Nervous System Reset: Histamine, Stress & Inflammation

For years, I blamed those middle-of-the-night hot sweats on menopause-like an uninvited guest that overstayed its welcome.

Turns out, menopause had left the building, and a sneaky culprit called histamine intolerance or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (which is similar) had taken its place!

Who knew?

So what is the histamine dump that’s caused by this?

Histamine dump is a sudden release of histamine into the body, often causing symptoms like headaches, itchy skin, or a racing heart. It typically happens at night but can occur at any time.

Histamine, a chemical involved in immune responses, helps fight infections and aids digestion. However, factors like allergies, certain foods, or stress can trigger an overload, leading to uncomfortable symptoms that can be confused with other things as they are similar to many other conditions.

Have you ever experienced puzzling symptoms that seemed to appear out of nowhere?

So, what does a histamine dump bring to the late-night party? Oh, just a delightful grab bag of possible symptoms:

• Itchy skin (because midnight is the perfect time for a scratch-a-thon).

• Body temperature chaos (hot, cold, hot again—make up your mind!).

• Blood pressure changes (like your body’s auditioning for a medical drama).

• Heartburn (because apparently, tacos do fight back).

• Insomnia (as if everything else wasn’t keeping you awake).

• Night sweats (a not-so-gentle reminder of the menopause days).

• Restlessness (cue tossing and turning until sunrise).

• Flushing

• Headaches or Migraines (because why not add that to the mix?).

• Narrowing of airways (a subtle touch of "can't breathe properly").

• Runny, congested nose or sneezing

• Swelling or puffiness

• Stomach issues like bloating or diarrhea (what fun!)

Turns out, my body was hosting a histamine rave, and I had no idea I was on the guest list! 😅

So, here’s the deal: my body decided it’s not great at breaking down histamine (thanks to a lack of the DAO enzyme) which apparently is quite common in women after menopause.

So… my body is throwing a fit over everything—food, stress, the environment, you name it. Talk about high maintenance, right?

Aaaah! I need to heal the gut…easier said than done :(

I’m not about masking symptoms-I like to tackle the root cause head-on (I know… the hard way 🙄). I’m not a fan of the side effects from antihistamines and I’m all about healing the problem. And guess what? It's usually my good old friend, leaky gut syndrome. So, I’m on a mission to heal that gut of mine, one step at a time! 😎

After diving into endless research and chatting with a doctor who actually gets it, I’ve put together a little rescue plan for myself:

• Quercetin (nature’s antihistamine superhero). Works better taken with Bromelain (to bust up that stubborn histamine like a pro).

• Liposomal Vitamin C in large amounts (because regular Vitamin C wasn’t dramatic enough).

• DAO enzyme before meals (to do the job my body refuses to).

• Zeolite: I’m taking Toxaprevent marketed to detox from histamine. This one contains clinoptilolite (a form of zeolite), which is a natural mineral that binds to various toxins, heavy metals, and other harmful substances in the body. It works by absorbing these toxins in the digestive system and helping eliminate them.

• Gut healing squad: L-glutamine, IgG, collagen powder and butyric acid (because, as usual, it all leads back to leaky gut). These I only took for a month. Apparently butyric acid taken in supplement form isn’t really absorbed by the body so abit of waste of money there.

• I drink lots of organic nettle tea.

  The Gradual Gut Rebuild: Why I Introduced These Supplements Slowly

  After stabilizing my symptoms for about a month, I began a gut-rebuilding protocol commonly used in functional medicine to restore microbial balance and support the gut lining.

  And no - I’m not affiliated with this brand. Although at this point, maybe I should be. 😉

  The key here is gradual introduction.

  When you’ve had Candida overgrowth, histamine intolerance, or gut inflammation, your microbiome is unstable. Introducing powerful probiotics or prebiotics too quickly can cause:

  • Bloating

  • Flushing

  • Histamine reactions

  • Fatigue

  • Die-off symptoms

  Your nervous system is already sensitive. The goal is to rebuild, not overwhelm.

