your brain, and triggering stomach acid release for optimal digestion. Normally, histamine release is beneficial and your body releases enzymes to break down histamine build-up. However, if you have MCAS, your body cannot turn off the release of histamine leading to histamine intolerance (12, 13). 

Histamine intolerance means that you have too much histamine which can lead to various health issues. Symptoms of histamine intolerance include fatigue, headaches, irregular heartbeat, acid reflux, digestive problems, cramps, itching, sleep troubles, and anxiety. You may notice that some of these symptoms are very similar to symptoms of dysautonomias and POTS, while others correspond with the symptoms of SIBO. This is not surprising, considering your entire body is connected.

SIBO can often lead to leaky gut syndrome, which can also result in histamine intolerance and food intolerances. As you can see, SIBO, histamine intolerance, and POTS or dysautonomias can become a vicious cycle, unless you address the root cause of your issues.

Natural Solutions for Histamine Intolerance, SIBO, and POTS

If you suspect that you have histamine intolerance or SIBO and it’s contributing to your POTS symptoms I have some simple natural solutions for you. This is what I recommend to my patients with histamine intolerance and SIBO:

Follow an Anti-Inflammatory and Low-Histamine Diet

Following an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and nutrient-dense diet is important for your health. Reducing inflammation itself may help to reduce your symptoms. Reducing histamine may help to decrease histamine-related symptoms.

Remove inflammatory foods, including refined sugar, refined oils, canned and processed meat, artificial ingredients, junk food, and highly processed foods. Avoid high-histamine foods, such as fermented food (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, kombucha, etc.), aged food (e.g., aged cheese, processed meat, canned fish, etc.), over-ripe fruits and vegetables, leftovers, and foods that are naturally high in histamine (e.g., avocadoes, eggplant, spinach, dried fruits, etc.). Avoid foods that may trigger histamine releases, such as tomatoes, most citrus, bananas, most nuts, and dairy. Avoid foods that may block the DAO enzyme, including black tea, green tea, alcohol, and energy drinks. 

Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and low-histamine diet rich in greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, healthy fats, and organic meat. Low-histamine foods include most fresh leafy greens and vegetables, non-citrus fruits, such as apples, pear, papaya, and grapes, fresh grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, and wild-caught fish, olives, extra-virgin olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, leafy herbs, and herbal tea. My book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan includes an extensive list of foods that you can eat and should avoid on a low-histamine diet.

If you are new to a low-histamine diet, remember to have fun experimenting with new foods and recipes. I promise low-histamine meals can be delicious. I recommend all the low-histamine recipes in The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan and my new recipe book, Fifty One Low Histamine Air Fryer Recipes. They are all simple, easy to make, low-histamine, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and super healthy. Not to mention how delicious they are — your family will love them too.

Support Your Gut

Your gut health affects your entire body. Gut flora imbalance can trigger both histamine intolerance and related symptoms. Supporting your gut health is critical for your recovery. Along with a gut-friendly, low-histamine, anti-inflammatory diet, I recommend that you take a high-quality probiotics supplement, to support your gut microbiome balance. 

Try Some Supplements

I recommend HistoRelief. It is a synergistic blend of nutrients that provides natural support to balance your immune response. This blend features Tinofend®, a patented and clinically researched extract derived from the plant Tinospora cordifolia, which has a powerful ability to support immune regulation and immune response. As a result, it boosts your body’s ability to fight interstitial cystitis symptoms. It includes quercetin, nettle leaf, vitamin C, and bicarbonate salt to help inhibit histamine release, support normal histamine metabolism, and improve immune health.

If you are dealing with both histamine intolerance and gut health issues, I recommend working with a functional medicine practitioner (like me) to test your gut and see if opportunistic bacteria, yeast overgrowth, parasites, H. pylori and/or leaky gut can be what is driving your histamine issue. 

Reduce Your Histamine Bucket

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance, reducing high-histamine foods is not enough. High stress, poor sleep, not moving your body, and high toxin exposure may add to your histamine load. Improving these areas of your lifestyle may help to reduce your histamine bucket and lower the risk of histamine-related issues.

Reduce your stress levels:

• I recommend practicing breathwork, meditation, positive affirmation, journaling, yoga, grounding, and time in nature for stress and anxiety reduction. 
• Taking an Epsom salt bath is another great way to relax your muscles, calm your mind, and detoxify your body. 

Improve your sleep:

• Your goal should be to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night. 
• Lower your stress levels throughout the day but especially in the evening time to support sleep. Take a bath, read a good book, listen to some music, journal, try coloring, and spend time with your family. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and heavy food in the evening. 
• Sleep on a supportive mattress with comfortable and supportive pillows and blankets, and quality, organic cotton sheets.

Move your body:

• Move your body throughout the day and stretch regularly.
• Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes five days a week and move your body regularly. I recommend getting 10 to 15K steps in a day if you can. Add resistance and strength training to your routine. 

Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins:

• Choose purified water over tap water. Use a high-quality air filtration system for better indoor air.
• Choose natural, organic, and homemade cleaning, personal hygiene, and beauty products instead of conventional brands loaded with chemicals. 
• Choose glass, bamboo, wood, organic cotton, silicon, and other natural alternatives instead of plastic. 
• Avoid BPA plastic completely. 
• Choose organic food whenever possible and avoid overly processed packaged foods. If you must buy non-organic produce, follow the Dirty Dozen, Clean 15 list, and always wash and peel non-organic vegetables and fruits.

Final Thoughts

Your gut health is connected to your entire health. It is not surprising that new research has found an interesting connection between your gut and dysautonomias. To improve your overall gut health, repair SIBO, and histamine intolerance, and improve your POTS symptoms, I recommend that you follow the natural solutions I outlined in this article. 

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance and interstitial cystitis, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here. I also recommend that you check out my Histamine Online Program.

Sources:

1. Qin J, Li R, Raes J, Arumugam M, Burgdorf KS, Manichanh C, Nielsen T, Pons N, Levenez F, Yamada T, Mende DR, Li J, Xu J, Li S, Li D, Cao J, Wang B, Liang H, Zheng H, Xie Y, Tap J, Lepage P, Bertalan M, Batto JM, Hansen T, Le Paslier D, Linneberg A, Nielsen HB, Pelletier E, Renault P, Sicheritz-Ponten T, Turner K, Zhu H, Yu C, Li S, Jian M, Zhou Y, Li Y, Zhang X, Li S, Qin N, Yang H, Wang J, Brunak S, Doré J, Guarner F, Kristiansen K, Pedersen O, Parkhill J, Weissenbach J; MetaHIT Consortium, Bork P, Ehrlich SD, Wang J. A human gut microbial gene catalogue established by metagenomic sequencing. Nature. 2010 Mar 4;464(7285):59-65. doi: 10.1038/nature08821. PMID: 20203603

2. Bonaz B, Bazin T, Pellissier S. The Vagus Nerve at the Interface of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Front Neurosci. 2018 Feb 7;12:49. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00049. PMID: 29467611

3. Cenit MC, Sanz Y, Codoñer-Franch P. Influence of gut microbiota on neuropsychiatric disorders. World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(30):5486‐5498. Link Here

4. What is dysautonomia? Dysautonomia International. Link Here

5. Blitshteyn S. Autoimmune markers and autoimmune disorders in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Lupus. 2015;24(13):1364‐1369. Link Here

6. Weinstock LB, Brook JB, Myers TL, Goodman B. Successful treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia and mast cell activation syndromes using naltrexone, immunoglobulin and antibiotic treatment. BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Jan 11;2018:bcr2017221405. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221405. PMID: 29326369

7. Bures J, Cyrany J, Kohoutova D, Förstl M, Rejchrt S, Kvetina J, Vorisek V, Kopacova M. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2010 Jun 28;16(24):2978-90. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i24.2978. PMID: 20572300

Agarwal AK, Garg R, Ritch A, Sarkar P. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Postgrad Med J. 2007 Jul;83(981):478-80. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2006.055046. PMID: 17621618

8. Goldstein DS, Eldadah B, Holmes C, Pechnik S, Moak J, Sharabi Y. Neurocirculatory abnormalities in chronic orthostatic intolerance. Circulation. 2005;111(7):839‐845. Link Here

9. Bested AC, Logan AC, Selhub EM. Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: Part II - contemporary contextual research. Gut Pathog. 2013 Mar 14;5(1):3. doi: 10.1186/1757-4749-5-3. PMID: 23497633

10. SIBO, Restless Leg Syndrome and More with Dr Lenny Weinstock. Link Here

11. Shibao C, Arzubiaga C, Roberts LJ 2nd, et al. Hyperadrenergic postural tachycardia syndrome in mast cell activation disorders. Hypertension. 2005;45(3):385‐390. Link Here

12. Kovacova-Hanuskova E, Buday T, Gavliakova S, Plevkova J. Histamine, histamine intoxication and intolerance. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015 Sept; 43(5):498-506. PMID: 26242570

13. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007; 85(5):1185-96. PMID: 17490952

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by Peter Saydak

Histamine Intolerance, Mast Cells, and COVID-19

I don’t need to introduce you to COVID-19. We’ve been living in a state of uncertainty since March during this pandemic. There is not a minute passing that you are not reminded of this virus. Perhaps you know people who have been infected or you have gotten sick yourself. 

If you have histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), you may be wondering if this increases your risk factor for COVID-19 symptoms and complications. While this is a novel virus and we don’t have enough knowledge or evidence, there has been some new scientific discussion on the role of histamine intolerance and mast cells in COVID-19. An increasing number of functional and natural medicine doctors are suggesting a low-histamine diet. Today, I want to bring you the latest scientific information and discuss what we know.

In this article, you will learn about the potential connection between histamine intolerance, mast cells, and COVID-19. I will discuss what current evidence suggests regarding histamine and COVID-19. I will offer some tips on how to support your body if you have histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome. 

Histamine Intolerance, Mast Cells, and COVID-19

COVID-19 is a virus. Just like with any other viral infection, it is very important to look at your immune system’s health when it comes to both prevention and recovery. 

If you are dealing with histamine intolerance, there are a number of things that it’s important to look at when it comes to COVID-19. You need to understand the branches of your immune system. You also need to understand your current immune health and immune responses in relation to histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). You need to be aware that both histamine intolerance and COVID-19 may release inflammatory cytokines that may worsen your symptoms. We also need to touch on whether or not COVID-19 can worsen or lead to histamine intolerance symptoms.

Branches of Your Immune System

Your immune system has two branches: Th1 is the immune system that you are born with and Th2 is the adaptive immune system you acquire throughout your life from exposure to foreign invaders from your environment. They are both very important. Your adaptive immune system plays an important role in infectious diseases. If you’ve already had chickenpox, your adaptive immune system has built up mechanisms to protect you from it in the future. While life-long immunity may not happen in all cases, exposure to viruses and bacterial infections helps to build up your adaptive immune system and create resistance to help to prevent future infections or aid recovery in the future.

Histamine and Your Immune System

Histamine gets a bad rap because we usually hear about them in the context of anti-histamine creams and medication. But histamine is actually essential for your health and plays an important role in your immune system. Your cells, including your T-cells, have histamine receptors and are able to release histamine. This is key when it comes to COVID-19 and may help us to understand how serious symptoms can develop (1).

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus and its behavior and effects, including its effects on your T-cells and another key immune mechanism, are still being investigated. However, we can also gain some insights from research done on two similar coronaviruses, SARS and MERS, both of which have caused a serious outbreak in the past decades. From what we understand, the severity of your infection depends on how much the virus is able to suppress the immune and T-cell response.

You are probably aware that COVID-19, in most cases, is far more dangerous for older people and those with a compromised immune system. It is also riskier for adults than teenagers and children. While children are able to carry the virus, in most cases, they only develop mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. 

Researchers suspect that this happens because children have a higher T-cell immune response. Their bodies are still learning and adapting to their environments. While they may pick up the virus, their bodies seem to be able to contain it better than adult bodies. Adult bodies have more inactive T-cells due to aging hence their immune systems are unable to respond as quickly and as well leaving a greater risk of symptoms (2, 3).

When the activation of either branch of your immune system is delayed, the environment within your body may also become more favorable for replication. Viral replication can also lead to hyperinflammatory conditions, which can increase the severity of the disease. In some cases, these hyperinflammatory conditions may also be connected to increased histamine release or histamine intolerance (4, 5).

Furthermore, histamine intolerance and MCAS can also seriously affect your immune system and inflammatory responses. If you have histamine intolerance or MCAS, especially when left untreated, your immune system is already highly active and alert characterized by an array of active mast cells.

