Histamine Intolerance: What Foods Contain Histamine?

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Julie Goyen

Although Histamine is in various foods, it’s also produced by the body naturally. Histamine Intolerance is when the body reacts to high levels of histamine present in the body. When levels of histamine reach a point beyond what your body can handle, it can cause a reaction. For this particular type of intolerance, the body experiences an allergic reaction and responds by naturally producing higher levels of histamine (to fight off the attacker).

Symptoms

Histamine Intolerance can cause a wide variety of bothersome symptoms. Headaches are very common, as well as dizziness and extreme tiredness. Acne, skin rashes and eczema are common symptoms that affect the skin. Digestive problems include acid reflux, diarrhea, chronic constipation, stomach ache or cramps, and nausea. Asthma and cardiac arrhythmias, like rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeat, may occur. Psychological symptoms include lack of concentration, inattentiveness and aggressiveness. Anxiety, low blood pressure and allergic rhinitis may also be present.

What Foods Contain Histamine?

It’s not a good idea to just avoid histamine containing foods and assume you are intolerant. You should consult a doctor so that proper tests and evaluations can be done. You may need to keep a food diary with a list of symptoms to help determine if you’re Histamine Intolerant. Taking a histamine intolerance test is the best way to identify if you have a problem with histamine.

Alcoholic beverages such as red wine and beer contain high amounts of histamine. Drinking these can cause inflammation and swelling. Foods that are rich with histamine include cheese, soy, avocado, dried fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, eggplant, mushrooms, sour cream, yogurt, spinach, vinegar and anchovies. Fermented foods that also contain high amounts of histamine vary from sauerkraut to smoked meats. Vinegar and products that contain vinegar, like salad dressing and mayonnaise, are other foods that contain high levels.

When it comes to what you eat, you don’t just have to look out for foods that are full of histamine. You must also look out for foods that trigger histamine in the body, which include but aren’t limited to eggs, milk, fish, chocolate, bananas, pineapple and shellfish.

Good to Know

Anti-histamines, such as Benadryl, may be helpful if you accidentally consume histamine containing food. Although these symptoms can be bothersome or cause you discomfort, a Histamine Intolerance can range from mild to severe. When an intolerance reaches the point of severity where excessive levels of histamine are released into the body, it can cause violent allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. It’s possible to reach a state of anaphylaxis, where the airway can become constricted and the tongue may swell. It’s extremely important to seek immediate medical attention when experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis or if you have any suspicions of a possible Histamine Intolerance.

The Difference Between Gluten Intolerance and Coeliac Disease

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Julie Goyen

It’s becoming more common to have problematic reactions after consuming foods that contain gluten. Gluten Intolerance and Coeliac Disease are the most common diagnosis among those who have problems consuming gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and sometimes oats. It’s important to know that gluten isn’t just exclusive to foods, but can also be found in vitamins, medicines, lip balms, and (oddly enough) lickable envelopes and stamps.

Difference between Gluten Intolerance and Coeliac Disease

Although Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance are treated similarly, they’re not the same thing. Coeliac Disease can cause permanent damage, while Gluten Intolerance causes symptoms but only until it gets out of your system. Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition that’s triggered by consuming gluten. Gluten “Intolerance” is just that: an intolerance of the body’s inability to handle gluten.

Symptomatic vs. Non-Symptomatic Patients

Although Coeliac Disease is a permanent disorder and the symptoms will vary from person to person, some people are asymptomatic. Being asymptomatic means the small intestine is still able to absorb enough nutrients, which prevents symptoms from occurring. This does not mean you are free from the complications that Coeliac Disease can cause.

Symptoms

Gluten Intolerance and Coeliac Disease can contain a wide variety of symptoms. Common symptoms to watch out for include weight loss/gain, gassiness, diarrhea, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation and nausea. Depression, irritability and behavioural changes may also occur. Children actually appear as if they have malnutrition (which they do) and may have an extended belly.

Diagnosing

It used to be more difficult (it still can be) to diagnose Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance since symptoms are very similar to other illnesses, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Fortunately, tests can be done to rule out or determine if you’re suffering from Coeliac Disease. Common tests include blood tests that screen certain raised auto-antibodies, as well as a small intestinal biopsy. It’s extremely important to continue to eat gluten until you are tested since it is the presence of gluten that raises these auto-antibodies in the blood. Coeliac Disease is hereditary and if one person is diagnosed, the whole family should be checked.

Treatment

The only way to treat Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance is by making a lifestyle change of eliminating gluten. Although a gluten-free lifestyle can be challenging and a little more difficult financially, it’s essential to avoiding further damage caused by Coeliac Disease and those uncomfortable symptoms of Gluten Intolerance.

