Excess circulating histamine can cause a range of issues including (but not limited to) headaches, nasal congestion, changes in blood pressure, skin reactions, feelings of vertigo, palpitations, fatigue, flushing, anxiety, digestive symptoms and pre-menstrual symptoms.
This package is for you if you feel that you are experiencing some of these symptoms, and you suspect that foods or environmental factors may be making things worse.
My aim is to help you to understand which underlying factors could be contributing to your symptoms of high histamine, and work with you to create a personalised diet and lifestyle plan to address these – so that you start to feel better in yourself.
Rather than just relying on a restrictive, low histamine diet long-term, my approach a holistic one – aiming to identify and address underlying imbalances that are both increasing the production of histamine in your body and reducing your ability to break it down. I use my framework for immune harmony as a guide, as this considers all the body systems, your environment, and your thoughts and emotions.
The programme includes a blood spot vitamin D test, as vitamin D plays a huge role in regulating immune function and supporting gut barrier health – both of which are required for optimal histamine balance.
In order to get greater insight into what factors are playing a role, so our programme can focus on the things that will make the biggest difference to your wellbeing, I may also recommend further functional tests. We can discuss the benefits of these at the initial consultation.
What is included
What I need from you
Before we start, you must understand that this is a journey – not a race. There are many underlying factors of histamine intolerance, and some are easier to resolve than others. Nutritional therapy can help to address underlying imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms: supporting your immune system – for example helping to reduce inflammation which can activate immune cells that release histamine – improving detoxification, supporting your hormone balance and working towards optimising your digestive function, for starters.
Many times, the initial resolution of symptoms can require following a restricted diet for a period of time. However, even restricted diets can be varied and tasty! The long term aim however is to use this period to work on supporting the underlying imbalances that are contributing to your symptoms, so that in due course you can broaden your diet again.
In some cases, permanent removal of a particular food is necessary or advisable. However, if this is the case, I have a wealth of personal experience in following restricted diets – which don’t feel restrictive!
As I may recommend dietary supplements, I need you to keep me up to date with any prescription or over the counter medication you may be taking. This ensures that any dietary supplements I suggest will not interfere with your existing treatments.
Most importantly, however, I would like you to be open to my suggestions – even tiny things can make huge differences – as well as being honest with me. There is no point, when we are discussing what steps to take to support your wellbeing – if you nod and smile while all the time thinking ‘There’s no way I am going to do that’. Your input at this stage is critical – the plan needs to work for you, in real life.