You mast cells are a major source of histamine in your body. When triggered they release histamine, which in large amounts that can lead to too much histamine and related symptoms in your body. When triggered, mast cells can also release other chemicals along with histamine. One of these chemicals is cytokines, which is very important to talk about when it comes to COVID-19 (6).

Cytokines, Histamine Intolerance, Mast Cells, and COVID19

Histamines are inflammatory regulators. This is important and beneficial when it comes to an allergic reaction, however, it can become a problem in the case of histamine intolerance and COVID-19. Histamine intolerance means that you have too much histamine in your body, which can lead to a long list of symptoms and health issues. Beyond histamine intolerance, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can also lead to increased histamines and related symptoms. 

Your mast cells are white blood cells found in tissues throughout your body and sometimes in your blood as well due to certain infections and diseases that they may attempt to repair once the health danger is gone. Your mast cells play an important role in your immune system as they store inflammatory mediators, including histamine inside granules. When you experience an allergic reaction or other triggers, such as mold, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, or toxins, your mast cells will cause a response that will trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals. This can become a serious health problem when this happens often and your body is unable to take care of the excess histamine. 

When histamine pathways are stimulated, it can increase inflammatory reactions and the release of cytokines. Cytokines are signaling proteins that act as humoral regulators that regulate a variety of processes in your body and play an important role in your immune response. However, releasing too many cytokines can result in a serious problem. A cytokine storm is a strong immune reaction characterized by too many cytokines being released into the blood. Moreover, this histamine and cytokine release happens in areas of your body where histamines are most commonly found - one of these areas is tissues in your lungs, which may also be affected by COVID-19 (7, 8, 9).

Furthermore, current information suggests that COVID-19 can also trigger cytokine release. In fact, you might’ve heard of the cytokine storm in relation to more serious COVID-19 cases. Cytokine release seems to be one of the biggest issues that can lead to lung tissue damage in COVID-19. 

If your body is already releasing cytokines because of histamine intolerance or MCAS and now releasing them because of a COVID-19 infection as well, it can possibly amplify your symptoms. Histamine intolerance or MCAS may also result in respiratory or lung-related symptoms, including asthma, serious allergies, and chronic respiratory symptoms, which may put you at a higher risk of more serious COVID-19 symptoms. 

While there is no clear research or information saying that histamine intolerance or MCAS will put you in a higher risk category, one scientific article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has discussed the risk and management of patients with MCAS and mastocytosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their recommendations included increased preventative measures, video visits with doctors, and avoiding immunosuppressants. While we need more research and evidence, there seems to be a valid concern for those with histamine intolerance and MCAS because both increase cytokine release and possible breathing-related and respiratory symptoms (10).

Antihistamine and the Cytokine Storm

New research studies also support the notion that histamines may play a role in the development of a cytokine storm in COVID-19 and exploring anti-histamines as part of the treatment protocol. One article by a group of scientists published in Travel Medicine and Infectious Diseases has discussed that the histamine, as the main mediator released by the immune system, may initiate an abnormal immune response that may result in a cytokine storm or even multi-organ failure. They suggested that the use of anti-histamine medication should be explored to potentially aid the treatment of cytokine storms in COVID-19 (11).

An article published in The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine discussed the potential use of leukotriene antagonists (used for severe asthma), anti-histamine, and mast cell stabilizers in COVID-19. There is also a clinical trial currently on its way to look at the histamine antagonist, Fomatidine as a potential option for COVID-19. Again, we don’t have enough evidence yet, but the potential that these leukotriene antagonists, anti-histamines, and mast cell stabilizers may benefit some COVID-19 patients, further support the role of histamines in COVID-19. I suspect that there will be a lot more research coming out on this in the future (12, 13, 14).

Long-Term Implications

When thinking about COVID-19, it is not enough to discuss the course of the illness, we must touch upon potential long-term consequences. Many recovered patients of COVID-19 are dealing with long-term effects of the infections. Many patients seek help for chronic fatigue and other chronic symptoms, including migraines, sinusitis, or shortness of breaths months after being ill. While we don’t have evidence that this is because of histamine, Dr. Tina Peers, a doctor who treats women with histamine intolerance and MCAS has recently explained in a BBC report that elevated histamine levels from the infection may lead to these on-going symptoms post-COVID-19 recovery (15). 

Again, at this point, we don’t know whether COVID-19 can lead to histamine intolerance and related symptoms in the long-run. However, considering the nature of some of the long-term symptoms, this should be investigated. I believe that we will learn more about this as research on the long-term implication of COVID-19 unfolds and we gain a better understanding of the disease.

What You Can Do

When it comes to COVID-19, prevention is very important. Wash your hands regularly and maintain proper hygiene. Follow current guidelines. If you suspect COVID-19 infection, get tested. If you have COVID-19, make sure to tell your doctor if you have histamine intolerance, MCAS, or any other inflammatory, chronic, or other health conditions so they can take it under consideration during your treatment.

If you have histamine intolerance or MCAS, it is important that you follow a low-histamine nutrition plan and support your body with a healthy lifestyle. Disclaimer: It is important that I mention that none of these tips are proven to prevent or cure COVID-19 or related health issues. My recommendations are simply designed to support your health and wellness if you have histamine intolerance or MCAS. That being said, here is what I recommend for histamine intolerance and MCAS:

Support Your Immune System

Support your immune system and reduce inflammation through a healthy diet, lifestyle and supportive supplements HistoRelief to support mast cells and histamine levels in the body. Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, low-histamine whole food diet rich in greens, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and clean protein. Exercise regularly and spend plenty of time in nature. Drink plenty of water. Sleep at least 7 to 9 hours every night. Reduce stress. And don’t forget to laugh.

Try The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan

If you have histamine intolerance or MCAS, I recommend that you follow a low-histamine diet high in nutrients from whole foods, including greens, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and clear protein. Remove all histamine foods for one to three months. After the initial elimination phase, slowly re-introduce them one by one following The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan while tracking your body’s reactions. 

To understand each step of this simple yet refined system, I recommend that you read my book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More where I explain everything about histamine intolerance and MCAS and each phase of the plan in detail and offer my favorite low-histamine recipes to nourish your body. For further tips and the latest information on a low-histamine lifestyle and delicious low-histamine recipes, follow my blog and social media. You are not alone. I am here to support you along the way.

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus. We don’t fully understand how it works and at this point, there is no cure. New studies and scientific discussions are coming out daily to help us gain a better understanding of the disease. There has been some new scientific discussion on the role of histamine intolerance and mast cells in COVID-19. At this point, we don’t know what role a low-histamine diet may play in this disease and more research is needed on this topic. However, supporting your health is important regardless of this current pandemic. If you are dealing with histamine intolerance or MCAS, it is absolutely critical that you take steps and support your body with a low-histamine diet and healthy lifestyle strategies.

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. I can help to identify the root cause of your problems and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

Sources:

1. Ferstl, R., et al. Histamine regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2012 Jan 1;17:40-53. Link Here

2. Liu, W., et al. Detection of Covid-19 in Children in Early January 2020 in Wuhan, China. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2020. Link Here

3. Zhao, J., et al. T Cell Responses Are Required for Protection from Clinical Disease and for Virus Clearance in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-Infected Mice. Journal of Virology. 2010. 8(4): 9318–9325 Link Here

4. Prompetchara, E., et al. Immune responses in COVID-19 and potential vaccines: Lessons learned from SARS and MERS epidemic. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol DOI 10.12932/AP-200220-0772 Link Here

5. Prompetchara, E., et al. Immune responses in COVID-19 and potential vaccines: Lessons learned from SARS and MERS epidemic. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol DOI 10.12932/AP-200220-0772 Link Here

6. Branco, A., et al. Role of Histamine in Modulating the Immune Response and Inflammation. Interplay between Hormones, the Immune System, and Metabolic Disorders. 2018. 9524075 Link Here

7. Dunford, P., et al. The histamine H4 receptor mediates allergic airway inflammation by regulating the activation of CD4+ T cells The Journal of Immunology, vol. 176, no. 11, pp. 7062–7070, 2006. Link Here

8. Thangam, E., et al. The Role of Histamine and Histamine Receptors in Mast Cell-Mediated Allergy and Inflammation: The Hunt for New Therapeutic Targets. Front. Immunol., 13 August 2018. Link Here

9. Kritas, S. K., Ronconi, G., Caraffa, A., Gallenga, C. E., Ross, R., & Conti, P. (2020). Mast cells contribute to coronavirus-induced inflammation: new anti-inflammatory strategy. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 34(1), 10.23812/20-Editorial-Kritas. Link Here

10. Valent P. Risk and management of patients with mastocytosis and MCAS in the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic: Expert opinions. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Volume 146, Issue 2, August 2020, Pages 300-306. Link Here

11. Eldanasory OA, Eljaaly K, Memish ZA, Al-Tawfiq JA. Histamine release theory and roles of antihistamine in the treatment of cytokines storm of COVID-19. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2020 Sep-Oct;37:101874. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101874. Epub 2020 Sep 3. PMID: 32891724; PMCID: PMC7470786. Link Here

12. Raymond M. Mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene antagonists and antihistamines: a Rapid review of effectiveness in COVID-19. The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Link Here 

13. Lowe D. Famotidine, Histamine, and the Coronavirus. Link here

14. Mutisite Adaptive Trials fo COVID-19. Clinical Trials. Link Here

15. Haseler N. Long Covid: 'I don’t have a life, I currently have an existence'. BBC. Link Here

 

 

 

 

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by Peter Saydak

The Histamine and Blood Sugar Connection

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Do you ever feel tired after eating or experience a sugar drop and sudden hunger a few hours after a meal? You are not alone. I commonly see this in my patients with histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). 

It’s often overlooked yet there is a strong connection between histamine and your blood sugar. Research has shown that blood sugar imbalances can increase your histamine levels, while histamine intolerance and MCAS can contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes. Stabilizing your blood sugar is an absolutely critical aspect of improving histamine intolerance and MCAS symptoms. 

In this article, I will discuss the connection between histamine and blood sugar. You will understand what blood sugar is and how it’s related to diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance. You will understand everything about histamine, histamine intolerance, mast cells, and MCAS. I will explain the connection between your blood sugar, histamine intolerance, and mast cells. I will offer some natural strategies for histamine intolerance and blood sugar imbalances. 

What Is Blood Sugar

Blood sugar or blood glucose is the main sugar (glucose) found in your blood. Blood glucose comes from the food you eat and caloric-drinks you consume. Your blood’s job is to carry this blood sugar around your body to your cell as the main source of energy. It does this with the help of a hormone called insulin that helps the sugar to move into your cells (1). Keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level is critical. Too high or too low blood sugar levels can present a problem. 

Diabetes is a condition characterized by too high blood sugar levels. If you have type 1 diabetes, your body is unable to make insulin to deal with your blood sugar. In type 2 diabetes, your body is either not making enough insulin or doesn’t use it well. If you have prediabetes, it means that your blood sugar levels are too high but not high enough to have a diabetes diagnosis. If you have insulin resistance, it means that your body is unable to use insulin effectively. Insulin resistance is the precursor of diabetes. Insulin resistance and prediabetes are serious risk factors for developing diabetes (2). 

Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, is a condition caused by low blood sugar. It’s characterized by hunger, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, tiredness, dizziness, and crankiness. Blood sugar drops and experiencing hypoglycemic episodes are common among people with diabetes. However, people without diabetes may experience it as well. You may experience reactive hypoglycemia a few hours after eating a meal or fasting hypoglycemia as a result of a medication or health condition. Even if you don’t have hypoglycemia, diabetes, or prediabetes, you may experience blood sugar changes that are problems due to your diet, lifestyle, and medications you take (3). These blood sugar changes may also affect your histamine levels.

What Is Histamine Intolerance and MCAS

Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for a variety of functions in your body. It helps to get rid of allergens as part of your immune response. It communicates with your brain and triggers stomach acid release to aid digestion. In a healthy body, your body releases enzymes (diamine oxidase or DAO enzymes) to break down any histamine build-up, however, if you have too much histamine due to dietary, lifestyle, environmental, and other factors, your body won’t be able to keep up and remove all the histamine. Histamine intolerance means that you have too much histamine which affects your entire body, including your gut, brain, lungs, cardiovascular system, and hormonal health. Histamine intolerance can cause a variety of symptoms and health issues hormonal issues, headaches, skin problems, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety, fast heart rate, seasonal allergies, and more (4). 