Bottom Line

If Coeliac Disease is left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the lining of your intestinal wall. This leads to more severe problems like malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies and dehydration. If you do not cut gluten from your diet, or catch it in time, it can further progress causing damage to your major organs, which can lead to problems like iron deficient anaemia and even cancer.

Should You Be Tested for Food Intolerance?

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Julie Goyen

It is estimated that as many as 45% of the general public are intolerant to at least one food or food additive. In many cases, that person is intolerant to numerous food substances. Many people suffer from food intolerances and are not even aware of it. As a matter of fact, until you have a professional food intolerance test completed by a reputable and certified company, there is no way of knowing for sure.

What are some indicative signs?

If you ever experience unpleasant symptoms following the consumption of certain foods, you are likely intolerant of at least one component of the food. Common symptoms include stomach pain, bloating, constipation, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, diarrhoea, nausea, heartburn and reflux. Additionally, you may experience headaches, mood swings, irritability, depression or anxiety.

The tricky part is that problems associated with your intolerances often show up in apparently unrelated ways. Skin problems such as hives, rashes, eczema, acne, psoriasis, redness, dry skin and dermatitis are often caused by food intolerance.

Respiratory problems such as asthma, coughs, sinusitis, and nasal congestion can also be caused by your body’s intolerance to certain foods. Other conditions commonly associated with food intolerance include arthritis, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, cramps, dry, red or watery eyes, puffy eyelids, diabetes type II, thyroid problems, arterial hypertension, weight gain, obesity, or excessive weight loss.

There have been over 75 symptoms identified as commonly associated with food intolerance. Basically, if you suffer from any type of chronic condition, there is a strong possibility that it is related to something that you are eating.

What are the benefits of food intolerance testing?

A food intolerance test is the only way for you to know what, if any, food may be wreaking havoc in your life. Clearly identifying these foods will empower you to make the right food choices and begin the road to recovery. Your test should include a detailed list of all of your trigger foods as well as some background information and tips on making a successful change in diet.

Without a doubt you will be amazed at how much better you will feel and may even be quite shocked at the number of symptoms that begin to disappear from your life. One of the greatest benefits that many people experience is long-term weight loss. This benefit is so substantial and consistent that some doctors are recommending a food intolerance test for all of their weight loss patients.

The answer to whether or not you should complete a test really comes down to your current health situation. If you can identify with any of the above symptoms, a food intolerance test will identify whether foods are causing you to suffer and to help you lead a normal, symptom-free life.

The 5 Most Common Food Intolerances in Australia

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Julie Goyen

With awareness of the problems caused by food intolerance growing amongst Australians, more and more people are getting tested – usually to find that intolerances have been causing their problems all along.

While there are many foods that “trigger” food intolerances (our Imupro300 test looks at over 271 trigger foods), some are far more common than others. Here are the 5 most common food intolerances in Australia:

Milk

First of all, it should be noted that there is a difference between “dairy” intolerance and “lactose” intolerance – even though they come from the same food source. Dairy intolerance is sensitivity to anything that is made from or contains cow’s milk and is the result of intolerance to the proteins in milk. Lactose intolerance, by contrast, is a disorder of absorption of the milk sugar in the milk. In order to properly manage your diet, it is important to know which, if either, type of milk intolerance that you have.

Eggs

Some people are intolerant to the proteins contained in eggs. If you are one of these people, you will typically experience gastric symptoms within a couple of hours of consuming eggs and they can range from quite minor to rather severe. This will depend upon your body’s tolerance level which varies from one person to another. Some people can eat one egg without experiencing any symptoms while others can’t eat anything that contains even trace amounts of egg protein.

Unfortunately there is no cure for egg intolerance so if you want to avoid the symptoms, you must eliminate egg proteins in your diet. It’s easy to avoid real eggs but not so easy to eliminate other products containing egg proteins. Examples of foods that may contain egg protein are: sauces, mayonnaise, cakes and baked goods, pastas, meatloaf, and even hot dogs.

Peanuts

While peanuts are primarily associated with a food allergy, it is also possible to have an intolerance to the proteins found within the nuts and not be allergic to them. Of course it is vitally important to know if you are allergic to peanuts since reactions can be quite severe and even fatal. If your symptoms are more related to abdominal discomfort or acid indigestion, then you are likely experiencing intolerance to peanuts.

Soy

Soy beans are processed into additives, oils and powder that add flavour and protein to commercially processed foods. Soy intolerance means that your body is having trouble digesting soy or it is creating irritation to your digestive system and causing uncomfortable symptoms.

Symptoms may occur immediately or could take several days to manifest. Soy intolerance typically affects your gastrointestinal system. Additionally, you may experience headaches, mood swings, irritability, depression or anxiety.

