Judy Cho
Healing from Histamine Reactions With the Carnivore Diet
Histamine reactions can be quite common for many people on the carnivore diet. If you're experiencing symptoms like itchiness, fatigue, or other immune-related issues after consuming certain foods, it could be a sign of histamine sensitivity. But the good news is that you can heal and improve your histamine reactions by addressing the root cause of the problem, which is often related to gut health.
According to Judy Cho, a nutritionist who specializes in the carnivore diet, the first step in healing histamine reactions is to focus on gut health. A leaky gut or weakened gut lining can allow proteins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and the release of histamines. To address this issue, Judy recommends following a strict carnivore diet, focusing on gut healing, and eliminating any potential triggers.
Here are some steps you can take to heal histamine reactions on the carnivore diet:
1. Focus on gut healing: Start by eliminating potential trigger foods like ground beef, slow-cooked meats, bone broth, mackerel, dairy (except soft cheese), and certain eggs. Instead, try eating ruminant meats like lamb, steak, and lean fish. It's also important to avoid leftovers and consume the freshest meat possible. This can help reduce histamine levels and allow your gut to heal.
2. Support your gut with supplements: Consider adding digestive enzymes and probiotics to your routine. These supplements can help improve digestion and support gut health, aiding in the healing process. Be sure to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
3. Pay attention to meal timing and fat digestion: Some individuals may have issues digesting fats, which can contribute to histamine reactions. Experiment with meal timings and fat sources to see what works best for you. You may find that consuming fats at certain times or in specific forms (such as tallow or butter) reduces histamine reactions.
4. Consider environmental factors: If healing your gut doesn't fully resolve your histamine reactions, it may be worth exploring environmental factors. Mold illness or other environmental sensitivities can trigger histamine responses. Additionally, trauma or chronic stress can dysregulate the immune system and exacerbate histamine issues.
5. Keep a food and mood journal: Tracking your food intake and symptoms in a journal can provide valuable insights into your histamine reactions. Note any correlations between specific foods, timing, and symptom severity. This can help you identify patterns and make more informed decisions about your diet.
It's important to note that histamine reactions are complex, and the root cause can vary from person to person. While these steps can help to reduce histamine reactions for many individuals, it's essential to listen to your body and work with a healthcare professional who understands the carnivore diet and histamine sensitivity.
Remember that healing takes time, and finding the right approach for your body may require some trial and error. What works for one person may not work for another. Understanding your body's biofeedback and trusting your own experience is crucial on the carnivore diet. Histamine reactions can be challenging to navigate, but with patience and perseverance, you can find healing and relief.
In conclusion, while histamine reactions are relatively common on the carnivore diet, there are ways to heal and improve them. By focusing on gut health, eliminating trigger foods, and incorporating supplements, you can address the root cause of histamine reactions. Keep a food and mood journal, experiment with meal timing and fat digestion, and consider any potential environmental factors. Remember that everyone's journey is unique, and it's essential to listen to your body's biofeedback to find the best approach for your healing process.