When we talk about histamine and histamine intolerance, we must also take a moment to understand mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Your mast cells are white blood cells found in tissues throughout your body, including your skin, digestive tracts, urinary tract, respiratory tract, reproductive organs, and surrounding nerve. They are sometimes found in your blood as well due to certain infections and diseases that they may attempt to repair once the health danger is gone. Your mast cells play an important role in your immune system. They store inflammatory mediators, including histamine inside granules. When you experience an allergic reaction, your mast cells will cause an allergic response that will trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals.

MCAS is a complex health issue that may develop due to a variety of triggers, including mold, chemicals, toxins, heavy metals, allergens, medications, infections, viruses, food, and alcohol. MCAS affects a variety of systems across your body and can lead to a range of symptoms, including rashes, hives, itching, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, digestion issues, dizziness, weakness, and weight changes. Many of these symptoms overlap with histamine intolerance (5, 6, 7, 8).

The Histamine and Blood Sugar Connection

As you might have noticed, certain symptoms of histamine intolerance, including rapid heart rate, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep issues overlap. Histamine and blood sugar are closely connected. Blood sugar fluctuations can affect your entire body and they certainly affect your histamine levels. Histamine intolerance and MCAS may also contribute to the development of prediabetes and diabetes.

Histamine and DiabetesDiabetes is a metabolic disease. It is characterized by increased blood sugar caused by insulin resistance, the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, or the mixture of the two. Your diet, lifestyle, and various health factors can increase your risk of diabetes or directly impact diabetes. Histamine intolerance is one of these factors that may contribute to diabetes.

Research studies from the past four decades have shown the connection between histamine, blood sugar, and diabetes (9). A 1989 study published in Metabolism has found elevated histamine in those with diabetes (10). A 1990 study published in Metabolism and Cell Profeliation has found lower levels of histamine-degrading DAO enzymes in diabetic rats (11). 

According to a 2010 study published in the American Journal of Pathology, histamine receptors (H1 and H2) may influence the regulation of blood sugar and lipid metabolism (12). A 2011 study published in Endocrinology has found that manipulating the H3 histamine receptor reduces blood sugar levels in diabetic mice (13). Furthermore, a 2012 study published in the ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters and a 2018 study published in Pharmacological Research both found that targeting and inhibiting the H4 histamine receptor may be helpful for the treatment of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy (14, 15). Histamine intolerance may also increase the permeability of your blood vessels that can influence the symptoms and progression of diabetes. Clearly, the role of histamine intolerance should not be overlooked in the treatment of diabetes and vice-versa.

Mast Cell Activation and Diabetes

It is not only histamine intolerance, but mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can also contribute to diabetes and its symptoms. Mast cells are implicated in metabolic diseases, inflammation, and immune system issues. According to a 2016 study published in the Polish Journal of Pathology, mast cells should be taken into consideration during diabetes treatment (16).

According to a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulated in people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease, can activate mast cells and lead to histamine release (17). On the other hand, a 2012 study published in HHS Public Access has found that mast-cell stabilizer medications and antihistamines may be beneficial for reducing complications in those with diabetes (18).

It’s clear that there is a connection between diabetes, histamine, and mast cells. But what if you don’t have diabetes, but struggling with blood sugar fluctuations, insulin resistance, as well as, histamine intolerance or MCAS? Balancing your blood sugar is still a key step to your recovery and well-being.

Histamine Intolerance and Insulin Resistance

While there is a lot of research on the connection between histamine, mast cells, and blood glucose in those with diabetes, there isn’t any research on the connection in those without diabetes. A lot of people experience low, high, or unstable blood sugar, insulin resistance, or prediabetes without having full-blown diabetes. 

In my practice, I see a lot of patients who experience blood sugar fluctuation before showing symptoms of insulin resistance or prediabetes. I also see a lot of patients with histamine intolerance and blood sugar fluctuations. A lot of people with histamine intolerance have low blood sugar and need to eat many small meals throughout the day. I also noticed that balancing your blood sugar can help to reduce or relieve symptoms of histamine intolerance.

Frequent blood sugar fluctuations can put enormous stress on your body, which can trigger histamine release and contribute to histamine intolerance and consequent symptoms. The good news is that with appropriate dietary strategies, lifestyle changes, and supplementation, you can balance your blood sugar and free yourself from symptoms of histamine intolerance. 

Natural Solutions for Blood Sugar Imbalance and Histamine Intolerance

If you are dealing with blood sugar imbalance, histamine intolerance, or MCAS, there are a few natural strategies you can try. Here is what I recommend:

Measure Your Blood Sugar

I recommend that you try using a glucometer to test the stability of your blood sugar. This is an easy and inexpensive method to measure your blood sugar to support your treatment plan and see your progress. Based on your results, you can adjust your diet and lifestyle to support healthy blood sugar levels. If you are uncertain how to do this, a functional medicine doctor, like myself, can help you with a personalized nutrition plan to support your health.

Try Blood Sugar Regulating Herbs

While your diet and lifestyle are critical for stabilizing blood sugar levels, there are a variety of herbs that can help to support your blood sugar levels naturally. Some herbs I recommend include aloe vera, Nopales cactus, bitter melon, milk thistle, fenugreek, and ginger (19, 20, 21, 22, 23).

Be Smart with Sugar

If you have blood sugar issues or any health issues (or simply want to avoid health issues!), removing refined sugar and sugary processed foods is critical. You may notice though that The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan is not a no-sugar plan and I allow fruits and many scratchy vegetables, such as carrots or beets. If you have blood sugar issues or you find that these higher glycemic index fruits and vegetables are causing blood sugar imbalances and symptoms, you may want to reduce or remove higher glycemic index foods and choose low glycemic index fruits, such as berries and vegetables, such as cucumber or celery instead. For sweeteners, use stevia or monk fruit, which are natural and healthy options that do not disrupt your blood sugar levels.

Follow an Anti-Inflammatory and Low-Histamine Diet

Following an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and nutrient-dense diet is important for your health. Reducing histamine may help to decrease histamine-related issues.

Remove inflammatory foods, including refined sugar, refined oils, canned and processed meat, artificial ingredients, junk food, and highly processed foods. Avoid high-histamine foods, such as fermented food (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, kombucha, etc.), aged food (e.g., aged cheese, processed meat, canned fish, etc.), over-ripe fruits and vegetables, leftovers, and foods that are naturally high in histamine (e.g., avocadoes, eggplant, spinach, dried fruits, etc.). Avoid foods that may trigger histamine releases, such as tomatoes, most citrus, bananas, most nuts, and dairy. Avoid foods that may block the DAO enzyme, including black tea, green tea, alcohol, and energy drinks. 

Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and low-histamine diet rich in greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, healthy fats, and organic meat. Low-histamine foods include most fresh leafy greens and vegetables, non-citrus fruits, such as apples, pear, papaya, and grapes, fresh grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, and wild-caught fish, olives, extra-virgin olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, leafy herbs, and herbal tea. My book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan includes an extensive list of foods that you can eat and should avoid on a low-histamine diet.

If you are new to a low-histamine diet, remember to have fun experimenting with new foods and recipes. I promise low-histamine meals can be delicious. I recommend all the low-histamine recipes in The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan and my new recipe book, Fifty One Low Histamine Air Fryer Recipes. They are all simple, easy to make, low-histamine, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and super healthy. Not to mention how delicious they are — your family will love them too.

Reduce Your Histamine Bucket

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance, reducing high-histamine foods is not enough. High stress, poor sleep, not moving your body, and high toxin exposure may add to your histamine load. Improving these areas of your lifestyle may help to reduce your histamine bucket and lower the risk of histamine-related issues.

Remove Toxins

Toxin overload can increase inflammation, histamine intolerance, and related symptoms. It’s critical that you lower your daily exposure to environmental toxins. Choose purified water over tap water. Use a high-quality air filtration system for better indoor air. Choose natural, organic, and homemade cleaning, personal hygiene, and beauty products instead of conventional brands loaded with chemicals. Choose glass, bamboo, wood, organic cotton, silicon, and other natural alternatives instead of plastic. Avoid BPA plastic completely. Choose organic food whenever possible and avoid overly processed packaged foods. If you must buy non-organic produce, follow the Dirty Dozen, Clean 15 list, and always wash and peel non-organic vegetables and fruits.

Reduce Your Stress Levels 

Chronic stress may increase mast cell activation and histamine intolerance and histamine-related symptoms. To decrease your stress levels, I recommend practicing breathwork, meditation, positive affirmation, journaling, yoga, grounding, and time in nature for stress and anxiety reduction. Taking an Epsom salt bath is another great way to relax your muscles, calm your mind, and detoxify your body. 

Get Enough Sleep Sleep

Inadequate and poor sleep may also increase stress. It may also trigger histamine and histamine-related issues. Improving your sleep is absolutely essential for your health. Your goal should be to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night. Lower your stress levels throughout the day but especially in the evening time to support sleep. Take a bath, read a good book, listen to some music, journal, try coloring, and spend time with your family. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and heavy food in the evening. Sleep on a supportive mattress with comfortable and supportive pillows and blankets, and quality, organic cotton sheets.

Move Your Body

A lack of movement may also increase the risk of histamine intolerance and related symptoms. Moving your body is a great way to reduce stress, improve detoxification, and improve your overall health. Move your body throughout the day. Stretch regularly. Take a stroll in the nearby park. Find creative ways to incorporate movement, such as an impromptu dance session, learning a new TikTok dance, playing with your kids or pets, taking the stairs, trying a treadmill desk, or practicing chair yoga. Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes five days a week and move your body regularly. I recommend getting 10 to 15K steps in a day if you can. Add resistance and strength training to your routine. 

Take HistoRelief

To support your body and reduce symptoms of histamine intolerance or MCAS, I recommend HistoRelief. This mast stabilizing supplement is a synergistic blend of nutrients including Tinofend®, quercetin, nettle leaf, vitamin C, and bicarbonate salts, that provides natural support to balance your immune response, inflammation reduction, and histamine release.

Support Your Gut

Your gut health affects your entire body. Gut flora imbalance can trigger both histamine intolerance and related symptoms. Gut microbiome inbalance may also increase blood sugar imbalances. Supporting your gut health is critical for your recovery. Along with a gut-friendly, low-histamine, anti-inflammatory diet, I recommend that you take a high-quality probiotics supplement, to support your gut microbiome balance.

Final Thoughts

There is a strong connection between histamine and your blood sugar. Blood sugar imbalance can increase your histamine levels, while histamine intolerance and MCAS can contribute to insulin resistance and diabetes. Stabilizing your blood sugar is essential for improving histamine intolerance and MCAS symptoms. Follow my tips for histamine intolerance, MCAS, and blood sugar imbalance to reduce your symptoms, increase your energy, and improve your health and well-being.

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance and interstitial cystitis, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here. I also recommend that you check out my Histamine Online Program.

