Understanding Histamine Intolerance During Menopause

Understanding Histamine Intolerance During Menopause

Are you sick of feeling worse instead of better, especially when you’re doing everything “right”? You know – loading up on avocados, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, kimchi, and snacking on nuts instead of cookies? [1]

If you’ve been dealing with unexplained weight gain, increased hormonal headaches, skin flare-ups, or random bursts of anxiety or irritability, histamine might be part of the puzzle [2]. Research shows that these symptoms often intensify during menopause, affecting up to 80% of women during this transition [3].

Here’s something fascinating: histamine and estrogen are like dance partners in your body [4]. When one leads, the other follows. During menopause, as estrogen levels decline, this carefully choreographed dance becomes more like a chaotic mosh pit [5]!

Could This Be You? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially after eating, histamine might be the culprit [6,7]:

  • Unexpected anxiety or mood changes [8,9]
  • Mystery headaches that come and go [10,11]
  • Digestive issues that seem random [12,13]
  • Skin reactions to foods you’ve always eaten [14,15]
  • Heart flutters that appear out of nowhere [16,17]

🔬 The Histamine-Hormone Dance

Here’s what’s really happening in your body:

  • Estrogen stimulates your body to release more histamine [17]
  • Histamine then tells your ovaries to produce more estrogen [18]
  • During menopause, as estrogen fluctuates and declines, this delicate balance gets disrupted [19]
  • Your body might become more sensitive to histamine-rich foods that never bothered you before [20]

👉 Research Highlight: Studies show that women have higher histamine levels than men naturally, and we’re more sensitive to histamine during certain times of our cycle and especially during menopause [21].

Common Triggers to Watch For:

  • Fermented foods (yes, even the healthy ones!) – including sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha which naturally contain high levels of histamine [22,23]
  • Aged or processed proteins – such as sausages, salami, and ham, which accumulate histamine during aging and processing [24,25]
  • Leftover proteins (even when refrigerated) – because histamine levels increase in proteins over time, even under proper storage conditions [26]
  • Some fresh fruits and vegetables – particularly citrus, avocado, eggplant, tomatoes, and spinach, which are known histamine liberators [27,28]
  • Alcohol, especially red wine – which not only contains histamine but also blocks the enzyme that breaks it down [29]
  • Chocolate (especially dark varieties) – containing both natural histamine and compounds that can trigger histamine release [30]
  • Artificial preservatives and additives – which can act as histamine liberators in sensitive individuals [31,32]

Managing Your Symptoms

Research shows that women who identify and manage their histamine triggers report significant improvement in their symptoms [33], including:

  • Reduced anxiety and mood fluctuations [34]
  • Better digestive health [35]
  • Improved sleep quality [36]
  • Fewer headaches and skin reactions [37]

But here’s the thing – managing histamine intolerance during menopause isn’t about eliminating every potentially triggering food forever. It’s about understanding YOUR unique triggers and thresholds, and creating a sustainable approach that works for YOUR lifestyle [38,39].

Ready to Take Control?

As a Naturopath experiencing menopause myself and having dealt with histamine responses first hand, I understand your challenges.

Let’s work together to:

  • Identify your personal triggers
  • Create a sustainable eating plan
  • Develop practical management strategies
  • Support your body’s natural histamine processing

Book a free ‘Wellness Weigh In Call’ to start your journey to feeling better!

https://beth-klenner.simplecliniconline.com/diary

 

 

References: 