Wheat

Around 15% of the population are intolerant to the gluten ingredient found in many wheat products. Gluten is a complex protein used in the baking process. People with wheat intolerance may be able to eat small amounts of the offending foods, but larger amounts can cause them to feel unwell. Wheat can also trigger or worsen the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Wheat intolerance symptoms can take up to 48 hours to surface after eating wheat, which makes connecting the cause and the effect very difficult. Most people who suffer from wheat intolerance do so for years without knowing the cause. This is due to the delayed reaction as well as the fact that symptoms can also be attributed to many different types of medical conditions, including Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

With many foods that trigger food intolerance symptoms, it can be hard to know which food is really causing your symptoms. If you suspect that you may also be intolerant to any food, the best thing to do is to take a comprehensive intolerance test.

Food Intolerance or Food Allergy?

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Julie Goyen

The terms “food allergy” and “food intolerance” are sometimes used interchangeably, but are in fact quite different. While a person might declare that he or she is allergic to a particular food, in some cases they are actually referring to food intolerance rather than an allergy – a condition which, while unpleasant, may not be quite as serious.

A true allergy in the traditional sense is an acute immune response (IgE antibody) to a food or other substance, which causes the body to react almost as if the substance is toxic. It might result in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or lips, skin rashes or hives, swollen throat, water and itchy eyes, or even collapse. Common food allergens are eggs, nuts, milk and shellfish.

Delayed onset allergies (type 3 allergy often called food intolerances) involve an immune response (IgG antibody) and are a lot more common. The offending food causes a defense reaction by the immune system and if the food continues to be eaten the symptoms can be very unpleasant and quite serious, and may include chronic fatigue syndrome, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems such as bloating and stomach pains, headaches, skin conditions and unexplained weight gain, sore joints and depression

Examples include:

Gluten intolerance – sensitivity to the protein components of some grain foods.
Dairy intolerance – difficulty digesting dairy food due to a reaction to milk proteins.

There is another sort of allergy which involves a chemical reaction in the digestive system. These type of allergies are called pseudo allergies

Examples include:

Lactose intolerance – problems digesting milk sugars due to low levels of the enzyme lactase.
Histamine intolerance-problems digesting foods rich in histamine due to an enzyme deficiency

If you suffer from digestive problems, tests for food intolerance may be the best way to determine if you are indeed sensitive to certain foods that are causing your discomfort.

Why We Do What We Do at ImuPro

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Julie Goyen

At ImuPro, we’ve developed extremely accurate tests for people experiencing the symptoms of food intolerances and food allergies. The symptoms range from bloating to stomach pain and from indigestion to fatigue. In many cases, food allergies and intolerances also lead to weight gain. And weight gain leads to additional medical issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Vegetables

Many patients have endured the affects of food intolerances for several years and have been unable to discover what’s been causing their health problems—even with the help of their doctor or health professional. Ultimately, the real reason we love what we do at ImuPro is helping people lead better lives. We love to hear success stories—and we get them all the time from people who have been enduring gluten intolerance symptoms, lactose intolerance symptoms, wheat intolerance symptoms, and other food allergy symptoms and food intolerance symptoms. In this blog, you’re going to get to meet some of the people we have helped literally get their lives back.

We’re going to introduce you to a doctor who uses ImuPro for the fast and accurate diagnosis of food intolerance and food allergy issues. Plus you’re going to meet six ImuPro customers who, between them, have lost significant weight.

Dr. Thalmann in Hamburg, Germany started using ImuPro tests in September 2000. At first, he used the test to help patients who were suffering from the typical food allergy symptoms and food intolerance symptoms. He noticed that patients who avoided their ‘bad’ foods also lost considerable weight. So he started using the test to help patients who came to him hoping to lose weight.

Dr. Thalmann noticed that patients who wanted to lose weight did not have to go on a ‘starvation’ or ‘deprivation’ diet. They simply had to avoid the foods that were causing food intolerances. Thus his patients can avoid gluten intolerance symptoms, wheat intolerance symptoms, and lactose intolerance symptoms. Dr. Thalmann has successfully helped hundreds of patients lose weight by detecting food allergies and food intolerances. One reason is that avoidance of problem foods improves intestinal function and lowers stress on the body’s metabolism.

“People with excess weight lose weight up to their ideal weight without starving—if they consistently avoid incompatible foods,” wrote Dr. Thalmann.

Real People. Real Results. Better Quality of Life.

Meet some ImuPro patients who discovered their food intolerances and food allergies and changed their lives.

Glenda from northern NSW was suffering from Type 2 diabetes. She also suffered from severe bloating—ballooning from size 12 to size 22 around the waist. After taking an ImuPro test, Glenda discovered she was intolerant to 37 foods including almonds and soy.