Sources:

1. Blood sugar. MedlinePlus. Link Here

2. Diabetes. MedlinePlus. Link Here

3. Hypoglycemia. WebMd. Link Here

4.Maintz L, Novak N, Histamine and histamine intolerance, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1185–1196. Link Here

5. Afrin LB, Self S, Menk J, Lazarchick J. Characterization of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Am J Med Sci. 2017;353(3):207-215. Link Here

6. Frieri M, Patel R, Celestin J. Mast cell activation syndrome: a review. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2013;13(1):27-32. Link Here

7. Akin C, Valent P, Metcalfe DD. Mast cell activation syndrome: Proposed diagnostic criteria. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Dec;126(6):1099-104.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.08.035. Epub 2010 Oct 28. PMID: 21035176

8. Petra AI, Panagiotidou S, Stewart JM, Conti P, Theoharides TC. Spectrum of mast cell activation disorders. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2014;10(6):729-739. Link Here

9. Pini A, Obara I, Battell E, Chazot PL, Rosa AC. Histamine in diabetes: Is it time to reconsider? Pharmacol Res. 2016 Sep;111:316-324. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.06.021. Epub 2016 Jun 22. PMID: 27343700

10. Gill DS, Barradas MA, Fonseca VA, Dandona P. Plasma histamine concentrations are elevated in patients with diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease. Metabolism. 1989 Mar;38(3):243-7. doi: 10.1016/0026-0495(89)90082-6. PMID: 2918844

11. Fogel, W.A., Chmielecki, C., Grałek, M. et al. Histamine metabolism in diabetic rats. Agents and Actions 30, 243–246 (1990). Link Here

12. Wang KY, Tanimoto A, Yamada S, Guo X, Ding Y, Watanabe T, Watanabe T, Kohno K, Hirano K, Tsukada H, Sasaguri Y. Histamine regulation in glucose and lipid metabolism via histamine receptors: model for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Am J Pathol. 2010 Aug;177(2):713-23. doi: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.091198. Epub 2010 Jun 21. PMID: 20566747

13. Henry MB, Zheng S, Duan C, Patel B, Vassileva G, Sondey C, Lachowicz J, Hwa JJ. Antidiabetic properties of the histamine H3 receptor protean agonist proxyfan. Endocrinology. 2011 Mar;152(3):828-35. doi: 10.1210/en.2010-0757. Epub 2011 Jan 14. PMID: 21239440

43. Ashwin U. Rao, Ning Shao, Robert G. Aslanian, Tin-Yau Chan, Sylvia J. Degrado, Li Wang, Brian McKittrick, Mary Senior, Robert E. West, Shirley M. Williams, Ren-Long Wu, Joyce Hwa, Bhuneshwari Patel, Shuqin Zheng, Christopher Sondey, and Anandan Palani. Discovery of a Potent Thiadiazole Class of Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Diabetes. ACS Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2012 3 (3), 198-202. Link Here

15. Pini A. Histamine H4 receptor antagonism prevents the progression of diabetic nephropathy in male DBA2/J mice. Pharmacological Research. Volume 128, February 2018, Pages 18-28. Link Here

16. Kempuraj D, Caraffa A, Ronconi G, Lessiani G, Conti P. Are mast cells important in diabetes? Pol J Pathol. 2016;67(3):199-206. doi: 10.5114/pjp.2016.63770. PMID: 28155967

17. Sick E, Brehin S, André P, Coupin G, Landry Y, Takeda K, Gies JP. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) activate mast cells. Br J Pharmacol. 2010 Sep;161(2):442-55. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00905.x. PMID: 20735427

18. Wang J, Shi GP. Mast cell stabilization: novel medication for obesity and diabetes. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2011 Nov;27(8):919-24. doi: 10.1002/dmrr.1272. PMID: 22069285

19. Mourad A. Beneficial effects of Aloe vera in treatment of diabetes: Comparative in vivo and in vitro studies. Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Volume 51, Issue 1, June 2013, Pages 7-11. Link Here

20. Ghorbani A. Best herbs for managing diabetes: a review of clinical studies. Braz. J. Pharm. Sci. vol.49 no.3 São Paulo July/Sept. 2013. Link Here

21. Voroneanu L, Nistor I, Dumea R, Apetrii M, Covic A. Silymarin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. J Diabetes Res. 2016;2016:5147468. doi: 10.1155/2016/5147468. Epub 2016 Jun 1. PMID: 27340676

22. Ranade M, Mudgalkar N. A simple dietary addition of fenugreek seed leads to the reduction in blood glucose levels: A parallel group, randomized single-blind trial. Ayu. 2017 Jan-Jun;38(1-2):24-27. doi: 10.4103/ayu.AYU_209_15. PMID: 29861588

23. Daily JW. Efficacy of ginger for treating Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Ethnic Foods. Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2015, Pages 36-43. Link Here

 

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by Peter Saydak

Oxalates, Salicylates, and Histamine Intolerance: What's the Connection?

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTL9wbWWW18[/embedyt]

So you’ve cleaned up your diet, removed refined sugar, gluten, refined oils, processed foods, and junk food? You’ve even given up many high histamine foods. Yet, you are still experiencing symptoms, such as fatigue, joint and muscle pain, digestive issues, itching, skin problems, anxiety, depression, and so on. Oxalates and salicylates may be the culprit. They can both trigger histamine intolerance and lead to an array of unwanted symptoms. Let’s talk about oxalates and salicylates and what you can do about them.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about histamine, oxalates, and salicylates. You will learn about the symptoms of histamine, oxalate, and salicylates intolerance. You will get familiar with the list of high-histamine, high-oxalate, and high-salicylate foods. You will understand the connection between histamine, oxalate, and salicylate intolerance and your gut health. Finally, I will share my top recommendations to improve your health naturally.

What Is Histamine Intolerance

You are probably familiar with histamine from anti-histamine medications for allergies. Because of this anti-histamine context, many people think of histamine as a bad thing. Despite its bad rap, histamine is actually very important.

Histamine is a chemical responsible for a multitude of functions in your body, including getting rid of allergens as a part of your immune response, communicating with your brain, and triggering stomach acid release to aid digestion. While histamine is essential for your health, too much histamine can create a lot of problems. Histamine intolerance means that you have too much histamine which can lead to various health issues.

As a natural part of your immune response, your body releases enzymes to break down histamine build-up. Under normal circumstances, this shouldn’t present an issue. However, if you have too much histamine due to dietary, lifestyle, environmental, or certain health factors, your body won’t be able to keep up and won’t be able to break down the excess histamine properly. Histamine intolerance affects your entire body, including your gut, brain, lungs, cardiovascular system, and hormonal health. Histamine intolerance can manifest in a variety of ways, including hormonal issues, headaches, skin problems, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, bladder problems, anxiety, fast heart rate, seasonal allergies, and more (1). 

Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance may present itself in a variety of ways. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can often mimic other health issues making it easy to misdiagnose or miss.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance include:

• Diarrhea
• Migraines and headaches
• Eczema, psoriasis, and other skin issues
• Flushing
• Hives
• Crawling sensations on your skin or scalp
• Congestion or runny nose
• Low blood pressure
• High blood pressure
• Tachycardia or racing heart
• Fatigue
• Asthma attacks
• Abnormal menstrual cycle and menstrual issues
• Vertigo
• Anxiety

Sources of Histamine

If you are dealing with histamine intolerance, the most important part of your recovery process is to avoid high-histamine foods.

High-histamine foods include:

• Avocados
• Dried fruits
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Bananas
• Eggplant
• Spinach
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Vinegar
• Certain spices (eg. cloves, curry powder, nutmeg, paprika, cayenne, seasoning packets)
• Beans
• Alcohol
• Peanuts
• Soy
• Dairy
• Gluten
• Fermented foods
• Canned and cured meats
• Hard cheese 
• Grains 

Beyond Histamine

Natural treatment of histamine intolerance involves carefully following an anti-histamine diet and avoiding high-histamine foods. But what if it’s not enough and you are still experiencing symptoms? It may mean that you are also dealing with oxalate and/or salicylate sensitivity or intolerance. High-oxalate and high-salicylate foods can trigger similar symptoms and can trigger histamine intolerance in your body. Let’s learn more about oxalates and salicylates and what to do about them.

What Are Oxalates

Oxalates are naturally occurring molecules that are found in plants and humans. Because oxalates help to get plants to dispose of extra calcium, many plant foods are high in oxalates. For some people, this can cause a problem. Oxalates foods travel through your digestive tract, bind with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other extra build-ups of minerals in your intestines then leave your body through stool or urine. 

Too much oxalate can lead to oxalate intolerance and consequent health problems. One of the most common issues that too much oxalate can lead to is kidney stones. However, it can lead to an array of other issues. In a healthy body, Oxalobacter formigenes and Lactobacillus are there to serve as oxalate-degrading bacteria. But if you have a compromised gut flora due to a low-nutrient diet, nutrient deficiencies, antibiotic-use, gene mutations, liver or kidney problems, or chronic stress, your body will have a difficult time eliminating oxalates properly. If you are eating too many high-oxalate foods, it can lead to a build-up of oxalates followed by a list of symptoms and health consequences (2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Symptoms of Excess Oxalates

Excess oxalates and your body’s inability to handle it can result in poor mineral absorption, inflammation, a compromised immune system, oxidative stress, poor mitochondrial function, cellular and tissue damage, and histamine release. This can result in an array of symptoms and health issues (8).

Symptoms of excess oxalates may include:

• Chronic pain
• Joint pain and arthritis
• Muscle pain and burning
• Fibromyalgia
• Interstitial cystitis
• Vulvodynia 
• Oxalate arthropathy
• Kidney stones
• Urinary pain and bladder/urethral irritation
• Headaches and migraines
• Itchy skin, rashes, and skin issues
• Allergies 
• Candida
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia and sleep troubles
• Bone loss and teeth weakening
• Mineral deficiencies

Sources of Oxalates

There are two kinds of oxalates your body may encounter: endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous oxalates come from within. Your body’s capability to create oxalates depends on your genetics and nutritional deficiencies. Deficiencies in vitamin B1 and B6 can increase oxalate production making it very important that you reduce your risk of vitamin B deficiencies. 

Exogenous oxalates come from food that you eat and from your gut microbes. If you are experiencing symptoms of oxalate intolerance, it is important that you remove high-oxalate foods from your diet. Oxalates are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains, but not all of them are equally high in them (8). 

High-oxalate foods include:

• Berries
• Kiwis
• Figs
• Purple grapes
• Potatoes
• Rhubarb
• Okra
• Beets
• Spinach
• Leeks
• Swiss chards
• Celery
• Plantains
• Sweet potatoes
• Olives
• Peanuts
• Cashews
• Almonds
• Soy products
• Wheat germ
• Quinoa
• Bran flakes
• Buckwheat
• Cacao
• Cocoa
• Chocolate
• Tea

What Are Salicylates

Salicylates are a group of chemicals. They are derived from salicylic acid. In natural forms, they are found in plant foods. They can also be found in cosmetic products, aspirin, toothpaste, medications, and food preservatives, usually in synthetic forms. They act as natural pesticides defending plants. In their natural forms, they are very important as they help to protect your body from fungus, insects, and other harmful elements.

High-salicylate foods and products don’t cause a problem for everyone, but in some, they can lead to salicylate intolerance and consequent symptoms and health issues. In a healthy body, your liver helps to detoxify excess salicylates, however, sluggish liver function may increase your risk of salicylate intolerance. Salicylates work similarly to oxalates. If your body reaches a high salicylate load and your body is unable to break all the excess salicylates down. Excess salicylates can also lead to an overproduction of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators that can increase your risk of a variety of health issues, including asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. This can also lead to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase production. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that regulates leukotrienes production. This vicious cycle caused by salicylates can lead to an array of symptoms (9, 10, 11).

Symptoms of Excess Salicylates

Excess salicylates work very similarly in your body as excess oxalates. They can lead to inflammation, a compromised immune system, oxidative stress, poor mitochondrial function, cellular and tissue damage, and histamine release (more on that soon!). This can result in a list of symptoms and health issues (8).

Symptoms of excess salicylates may include:

• Sinus infections
• Stuffy nose
• Inflammation
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Gas
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Hives and skin issues
• Tissue swelling
• Colitis
• Gallbladder problems
• Breast pain
• Yeast infections
• Blood sugar issues
• Racing pulse and heart palpitations
• Ulcers
• Chronic sweating
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Dizziness
• Depression and anxiety
• Insomnia and poor sleep

Sources of Salicylates

Salicylates are found in plant foods, however, not all plant foods are high in salicylates. Some high-salicylate foods are also high in oxalates and/or histamine (8).

High-salicylate foods include:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Chilli
• Winter squash
• Broccoli
• Eggplant
• Sweet potatoes
• Cucumber
• Corn
• Spinach
• Dark leafy greens
• Seaweed
• Most herbs and spices
• Avocadoes
• Apples
• Melon
• Cherries
• Grapefruits
• Watermelon
• Most other fruits
• Food preservatives

Other than fruits, many commercial cosmetics and body products, including skin exfoliators, facewash, acne products, perfumes, and toothpaste contain salicylic acid, which is high in salicylates. If you have salicylate intolerance, it is important that you pay attention to these products as well. Since commercial cosmetics are high in toxins and promote histamine intolerance, even if salicylates are less of an issue for your body, I recommend that you remove all conventional body and beauty products, and replace them with organic, natural, and home-made alternatives.

Moreover, certain medications, including aspirin and over-the-counter drugs for digestion like Pepto-Bismol are high in salicylates. I recommend that you rely on safer natural support strategies to reduce your symptoms. Working with a functional medicine practitioner, like myself, can help you navigate this arena, uncover the root causes of your symptoms, and help safe and natural options to support your health and well-being. 

Oxalate, Salicylate, and Histamine Intolerance

As you may notice, many symptoms of histamine intolerance overlap with symptoms of oxalate and/or salicylate intolerance. Certain high-histamine foods, such as spinach, are also high in oxalates and salicylates, but not all high-histamine, high-oxalate, and high-salicylate foods overlap. While many people notice improvements in their histamine intolerance symptoms after removing high-histamine foods, those with oxalate and salicylate intolerance also have to pay attention to high-oxalate and high-salicylate foods. But what is the connection between histamine, oxalates, and salicylates? It’s your gut! Let’s talk about it.

