Why Histamine Intolerance May Be at the Root of Your Unexplained Symptoms | Michelle Shapiro, RD
May 13, 2024
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Functional dietitian Michelle Shapiro discusses histamine intolerance, the connection to MCAS, and the challenges of diagnosis. She shares her own journey with mysterious symptoms post-COVID and mold exposure, highlighting the immune system's role in overdrive. Topics include long COVID implications, the physical manifestations of histamine intolerance, and the interconnected nature of conditions like POTS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Histamine intolerance symptoms include diverse issues like insomnia and acid reflux.
Stress and environmental changes can trigger hypersensitivity and mast cell activation.
Identify triggers like temperature shifts and specific foods for relief from histamine issues.
Consider liver support and gentle detox methods to manage histamine-related conditions.
Acknowledge the mental health impact of histamine flares and seek professional support.
Balance histamine tolerance with nutrient intake and monitor reactions to prevent exacerbation.
Deep dives
Understanding Histamine Intolerance and MCAS Symptoms
Symptoms of histamine intolerance, also known as MCAS or mast cell activation syndrome, include a wide range of seemingly unrelated issues such as racing heart at night, extreme water retention, and paradoxical reactions to foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and bone broth. Additional symptoms consist of hives, splotchy rashes post-shower, dizziness, insomnia, depression, alternating gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and constipation, and persistent nausea. These symptoms often appear in flares, leaving individuals feeling swollen, uncomfortable, and struggling with abnormal bodily functions.
How Stress Triggers Histamine Responses
MCAS and histamine issues can be triggered by stress and environmental changes, with the body becoming hypersensitive to internal and external stressors. Mass cells, key players in these conditions, release excess histamines, leading to symptoms such as rashes, insomnia, and various allergic-like reactions. Temperature changes, emotional stress, and sensory stimuli can further aggravate the body's response, causing discomfort, visual disturbances, acid reflux, and other physical manifestations.
Identifying Histamine-Induced Symptoms
Recognizing histamine-induced symptoms involves understanding how the body reacts to triggers like heat, cold, stress, and sensory inputs. Symptoms may include skin rashes, dizziness, visual distortions, acid reflux without a burning sensation, and experiences of extreme hunger amidst feelings of fullness. Acid reflux, in particular, can manifest as a gnawing hunger, odd early satiety, stomach pains, and overall body discomfort, often leading to disrupted sleep and frequent awakenings.
Managing Histamine-Related Conditions
Managing conditions related to histamine intolerance and MCAS requires a multi-faceted approach involving dietary changes, stress reduction, and strategic medication use. Individuals suffering from these conditions may find relief by addressing triggers like temperature shifts, stressors, and specific foods, while also considering the impact of acid reflux, insomnia, and visual disturbances on their overall well-being.
Acknowledging Body Patterns and Lowering Histamines
Acknowledge your body's patterns and reflect on your symptoms to understand their triggers. Pull back on all supplements initially and gradually reintroduce them to identify what works for you. Lower histamines by possibly implementing a short-term low histamine diet or incorporating histamine-reducing supplements like diamine oxidase. Slow down and observe how your body reacts to different foods and supplement choices.
Supporting Liver Function and Detoxification
Explore gentle ways to support liver function without triggering flares. Consider foods or tools like milk thistle or dandelion root, which can aid liver health without intensely pushing detox processes. Approach liver detoxification cautiously, as strong detoxifying agents may exacerbate symptoms. Topical approaches like castor oil packs can also assist in both drainage and detoxification, but start with short sessions and gradually increase exposure.
Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia in Histamine Flares
Recognize the mental health impact of histamine flares, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Anxiety may manifest as extreme alertness and discomfort, while depression can feel like a heavy cloud over one's vision. Insomnia can bring restlessness and hyper-awakeness despite the desire to sleep. Consider seeking professional support alongside dietary and lifestyle adjustments to manage these mental health symptoms.
Navigating Hypermobility and its Connection to Conditions
Understand the role of hypermobility in conditions like mast cell activation syndrome, pots, and histamine issues. Hypermobility can lead to joint instability and chronic pain, impacting blood flow and immune responses. Connecting hypermobility to nervous system dysregulation emphasizes the importance of reconditioning the body, focusing on building stabilizing muscles and supporting connective tissue health. Seek specialized professionals for assessment and tailored management in hypermobile individuals.
Balancing Histamine Tolerance and Nutrient Intake
Strive to strike a balance between histamine tolerance and nutrient intake in managing conditions like mast cell activation syndrome. Gradually introduce high histamine foods while monitoring reactions to identify triggers. Consider supplementing with vital nutrients like B vitamins to aid in histamine breakdown and support liver detoxification. Practice severe moderation in exercise, stress management, and dietary choices to prevent exacerbated symptoms and maintain overall well-being.
Importance of Recognizing Patterns and Symptom Cycles for Histamine Response
Recognizing patterns and symptom cycles is crucial in understanding histamine response in the body. Monitoring symptoms, menstrual cycles, and body reactions helps track individual sensitivities and triggers. By noting specific patterns, individuals can identify how their bodies react to various stimuli, aiding in creating personalized health plans. Tracking these data points provides valuable insights into histamine-related issues, promoting self-awareness and tailored health management.
Nervous System Regulation and Community Support in Managing Histamine Conditions
Successful management of histamine-related conditions involves nervous system regulation and community support. Grounding oneself in the nervous system's healing process and fostering a sense of safety through shared experiences are essential for progress. Acknowledging the nervous system's role in histamine responses and prioritizing self-care contribute to long-term well-being. Building a supportive community and accessing resources for regulation can help individuals navigate the challenges of histamine sensitivity, fostering empathy and empowerment.
Ep 115. Are you struggling with chronic, unexplained symptoms that no treatment seems to alleviate (and actually makes worse)? Do you feel like your body reacts abnormally to stress or changes in your environment with ‘flares’ of symptoms that come in cycles? Understanding histamine intolerance, also called MCAS or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome may help guide you in the right direction. Michelle Shapiro is a functional dietitian who has helped over 1000+ clients reverse their anxiety and heal long-standing gut and immune issues. In this episode, Michelle unpacks what it means to live in a highly sensitive body (spoiler, she lives in one!) and shares hopeful solutions for those of us who struggle with largely ignored autonomic disorders such as MCAS, POTS and hypermobility.
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