​Histamine intolerance symptoms are experienced by many people, although it still remains relatively misunderstood (that being said - research on the topic is quickly expanding). Its severity ranges from more severe IgE-mediated symptoms to milder intolerances to fermented or aged foods containing high histamine levels.

Here, we’ll examine more about this condition, its causes, and what you can do to alleviate symptoms.

​Allergies form when the immune system improperly identifies an otherwise harmless molecule like a dust particle or pollen as a danger, mounting an immune response and producing the symptoms we’ve come to recognize as ‘allergies”. 

Bone broth is a rich source of nutrients. It contains protein, cartilage, gelatin, and minerals, especially calcium. It’s easy for our body to digest, tastes delicious and fills a home with an aroma of goodness while cooking. Bone broth is inherently calming, consoling, and restorative to our energy and spirit. The gelatin in bone broth also has been shown to have numerous benefits on the cartilage in our joints, the integrity of our gut membrane, the detoxification of our livers, and the health of our skin!
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BASIC BONE BROTH MAKING

1. Bones - poultry, fish, shellfish, beef or lamb
   - cooked bones from a previous meal, with or without skin or meat
   - raw bones, with or without skin and meat (can be browned first for flavour)
   ​- use a whole carcass or just parts (good choices include feet, ribs, necks and knuckles)
2. Water - cold
   enough to just cover the bones or 2 cups water per 1 pound bones
3. Vinegar - any kind
   a splash (1-2 tablespoons), or substitute lemon juice for vinegar
4. Vegetables (optional) – skins, ends and tops or entire veggie
   traditional choices include celery, carrots, onions, garlic and parsley, but any will do

As we age, our bodies often remind us we are getting older. While other parts of our body may start to show signs if aging, our digestive systems are not always affected as much by aging as we may believe. However, there may be certain foods you once enjoyed with ease that are now causing stomach upset if you over indulge. And while food intolerances are always a possibility, these new symptoms do not necessarily mean we have developed intolerances for certain foods.

Certain changes to digestion do occur as we age. These include:

1. Slowed digestive response. As digestion response slows it requires more time to break down the food in our stomachs. As a result, we can feel full for a much longer period of time after consuming a large meal, which may also make us feel bloated.

2. Less elasticity of the stomach. The stomach also becomes less elastic, meaning rather than being able to consume an entire pizza, like we could when we were teenagers, we are only able to eat a few slices before we start to feel full.

3. Lactase production decreases. As we age, the body slows how much lactase (the enzyme that breaks down the sugar, lactose, in milk) is produced, which can cause some of us to become lactose intolerant or start to feel the effects of consuming too many dairy products, like gas and intestinal cramping. Contrary to popular belief, lactose intolerance is not a “condition”. It's a normal process of aging, and your body’s attempt to preserve resource (since milk is for babies, not adults).

4. Bacteria growth expands into the small intestine. While normal “gut” bacteria is essential to proper digestion, as we age, it is not uncommon for the bacteria to extend beyond the large intestine and into the small intestine and can make it seem like we have food intolerances (commonly termed SIBO).

5. Contractions weaken or slow in the large intestine. Feeling of constipation are not uncommon as we get older and is caused by this age-related factor.

6. Illnesses – Age-related reduced immune responses can affect the digestive system.

7. Medications – Certain medications can affect the digestive system and could have side effects similar to symptoms of food intolerances.

8. Failing to Change Eating/Dietary Habits – As we get older, what we eat, how much, and when are directly related to digestive problems sometimes mistaken as intolerances to food.

Going back to our original question, the primary type of food intolerance we may develop as we get older is an enzymatic intolerance to certain foods, such as dairy products. This type of food intolerance is where the body no longer produces the right amount of enzymes needed to properly digest the food.

In conclusion, if you are experiencing digestive problems related to specific foods, it does not necessarily always mean you have developed an intolerance to a food or food group. It may in fact mean your body has developed an inability to properly digest it. As a result, it may be time for some dietary changes to maintain a healthy digestive system.
If some of the above points are effecting you, it is best to speak with naturopathic doctor to determine the underlying to your concerns.  You can book an appointment for a full health assessment with Dr. Courtney Holmberg, ND at her naturopathic clinic in Toronto by calling 647.351.7282 today!

​Join us for the next 6 weeks as we challenge each other to incorporate healthy habits into our lifestyles. Share with a friend to challenge them with you!
 
Health Habits Challenge: Lemon Water in the Morning 
For the next 7 days, wake with a glass of fresh lemon water on an empty stomach. Not only is it citrusy and delicious, it's packed with health benefits you might not have known.
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#1 It aid digestion - lemon water stimulates gastric juice production, strengthening the effects of your stomach acid and building digestive enzymes. This makes it a great solution for constipation, bloating, gas, and heartburn.
 
#2 It's rich in potassium - you can skip the starchy banana, because lemon water is a great source of potassium, making it great for heart health, brain function, and the nervous system. 
 
#3 It promotes liver cleansing - waking every morning with a glass of this stuff slowly and naturally supports the body's natural ability to detoxify, since lemon water stimulates the liver and encourages enzyme production.
 
#4 It reduced inflammation - while we think of lemon as an acidic fruit, it actually creates a very alkaline state in the body. A more alkaline environment has been correlated to lower incidences of chronic disease and cancer.
 
#5 It stimulates your immune system - the acetic acid wakes up your mucous membranes, and the dosage of vitamin C helps support immune system function, especially during times of added stress. 
 
Always make sure the lemon is fresh (no concentrate), and be sure to leave some time between your glass of lemon water and brushing your teeth, to save the health of your enamel. 

     Allergy season. With the snow melting, its fast approaching, and so are the dreaded symptoms of sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes/throat, headaches... shall I go on? For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, they understand me when I say it's near impossible to function on a day to day basis under the fog of these symptoms. 

Believe me, I know... 
I used to suffer from all of the above. 

     The good news is, it doesn't have to be this way. Simply put, seasonal allergies are an over-reaction of the immune system, and theres more we can do than just handing it a tissue. Its time to ditch the drowsy decongestants, for good.