Gut health is critical for your overall health and well-being. It also plays a critical role in histamine intolerance. Leaky gut syndrome, gut infections, and nutrient deficiencies are some of the major causes of histamine intolerance. Moreover, histamine intolerance often manifests with gut health symptoms.

If you have a healthy gut, it will resist the absorption of oxalates and salicylates. However, if you are dealing with leaky gut syndrome and gut microbiome imbalance, it will be difficult. While a healthy gut microbiome has plenty of Oxalobacter formigenes to take care of excess oxalates, antibiotic use, a poor diet, and poor lifestyle choices can disrupt the healthy balance of your gut microbiome causing gut dysbiosis. If your body doesn’t have enough Oxalobacter formigenes, but has too many bad gut microbes, it won’t be able to get rid of excess oxalates.

Poor gut health may also result in poor digestion and inadequate bile flow. Bile is essential for fat absorption. In a healthy gut, oxalates bind with calcium forming calcium oxalate and eventually get released through bowel movements. However, due to poor bile formation and too much fat, calcium will bind to fat instead and your body will end up absorbing too many oxalates. Once oxalates are absorbed, there are two options. They either need to be removed with the help of your kidneys or your body needs to store them. The problem is that oxalates can bind to certain minerals, including magnesium, iron, copper, potassium, and calcium, and influence your metabolism, mitochondrial function, and inflammation levels.

Furthermore, yeast and mold can also create oxalates. An overgrowth of yeast and mold can lead to high oxalate as well. Mold and yeast can, however, also trigger histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). It can also increase inflammation in the body, lead to poor gut health, and cause leaky gut syndrome. Inflammation and gut issues can further feed your body’s inability to take care of access histamines, oxalates, and salicylates.

Salicylate intolerance develops a very similar way to oxalate intolerance. Poor gut health may decrease your body’s ability to take care of excess salicylates. Poor liver function may inhibit the removal of salicylate buildup. Salicylate buildup, however, can trigger histamine inflammation, triggering further gut health issues, leaky gut syndrome, and histamine intolerance. 

Leaky gut syndrome and gut health issues can lead to histamine intolerance, oxalate intolerance, and salicylate intolerance. On the other hand, histamine, oxalate, and salicylate buildup all lead to further inflammation, gut health issues, and leaky gut. As you can see, this can cause a never-ending vicious cycle, and it is important that you address all three issues to improve your health (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11).

Solutions for Oxalate, Salicylate, and Histamine Intolerance

If you have histamine intolerance, dealing with symptoms of oxalate and salicylate build-up, and want to improve your health naturally, I have some simple natural solutions for you. This is what I recommend to my patients with histamine intolerance, oxalate intolerance, and salicylate intolerance.

Follow a Low-Histamine Diet

To improve histamine intolerance, I recommend that you eat an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense, and low-histamine diet. I recommend that you eliminate histamine foods for one to three months, then slowly re-introduce them one by one following The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan. Along with dietary changes, it’s important that you eliminate toxic personal care and cleaning products as well and instead use organic, natural, or homemade products.

The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan is a simple yet refined system, so it is critical that you understand and follow each step properly. To understand each step and guide your recovery, I recommend that you read my book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan: Getting to the Root of Migraines, Eczema, Vertigo, Allergies and More where I explain everything about histamine intolerance and each phase of the plan in detail and share delicious low-histamine recipes to nourish your body and support your health. Pick up a copy, today to learn more about the plan and my recommendations.

Follow a Low-Oxalate Diet

If you suspect that oxalates may be one of the culprits behind your symptoms, removing high-oxalate foods is very important. However, it is critical that you decrease your oxalate intake gradually. Removing all high-oxalate foods and lowering your intake too suddenly can lead to something called ‘dumping’, which means that oxalates are exciting your body too quickly. ‘Dumping’ can lead to increased symptoms. Lower your high-oxalate food intake slowly until you eliminate them. Once you’ve removed high-oxalate foods from your diet, stay on a low-oxalate plan for 2 to 3 weeks. Pay attention to your symptoms and see if you notice any reduction of symptoms or notice your symptoms disappearing. 

After this eliminating phase, you may try to reintroduce high-oxalate foods into your diet, similar to the reintroduction phase in my The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan. If you notice that your symptoms have reduced or disappeared during the elimination phase but are returning during reintroduction, it means that oxalates are a problem for you, and you need to remove high-oxalate foods.

Follow a Low-Salicylate Diet

If you suspect that salicylates may be one of the causes of your symptoms, removing high-oxalate foods is very important. Unlike oxalates, salicylates don’t cause ‘dumping’ and you can remove high-salicylate foods right away. Stay on a low-salicylate meal plan for 2 to 3 weeks and watch your symptoms. If salicylates are a problem for you, you should notice your symptoms decrease or disappear. 

After this eliminating phase, you may try to reintroduce high-salicylate foods into your diet, similar to the reintroduction phase in my The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan. If you notice that your symptoms have reduced or disappeared during the elimination phase but are returning during reintroduction, it means that salicylates are a problem for you, and you need to remove high-oxalate foods. Along with these dietary changes, it’s important that you eliminate toxic personal care products with salicylic acid as well and instead use organic, natural, or homemade products.

Support Your Liver 

Your liver is critical for supporting the elimination of excess histamine, oxalates, and salicylates. This is why I recommend Optimal Reset Liver Love. This supplement is a powerful blend of botanical and mushroom extracts and N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC), a derivative of the amino acid cysteine. It supports healthy liver function, allows optimal estrogen detoxification, and supports your hormonal health naturally.

Support Your Gut

Since histamine intolerance, oxalate intolerance, and salicylate intolerance are all connected to your gut health, microbiome imbalance, and leaky gut syndrome, supporting your gut is essential for your recovery and well-being. Along with a gut-friendly, low-histamine, anti-inflammatory diet, I recommend that you take a high-quality probiotics supplement, to support your gut microbiome balance.

Reduce Histamine Intolerance

To improve histamine intolerance, I also recommend HistoRelief, a synergistic blend of nutrients that provides natural support to balance your immune response. This supplement includes Tinofend®, a patented and clinically researched extract derived from the plant Tinospora cordifolia, which is used for its powerful ability to support immune regulation and immune response. It also features quercetin, nettle leaf, vitamin C, and bicarbonate salts. Quercetin is a fantastic bioflavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that naturally inhibits histamine release. 

Final Thoughts

Histamine intolerance, oxalate intolerance, and salicylate intolerance have several common symptoms. They are also connected as they may all be all triggered by an unhealthy gut and lead to one another. To regain your health, it is important that you are addressing all three issues at the same time. Follow my tips to repair your body, improve your health, and reclaim your life.

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance, oxalate intolerance, or salicylate intolerance, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

 

 

Sources:

1. Maintz L, Novak N, Histamine and histamine intolerance, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1185–1196. Link Here

2. Your health education. Low oxalate diet. UPMC. Link Here

3. Barr-Beare E, Saxena V, Hilt EE, Thomas-White K, Schober M, et al. (2015) The Interaction between Enterobacteriaceae and Calcium Oxalate Deposits. PLOS ONE 10(10): e0139575. Link Here

4. Brzica H, Breljak D, Burckhardt BC, Burckhardt G, Sabolic I. Oxalate: from the environment to kidney stones. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2013;64:609–30. Link Here

5. Chai W, Liebman M, Kynast-Gales S, Massey L. Oxalate absorption and endogenous oxalate synthesis from ascorbate in calcium oxalate stone formers and non-stone formers. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004;44:1060–9. Link Here

6. Massey LK, Roman-Smith H, Sutton RA. Effect of dietary oxalate and calcium on urinary oxalate and risk of formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. J Am Diet Assoc. 1993 Aug;93(8):901-6. Link Here

7. Embi A, Scherlag BJ, Embi PJ, Menes M, Po SS. Targeted cellular ionic calcium chelation by oxalates: Implications for the treatment of tumor cells. Cancer Cell Int. 2012 Dec 8;12(1):51. doi: 10.1186/1475-2867-12-51. PMID: 23216811

8. The Oxalates and Salyclicates Food List. Link Here 

9. Duthie GG, Wood AD. Natural salicylates: foods, functions and disease prevention. Food Funct. 2011 Sep;2(9):515-20. Link Here

10. Sharma JN, Mohammed LA. The role of leukotrienes in the pathophysiology of inflammatory disorders: is there a case for revisiting leukotrienes as therapeutic targets? Inflammopharmacology. 2006 Mar;14(1-2):10-6.  Link Here

11. Szczeklik A, Sanak M, Nizankowska-Mogilnicka E, Kiełbasa B. Aspirin intolerance and the cyclooxygenase-leukotriene pathways. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2004 Jan;10(1):51-6.  Link Here

 

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by Peter Saydak

Top 7 Herbs for Immune Support

Your immune system is your friend and protector. You have to support it so it can support your body and protect you from illness. The cold and flu season is approaching and we are in the midst of a pandemic. A healthy immune system is more important than ever. The good news is that supporting your immune system naturally is simple. There are several powerful herbs that can help.

In this article, you will learn about the importance of a healthy immune system. You will understand what factors can compromise your immune health and how to support your immune system through dietary and lifestyle strategies. I will share my top 7 herbs for immune support and better health and introduce my new immune-support supplement.

Importance of a Healthy Immune System

Your immune system is your friend and personal security guard that wants to protect you from illnesses and infections. It is absolutely essential for your health and well-being - and frankly, your survival. 

Your immune system is a complex network of cells and tissues. They have one goal in mind: to protect you. They are on a constant lookout for invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or other harm. Your immune system is always ready to safeguard you through an immune response. When cold and flu season hits or you encounter any other pathogens, your immune system’s job to defend you, reduce your risk of infection, illness, or disease, and support your recovery if you get sick.

It is no wonder that your immune system’s health is absolutely critical for your overall health. A compromised immune system becomes sluggish and slow to respond. It simply cannot protect you properly, which leaves you vulnerable to infections, illness, and disease. It is important that you understand what factor can compromise your immune system and how to protect it (1, 2, 3, 4).

Things That Can Compromise Your Immune System

There are a variety of dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors that can compromise and hurt your immune system, including (5, 6, 7):

• Poor diet 
• Poor sleep 
• Dehydration
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Chronic stress
• Environmental toxins

Lifestyle Strategies for Immune Support

There are a variety of lifestyle strategies that you can employ to support your immune system, including:

• Remove immune-compromising foods, such as refined sugar, refined carbs, refined oils, processed foods, artificial ingredients, deep-fried foods.
• Eat plenty of immune-supporting foods, such as greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, healthy fats, and clean animal protein. 
• Drink at least 10 glasses of purified water a day.
• Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night.
• Exercise and move your body regularly.
• Spend time in nature and get plenty of sunshine.
• Reduce your stress levels.
• Improve your indoor air-quality through air-filtration and removing any mold.
• Remove chemical-filled conventional products and choosing organic, natural, and home-made alternatives.
• Remove or reduce the use of plastic and opt for glass, bamboo, wood, stainless steel, ceramics, or cloth products instead.
• Add immune-supporting herbs and superfoods to your life. (Read on to learn more!)

7 Best Herbs for Immune Support

Eating a healthy diet, practicing healthy lifestyle strategies is incredibly important for your immune system. There are also a variety of herbs and superfoods that you can supplement with for maximum immune support. Here is what I recommend to boost your immune system:

Echinacea

Echinacea is a purple coneflower that has been used as an herbal remedy during cold and flu season. It is high in antioxidants and is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. 

A 2007 meta-analysis of 14 studies on echinacea has found that using echinacea may lower your risk of getting a cold by over 50 percent. Another meta-analysis from 2015 has found that echinacea may also reduce the re-occurrence and complications of viral respiratory infections. To experience the benefits of echinacea and support your immune system during cold and flu season, I recommend drinking echinacea tea regularly. You may try supplementing with echinacea-containing immune supplements for extra benefits (8, 9).

Astragalus Extract

Astragalus, also known as huáng qí or milkvetch, is an herb that has been used in Chinese medicine as an herbal remedy. While there are over 2,000 types of astragalus, only two species are used in supplements for their health benefits. It is used for immune support, upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart health, and chronic kidney disease. 

Astragalus helps your immune system to protect you from harmful pathogens. Research has shown that it may boost white blood cell production and reduce the risk of illness. Various studies have demonstrated its potential ability to fight viral and bacterial infections. It may also help to reduce symptoms of season allergies, such as the runny nose and sinus congestion. It may also help to reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies, including runny nose and sinus congestion. It is available as a supplement (10, 11, 12,, 13, 14, 15).

