The mold-histamine link
According to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a leading biotoxin researcher with a medical degree from Duke University, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), is the result of chronic inflammation produced by exposure to biotoxins (toxins produced from living organisms) that come from mold (mycotoxins), tick-borne infections like Babesia, dinoflagellates, blue-green algae, some reef fish, and the brown recluse […]
Histamine and your heart
For some time excess histamine in the heart has been known to play a role in heart failure and other less severe presentations like palpitations and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). In particular, histamine binding to the H2 receptors found in the heart may contribute to hypotension (low blood pressure) and flushing. Histamine is naturally found in […]
Kefir: may stabilise mast cells and lower histamine
Fermented foods may block diamine oxidase (DAO) one of the histamine degrading enzymes. That’s why a while back I wrote a post with some tips on how to create histamine friendlier home ferments to try and help heal the gut. This week I have some more exciting news: another study on rice based kefir (rather […]
Antihistamine medication reduces IBS symptoms
Researchers at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven) in Belgium have published a new study in the journal Gastroenterology on their findings that antihistamines may be the answer for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome [1]. As I shared in the Low Histamine 101 Guide, while it has long been known that IBS sufferers have higher than […]
Dr. Diana Driscoll interview: vagus nerve and POTS/mast cell activation
In our interview Dr. Diana Driscoll of POTScare shares how she and her family overcome Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and mast cell activation (MCAS/D) thanks to her groundbreaking research into the vagus nerve. Don’t miss the end of our chat where Dr. Driscoll shares information on a supplement she has created just […]
Allergy symptoms and hair loss (but don’t forget iron)
Those with hair loss combined with allergy like symptoms who do not test positive for allergies (via IgE) may have high levels of inflammatory mediators like histamine, prostaglandins and/or interleukins. These inflammatory molecules are found in mast cells in the human body and are usually released as needed, but those with chronic allergies, high overall IgE level, histamine intolerance, mast […]
Barberry helps leaky gut
Dried barberries According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website barberry has been used for over 2500 years to […]
Are you allergic to Candida?
Research shows that Candida triggers histamine release, but did you know you can be allergic to candida, causing repeated, longer lasting or more intense infections? Or that those with chronic candida are 70% more likely to have a history of family allergies and allergic rhinitis? There’s really exciting news though – Tufts researchers have made a discovery […]
Acupuncture as effective as (some) antihistamines
Acupuncture – a good choice for histamine intolerance and mast cell activation? A mounting body of research tells us that acupuncture may help alleviate symptoms of histamine intolerance, mast cell activation and related issues like eczema. I share my own experiences and thoughts towards the end of the post. A study published in 2008 in the European […]
The Nocebo effect
I was recently interviewed by the wonderful Stacey Colino for an article she wrote for US News and World Report on the placebo effect’s evil twin, the nocebo effect. So here’s the deal: the placebo effect, once seen by the medical industry as a negative, because people being given sugar pills instead of real stuff […]