After just three weeks avoiding problem foods, Glenda had lost 9 kilos. And her blood sugar levels returned to normal and her doctor took her off diabetes medication. After three months, Glenda was back to wearing size 12 pants.

Michelle from Sydney NSW is a young mother (27). She suffered from constant bloating and was always tired—even though she ate a healthy, balanced diet. Her ImuPro test showed intolerances to cow’s milk and gluten. Other ‘culprits’ included almonds, egg white, and Brussel sprouts.

After changing her diet, Michelle got her energy back and the bloating is gone. She also lost weight.

Vivienne from Auckland NZ was dealing with fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, muscular pain, and bloating. Her doctors diagnosed depression. The problem, as she discovered after taking the ImuPro300 test, was she reacted negatively to 45 foods. After adjusting her diet, her pain levels have decreased and she’s lost weight.

Julie, from Sydney NSW had gained weight and went from a size 8 to a size 12. She also felt bloated after most meals. The ImuPro300 test revealed 29 food intolerances. After adjusting her diet, she’s back to being a size 8.

Nik from Melbourne VIC had been running to the men’s room frequently. He also suffered from severe bloating. He tried eating less but the same food intolerance problems arose. His doctor misdiagnosed the problem. He took the ImuPro300 test and discovered he had intolerances to 30 foods. Nik is back to normal and he lost 10 kilos.

Retiree Monica from Sydney NSW had gained a lot of weight and was lacking energy. Through the ImuPro300 test, she discovered she had 69 intolerances. After changing her diet, she lost 6.5 kilos and enjoys a part-time job on Sundays.

Back to Germany…in addition to helping people lose weight, Dr. Thalmann also discovered that changing a patient’s diet based on food intolerance and allergy intolerance testing helped patients with other health issues:

Elevated uric acid levels
Intestinal inflammations
Migraine
Muscle tension
Hay fever
Diabetes Type 2
Atopy
Neurodermatitis
Eczema and/or exanthema

If you’re having health issues, especially digestive issues, and you’re not having an easy time finding a diagnosis, then a food allergy or a food intolerance test from ImuPro is a good first step to leading a healthier—and thinner—life.

Do I have a Gluten (Wheat) Intolerance?

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Julie Goyen

What is a gluten-wheat intolerance?

Gluten is the general name for the storage of proteins found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. It is the substance that gives the rubber, elastic texture in bread. It helps glue the bread and cakes together so they don’t crumble.

What are the possible symptoms of a gluten-wheat intolerance?

More commonly, symptoms that can be the result of food intolerances (allergy type 3) include:
* bloating and gas
* abdominal pain
* constipation
* indigestion
* stomach cramps
* fatigue or
* unexplained headaches

When you have wheat or gluten intolerance, your immune system is hypersensitive to one of the proteins in wheat or gluten so your system reacts against the protein.

The symptoms of wheat-gluten allergy are not the same for everyone; they vary between individuals and can begin a few minutes after eating a wheat-gluten product, or it can take several hours for symptoms to appear.

The most common factor and most recognizable symptom among patients is there is an impaired ability to digest wheat or gluten products that can lead to gastro-intestinal, dermatologic, or respiratory symptoms.

What is coeliac disease – how is it different to a gluten-wheat intolerance?

Conventionally trained doctors only recognise coeliac disease, the most serious type. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune-type reaction in which the body reacts so strongly to gluten that it causes malabsorption of nutrients. It is possible to experience Coeliac Disease symptoms but test negative for Coeliac Disease.

How can I find out if I have a gluten-wheat intolerance?

When we continually eat the same types of food eg. wheat or gluten products, our body can build up a resistance and when it reaches a threshold the result is in the form of physical symptoms such as those described above.

To find out if you have a gluten-wheat intolerance please Contact Us to discuss your food intolerance and allergy testing options & prices.

Food Intolerance and Food Allergy Testing

Posted on February 20, 2009 by Julie Goyen

Imupro are pleased to announce the launch of their new Food Intolerance and Food Allergy Testing Blog.

Did you know that approximately 45% of people have an intolerance to a food or additive, and the majority of those people are unaware that an intolerance exists?

Many of these people suffer with chronic symptoms that could be reduced or eliminated if only they could pinpoint the cause of the problem through food intolerance testing.

Over the coming months we will regularly update this blog with information about food intolerance symptoms (weight issues, skin conditions, gastro-IBS, hyperactivity) and provide you with valuable information about common food allergies (such as wheat, dairy and gluten etc).

If you have a spare moment, read this handy Food Intolerance Fact Sheet (as seen on A Current Affair).

For more information about our Food Intolerance Testing Options, please do not hesitate to contact us direct.