Cluing into Histamines has improved my life more than anything else in years. My hives of 22 months are finally MANAGEABLE. I go to bed, fall asleep, and stay asleep. I don’t feel anxious or rushed. Wonders! I still have crumpled tissues in all my pockets, which I figure is a small price. I still break out just a little when I go off diet. However, it doesn’t last weeks and weeks! I am happy to be in my body and relish better motivation and clarity.
The culprit is Histamine Intolerance (HI). Histamine 
is an essential neurotransmitter our bodies release when we eat and when we are exposed to a micro-invader, hence the inflammatory response. So in response to an allergen~ pollens, dander, insect bites~ we may take the common anti-histamine medication to counter the release of histamines.
Other primary symptoms of HI include common “allergic” reactions~ watery, itchy, red eyes; swelling in the face, oral cavities, and throat.
Additionally~ migraines, digestive tract issues like acid reflux and heartburn, hypotension, racing heart and panic attacks, and other types of headaches.
There are many reasons for HI which researchers are beginning to understand. It can be a systemic infection, systemic allergies, mast cell disorder, insufficient levels of the enzyme Diamine Oxidase (DO), or intestinal bacterial imbalance. Then, if you’re ME and eating lots of spinach, fish, avocados, and lemons to be HEALTHY, you are only adding to the Histamine LOAD (HL).
Additional foods include nightshades, vinegars, bananas, fermentations, and leftover meat. Once a meat protein has been cooked, the amino acids accumulate histamines.
Basically, our bodies fill up with histamines and we remain in an “allergic” state. Allergy panels like the IgA and IgG will not catch these foods. The best way to reduce HL is by avoiding foods high in histamines and foods that trigger their release. There are also medications to support DO production. The following supplements may help: Quercetin (a naturally occurring bioflavanoid), Vitamin C, Nettles, Black Cumin Oil, Elderberries, and Holy Basil.
If you suspect you may be HI, you can request specific tests to determine the exact cause. Since I have already spent thousands of dollars on treating my mold exposure, I opted for the diet and supplements.
Here are the Most Excellent websites with much more specific information, including full dietary recommendations:
This article by Dr. Janice Joneja, a immunologist in Canada, seems to be everyone else’s primary source of information.
This blog by Dr. Chris Kresser has over 400 comments that range from helpful to desperate. I have also enjoyed his website and podcasts—this guy is super smart and has a treadmill desk!
This blog by Dr. Amy Meyers is the shortest and most layman-friendly.
AND the Low Histamine Chef has a website, e-cookbooks, newsletter, and Serious Moxie. She is interviewed here.