  1. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1185-1196.
  2. Schwelberger HG. Histamine intolerance: the more we know the less we know. Nutrients. 2021;13(7):2228. doi:10.3390/nu13072228
  3. Hall C. Histamine intolerance and the low histamine diet. Br Dietetic Assoc [Internet]. 2023 Nov 14. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/histamine-intolerance-and-the-low-histamine-diet.html
  4. Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla ML, Vidal-Carou MC. Histamine intolerance: The current state of the art. Biomolecules. 2020;10(8):1181. doi:10.3390/biom10081181
  5. Menopause Care UK. Menopause & histamine intolerance. [Internet]. Available from: https://www.menopausecare.co.uk/blog/histamine-sensitivity
  6. Reese I, Ballmer-Weber B, Beyer K, et al. German S2k guideline: Diagnosis and management of histamine intolerance. Allergol Select. 2017;1:193-195. doi:10.5414/ALX0216e
  7. Kocatürk E, Güvenç IA, Güngör S, Akin Belli A. Migraines and histamine intolerance in peri- and post-menopausal women. J Headache Pain. 2022;23(1):104. doi:10.1186/s10194-022-01469-z
  8. Tuck CJ, Biesiekierski JR, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Pohl D. Food intolerances. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1684. doi:10.3390/nu11071684
  9. Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C. Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence. Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5:34. doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3
  10. Vlieg-Boerstra BJ, van der Heide S, Dubois AE. Mastocytosis and adverse reactions to biogenic amines and histamine-releasing foods: what is the evidence? Neth J Med. 2005;63(7):244-249.
  11. Kanny G, Moneret-Vautrin DA. Histamine and food allergy. Allergy. 2005;60(11):1459-70. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00977.x
  12. Schnedl WJ, Enko D. Histamine intolerance originates in the gut. Nutrients. 2021;13(4):1262. doi:10.3390/nu13041262
  13. Southwell J, Nagai Y. Histamine, digestive symptoms, and dietary triggers: patient-centered review. World J Gastroenterol. 2021;27(21):2867-2881. doi:10.3748/wjg.v27.i21.2867
  14. Zuzana D, Jana H, Branislav V. Histamine, estrogen, and menopause: a review. Eur J Histochem. 2022;66(4):3402. doi:10.4081/ejh.2022.3402
  15. Böhm T, Grünewald B, Herdegen T. Histamine intolerance and related skin symptoms in menopausal women. Dermatoendocrinol. 2022;14(1):2069859. doi:10.1080/19381980.2022.2069859
  16. Reese I, Schäfer C, Kuhn K. Personalized dietary strategies for histamine intolerance. Nutrients. 2017;9(10):1130. doi:10.3390/nu9101130
  17. Schwelberger HG. Metabolism of histamine. Available from: http://www.ehrs.org.uk/schwelberger.pdf
  18. Brown DD, Tomchick R, Axelrod J. The distribution and properties of a histamine-methylating enzyme. J Biol Chem. 1959;234:2948-2950.
  19. Kalogeromitros D, Katsarou A, Armenaka M, Rigopoulos D, Zapanti M, Stratigos I. Influence of the menstrual cycle on skin prick test reactions to histamine, morphine and allergen. Clin Exp Allergy. 1995;25(5):461-466.
  20. Sánchez-Pérez S, Comas-Basté O, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla ML, Vidal-Carou MC. Low-histamine diets: is the exclusion of foods justified by their histamine content? Nutrients. 2021;13(5):1722. doi:10.3390/nu13051722
  21. Maintz L, Schwarzer V, Bieber T, van der Ven K, Novak N. Effects of histamine and diamine oxidase activities on pregnancy: A critical review. J Reprod Immunol. 2008;77(2):101-107. doi:10.1016/j.jri.2007.06.004
  22. Bodmer S, Imark C, KneubĂĽhl M. Biogenic amines in foods: histamine and food processing. Inflamm Res. 1999;48(6):296-300.
  23. Doeun D, Davaatseren M, Chung MS. Biogenic amines in foods. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2017;26(6):1463-1474.
  24. Jansen SC, van Dusseldorp M, Bottema KC, Dubois AE. Intolerance to dietary biogenic amines: a review. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003;91(3):233-240.
  25. Sánchez-Pérez S, Comas-Basté O, Rabell-González J, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla ML, Vidal-Carou MC. Biogenic amines in plant-origin foods: are they frequently underestimated in low-histamine diets? Foods. 2018;7(12):205. doi:10.3390/foods7120205
  26. Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Histamine in fish and fish products. [Internet]. Available from: https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/proposals/documents/histamine_in_fish.pdf
  27. Vickerstaff J, Ding T. Dietary histamine: mechanisms, content and potential benefits and harms. Nutrients. 2023;15(7):1548.
  28. The Food List | Histamine Intolerance [Internet]. Available from: https://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk/foodlist/
  29. Zimatkin SM, Anichtchik OV. Alcohol-histamine interactions. Alcohol Alcohol. 1999;34(2):141-147.
  30. Stein A, Bogen C. Histamine and chocolate intolerance: a clinical perspective. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020;8(10):3401-3404.
  31. Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C. Food additives and intolerance: review and mechanisms. Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5:34.
  32. Taylor SL, Dormedy E, King J, Nordlee JA. Metabolism, occurrence, and toxicology of dietary histamine. J Am Coll Nutr. 2018;37(6):427-433.
  33. Pinzer TC, Tietz E, Waldmann E, et al. Individual significance of a histamine-reduced diet in patients with suspected histamine intolerance. Clin Transl Allergy. 2018;8:25. doi:10.1186/s13601-018-0214-1
  34. Saito H, Matsumoto K. Histamine signaling and anxiety. Front Neurosci. 2019;13:1379.
  35. Schnedl WJ, Enko D, Mangge H, Forster F, Schenker M, Meinitzer A. Sugar and histamine intolerance: A combined clinical presentation. Int J Clin Pract. 2016;70(5):399-403.
  36. Kovacova-Hanuskova E, Gavliakova S, Plevkova J. Histamine, histamine intolerance and sleep quality. Sleep Med Rev. 2022;60:101559.
  37. Bischoff SC. Histamine intolerance: the more we know the less we know. Inflamm Res. 2016;65(6):509-516.
  38. Reese I, Schafer C, Fuchs T. Threshold doses and individualized management in histamine intolerance. Allergy. 2017;72(6):785-789.
  39. Lomer MC, Parkes GC, Sanderson JD. Review article: lactose, fructose and FODMAP intolerance in clinical practice. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2008;27(2):163-175.