  Step 1: Spore-Based Probiotic (MegaSporeBiotic)

  Microbiome Labs

  One month after calming things down, I started:

  ¼ capsule of MegaSporeBiotic for one week,
  then slowly worked up to a full capsule.

  Why start this way?

  Spore-based probiotics are powerful. They contain Bacillus strains that:

  • Survive stomach acid

  • Help crowd out pathogenic bacteria and yeast

  • Support gut barrier integrity

  • Reduce inflammatory signaling

  Unlike traditional probiotics, these don’t just “add bacteria.”
  They help shift the environment of the gut.

  When you’ve had Candida or histamine issues, that shift needs to happen slowly to avoid reactions. So don’t do what I did and start with a full capsule and regret it !!!

  Step 2: Prebiotic Fiber (MegaPre)

  One month later - after tolerating the probiotic well - I added MegaPre, starting at 1 capsule and gradually increasing to 6 capsules.

  This timing matters.

  A prebiotic feeds bacteria.
  If you add it too early, you can feed the wrong organisms.

  MegaPre contains specific fibers designed to feed beneficial bacteria and stimulate production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) - especially butyrate.

  Why Butyrate Matters

  Butyrate is one of the most important healing compounds your gut bacteria produce. It:

  • Fuels colon cells

  • Strengthens the gut lining

  • Reduces inflammation

  • Supports immune regulation

  • Helps regulate histamine responses

  When butyrate production increases, gut permeability improves and immune reactivity often decreases.

  That’s one reason sleep, sinus inflammation, and energy can improve gradually - the gut lining is literally repairing.

  But again - if your system is sensitive, you increase fiber slowly to prevent bloating and fermentation overload.

  I also added Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, as ongoing support. It’s a beneficial yeast strain.

  This is important.

  Unlike bacterial probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii:

  • Does not colonize permanently

  • Helps reduce Candida overgrowth

  • Supports immune balance in the gut

  • Reduces inflammatory toxins

  • Helps regulate diarrhea and gut irritation

  Because it’s a yeast, it competes with pathogenic yeast (Candida) - without increasing histamine.

  This makes it especially useful when rebuilding after Candida issues.

  Why This Whole Process Is Slow

  Gut repair is not linear.

  Your microbiome is an ecosystem.
  You’re not just “adding supplements.”
  You’re reshaping:

  • Microbial diversity

  • Immune signaling

  • Inflammatory load

  • Gut barrier function

  • Nervous system reactivity

  When improvements happen gradually, they’re more stable.

  That’s why I didn’t notice dramatic overnight changes - but over weeks:

  • Clearer sinuses

  • No headaches

  • Better sleep

  • More stable energy

  • Fewer histamine reactions

  The body recalibrates quietly.

  And that’s actually a very good sign.

  For the same reason all the healthy foods that we have been recommended to take because they are full of probiotics like kefir, yoghurt, bone broth, sourdough, all fermented foods …are not indicated when on a low histamine diet. Could it be more confusing?

  
  Foods high in Histamine

My poor taste buds have been betrayed-here’s what I’ve had to cut back on:

• spinach

• avocado

• shellfish and some fish

• aubergine

• tomatoes

• fermented (kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, yoghurt, sourdough), cured or aged food.

• leftovers

• alcohol (especially wine😭 and beer )

• green tea

• olives

• pickled vegetables

• citrus fruits

• dried fruits

• chocolate ( Nooooooooooooo 😭) This one I can’t do!

• cured/aged cheeses are a no-no.

  But these ones are low in histamine: mozzarella, cottage cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone, and other soft, fresh cheeses with minimal aging

Basically, all my daily faves are on timeout while I lower histamine levels and give my body a chance to chill. But doctors don’t seem to agree on these lists and you will find some different foods on different lists!

