Looking for an answer on why you can’t get rid of rashes, eczema, and constant reactions?
Histamine sensitivity and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) are complex and often misunderstood conditions. They are also heavily medicated conditions, and little attention is given to the root cause of the problem focusing on strategies to mitigate symptoms.
Nutrition and gut health can have an impact, as the main enzyme responsible of breaking histamine down (DAO) is produced in the gut, where also most of our immune system resides.
Viral reactivation, genetics, oestrogen fluctuations, stress and many other factors can also contribute to flare ups, and a bespoke and dedicated plan backed by data from functional testing can help tackling the root cause of these conditions.
The Food Power Nutrition Approach
Functional Test & Personalised Plan
Understanding Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance: The role of nutrition and gut health in managing eczema
For those navigating unexplained rashes, gut discomfort, or persistent eczema, it’s possible that histamine intolerance or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) could be at play. These two conditions, often intertwined, highlight the importance of gut health and offer insights into managing symptoms like skin irritation and digestive issues.
What is MCAS and Histamine Intolerance?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a condition where mast cells, a type of immune cell, release too many inflammatory chemicals—including histamine—into the body. This response, meant to protect the body, becomes overactive in MCAS, resulting in a range of symptoms like rashes, itching, digestive problems, and even anxiety. MCAS can be triggered by food, stress, environmental allergens, or other factors, leading to an overabundance of histamine and other inflammatory molecules.
Histamine intolerance, on the other hand, occurs when there’s an imbalance between the amount of histamine released and the body’s ability to break it down. Histamine is a natural substance involved in immune responses and digestion. However, when the body cannot break down excess histamine, symptoms appear. For many, this can result in skin conditions such as eczema or hives, headaches, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
The Role of Gut Health in MCAS and Histamine Intolerance
Your gut is the central hub for balancing histamine. Key enzymes in the digestive tract, specifically Diamine Oxidase (DAO), are responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut. When DAO levels are insufficient, histamine accumulates, which can trigger symptoms associated with histamine intolerance. Factors like poor gut health, infections, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies (especially in vitamin B6, vitamin C, and copper) can lower DAO levels, making it harder to clear histamine efficiently.
In MCAS, gut health is just as critical because an imbalanced gut can exacerbate immune dysregulation, further fueling symptoms. For example, an unhealthy gut lining may increase inflammation and histamine production, amplifying the effects of both MCAS and histamine intolerance.
Symptoms of MCAS and Histamine Intolerance
Symptoms vary widely but often overlap. Common symptoms include:
- Skin reactions: eczema, rashes, itching, hives, and swelling
- Gastrointestinal issues: bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Respiratory symptoms: sinus congestion, shortness of breath, and asthma-like symptoms
- Neurological symptoms: headaches, anxiety, and brain fog
These symptoms can become worse after eating high-histamine foods (like aged cheese, alcohol, and fermented foods) or experiencing stress, which both increase histamine levels.
Managing Gut Health for MCAS and Histamine Intolerance
A gut-friendly diet is essential for those with histamine intolerance or MCAS. Strategies for supporting gut health include:
- Avoid high-histamine foods: Foods like cured meats, fermented items, and alcohol contain high histamine levels that can worsen symptoms.
- Support DAO production: Increase intake of nutrient-rich foods that support DAO function. Vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium are key nutrients that help with histamine breakdown.
- Focus on anti-inflammatory foods: Whole foods, including fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, reduce gut inflammation and may ease symptoms of eczema and histamine intolerance.
Supplements are another option; some individuals benefit from DAO supplements, which can aid in breaking down dietary histamine. Probiotics are also worth exploring, as they can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. However, certain strains of bacteria produce histamine, so choosing low-histamine strains is recommended.
Success Stories
I had been suffering with histamine intolerance for 2 years after taking antibiotics. I cut out so many foods, that, at one point I was only eating boiled chicken, carrots, green beans and rice; I spent so much money on different supplements and still I was not getting better.I was so desperate, I was not getting any help from the NHS.This left me so frustrated and depressed and I was now accepting that, I would never get better and would live on antihistamines for the rest of my life. I began to look for a certified nutritional therapist and I am so glad Lucia got in touch with me. I no longer take antihistamines. Her diet plan, and supplement recommendation has helped me and now, I have been able to reintroduce some healthy foods back into my diet. Lucia, has been very supportive throughout and would check on me to see how I was doing, which shows how much she genuinely cares about her patients.I can never thank her enough; I am no longer afraid to eat. I highly recommend her.
Histamine Intolerance
I came to Lucia because I suffer with eczema and I wanted to understand how food could help me manage my skin condition. From the start she was very helpful and extremely attentive to my needs, and drafted a programme that would work with my habits and taste. I really appreciated how supportive she was in following my journey, it showed she genuinely cares for her patients wellbeing and is passionate about making a positive difference in their life.
