Are you prone to hives? This test will tell you whether the cause is a histamine intolerance to the food you are eating.
Overview
What are hives?
Rashes that can appear anywhere on the body and which can sting or burn.
What foods can trigger hives?
A wide range, from alcohol to chocolate, shellfish, nuts, cows’ milk; strawberries, tomatoes and, it is believed, some food colourings and preservatives (‘E numbers’)
What are the causes?
There can be numerous causes, including stress, infection and hormones, but histamines in many foods can also trigger hives.
How do I know if food is causing my hives?
A simple blood test is all you need. Book yours now.
Did You Know?
In around 50% of people with chronic urticaria (hives), the cause is the body’s reaction to food.
What are hives
Hives (the medical name is urticaria) are rashes which can appear anywhere on the body and can take several different forms, from nettle rash-like spots, to raised, red patches. They can sometimes feel as though they are burning or stinging.
What causes hives?
Hives can be caused by a wide range of factors. Stress can bring them on. Physical factors like heat, cold, sweating and even vibration can trigger them. Contact with certain substances, from dust mites to latex may cause hives. And some medical conditions (and some drugs) can cause them. One of the most common sources of urticaria is food. Hives can be triggered when you eat a food containing histamines. Histamines are chemicals that are important to your immune, digestive and nervous systems. They build up naturally in the body and your body then breaks the histamines down with an enzyme called DAO.
When your body cannot break the histamines in your food down, they can trigger several symptoms, of which hives is one.
What foods can trigger hives?
You’ll find histamines in lots of foods, although some contain higher histamine levels than others. The foods containing the highest histamine levels include:
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Shellfish
- Tomatoes
- Nuts
- Cows’ milk
- Bananas
- Wheat germ
- Additives and preservatives in food (so-called ‘E numbers’)
If you find you develop a rash after consuming these foods, it may be a histamine intolerance that is at the root of your hives. To know for sure, take our blood test.
Testing and treatment
Better2Know’s histamine releasing urticaria (CURT) test indicates your body’s intolerance to foods containing histamines.
If the test proves positive you can make changes in your diet to reduce the likelihood and severity of hives outbreaks. You may also consider taking a DAO supplement which may help your body break down histamines more effectively.
Before you make any changes to your diet, and before taking any supplement, you should consult your GP.
To get tested, contact Better2Know on the number above.