Andrographis

Andrographis, also called the Indian echinacea, are a powerful herb used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. The active compound of andrographis is called andrographolides are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It has been used for infections, sinus infections, parasites, allergies, skin issues, and a list of other ailments. 

According to 2014 research, Andrographis can be safely used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and antioxidant benefits. According to a 2017 meta-analysis, it may be effective for relieving upper-respiratory-tract symptoms. It is available in capsule and tincture format and as part of certain immune supplements (16, 17).

Green Tea Extract

Green tea is a delicious tea traditionally used in China and Japan but is enjoyed all around the world. It is well-known for its powerful antioxidant properties. According to a 2009 review, green tea has powerful antimicrobial properties that may inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria and protect your body from infections and illness. Not to mention that sipping on a hot cup of green tea can be very soothing in cold and flu season. The only problem with green tea is caffeine for some.

While for many people, drinking green tea is not a problem. For those with histamine intolerance, the caffeine content of green tea can be an issue. This is where green tea extract comes in. Green tea is known to decrease the DAO enzyme that breaks down histamine. However, green tea extract removes caffeine from green tea making it safe for those with histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). According to a 2014 study on mast cell stabilizing and anti-anaphylactic activities of green tea extract, green tea extract can work like ketotifen, a mast cell stabilizing drug and it may be beneficial for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Green tea extract may help to lower your histamine levels and reduce symptoms of MCAS. 

If you have histamine intolerance or MCAS, I recommend that you stay away from green tea in a liquid tea form. However, I highly recommend green tea extract as a safe and histamine intolerance-friendly immune-support. Make sure to buy high-quality supplements using safe extraction practices, such as the Swiss Water Process, as cheaper supplements may use chemicals during extraction leaving a chemical residue (18, 19, 20, 21, 22). 

Arabinogalactan

Arabinogalactan is a fiber found in plants, specifically in higher concentrations in North-American larch trees. Arabinogalactan helps to activate your immune cells and supports your healthy immune function. It also helps to promote healthy bacteria for your digestive system, which is highly beneficial for your immune function.

Arabinogalactan has been used for a variety of infections, including the common cold, the seasonal flu, and the H1N1 (swine) flu. A 2016 review of mechanistic and clinical trials have found that it may be a promising support agent for your immune system and a beneficial supplement for the common cold. It is available in supplement forms (23, 24).

Medicinal Mushroom Extract

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine, however, they only became popular in the recent decades in the West. Though each mushroom has its own unique healing properties, they all offer some benefits for your immune system. My favorite medicinal mushrooms for immune support include cordyceps, shitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms.

Cordyceps is also called the caterpillar mushrooms. According to a 2011 research paper, it has been used for colds and the flu, and various other ailments. Shitake mushrooms are often used in stews and soups. A 2015 study has found that they offer antiviral and anticancer properties. Maitake is a popular Japanese mushroom. According to a 2003 study, it offers immune-enhancing benefits by activating your natural killer (NK) cells. Reishi is one of the most popular medicinal mushrooms often found in superfood powders and mushroom tea mixes. According to a 2009 study, it offers anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits. All these medicinal mushrooms can be found in extract forms as part of supplements, superfood powders, and tea mixes (25, 26, 27, 28, 29).

Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a natural polysaccharide. They are found in the cells of fungi, bacteria, yeast, algae, lichen, oats, and barley. It is a natural immuno-modulator that helps to create changes in your immune system to make it more efficient. It can activate every immune cell in your body to achieve a complete, effective, and appropriate immune response to protect your self. It basically puts your immune cells on ‘high alert’ so they are ready to fight invaders.

According to a 2007 study, beta-glucans can be highly beneficial for your immune system. According to a 2011 study, beta-glucans have the ability to fight infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and pathogenic microorganisms. Beta-glucans are available form (30, 31).

Try Ultimate Immune Support

Do you want to support your immune health with these immune support herbs? I am happy to announce that I now have my own supplement to offer you maximum immune support.

Ultimate Immune Support is a powerful herbal formula specifically designed to support healthy immune system function during cold and flu season and protect during stressful or vulnerable times. This immune-enhancing herbal formula supports your normal natural killer (NK) cell activity and helps to balance your cytokines, which are regulatory proteins released by your immune cells to support a healthy immune system response. 

This formula is powered by my favorite immune-supporting herbs and superfoods, including echinacea, astragalus extract, Andrographis, green tea extract, arabinogalactan, cordyceps mushrooms, shitake mushroom, maitake mushrooms, reishi mushrooms, and beta-glucan. Ultimate Immune Support contains optimal and consistent amounts of active ingredients of these herbs and superfoods. It is also suitable and beneficial for those with histamine intolerance or MCAS. I recommend taking four capsules a day with meals for maximum support or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner. I always recommend starting slow and titrating up as tolerated whenever starting a new supplement.

Final Thoughts

Your immune health is more important than ever. If you are not taking care of it, your immune system will be sluggish and can’t protect you. If you take care of it, your immune system will love you back and protect you from illness and infections. Follow my tips and try my favorite immune-supporting herbs to protect your immune system this season.

If you want to learn how to protect your immune system, dealing with unexplained chronic symptoms, or experiencing symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, histamine intolerance, or other chronic conditions, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

Sources:

1. The immune system. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Link Here

2. How does the immune system work. NCBI. Link Here

3. Understanding the immune system: How it works. Science Education. Link Here

4. Overview of the immune system. National Insitute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Link Here

5. University of Utah Health Sciences. (2009, August 18). Does Sugar Feed Cancer? ScienceDaily

6. Mullington JM, Simpson NS, Meier-Ewert HK, Haack M. Sleep Loss and Inflammation. Best practice & research Clinical endocrinology & metabolism. 2010;24(5):775-784

7. Kjaer A, Knigge U, Rouleau A, Garbarg M, Warberg J.Dehydration-induced release of vasopressin involves activation of hypothalamic histaminergic neurons. Endocrinology. 1994 Aug;135(2):675-81. PMID: 8033816

8. Shah, S. A., Sander, S., White, C. M., Rinaldi, M., & Coleman, C. I. (2007). Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common colds: a meta-analysis. Lancet Infectious Diseases. PMID: 17597571

9. Schapowal, A., Klein, P., & Johnston, S. L. (2015). Echinacea Reduces the Risk of Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections and Complications: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Advances in Therapy. PMID: 25784510

10. Astragalus. NIH. Link HEre

11. Block KI, Mead MN. Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003;2(3):247-267. Link Here

12. Gao XH, Xu XX, Pan R, et al. Saponin fraction from Astragalus membranaceus roots protects mice against polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture by inhibiting inflammation and upregulating protein C pathway. J Nat Med. 2009;63(4):421-429. Link Here

13. Astragalus membranaceus. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2003;8(1):72-77. Link Here

McCulloch M, Broffman M, Gao J, Colford JM Jr. Chinese herbal medicine and interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials. Am J Public Health. 2002;92(10):1619-1628. Link Here

14. Tang LL, Sheng JF, Xu CH, Liu KZ. Clinical and experimental effectiveness of Astragali compound in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B. J Int Med Res. 2009;37(3):662-667. Link Here

15. Matkovic Z, Zivkovic V, Korica M, Plavec D, Pecanic S, Tudoric N. Efficacy and safety of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2010;24(2):175-181. Link Here

16. Okhuarobo A, Falodun JE, Erharuyi O, Imieje V, Falodun A, Langer P. Harnessing the medicinal properties of Andrographis paniculata for diseases and beyond: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014 Jun;4(3):213–22. doi: 17.1016/S2222-1808(14)60509-0. PMCID: PMC4032030

Hu XY. Andrographis paniculata (Chuān Xīn Lián) for symptomatic relief of acute respiratory tract infections in adults and children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Plos One. Link Here

18. Taylor PW, Hamilton-Miller JM, Stapleton PD. Antimicrobial properties of green tea catechins. Food Sci Technol Bull. 2005;2:71-81. doi: 10.1616/1476-2137.14184. PMID: 19844590

19. Maeda-Yamamoto M. Human clinical studies of tea polyphenols in allergy or life style-related diseases. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6148-6155. Link Here

20. Balaji G. Mast cell stabilizing and anti-anaphylactic activity of aqueous extract of green tea (Camellia sinensis). International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine. Volume 2, Issue 1, June 2014, Pages 89-94. Link Here

21.Benefuki Japanese green tea naturally heals MCAD. Link Here

22. What about coffee, black tea…? Histamine Pirate. Link Here

23. Larch arabinogalactan. WebMD. Link Here

24. Dion C, Chappuis E, Ripoll C. Does larch arabinogalactan enhance immune function? A review of mechanistic and clinical trials. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2016 Apr 12;13:28. doi: 10.1186/s12986-016-0086-x. PMID: 27073407

25. Panda AK, Swain KC. Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2011 Jan;2(1):9-13. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.78183. PMID: 21731381

26. Dudhgaonkar S, Thyagarajan A, Sliva D. Suppression of the inflammatory response by triterpenes isolated from the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. Int Immunopharmacol. 2009;9(11):1272-1280. Link Here

27. Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015;34(6):478-487. Link Here

28. Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the activation of NK cells in cancer patients. J Med Food. 2003;6(4):371-377. Link Here

29. Guggenheim AG, Wright KM, Zwickey HL. Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms: Application to Integrative Oncology. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014 Feb;13(1):32-44. PMID: 26770080

30. Akramiene D, Kondrotas A, Didziapetriene J, Kevelaitis E. Effects of beta-glucans on the immune system. Medicina (Kaunas). 2007;43(8):597-606. Link Here

31. Kim HS, Hong JT, Kim Y, Han SB. Stimulatory Effect of β-glucans on Immune Cells. Immune Netw. 2011 Aug;11(4):191-5. doi: 10.4110/in.2011.11.4.191. Epub 2011 Aug 31. PMID: 22039366

 

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by Peter Saydak

How to Improve Estrogen Imbalance Naturally

You probably remember estrogen from high school health class. It is one of your primary female sex hormones and it plays a critical role in your hormonal health. Estrogen imbalance can lead to an array of symptoms and health issues, including premenstrual symptoms, menstrual problems, endometriosis, infertility, headaches, and fatigue. If you are dealing with symptoms of estrogen and hormonal imbalance, you will be happy to hear that you can improve estrogen imbalance naturally. 

In this article, I will explain what estrogen is and what are the three major types of estrogen. You will learn more about estrogen imbalance and estrogen dominance. You will understand potential problems with hormonal medications and xenoestrogens. I will explain how estrogen metabolism works. I will share the testing method I recommend for your estrogen levels and share my top natural solutions for estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalance.

What Is Estrogen

Estrogen is one of your primary female sex hormones along with progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. It is also responsible for secondary sex characteristics. It plays a critical role in your hormonal and overall health.

3 Major Types of Estrogen

You may not be aware that there is more than one type of estrogen you need to know about. Let’s look at the three main types of estrogen that affect your body (1):

• Estrone (E1): Estrone is a form of estrogen that is produced during menopause by your liver and fat cells. The problem is that a variety of toxins, including xenoestrogens, heavy metals, and pollutants are also stored in your liver and fat cells if your body has high levels of toxins, your estrones may be contaminated or altered as well.
• Estradiol (E2): Estradiol is a form of estrogen that’s created in your ovaries. It is critical for your energy levels, sex drive, pleasure, sleep, skin, hair, and bones. By supporting your mucous membranes, it also helps to moisturize your vagina, gastrointestinal tract, skin, lips, and eyes. While estradiol is important for your health, since it acts as a growth stimulator hormone, if you have too much of it, it may increase your risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
• Estriol (E3): Estriol is a form of estrogen that’s made in your liver and breast cells, as well as by the placenta during pregnancy. It helps to regulate which cells get turned on or off to estrogen and can regulate cellular growth factors and other forms of estrogen. It may reduce estradiol in your body, hence play a role in protection against breast cancer.

Having a healthy ratio of these three forms of estrogens is critical for your health. In a healthy body, you should have about 90 percent estriol, 7 percent estradiol, and 3 percent estrone, which is commonly referred to as the Tri-Estrogen Formula.

 

The Problem with Estrogen Imbalance

As you know, elevated estradiol can become a problem and may increase your risk of cancer. However, low estradiol levels can be harmful to your body as well. 

One of the main roles of estradiol is to increase your serotonin levels naturally. When your estrogen levels are out of balance and your estradiol levels are too low, it means that your serotonin levels will drop too. This will push your adrenals into overdrive to create more norepinephrine (Nr) and epinephrine (Ep) to balance your mood. 