My Candida & Histamine-Friendly Food List (That Still Feels Like a Treat )

Eating with Candida overgrowth and histamine sensitivity can feel like playing food detective - but I’m determined to keep my plate joyful, nourishing, and full of flavor. Since I’m in detox mode, my choices are a little more limited right now, but every bite is organic (obvs!) and chosen with love. Normally, I’d happily eat anything that counts as real food.

Here’s what’s on my menu:

Cheese That Loves Me Back

• Creamy buffalo mozzarella (ok for histamine, not for  candida). I’ve settled on ricotta which is ok for both.

• Fresh sheep’s cheese with garlic & herbs once in a while only.

Protein Power

• Frozen-at-source wild-caught cod

• Frozen-at-source organic salmon

• Pasture-raised lamb, mutton, beef, chicken, plus nourishing offal and eggs

• (Pork in moderation.)

• Organic eggs

Berry Bliss

• Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries

• A little seasonal fruit when I want something bright and sweet

Veggie Heaven

• Pretty much all the vegetables… except spinach (and carrots and parsnips because I don’t like them.)

• No tomatoes or avocado while I’m keeping histamine low. I know they are a fruit!;)

Crispy + Creamy Combo

• Amisa crispbread buckwheat or lentil one with real butter and a slather of fresh cheese = snack heaven.

Gentle Pulses

• Chickpeas and split red or yellow lentils - easier on both histamine and Candida than other beans

Grain-Free Goodness

• Buckwheat noodles- hearty, filling, and gluten-free

• PK Bread- Paleo Keto Bread. Recipe in the link.

Sauces

• Pesto made with olive oil (my secret weapon to make anything taste indulgent)

• Aminos

• Apple cider vinegar with the mother

Comfort in a Cup

• Herbal teas for calm and balance

• Chicory hot drink with a splash of grass-fed goat cream  a dreamy coffee alternative that feels like a treat

• Sparkling fizzy water with ginger and a fruit extract (e.g. blackcurrant) and stevia.

• I might add goat cream flakes by Mt. Capra to an organic cocoa, or cocoa and coffee as a treat. Cream has less sugar than milk.

Takeaway: Even with Candida and histamine restrictions, eating can still be pleasurable, satisfying, and fun. By focusing on fresh, organic foods and little luxuries like real cheese, berries, and pesto, I never feel deprived - just more in tune with my body.

Symptoms of histamine overload for me? Oh, just a dull headache, waking up at night (histamine dump), sinus and rhinitis drama, and a side of tinnitus. Fun, huh?

Everyone’s histamine meltdown looks a little different, but I’m hoping this plan gets me back to feeling human again. Fingers crossed! 🤞

The DAO enzyme supplement I am taking before my main 2 meals is Naturdao plus, made from organic legumes with a very high enzymatic activity.

I mentioned I was doing the Toxaprevent Histamine Detox Protocol. It utilizes two key products: Toxaprevent Medi Plus Sachets and Toxaprevent Medi Pure Capsules. These products contain Zeolite Clinoptilolite, a natural mineral known for its ability to bind and remove toxins, including excess histamine (according to the brand that sells it), from the body.​ It also detoxes from heavy metals, ammonium, mold, environmental toxins, gut toxins and acidity.

Product Functions of the Zeolite Clinoptilolite:

• Toxaprevent Medi Plus Sachets: Target the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract-mouth, esophagus, and stomach. I take 1 sachet daily on an empty stomach to enhance detoxification.

• Toxaprevent Medi Pure Capsules: Designed for the lower GI tract-intestines and colon. These delayed-release capsules pass through the stomach and release their contents in the intestines. I am taking 3 capsules on an empty stomach. 

  Taking too much zeolite can cause me to detox too quickly giving me side effects so I scale back when needed).

  I take them according to my phase in my detox programme. As I am quite ahead in the programme now, I have eased off the zeolite and giving priority to other supplements like some specific probiotics.