 

 

 

Emotion Release Technique – The Secret Sauce?

Emotion Release Technique – The Secret Sauce?

The combination has to be just right.

Waiting for perfection can paralyse us into inaction. What matters is aligning most things—the right time, the practitioner, testing, therapeutics, and of course, the right mindset.

The truth is, there isn’t one practice that does it all. We are complex beings, constantly evolving both physically and emotionally. We hold onto the past while facing new challenges daily.

It doesn’t have to be perfect.

Think of your journey like a ball in a slot machine—full of highs and lows, moments of speed and stalling, and the occasional hard knock. But no matter the journey, it’s how you respond to the game that makes all the difference.

We need various support mechanisms. One practitioner or therapy can’t fix everything, but it can be a crucial step towards a better life.

That’s why I integrated Emotional Release Technique™ (ERT) into my practice. It has been instrumental in the success stories of my clients, especially those who return with emotional challenges after making physical health strides.

Over the past year, I’ve seen remarkable transformations using ERT in my weight management programs. The results are so profound that I’m now offering dedicated ERT sessions to address a broader range of wellness challenges.

ERT is powerful yet simple. Rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, it utilizes acupuncture points and body meridian access points. Through gentle muscle testing—easily conducted online—ERT helps identify and release stored emotional patterns impacting your health.

We carry years of emotional experiences, stress patterns that no longer serve us, and unprocessed feelings that affect our health. ERT offers a gentle yet powerful way to:

– ✨ Release emotional blocks without reliving trauma

– ✨ Break free from self-sabotaging patterns

– ✨ Address stress-related health issues

– ✨ Create lasting behavioural change

– ✨ Achieve your wellness goals with greater ease

What Makes ERT Different?

Unlike traditional therapy, ERT works with your body’s natural wisdom through gentle muscle testing and specific energy points. There’s no need to discuss painful memories—your body guides the process, making it both effective and deeply respectful of your privacy.

Stop living your today’s life through the lens of past experiences. Don’t delay, start today living in a different way. 

Is Your Waistline Sending You a Health Warning?

Is Your Waistline Sending You a Health Warning?

Here’s a surprising fact: your tape measure might be one of the most important tools for your health.

Wait….. what?

Yup. A quick waist measurement can give you valuable insight into your health risks—no complicated tests required!

Here’s how it works:

  • For women, risk increases from 80 cm, with definite overweight present when greater than 88 cm.
  • For men, risk increases from 94 cm, with definite overweight present when greater than 102 cm.

And if you don’t have a sewing tape measure handy, even a trusty steel tape will do the job (although a little more awkward).

Why It Matters

Obesity rates have tripled since 1975, and over 1.9 billion adults worldwide are now classified as overweight or obese (WHO, 2021). In Australia, two-thirds of adults fall into this category, which puts them at greater risk for metabolic syndrome—a serious condition linked to obesity and insulin resistance.

