I recently got on this type of diet due to all of the above. I am noticing vast improvements with it. Within 2 days my knee pain went away. A week later my headaches were gone. Within 3 days my gas and bloating went away Then I noticed I am no longer reacting to the acacia tree pollen. I am no longer inflamed.
I think this could help many of you out there.
Histamine is produced in your body by Mast cells. They are a natural part of your immune system. Histamine in excess can cause rashes, swelling and hives. People with these issues generally turn to steroids to turn off the reaction.
But that just stops the signal that something is wrong or in excess in your body and doesn’t go to the root of the issue.
There are foods that naturally contain histamine. Some foods can release allot of histamine from your Mast cells more than just containing histamine. Some foods block the enzyme that breaks down histamine called a DAO or Diamine Oxidase.
I have eliminated all the foods and drinks from my diet that do this. It’s a big commitment but it is do-able and when you feel the benefits, it causes you to really want to do this in a more committed way.
My Integrative MD let me know my Mast cells were over activated by doing two lab tests: The MNP9 and the Chromogranin I am starting to order those labs for people in my practice.
He let me know there is an app called “All I Can Eat” and I put in Low Histamine in my settings and that way if I am eating out I can look up foods that are safe.
I had a session with a woman who has a website called www.themastcellplan.com
Common foods that are healthy but unfortunately that contain high histamine levels or block the histamine breaking down enzyme: ( a very short list follows)
Tomatoes, Avocado, Soy, Fermented foods including Kombucha, Chocolate, Caffeine, Spinach, anything leftover in the fridge.
Nuts, Citrus, aged cheese like Cheddar and Parmesan. Foods that have been cooked and are just sitting there at the deli, self serve buffet etc.
There are many more. If you go
https://www.themastcellplan.com/ you will see a more comprehensive list.
If you have any of these symptoms, ask your doctor to order the two labs I mentioned or just try eliminating the foods on the website and see if you feel better. Give it at least a week.
For people like me whose histamine bucket is full, I will have to stay on the plan for a year. But I am very committed to feeling great so I can deliver great healthcare to those who see me.
Symptom list: Abdominal pain and discomfort or bloating, Anxiety and chronic stress, Brain fog, Headaches after meals, Digestive irregularities like Constipation or diarrhea, Fatigue, Not restful sleep, Heart palpitations, Frequent urination, Rashes Hives or Allergies, swelling in hands or feet, waking in the middle of the night, stiff or painful joints, knee pain.