Eczema
FAQ
What is Nutritional Therapy?
Nutritional therapy is the application of nutrition science in the promotion of health, peak performance and individual care. Nutritional therapy practitioners use a wide range of tools to assess and identify potential nutritional imbalances and understand how these may contribute to an individual’s symptoms and health concerns. This approach allows them to work with individuals to address nutritional balance and help support the body towards maintaining health. Nutritional therapy is recognised as a complementary medicine. It is relevant both for individuals looking to enhance their health and wellbeing and for those with chronic conditions wishing to work with or ‘consult’ a nutritional therapist in collaboration with other suitably qualified healthcare professionals. Practitioners consider each individual to be unique and recommend personalised nutrition and lifestyle programmes rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Practitioners never recommend nutritional therapy as a replacement for medical advice and always refer any client with ‘red flag’ signs or symptoms to their medical professional. They will also frequently work alongside a medical professional and will communicate with other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care to explain any nutritional therapy programme that has been provided.
What’s the difference between nutritional therapist, nutrition coach and nutritionist?
In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, the importance of seeking legit professional guidance for optimal nutrition cannot be overstated. Registered Nutritional Therapists play a pivotal role in promoting well-being by providing personalized and evidence-based nutritional advice. I wanted to explore the significance of consulting a Registered Nutritional Therapist, shedding light on their qualifications (a degree) and the importance of being registered with professional bodies like BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council).
What is the difference between Nutritional Therapists, Nutrition Coaches and Nutritionists?
- Nutritional Therapists:
- Focus: Holistic, addressing underlying health issues.
- Qualifications: Hold a degree in nutritional therapy or a related field.
- Registration: Registered with professional bodies like BANT and CNHC.
- Approach: Personalized, evidence-based recommendations.
- Scope: Work one to one with individuals dealing with specific health concerns.
- Nutrition Coaches:
- Focus: Goal-oriented, often centered on fitness and weight management.
- Qualifications: Vary; it is not a regulated profession and only some may have certifications in coaching or attended courses in
- Registration: Not typically required, but some may hold certifications from coaching organizations.
- Approach: Goal-focused, motivational, and lifestyle-oriented.
- Scope: Assist clients in achieving specific health and fitness goals.
- Nutritionists:
- Focus: General nutrition advice, public health, and community settings.
- Qualifications: Hold a degree in nutrition or a related field.
- Registration: Registered with professional bodies such as the AfN, but not always required.
- Approach: Broad nutrition education and advice, which is not personalised to a 1:1 approach.
- Scope: Work in diverse settings such as public health, research, or education.
In the pursuit of optimal health and receiving personalised and tailored 1:1 advice, consulting a Registered Nutritional Therapist stands out as a wise choice. Their holistic approach, personalised guidance, and commitment to professional standards set them apart. Ensuring that a nutritional therapist is registered with BANT and CNHC adds an extra layer of assurance, highlighting their dedication to excellence, knowledge and high standard of practice.
What is mBANT?
BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) is a professional organisation for Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioners and Registered Dietitians which are trained and qualified in clinical practice to meet national standards and work in a one-to-one setting.
BANT practitioner members are required to be registered either with Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) or be statutorily regulated. CNHC holds a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), an independent body accountable to the UK Parliament. BANT members are also required to meet Continuing Professional Development (CPD) standards.
Being a BANT member highlights the high standard of my training and work practice, reassuring clients of the quality of the consultations and plans I provide at Food Power Nutrition.
How long would it take to see results?
Nutritional Therapy aims to create long lasting change. Those changes will be gradual but definitive, differently from allopathic medicine that aims to suppress symptoms for immediate relief. As each person is unique, also the speed on which results will be obtained is different and this is also impacted by how closely the suggested nutritional and supplemental plan is followed.
What shall I do if I have questions in between my two appointments?
Please contact me at my email lucia@foodpowernutrition.com or via Practice Better chat service for support – I am always happy to help.
Does Food Power Nutrition operates only online?
Food Power provides online consultations via a dedicated platform. Online consultations will be held via telehealth/zoom and can be easily accessed via the client’s “Practice Better” portal. In person consultations will be held on Thursday evenings at Elpis Therapy Rooms, 14 Hanover Square, Mayfair, London W1S 1HN
What should I expect to achieve after our appointments?
Food Power Nutrition plan are highly personalised, created around around your needs and your goal in order to obtain the best results possible. Saying that it is important to note that results vary from person to person as we are all unique and our body responds differently. Expectations and goals will be discussed during our discovery call.
How can I get in touch with Food Power Nutrition for more information about packages and costs?
Please feel free to ask for information via the contact form, specifying if you wish to be contacted via email or via phone. I am happy to offer a free discovery call to talk through your current health concerns and discuss how we can work together.