  I feel I am finally feeling results in my Histamine detox adventure. I knew it was going to take a while. My headaches have gone, my nights are better, nose is clearer. It got much better a few days after I started the Toxaprevent.(the zeolite) 

Maintenance:

After completing the initial detox, it's advisable to undertake a 1 to 2-month detox annually as a "top-up" to maintain reduced histamine levels.

Notes

Some probiotics can also produce histamine so you have to be careful if you take one. Here’s a list of the ok strains to take with histamine overload:

Lactobacillus paracasei CASEI 431®, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum( also helps improve intestinal hyperpermeability “leaky gut syndrome”), Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum.

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Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any detox protocol to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs.

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AS a matter of curiosity I asked chat gpt about histamine overload.

ChatGPT said:

Histamine overload or histamine intolerance, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), dysbiosis, and autoimmune disorders aren’t widely recognized or officially diagnosed in conventional medicine, as many doctors might not be familiar with it as a distinct condition. It can be frustrating when the medical community seems to lack clear solutions for these conditions. Many people seek more holistic, integrative, or functional approaches for managing these issues.

In these cases, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Lack of Recognition in Conventional Medicine

• MCAS, dysbiosis, and autoimmune conditions are complex, and their diagnosis and management are not always straightforward. They are sometimes seen as overlapping or misunderstood conditions, and the medical community may not have definitive treatments for them because they don't fit neatly into traditional disease models.

• The problem with conditions like MCAS or dysbiosis is that they don’t always present in clear-cut ways, making them hard to diagnose using conventional lab tests. This leads to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or even dismissal of symptoms.

2. Integrative Medicine & Functional Health

• While conventional medicine might not provide definitive solutions, integrative or functional medicine practitioners are often more open-minded and knowledgeable about conditions like MCAS, dysbiosis, and autoimmune disorders. They may have a deeper understanding of how the immune system, gut health, and inflammation interact with the body's response to histamine and other triggers.

• These practitioners often focus on root causes like gut health, microbial imbalances, autoimmune triggers, and systemic inflammation, offering a holistic approach. They might use strategies like:

  • Dietary interventions (e.g., low-histamine, anti-inflammatory diets)

  • Supplements (e.g., probiotics, systemic enzymes, DAO enzymes, or anti-inflammatory agents)

  • Lifestyle changes (stress management, sleep improvement, etc.)

  • Functional testing (like stool tests, immune panels, or DAO activity tests) to get a clearer picture of underlying issues.

3. Self-Advocacy and Personalized Care

• Because these conditions are often misunderstood by mainstream medicine, you might have to become your own health advocate. Educating yourself, trying different management strategies, and even working with practitioners who specialize in these areas can help you find what works best for you.

• Holistic practitioners, such as naturopaths, functional medicine doctors, or even nutritionists with expertise in autoimmune diseases or gut health, might be more equipped to provide personalized care tailored to your unique situation.

• Trial and error can be frustrating, but finding the right combination of dietary changes, supplements, and therapies might be key to improving your quality of life.

  4. Collaboration and Support

• Even if conventional doctors are not fully equipped to handle MCAS, dysbiosis, or autoimmune conditions, you can still work alongside them to ensure your health is managed holistically. For example, your primary care physician might be involved in monitoring overall health, while an integrative practitioner can help with addressing the root causes and supporting immune health.

• Joining support groups, whether in person or online, can also be a good way to connect with others going through similar experiences. People often share valuable tips, resources, and practical approaches that help manage symptoms of complex conditions like MCAS and autoimmune disorders.

5. Consider Specialized Testing

• While conventional medicine may not always know how to deal with these conditions, specialized tests such as DAO enzyme testing, mast cell markers, intestinal permeability tests, or microbiome analysis (for dysbiosis) may offer useful insights into your condition and guide treatment. Some functional medicine doctors or holistic practitioners may recommend these tests to uncover specific imbalances that could be contributing to symptoms like histamine overload or autoimmune dysfunction.

