As you all know by now (’cause I’m fond of reminding you), I’m not a doctor. What I am is an avid student of nutrition,) and a mast cell activation/histamine intolerance survivor and thriver. The pictures I post of myself traveling the world aren’t a vanity project. When I made the decision to bare my soul to the world, anonymously, everything I said was taken with a pinch of salt. When I decided to go public it was so that you could all see me putting my money where my mouth is.
Now I’ve said before that labels don’t matter. A histamine condition, food allergies, food intolerance, mast cell activation, mastocytosis, or any of the other histamine related conditions, call it what you will, they all respond to nutrition. I’m not saying nutrition can cure them, in some cases it might, but it can certainly improve prognosis, quality of life and mood.
You’re no doubt aware at this point that what happens is that histamine is naturally in our bodies, sitting in our mast cells. The histamine is then released, as needed, by the mast cells. Problem is, some of us release more than we’re supposed to. Stress, allergic reactions, digestion and histamine containing foods all contribute. Thing is, mast cells don’t just splurge histamine. They also release a number of other inflammatory substances that wreak havoc in the body. Given that we know inflammation causes/is involved in many illnesses and conditions (heart disease, cancer, autism, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), I’ve been thinking that a low histamine, or even better, antihistamine diet could benefit them too. The upshot of explaining this is that I find lowering histamine is only part of it. Getting my inflammation down asap brings almost immediate relief.
So as promised, here’s how I use nutrition to shut down a histamine reaction (or allergy).
Please remember we are all different and that one man’s cure is another’s poison (always check with your doc before trying new foods) and always be safe – any reaction can turn deadly in a heartbeat, so please don’t convince yourself that a shot of juice will do an epi pen’s job.
You’ll find less hardcore recipes versions of the recipes that helped me regain my health here.
UPDATE: you’ll find my emergency histamine meditation here
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONALISED HEALING HISTAMINE PLAN.
My (semi) Emergency Histamine Overload Protocol
Before getting out of bed: 15-30 mins meditation, visualisation
Breakfast juice:
Apple : rich in histamine lowering quercetin and inhibit the development of allergies.
Fennel: anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, analgesic and antioxidant.
Watercress: histamine release inhibitor.
Parsley: repairs damage to the mucusal lining of the stomach and prevents histamine release. It’s also anti-inflammatory and can repair liver damage.
Broccoli: anti-carcinogenic, prevents gastric mucosal damage (suggesting potential H2 receptor antagonism).
Ginger: as potent an H2 receptor antagonist as Zantac/ranitidine.
Side order:
Shot of thyme juice.
Thyme: has been shown to inhibit anaphylaxis in mice, as well as displaying anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties. It is a key ingredient in many modern medicines.
Pre lunch: 15 minutes meditation and visualisation, with top ups throughout the day. On the bus, on the tube, while walking. You can practice mindfulness meditation anywhere.
Lunch juice:
Apple
Fennel
Watercress
Parsley
Broccoli
Ginger
Side order:
Shot of thyme juice
Dinner:
Green soup
Broccoli
Fennel
Cauliflower
Parsley
Thyme
Rosemary
Turmeric: inhibits anaphylactic shock, stabilises mast cells and prevents histamine release. It’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour.
Side order:
Shot of thyme juice
Nightcap:
I dilute 2 caps powdered quercetin in 1 tbsp nigella sativa oil
Lie back and indulge in another 15 mins (usually more) meditation.
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