Most get lost in the loop of trying to heall gastritis and decreasing their acid. Then you have others like me, that tried to increase their acid many times to no luck. But I feel what's really going on is an issue with my gallbladder. Whether it's missed gallstones or a sluggish gallbladder, that need a HIDA scan. Where it's causing this influx of bile to be pushed back up into my gut daily. One of the main reasons why I've haad a struggle with trying to absorb fats and animal protein.

I woke up 8 weeks ago with this burning rash on my chin & it has spread around my mouth. After a week, I went to urgent care and they gave me a steroid cream and a steroid to take. It made it worse. Eventually given other antibiotics topical and oral that hurt very much and made it worse. My dermatologist called it perioral dermatitis but my gut feeling is that it isn’t that because it showed up overnight, has a yellow-y discharge and is VERY itchy/painful. Yesterday I decided to use head & shoulders as a face wash so I’m going to continue to do that in case it is fungal related. I was at the beach, and then the gym the night before it showed up on my face.

If anyone has any insight I’d be forever grateful!
This is a picture of it on day 2, I’m on week 8 now and while keeping it dry helps, it’s not fixing it.

im really confused it looks kinda small in the photo but its like a little bit big

Hi there. For 3 years now, if I eat a large amount of sugar in a small time frame (usually birthday or Valentine’s Day) I will get mostly one patch of my tongue that flares up. It will at times spread all over but this time it has not.
When I was prescribed nystatin the last 2x I’ve had this happen it was a higher dose of 5ml 4x a day vs what I get here in the UK as 1ml 4x day. I had to request for more but there was a 3 day delay and slowed down my healing.
Has anyone else had this? Doctor requested blood work to test for pre diabetes as it only happens when I eat a lot of sugar.
Does this look normal to you? Pics are before and after wiping with a q tip. Usual achy tongue but that’s about it.

Greetings, my friends.

During my first YouTube livestream yesterday with our Gut Health Founders 25 Group, several people asked me about histamine and the gut.

I thought it would be useful to explain a little more about histamine and how it may relate to Candida, IBS, SIBO and other gut problems.

If you experience Candida-related symptoms, IBS, SIBO, bloating, food reactions, headaches, flushing or other unexplained digestive symptoms, histamine may be another piece of the puzzle worth understanding.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is not simply an allergy chemical that require antihistamines to reduce their response. It is a natural substance found throughout our body and in many foods we eat, especially aged foods. It plays important roles in our digestion, immunity, stomach acid production, the nervous system and with inflammation.

The problem happens when histamine is produced or released faster than our body can break it down. And this is where things get interesting for people with chronic gut problems, and sometimes really confusing!

Think of histamine as a chemical messenger. It helps different cells communicate with each other and is involved in many normal body functions. The problem can occur when too much histamine is released or when your body cannot break it down quickly enough (this is the main issue).

Where does DAO fit in?

One of the main enzymes involved in breaking down histamine in our gut is called DAO (diamine oxidase).

If your DAO levels are low, histamine may not be broken down efficiently. This can allow histamine to build up quite quickly and may contribute to symptoms in sensitive people.

A history of digestive problems, including conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, may be associated with a reduction in DAO activity. No doubt, your genetics can likely also play a role.

What can histamine do in our gut?

When too much histamine is released in our digestive tract it can affect adversely affect gut movement, stool motility, and even stomach acid and gut mucus production.

For some people, this may contribute to common symptoms like:

• Abdominal cramping
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhoea
• Digestive discomfort

Histamine can also affect other parts of the body, which may explain why some people experience symptoms such as headaches, flushing, itching or other allergy-like reactions.

Clinically I've found some people may only experience gut pains or cramps, whereas other may experience nasal stuffiness and skin itching, others yet may find that have headaches and fatigue. This can be quite confusing, as no two people will experience exactly the same histamine-related reactions.

Is histamine intolerance a true food allergy?

Not really, classic food allergies involve an antibody (IgE) and an antigen (like cow's milk) response. Histamine intolerance is described rather as a problem with handling histamine rather than a traditional immune-mediated food allergy.

This can make it pretty tricky to identify the exact foods involved. Some reactions may occur quickly, while others may appear later.

The amount of histamine containing foods consumed may also matter. A small amount may cause no noticeable reaction at all, while a larger amount may trigger symptoms in someone who is sensitive. I've found it can also depend on how many histamine-containing foods a person consumes in a short period of time, and the state of their stomach function at the time.

So what about Candida, IBS and SIBO?

This is where things become particularly interesting. I have recently received many questions about the relationship between Candida, IBS, SIBO and histamine.

Research in this area has grown in recent years, but I want to be careful here. The evidence linking these conditions is still limited, and we have much more to learn.