The problem is that if your adrenals are already weak due to chronic stress or other health issues, your epinephrine levels will decrease and your body won’t be able to find its balance. Low serotonin can lead to headaches, fatigue, depression, insomnia, hot flashes, and low sex drive. An imbalance between norepinephrine and epinephrine may result in anxiety, insomnia, and hot flashes. Clearly, an imbalance doesn’t only disrupt your hormonal health, but affects your mental health and energy levels as well (2).

What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance means that you have elevated levels of estrogen or hormone imbalances in your body. Estrogen dominance can develop in both women (progesterone/estrogen) and men (testosterone/estrogen) (3, 4).

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance may result in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
• Endometriosis
• Menstrual cramps
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Decreased libido
• Headaches
• Depression
• Excessive menstruation
• Uterine fibroids
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Thyroid issues
• Breast, uterine, ovarian, prostate, or colon cancer

The Cause of Estrogen Dominance

There are a variety of factors that may increase your risk of estrogen dominance and related symptoms, including (5):

• Chronic stress
• High body fat and obesity
• Poor diet high in inflammatory, refined, and processed foods and low in greens, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and clean protein
• Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens)

Estrogen Dominance and Histamine Intolerance

Estrogen dominance and histamine intolerance share some common symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and abnormal menstrual function. Estrogen and histamine also attach to the same receptors (H1), which will result in the release of histamine from your mast cells present near your reproductive organs. 

The more estrogen your body has, the more histamine your mast cells will release. More histamine, however, will lead to more estrogen feeding a vicious cycle of estrogen dominance and histamine intolerance. If you are dealing with estrogen dominance, it is best to check for and address possible histamine intolerance as well. To learn more about the connection between estrogen dominance and histamine intolerance, I recommend reading this article (6).

Estrogen Dominance and Thyroid Disease

Your body is a holistic system where nothing happens in isolation. If you have one hormonal imbalance, it affects your other hormones as well. It is not surprising that if you are dealing with estrogen dominance or estrogen imbalance, it will affect thyroid hormones and increase your risk of Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid cancer, and other thyroid conditions. 

When it comes to estrogen and your thyroid, both too much and too little estrogen can lead to thyroid problems. Estrogen triggers your thyroid to create thyroglobulin, a thyroid precursor hormone. Too little estrogen will result in too little thyroglobulin, while too much estrogen can cause too much thyroglobulin creating an enlarged thyroid. Furthermore, estrogen also helps to increase the specific protein that transports your thyroid hormones in your blood. Too much of this protein can cause hypothyroidism even if you have appropriate levels of thyroid hormones.

Appropriate progesterone levels are also necessary for thyroid health. Progesterone and your thyroid hormone have a mutually beneficial relationship. Progesterone is essential for your thyroid health, but thyroid hormones are also important for your ovaries and progesterone production. Progesterone can help to lower the amount of protein that carries thyroid in your blood and can also increase your thyroid hormone levels. Essentially, it helps to counteract the effects of estrogen and to bring balance to your body. A healthy estrogen-progesterone balance is critical for your thyroid health.

If you have too much estrogen due to estrogen dominance, it may lead to overstimulation and overproduction of thyroid hormones leading to hypothyroidism. Excess estrogen may also cause elevation of your thyroid-stimulation hormones (TSH) and thyroid antibodies and increase inflammation wish further damage your thyroid. To learn more about the connection between estrogen dominance and thyroid disease, I recommend reading this article (7, 8, 9, 10).

Problems with Hormonal Replacement

The answer from conventional medicine for hormonal concerns is prescription medications. The problem is that these hormonal replacement medications, hormonal contraceptives, and other hormone therapies can overwhelm your body with an unnatural amount of hormones. This can lead to a variety of health issues including (11, 12):

• Reduced receptor site: Your body may try to protect you from too much hormone interaction by reducing cell receptor sites leading to poor cellular sensitivity.
• Altered hormone regulation: Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland are crucial for controlling hormone secretion. If your brain finds that there isn’t enough of a certain hormone, it will signal your hormonal cells for more production, however, when it notices too many hormones due to hormone replacement medications, it will prompt your body to slow down hormone production.
• Increased liver stress: Excessive hormone production and hormone activity can be particularly difficult for your liver. If it’s unable to keep up with removing the excess from your body, it can lead to inflammation, digestion issues, lowered immunity, high cholesterol, metabolic issues, low energy, and toxicity.
• Toxic estrogen accumulation: Poor liver function due to hormonal excess or other health issues can make it difficult to adequately break down old and excess hormones leading to estrogen metabolic accumulation and increased risk of ovarian cysts, endometriosis, breast cancer, cervical dysplasia, thyroid disorders, prostate issues, menopause, and andromenopause.
• Unaddressed hormonal issues: If we are addressing your hormonal imbalance with hormonal medications, we are not addressing the root cause that is leading to the hormonal deficiency itself. While in some cases a more natural approach of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be part of your treatment, it is important that your and your healthcare provider’s main goal is to address the root cause of your health concerns and maintain hormonal balance without the use of bio-identical medications or other medication.

The Problem with Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are artificial compounds that have estrogenic effects but are different from naturally occurring estrogen. They are hormone-mimicking compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen and contribute to estrogen excess or prevent the beneficial effects of natural estrogen in your body. Xenoestrogens may be hiding in your tap water, pesticides, herbicidal, conventional cleaning, cosmetics, nail polish, hair dye, personal body care products, canned food, dental sealants, food dyes, birth control pills, medical devices, building materials, home furnishing, laundry products, and air fresheners. They are endocrine disruptors that enter your fat cells, are difficult to break down, but may increase your risk of hormonal and other health issues (13, 14).

Estrogen Metabolism

There are human estrogens that occur naturally in your body (estriol, estradiol, estrone) and synthetic estrogens come from medication. When we talk about estrogen and the problems with hormonal replacement therapy and hormonal medications, we must address the fact that human estrogens and synthetic estrogens metabolize differently. The metabolization of synthetic estrogen can increase the risk of various health issues.

Estrogens are metabolized in two phases, hydroxylation and methylation or detoxification. Detoxification can occur through three pathways. While the pathway that human estrogens, estradiol and estrone, go through are optimal for your health, the other two pathways hold certain health risks (15, 16, 17):

• 2-Hydroxy Pathway: Estradiol and estrone go through the same 2-pathway (2-hydroxy) for detoxification. First, estrone is converted into 2-Hydroxyestrone, then goes through a detoxification phase called methylation. This is optimal and holds the lowest risk for cancer and health issues. 
• 16-Hydroxy Pathway: Another pathway is a 16-pathway (16-hydroxy) process where estrone is converted into 16-Hydroxyestrone, but then it gets turned into estriol, a weak estrogen. This pathway is less optimal and holds a higher risk of obesity, hypothyroidism, inflammation, and pesticide toxicity. 
• 4-Hydroxy Pathway: The last estrogen metabolism pathway is a 4-pathway (4-hydroxy). Estrone is being hydroxylated into 4-hydroxy estrone, then goes through methylation. This process can turn into a problem if methylation is inadequate leading to a build-up and an increased of cancer.

The good news is that through testing, we are able to measure individual estrogens and hydroxy and methoxy metabolites in your body. This helps us to assess your hormonal health and your risk of cancer and other health issues associated with unhealthy estrogen metabolism.

 

Testing Your Estrogen Levels

I recommend testing your estrogen subtypes to help you discover your Estrogen Quotient (EQ) and uncover potential health issues and health risks. The higher your E3 is compared to your E1 and E2 levels, the lower your cancer risks may be. 

The formula is simple: Total E3 / (Total E1 + Total E2) = Your EQ. You want this number to be over 1.0. If your EQ is under 1.0, your risks of breast cancer are higher than those with a result under 1.0. A low EQ may also mean an increased risk of hormonal issues and autoimmune problems. The optimal EQ is over 1.5. 

To test your estrogen levels, I recommend a DUTCH Complete Hormone Panel. This comprehensive test not only allows us to look at your estrogen subtype levels, but to check your progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin levels, look at your complete adrenal profile, and understand your hormonal health better. 

Solutions for Estrogen Imbalance and Hormonal Health

If you are dealing with estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalance, you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable symptoms anymore. You can take control of your health through simple natural methods. Here is what I recommend:

Remove Xenoestrogens

Remove xenoestrogen containing products, including conventional cleaning, body, and beauty products, and choose natural and organic alternatives. Consult your doctor about getting off or reducing hormonal contraceptives and hormone-based prescription medications.

Follow a Low-Histamine Diet

Estrogen dominance and estrogen imbalance can lead to both histamine intolerance.

Following an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and nutrient-dense diet is important for your health. Reducing inflammation itself may help to reduce histamine-related symptoms. Reducing histamine may help to decrease histamine-related symptoms.

Remove inflammatory foods, including refined sugar, refined oils, canned and processed meat, artificial ingredients, junk food, and highly processed foods. Avoid high-histamine foods, such as fermented food (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, kombucha, etc.), aged food (e.g., aged cheese, processed meat, canned fish, etc.), over-ripe fruits and vegetables, leftovers, and foods that are naturally high in histamine (e.g., avocadoes, eggplant, spinach, dried fruits, etc.). Avoid foods that may trigger histamine releases, such as tomatoes, most citrus, bananas, most nuts, and dairy. Avoid foods that may block the DAO enzyme, including black tea, green tea, alcohol, and energy drinks. 

Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and low-histamine diet rich in greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, healthy fats, and organic meat. Low-histamine foods include most fresh leafy greens and vegetables, non-citrus fruits, such as apples, pear, papaya, and grapes, fresh grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, and wild-caught fish, olives, extra-virgin olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, leafy herbs, and herbal tea. My book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan includes an extensive list of foods that you can eat and should avoid on a low-histamine diet.

If you are new to a low-histamine diet, remember to have fun experimenting with new foods and recipes. I promise low-histamine meals can be delicious. I recommend all the low-histamine recipes in The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan and my new recipe book, Fifty One Low Histamine Air Fryer Recipes. They are all simple, easy to make, low-histamine, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and super healthy. Not to mention how delicious they are — your family will love them too.

Move Your Body

Exercise improves respiration, helps detoxification, and aids in mobilizing your fat stores. Mix up cardiovascular exercise, such as swimming, running, rebounding, biking, dancing, and aerobics, and strength training workouts, including weight lifting, bodyweight exercises, or TRX. Add low-impact exercises into your routine as well, such as yoga, pilates, Barre, water aerobics, stretching, and walking. Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes five days a week and move your body regularly. Stay active throughout the day by dancing to your favorite songs, taking a stroll in the park, stretching regularly, taking the stairs, and playing with your kids or pets.

Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep

Stress and poor sleep are major contributing factors to hormonal imbalance. I recommend practicing journaling, breathwork, meditation, yoga, time in nature, and positive affirmations for stress and anxiety reduction. Taking an Epsom salt bath is another great way to relax your muscles, calm your mind, and detoxify your body. Make sure to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night.

Improve Your Gut Health

Your gut health affects your entire body, including your hormonal health. Along with a gut-friendly anti-inflammatory diet, I recommend that you take high-quality probiotics supplement to support your gut flora balance. 

Take Care of Your Thyroid

Estrogen dominance and estrogen imbalance can also increase your risk of thyroid issues. I recommend that you work with a functional health practitioner to test your thyroid levels. If you have thyroid issues along with estrogen imbalance, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my other book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick.

Check Out the Health Babes’ Guide to Balancing Your Hormones

To learn more about your hormones and learn how to improve your hormonal health naturally, I recommend our book (co-authored by Dr. Krystal Hohn and myself) The Health Babes’ Guide to Balancing Your Hormones: A Detailed Plan with Recipes to Support Mood, Energy Levels, Libido, and More. This book is not only full of information but with an easy-to-follow plan and easy-to-make, delicious hormone-friendly recipes.

Final Thoughts

Estrogen plays a critical role in your hormonal health. Estrogen imbalance can lead to a number of symptoms and health issues, including premenstrual symptoms, menstrual problems, endometriosis, infertility, headaches, and fatigue. You don’t have to deal with the symptoms of estrogen imbalance anymore. Follow my natural solutions for estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalance to improve your health, regain your vitality, and reclaim your happiness.

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance and estrogen dominance, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here. I also recommend that you check out my Histamine Online Program.

