Could This Be You? Recognizing Histamine and Mast Cell Symptoms
By: Tracey Reed B.Ed., CNHC & Luka Symons B.A., CHNC
Have you ever felt like your body was speaking in a cryptic language, leaving you puzzled about what's really going on? Those unexplained health issues could be linked to histamine or mast cells. Understanding the role of histamine and mast cells might just crack that code.
Let's embark on a journey through the labyrinth of symptoms associated with high histamine levels. If you have mast cell involvement, your mast cells may be releasing histamine inappropriately along with a variety of other chemical mediators.
Reflecting on your lifetime, you might remember different symptoms popping up at different times. Maybe you experienced unexplained hives as a child, or perhaps you struggled with exercise-induced asthma in your teens. The journey could have taken unexpected turns, from childhood eczema to adult nausea. Histamine and mast cell related symptoms can manifest differently at different stage of life, making it challenging to pinpoint the connection.
What about any other symptoms? Over the course of your life, have you ever had to deal with: migraines, vertigo, anxiety, insomnia; had any recurrent or chronic pain (especially pain that would be intermittent); hayfever symptoms; PMDD, extreme pain with periods, any pain with urination? What about on your skin: flushing, itchy skin, rashes? Other ways symptoms show up, particularly in the digestive system: frequent diarrhea, acid reflux, food allergies or sensitivities. This is just a short list!
The diverse nature of symptoms may appear to be unrelated to one another, but what if there was one common driver of these symptoms you’ve been grappling with your entire life?
Curiosity is a powerful tool on your journey towards understanding histamine and mast cell activation symptoms. If you're eager to delve deeper into the biochemistry behind these issues, Histamine Haven has got just the resources for you.
They’ve curated a series of insightful blog articles that explore various aspects of histamine and mast cell issues, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms and how they impact your health and well-being.
From understanding the role of histamine in the body to unraveling the complexities of mast cell activation, these articles provide valuable insights that will help you make sense of your symptoms and the science behind them.
To make it easy for you to access these resources, they’ve compiled all the blog article links onto one page. Simply click on this link to explore: https://www.histaminehaven.com/getting-started
Feeling a spark of recognition? It's time to take that first step toward unraveling the histamine mystery.
Below we’ve included two recipes from their book Histamine Haven: The Essential Guide to Histamine and Mast Cell Activation.
Green Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a refreshing, traditional Spanish dish. Usually made with tomatoes, this Green Gazpacho variation is histamine and nightshade free.
This is the perfect cold soup for a hot summer’s day, and it is so very easy to make.
Recipe from Histamine Haven
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2 entrées or 4 sides
Batch: eat fresh
Ingredients
● 1 English Cucumber, chopped
● 2 stalks Celery, chopped
● 3 green Onions, chopped
● 4 cups (100 g) Lettuce, chopped
● 1 bunch fresh Basil, chopped
● 2 tablespoons Histamine Haven Vinegar
● 4-5 tablespoons Olive Oil
● 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Himalayan or Sea Salt
● 2 cups (500 mL) Water
Variations
Low salicylate: replace olive oil with avocado oil
Instructions
1. Place chopped cucumber, celery and green onion into a blender with the water and blend until chunky.
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until desired consistency. It can be chunky or smooth – it’s up to you.
3. Pour into bowls and enjoy.
Freshness tip
We sourced many of these ingredients from Shirley’s Greenhouse. See if you have a local greenhouse grower to get these ingredients fresh all year round.
Cherry Basil Sorbet
A delightful tastebud explosion! Cherry and basil pair beautifully together in this sorbet. Use frozen cherries to avoid the work of pitting them yourself.
Recipe from Histamine Haven
Prep Time: 5 minutes + 2 hours in freezer
Serves: 6-8 (roughly 1 quart/litre)
Batch: freeze into serving sizes
Ingredients
● 1 lb (450 g) fresh or frozen Cherries, pitted
● 3⁄4 cup (175 mL) Maple Syrup
● 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) Water
● 6-10 large Basil leaves
● 1 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
● 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan or Sea Salt
Variations
Low salicylate: replace cherries with mango, and omit basil
Instructions
1. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until basil is emulsified into the mixture.
2. Pour into a bread pan and place in freezer for 2 hours.
3. Scoop into bowls and enjoy!
Visit Luka & Tracey’s website Histamine Haven for further information and resources using the link below. You can also purchase their book, Histamine Haven: The Essential Guide to Histamine and Mast Cell Activation online or find it on our bookshelf at the Arbour Lake store!