Clinically, I have seen that some people with long-standing digestive problems also report symptoms that may fit a histamine-related pattern. However, this does not mean that Candida, IBS or SIBO automatically causes histamine intolerance.

Every person is different and will have different histamine-related experiences.

In my experience, sometimes histamine is an important piece of the puzzle, while in other people it makes very little difference at all.

That is why I prefer to look at the person's whole digestive picture rather than blaming every symptom on one condition.

Our gut is a complex ecosystem. Candida, bacteria, digestion, the intestinal lining, the immune system and diet all interact. Sometimes, understanding that bigger picture is what helps us make sense of those stubborn symptoms that just don't seem to go away.

So what does histamine have to do with Candida issues?

It is important to remember that your gut is an ecosystem, and that Candida and bacteria species, the lining of the intestine, immune system and digestive processes all interact with one another.

When this highly co-ordinated ecosystem becomes disturbed, symptoms can become much more complicated than simply "having a problem with Candida."

I've read some research that suggests a connection between intestinal Candida colonisation, increased gut permeability and an increased sensitisation to different kinds of foods, with histamine potentially playing a role in this process.

This does not automatically mean however that Candida causes histamine intolerance.

What this does mean, is that in some people, Candida and histamine-related reactions may overlap and deserve consideration when a person's symptoms don't fit neatly into one clearly defined diagnosis.

Clinically, I found that removing high-histamine foods helped some patients with typical Candida-related symptoms quite significantly, while others noticed very little difference. In my experience, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Sometimes it comes down to careful trial and error—what works remarkably well for one person may make little difference for another. Iv'e always worked like this in my clinic.

Histamine and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is interesting is that many symptoms associated with histamine intolerance look remarkably similar to IBS:

• Abdominal pain
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Belching
• Feeling overly full after meals

This overlap can make things confusing for some people. Someone may be told they have irritable bowel when there are actually several different factors contributing to their symptoms.

That doesn't necessarily mean their IBS diagnosis is wrong, what it means is that we sometimes need to look beyond the label and ask: "What is actually happening inside this person's gut?"

There has been research conducted into this area, and even Monash University (the FODMAPs people) are starting to pay attention when it comes to histamine reactions and IBS.

Another study from 2013 found 80% of IBS patients identified food, including histamine, to be triggers for their gut symptoms.

What about SIBO?

SIBO can also produce many of the same digestive symptoms:

• Bloating
• Cramping or gut pain
• Gas
• Abdominal discomfort
• Altered bowel movements
• Food reactions.

When bacterial overgrowth, poor digestion, altered stool motility and an already irritated intestinal environment occur together, the overall symptom picture can become pretty complicated and confusing.

One study from 2021 found that bloating and abdominal pain are primary symptoms in SIBO, very much comparable to histamine intolerance complaints

Histamine may be another factor worth considering, particularly when digestive symptoms occur alongside flushing, itching, headaches, nasal congestion or reactions to certain foods.

Again, this is about looking at the whole picture rather than assuming that one diagnosis explains everything.

So what are the signs that histamine might be involved?

Histamine-related symptoms can affect much more than your digestive system.

I've found that people may experience:

Gut

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Nausea
• Feeling excessively full after eating

Skin

• Skin itching
• Hives
• Flushing
• Heat, clamminess
• Redness
• Facial swelling or puffiness

Head and nervous system

• Headaches
• Facial pain, sinus pressure
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Nose and respiratory system

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Coughing

This wide range of symptoms is one reason histamine-related problems can be difficult to recognise. Can you see how confusing this picture can become when it comes to an actual diagnosis?

So why do some foods seem to trigger everything?

This is where food can become particularly confusing. Some foods contain significant amounts of histamine, especially when they are:

• Aged
• Fermented
• Smoked
• Cured
• Pickled
• Stored for a long time

Common examples include aged cheeses, fermented foods, cured meats, some fish, alcohol and certain other foods.

And food freshness matters.

Histamine levels can increase as some foods age or are improperly stored. Fish is a particularly important example.

Some foods are also described as histamine releasers or DAO blockers, although individual responses can vary considerably.

The Candida connection is especially interesting

If you've been dealing with Candida overgrowth for a long time, you may have noticed something strange:

You seem to react increasingly to more and more foods.

• Perhaps you tolerate a food one day but not another. This can be really confusing.
• Perhaps you develop bloating, flushing, itching or headaches after certain meals.
• Perhaps you've tried a Candida diet, a low-FODMAP diet or eliminated gluten, yet you're still reacting to foods.

This is where I believe it is important to step back a little. Rather than continually adding more foods to the "bad food" list, ask yourself this question:

Why has my tolerance to food changed in the first place? What's going on?