 

Sources:

1. Estrogen. Hormone Health Network. Link Here

2. Biegon A, McEwen BS. Modulation by estradiol of serotonin receptors in brain. J Neurosci. 1982 Feb;2(2):199-205. PMID: 7199565

3. Prior JC. Progesterone for Symptomatic Perimenopause Treatment – Progesterone politics, physiology and potential for perimenopause. Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn. 2011;3(2):109-120. Link Here

4. Nelson LR, Bulun SE. Estrogen production and action. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001 Sep;45(3 Suppl):S116-24. PMID: 11511861

5. Dr. K News. Hormonal imbalances? Estrogen clearance is vital to healthy hormone function. https://drknews.com/hormonal-imbalances-estrogen-clearance-vital-healthy-hormone-function/. Accessed 7/27/19.

6. Zierau, O., Zenclussen, A. C., & Jensen, F. (2012). Role of sex hormones, estradiol and progesterone, in mast cell behavior. Frontiers in Immunology, 3(169). Link Here

7. Arduc A, Aycicek Dogan B, Bilmez S Imga Nasirouglu N, Tuna MM, Isik S, Berker D, Guler S. High prevalence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: does the imbalance between estradiol and progesterone play a role? Endocrine Research. 2015;40(4):204-210. PMID: 25822940

8. Manole D, Schildknecht B, Gosnell B, Adams E, Derwahl M. Estrogen Promotes Growth of Human Thyroid Tumor Cells by Different Molecular Mechanisms 1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2001;86(3):1072-1077. Link Here

9. Sathi P, Kalyan S, Hitchcock CL, Pudek M, Prior JC. Progesterone therapy increases free thyroxine levels – Data from a randomized placebo-controlled 12-week hot flush trial. Clinical Endocrinology. 2013;79(2):282-7. Link Here

10. Wang SH, Myc A, Koenig RJ, Bretz JD, Arscott PL, Baker JR. 2-methoxyestradiol, and exogenous estrogen metabolite, induces thyroid cell apoptosis. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology.2000;165(1-2):163-72 Link Here

11. Cuzick J. Is hormone replacement therapy safe for breast cancer patients? J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001 May 16;93(10):733-4. PMID: 11353776

12. Colditz GA. Relationship between estrogen levels, use of hormone replacement therapy, and breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1998 Jun 3;90(11):814-23. PMID: 9625169

13. Wozniak M, Murias M. [Xenoestrogens: endocrine disrupting compounds]. Ginekol Pol. 2008 Nov;79(11):785-90. Polish. PMID: 19140503

14. Dickerson SM, Gore AC. Estrogenic environmental endocrine-disrupting chemical effects on reproductive neuroendocrine function and dysfunction across the life cycle. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2007 Jun;8(2):143-59. PMID: 17674209

15. Zahid M, Kohli E, Saeed M, Rogan E, Cavalieri E. The greater reactivity of estradiol-3,4-quinone vs estradiol-2,3-quinone with DNA in the formation of depurinating adducts: implications for tumor-initiating activity. Chem Res Toxicol. 2006;19(1):164-172. Link Here

16. E. L. Cavalieri, D. E. Stack, P. D. Devanesan, R. Todorovic, I. Dwivedy, S. Higginbotham, S. L. Johansson, K. D. Patil, M. L. Gross, J. K. Gooden, R. Ramanathan, R. L. Cerny, E. G. Rogan

17.Molecular origin of cancer: Catechol estrogen-3,4-quinones as endogenous tumor initiators. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Sep 1997, 94 (20) 10937-10942. Link Here

18. Samavat H, Kurzer MS. Estrogen metabolism and breast cancer. Cancer Lett. 2015 Jan 28;356(2 Pt A):231-43. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.04.018. Epub 2014 Apr 28. PMID: 24784887

**This not medical advice just my opinion based on the research that I have done. Never replace the information in these articles with the advice of your doctor.**

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by Peter Saydak

What Are Histamines

You’ve seen the word histamine before on anti-histamine medications and creams for allergies and allergic reactions. Have you ever wondered what are histamines and what is their role in allergies? 

In this article, I will explain what histamines are and how the allergy response works. You will learn about the role of histamine when it comes to food and insect bites. If you are curious about histamine intolerance, along with a quick explanation, I will direct you to some resources and my 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan to help you regain your health, improve your well-being, and reclaim your happiness.

What Are Histamines?

Histamines are chemicals in your body that are responsible for a variety of functions. They are your personal security guard. When your body encounters an allergen, they get rid of them to protect you. This is one doctor commonly recommend anti-histamines for allergies and allergic reactions.

The thing about allergies is that some things you are allergic to, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, may seem harmless and are completely harmless to many people. But your personal immune system views them as a threat, gets triggered, and quickly responds with an allergic reaction leading to an array of allergy symptoms.

Histamines trigger the process that gets allergens off your skin or out of your body. Sneezing, redness, tearing up, swelling, or itching is often part of this process. This is how your body’s defense system works. It’s all normal and created for your health and safety (1, 2, 3).

How the Histamine Allergy Response Works

When you encounter an allergen, such as pollen or dust, your immune system gets triggered. To protect you, it launches a serious of events to keep you safe and healthy.

The first step of this reaction is signaling the mast cells in your lungs, nose, skin, mouth, gut, and blood to release histamines immediately. The histamines immediately increase blood flow to the affected area causing acute inflammation to start repair. The inflammation triggers other chemicals from your immune system to help with healing and recovery. The histamines end up at certain receptors in your body and eventually get removed from your system.

These chain of event lead to allergic reactions and symptoms. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, histamines in your body will prompt membranes in your respiratory system to make more mucus leading to a stuffy or runny nose. All the mucus may also cause sneezing, scratchy nose, or coughing. Additionally, histamines may make your eyes and nose itch and your eyes water. If you encounter a skin allergy, the histamine reaction may lead to redness, swelling, or itching (1, 2).

Foods and Histamine

If you have food allergies, you are very familiar with these processes. When you eat or drink food that you are allergic to, histamines will trigger an immediate allergic reaction. Unlike food sensitivities that lead to chronic, gradual, and more subtle symptoms, food allergies trigger an immediate and often serious response, including wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, hives, itching, tingling, dizziness, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

Some foods are also naturally high in histamine that causes problems in some people. Some people are simply sensitive to certain histamine-containing foods. Others have histamine intolerance and have to avoid high-histamine foods. 

Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance means that your body has too much histamine and it is unable to properly break down the excess histamine leading to a list of symptoms, including headaches, migraines, fatigue, anxiety, runny nose, eczema, hormonal issues, digestive issues, and more. High-histamine foods include aged cheese, citrus fruit, cured and canned meat, dried fruits, fermented foods, fermented alcohol, soured foods, legumes, cashews, walnuts, avocadoes, eggplants, spinach, tomatoes, smoked fish, anchovies, mackerel, mahi-mahi, sardines, tuna, fish sauces, and vinegar-containing foods. If you have histamine intolerance, you need to avoid high-histamine foods (3).

Histamine Poisoning

You may also experience histamine poisoning if you eat fish that was not kept at a safe temperature and got spoiled before you were served and ate them. There is a higher risk of histamine poisoning with fish that are high in histamines, such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, anchovies, and smoked fish. Histamine poisoning from fish is also called scombrotoxin fish poisoning, or SFP. However, with good food safety practices, you don’t have to worry about SFP (4).

Histamine and Insects

Not only humans but many animals and plants have histamines too. For example, histamine can be found in some insect venom. If you are stung or bitten by certain insects, such as bees, hornets, wasps, yellow-jackets, or fire aunts, your own histamines will get to work as well triggering a histamine response to protect you. As you know, this will lead to swelling, redness, itching, or pain (5).

Recommendations for Histamine Intolerance

If you have histamine intolerance, I recommend the following options to improve your health naturally:

Follow an Anti-Inflammatory and Low-Histamine Diet

Following an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and nutrient-dense diet is important for your health. Reducing histamine may help to decrease histamine-related symptoms.

Remove inflammatory foods, including refined sugar, refined oils, canned and processed meat, artificial ingredients, junk food, and highly processed foods. Avoid high-histamine foods, such as fermented food (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, kombucha, etc.), aged food (e.g., aged cheese, processed meat, canned fish, etc.), over-ripe fruits and vegetables, leftovers, and foods that are naturally high in histamine (e.g., avocadoes, eggplant, spinach, dried fruits, etc.). Avoid foods that may trigger histamine releases, such as tomatoes, most citrus, bananas, most nuts, and dairy. Avoid foods that may block the DAO enzyme, including black tea, green tea, alcohol, and energy drinks. 

Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and low-histamine diet rich in greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, healthy fats, and organic meat. Low-histamine foods include most fresh leafy greens and vegetables, non-citrus fruits, such as apples, pear, papaya, and grapes, fresh grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, and wild-caught fish, olives, extra-virgin olive oil, ghee, coconut oil, leafy herbs, and herbal tea. My book, The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan includes an extensive list of foods that you can eat and should avoid on a low-histamine diet.

If you are new to a low-histamine diet, remember to have fun experimenting with new foods and recipes. I promise low-histamine meals can be delicious. I recommend all the low-histamine recipes in The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan and my new recipe book, Fifty One Low Histamine Air Fryer Recipes. They are all simple, easy to make, low-histamine, gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, and super healthy. Not to mention how delicious they are — your family will love them too.

Reduce Your Histamine Bucket

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance, reducing high-histamine foods is not enough. High stress, poor sleep, not moving your body, and high toxin exposure may add to your histamine load. Improving these areas of your lifestyle may help to reduce your histamine bucket and lower the risk of histamine-related issues.

I recommend that you reduce your stress levels, improve your sleep, and move your body:

• I recommend practicing breathwork, meditation, positive affirmation, journaling, yoga, grounding, and time in nature for stress and anxiety reduction. 
• Taking an Epsom salt bath is another great way to relax your muscles, calm your mind, and detoxify your body. 
• Your goal should be to sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night. 
• Lower your stress levels throughout the day but especially in the evening time to support sleep. Take a bath, read a good book, listen to some music, journal, try coloring, and spend time with your family. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and heavy food in the evening. 
• Sleep on a supportive mattress with comfortable and supportive pillows and blankets, and quality, organic cotton sheets.
• Move your body throughout the day and stretch regularly.
• Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes five days a week and move your body regularly. I recommend getting 10 to 15K steps in a day if you can. Add resistance and strength training to your routine. 

Recommend that you reduce your exposure to environmental toxins:

• Choose purified water over tap water. Use a high-quality air filtration system for better indoor air.
• Choose natural, organic, and homemade cleaning, personal hygiene, and beauty products instead of conventional brands loaded with chemicals. 
• Choose glass, bamboo, wood, organic cotton, silicon, and other natural alternatives instead of plastic. 
• Avoid BPA plastic completely. 
• Choose organic food whenever possible and avoid overly processed packaged foods. If you must buy non-organic produce, follow the Dirty Dozen, Clean 15 list, and always wash and peel non-organic vegetables and fruits.

Support Your Gut

Your gut health affects your entire body. Gut flora imbalance can trigger histamine intolerance and cause related symptoms. Supporting your gut health is critical for your recovery. Along with a gut-friendly, low-histamine, anti-inflammatory diet, I recommend that you take a high-quality probiotics supplement, to support your gut microbiome balance. 

Try Some Supplements

I recommend HistoRelief. It is a synergistic blend of nutrients that provides natural support to balance your immune response. This blend features Tinofend®, a patented and clinically researched extract derived from the plant Tinospora cordifolia, which has a powerful ability to support immune regulation and immune response. As a result, it boosts your body’s ability to fight histamine-related symptoms. It includes quercetin, nettle leaf, vitamin C, and bicarbonate salt to help inhibit histamine release, support normal histamine metabolism, and improve immune health.

Final Thoughts

Histamines are chemicals that are part of your immune system. They are there for your protection and play a very important role in your health. 

Problems only arise with histamine, if you have histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance means that your body has too much histamine, it can’t keep up with it, which results in an array of symptoms. The good news is that through simple natural strategies, you can overcome your symptoms of histamine intolerance and live a healthy life. To learn more about histamine intolerance, read this article.

If you are dealing with symptoms of histamine intolerance, I invite you to schedule a consultation with us. We can help identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here. I also recommend that you check out my Histamine Online Program.

Sources:

1. Histamine defined. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Link Here

2. Histamine: The stuff allergies are made of. MedlinePlus. Link Here

3. Maintz L, Novak N, Histamine and histamine intolerance, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 85, Issue 5, May 2007, Pages 1185–1196. Link Here

4. Histamine poisoning. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology. Link Here

5. Insect allergies. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Link Here

 

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by Peter Saydak