6. Symptom Management

• Symptom management is often a major focus when it comes to conditions like MCAS, dysbiosis, and autoimmune diseases. Many people find that using supplements like DAO enzyme, systemic enzymes, anti-inflammatory herbs, or probiotics (especially for dysbiosis) can provide some relief, even if the underlying cause isn't fully understood.

• For example, Pure Body Extra or Toxaprevent can help with detoxing the body, but managing your diet (low-histamine, anti-inflammatory) and adding things like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and mast cell-stabilizing herbs (like quercetin or vitamin C) can further support your health.

7. Patience and Persistence

• The journey to managing histamine intolerance, MCAS, dysbiosis, and autoimmune disorders is often long and filled with trial and error. While conventional medicine may not offer the answers you're looking for, many people find relief through integrative and functional approaches that focus on diet, lifestyle, and personalized supplementation.

Updated Protocol Section

My Emergency Histamine Flare-Up Protocol

Because yes… sometimes I get sloppy. Candida diet brain. I forget that low-sugar foods aren’t always low-histamine.

So here’s my updated, battle-tested, “get-me-out-of-this-flare” plan that works:

1. Vitamin C

Helps degrade histamine + stabilizes mast cells.
People often use: 500–1000 mg 2–3x daily (buffered if your stomach is sensitive).

2. Quercetin + Bromelain

Mast cell stabilizer, reduces inflammation, slows histamine release.
Typical supplement amount: 250–500 mg, 1–2x daily.

3. DAO enzyme

Takes down histamine inside the gut.
How I’m using it right now:

• 1–2 capsules upon waking

• 1–2 before meals

• Optional: 1 before bed on high-symptom days

This alone reduces my morning palpitations and head pressure.

4. Phosphatidylserine

Reduces cortisol spikes (which trigger histamine).
Especially helpful if you get:

• Night sweats

• Waking at 2–3AM

• Racing thoughts

• Stress-induced flares

5. Magnesium Glycinate

What it does:

• Calms mast cells

• Helps quiet nighttime histamine spikes

• Supports relaxation and deeper sleep

Dosage:

• 200–400 mg in the evening

6. Glycine (My Night time Saviour)

What it does:

• Supports liver detox

• Helps your system clear histamine

• Calms the nervous system

• Helps you fall back asleep after those 3–5 AM wake-ups

Dosage:

• 2–3 grams before bed or during nighttime wake-ups

7. Cold Therapy

What it does:

• Immediately calms mast cells

• Great for eye pressure, headaches, flushing, and panic-feeling flares

How to use:
Cold pack on chest, neck, or over the eyes.

Instant relief.

9. Hydration + Electrolytes

Why:
Histamine spikes → dehydration → palpitations + dizziness
(hello, menopausal body)

A quick electrolyte drink stabilizes things fast.

10. Low-Histamine Reset for 24–48 Hours

Refer to my histamine post for low histamine food. 

This drops my overall histamine bucket quickly.

7. Toxaprevent (clinoptilolite) -optional

Soaks up excess histamine + toxins in the gut.

• Great between meals

• Helps reduce palpitations, headaches, facial pressure, heat intolerance

• Supports detox without adding more stress

This is my “vacuum cleaner” supplement during flares.

Conclusion:

While conventional medicine may not have clear answers for MCAS, dysbiosis, or autoimmune diseases, there are other approaches that can help you manage these conditions more effectively.

Integrative medicine or functional medicine practitioners are often better equipped to work with conditions like these and can offer personalized treatment plans, even if the mainstream medical system doesn't fully recognize them.

Ultimately, it comes down to finding the right team of healthcare providers who understand your condition and are open to alternative or complementary strategies that support your health.

In the meantime, self-care, symptom tracking, and educated experimentation with diet, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in improving your quality of life.

Links that may help:

(I do not get paid to mention these links or any products.)

https://www.drhagmeyer.com

https://oc-integrative-medicine.com

https://www.eds.clinic/articles/histamine-dump

https://naturdao.com/en/estrogen-histamine-and-perimenopause

https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/histamine-intolerance