It's important to remember that your digestive system is not simply some food-processing tube. It is an ecosystem involving your gut microbiome, intestinal lining, immune system, digestive enzymes, stomach acid, bile, nervous system and an incredible amount of gut microbial interactions.

When that ecosystem becomes disturbed, your responses to food can change quite a lot in this dynamic and fast-moving environment.

Don't automatically blame every reaction on Candida

This is especially important. Not every digestive symptom is necessarily caused by Candida, and not every food reaction is necessarily histamine intolerance.

The other point to bear in mind is that not every person with IBS or SIBO has a histamine problem. There are many possible explanations for digestive symptoms, and it's why I always recommend keeping an open mind when it comes to food reactions.

The goal should be to identify the contributing factors rather than collect diagnoses or making assumptions.

So what about a low-histamine diet?

For someone who strongly suspects histamine-related reactions, a short period of reducing obvious high-histamine foods may be useful to observe whether symptoms change. This is the approach I recommend. Look very carefully at WHAT you are eating, identify to top histamine foods and see what happens.

But I would not recommend permanently eliminating dozens of foods without a very good reason, especially based on assumptions.

I believe that the long-term goal should be better food tolerance and a healthier digestive ecosystem, not an increasingly restrictive diet. Fresh, minimally processed whole foods are generally a really good place to start.

And if you identify a suspected food trigger, careful elimination and later food reintroduction can provide useful information.

One thing I have learned clinically

After decades of working with people with Candida, IBS, SIBO and other digestive problems, I've learned that the most difficult cases are rarely explained by "one thing".

• One person may have a significantly altered gut microbial balance (e.g. due to antibiotics).
• Another may have impaired digestion (e.g. low stomach acid due to continual stress).
• Another may have SIBO (antibiotics, acid-blocking drugs, etc.).
• Another may have a significant Candida colonisation.
• And some may also have increased sensitivity to histamine or particular foods.

These factors can all overlap. The important question is not always "What disease do I have to treat?"

I think that the better question is: "What has happened to my gut ecosystem, and why am I reacting the way I am?"

A simple change in how we view things

Sometimes a simple change in how we view things can be highly valuable. If you have Candida issues, or IBS, or SIBO-like symptoms and you have been experiencing food reactions, histamine is one area definitely worth understanding.

Not because it explains why you have all these symptoms, but because it may explain something. And sometimes finding that missing piece is what finally makes your bigger picture start to make sense.

I'd like to point out that this post is for education and discussion and isn't a diagnosis. When you dig a bit deeper, you'll discover that histamine intolerance is a complex and widely debated area, and persistent or severe symptoms should be assessed by an qualified healthcare professional.

I've written a more detailed guide to histamine intolerance, including food reactions and the relationship with Candida, on Candida.com.

Have you noticed a connection between your Candida/IBS/SIBO symptoms and foods such as fermented foods, aged cheese, alcohol, cured meats or leftovers?

Let me know with a comment below

— Eric Bakker, N.D.

Helping people understand Candida overgrowth, gut health, the microbiome, and digestive recovery through education. www.candida.com

Hello! I had a full body rash appear yesterday and I went to urgent care. The doctor said it was an allergic reaction and to take antihistamines. I took Benadryl and Zyrtec, but my skin is even worse today. I have red raised bumps pretty much everywhere but my face, but my legs are the worst. They are not very itchy but I do feel a prickly sensation. I had a bad headache last night and I’m a bit fatigued, but no other noticeable symptoms.

I’ve never experienced anything like this so I’m going over everything that led up to this best I can. I’m on HRT estradiol and progesterone.

1. I began taking caprylic acid a couple weeks ago to help with a yeast and bacterial overgrowth in my gut. I was feeling poorly on it so I took my last dose Monday.
2. I was at the sunny beach this Saturday without sunscreen and was wearing shorts, and a t shirt.
3. I took a heated Pilates class on Tuesday evening and borrowed a mat.
4. I took a slightly different DAO supplement Tuesday night.
5. Woke up Wednesday with some spots around my hips. I often sweat at night also.
6. The spots got worse and overtook my chest and legs.
7. Went to bed last night feeling very fatigued. Then woke up with more spots and more red.

And here I am today. It feels like the spots are getting worse. They do not blanche easily, which is interesting.

I meet with my doctor tomorrow morning, but I’m worried about not having answers. Let me know what you think this looks like?

UPDATE: I’ve been in communication with my GP and they are pretty convinced this is leukocytoclastic vasculitis. We will be doing a biopsy and a bunch of lab testing to confirm and learn more. It sounds like this is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or a reaction to a medication. For the past couple weeks I have been having some die off symptoms from taking caprylic acid, so I’m not sure if that was related. Before two weeks ago, I was feeling really great. But regardless, there are a lot of questions still. My doctor did say this could be serious or it could resolve on its own.