Endometriosis, SIBO, Interstitial Cystitis and Allergies: The Histamine Connection

Endometriosis, small intestine bacterial overgrowth and allergies. What do they have in common? Histamines. Whilst these conditions are multifaceted and often don’t have one root cause, there is a clear common thread connecting them all. Here’s some key takeaways: 61% of people with endo have allergies Research has shown up to 80% of those with endo also have SIBO (some doctors argue it’s even higher at 100%) SIBO can impair the body’s ability to break down and remove histamines from the body Mast cells (the cells that make histamine) and histamines are found in high lever levels in patients with interstitial cystitis Mast cells have been found in higher levels within endometriosis lesions and have been shown to be involved within the inflammatory process of endo Endometriosis is an oestrogen driven disease and the endo lesions also increase oestrogen in the pelvic area. Oestrogen triggers mast cells to release histamines, whilst histamines can trigger further oestrogen production Histamines can also rise as oestrogen rises with the menstrual cycle Oestrogen lowers the effects of DAO, the enzyme that helps to break down histamines. This overload of histamine, combined with the lack of DAO and the gut’s lessened ability to break down histamine due to SIBO, can result in a histamine intolerance scenario. Histamine intolerance can manifest in many different ways, but some common symptoms are: Dizziness Sneezing Wheezing Runny or congested nose Red, itchy eyes Rashes and hives Racing heart Chest tightness Diarrhea Nausea Irregular heart beat Brain fog Irritability Food allergies and airborne allergies In today’s episode, I’m exploring all of these links in the context of my own health challenges around IC, SIBO, endo and allergies and why I believe stress, mould and my gut health problems have been the straw that broke the camel’s back. I hope that by sharing my story, and the investigative work I did into my health, you may be able to pick up the clues in your own situation and begin to work out what’s triggering or worsening your allergies and other symptoms, and what you can do to start lowering histamines and controlling your symptoms. For sources and references that I used in this episode, please see below in the show notes. P.S. Apologies if this episode sounds a little breathy, I've been having to use a different mic for a few weeks whilst we get a new lead for our other one. Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter. If you feel like you need more support with managing endometriosis, you can join Your EndoLife Coaching Programme. A 1-to-1 three month health and life coaching programme to help you thrive with endometriosis. To find out more about the programme and to discuss whether it could be right for you, email me at [email protected] or visit my website. My cookbook This EndoLife, It Starts with Breakfast is out now! Get 28 anti-inflammatory, hormone friendly recipes for living and thriving with endometriosis. Order your copy here. This episode is sponsored by my free “Endometriosis Symptom Tracker”. If you feel like you’re just in pain or tired all the time, and you can’t tell what’s making your endo better or worse, this tracker could help you begin to understand the subtle patterns in your endometriosis symptoms. As always, this guide doesn’t replace your medical treatment and is not intended to treat or cure endometriosis, but provides you with options that helped me to live well with endometriosis. Download here. This episode is sponsored by The Pod Farm. Learn all about how to start your own podcast with the complete course from The Pod Farm. Aimed at beginners, this course takes a simple and straightforward approach to planning, equipment buying, setting up, recording, editing and hosting your own podcast. With hours of audio and video materials, and downloadable guides and useful links, this multimedia approach aims to have something for every kind of learner. From now until April 15, newsletter subscribers get 20% off the course price. Visit www.thepodfarm.com to enroll or find out more This episode is sponsored by BeYou. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches and CBD range. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk This episode is sponsored by Semaine Health, the anti-inflammatory, plant-based pain relieving supplement. Now priced at $28.99 for subscription. Shop here.   Sources The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan Interstitial cystitis and histamines Dr Becky Campbell Histamine Intolerance 101 Dr Becky Campbell Mast cells in endometriosis: guilty or innocent bystanders? Targeting mast cells: a new way to treat endometriosis Estrogen and histamines Dr Lara Briden Immune Treatment for Endometriosis Dr Lara Briden