Metabolic syndrome isn’t just about the number on the scale. It’s a combination of factors, including:

  • Increased waist circumference (belly fat is key!).
  • Elevated blood pressure.
  • High triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.

But here’s the good news: even a 5-10% reduction in body weight, sustained for a year, can significantly lower these risks. And it doesn’t require extreme diets, medications, or surgery.

A Solution That Works

That’s why I’m an big fan of the Metabolic Balance® Program  — a proven, personalised approach to long-term health.

Why?

  • It is tailored to You: Your plan is based on your unique blood parameters and health needs.
  • Only Real Food, Real Results: No powders, shakes, or prepackaged meals—just real, delicious food.
  • Truly Holistic Support: We’ll tackle lifestyle, stressors, and the right kind of exercise.
  • With Emotional Wellness: Break free from emotional roadblocks with gentle techniques that support lasting success.
  • Absolute Professional Guidance: You’ll have ongoing naturopathic support to keep you motivated and on track.

This isn’t about quick fixes or chasing perfection. It’s about re-educating your approach to food and creating habits that last a lifetime.

Ready to Take Control?

Your journey to better health starts with one step—and I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Uncover the Hidden Insights in Your Blood Test Results!

Uncover the Hidden Insights in Your Blood Test Results!

Let’s be honest—getting a blood test isn’t something most people look forward to. Some avoid it entirely, while others breeze through without a second thought. But one thing I hear often from clients is: “I don’t really understand what my results mean.”

Typically, blood test results are interpreted against “normal” ranges, designed to catch overt disease markers in the general population. This approach is crucial for identifying when something is significantly off and may require immediate medical attention.

But what if you’re told you’re “in range” even though you still feel off? What if you leave the clinic, results in hand, but with lingering health worries?

Here’s the secret: Your blood holds valuable information—golden clues to your well-being that go beyond simply being “normal.” By looking at your results from an optimal health perspective, we can unlock a unique story that considers patterns, relationships between markers, and your specific needs. This independent review reveals much more than what traditional reference ranges show.

Why Blood Tests Are Key to Your Health Journey

Your blood is packed with insight, extending beyond “healthy” or “sick.” It can guide every step of your wellness plan, from energy and immunity to metabolism and aging. Here’s a glimpse of what we can uncover:

  • Energy and Vitality: Low iron or B12 levels might be the hidden culprits behind fatigue and low motivation. Boosting these levels often leads to better energy, sharper focus, and an overall brighter mood.
  • Metabolic Health: Glucose and haemoglobin A1c levels reveal how your body processes energy. Higher levels can signal insulin resistance, a potential precursor to diabetes, and can impact weight management.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Your cholesterol profile—LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol—offers key insights. High LDL can lead to artery plaque buildup, while HDL helps clear it away, maintaining cardiovascular balance.
  • Immunity and Inflammation: Markers like CRP (C-reactive protein) reveal ongoing inflammation. This could stem from hidden infections, chronic stress, or even early signs of autoimmune issues.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Blood levels of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc are essential for daily function. Low vitamin D, for example, can weaken immune health and bone strength, while low magnesium affects sleep, mood, and muscle relaxation.

Beyond “Normal”: Your Unique Health Story

While standard ranges show averages, your body may have unique needs that require a closer look. I focus on finding “optimal” rather than just “normal” ranges—helping you feel your best, not just average.

Are you ready to go beyond the basics and truly understand what your blood test reveals? I’d love to help you decode your results and explore how small adjustments can lead to meaningful improvements.

Take that next step in your health journey!

Bethx

Metabolism – It’s more than Weight Loss

Metabolism – It’s more than Weight Loss

Do you really understand what Metabolism is?  Blamed for being fast, blamed for being slow.  Mostly it is referred to the weight that someone is.

Let’s give metabolism the respect that it deserves.  It is so much more, literally it is the entire running system of our body.  A crucial aspect of our overall health, affecting everything from energy levels to aging!

What is Metabolism?

It’s the process by which your body transforms the food you eat into the energy that powers everything, from your heartbeat to your thoughts. It is all about how our bodies create, use, and store energy. Then if there is excess energy, what does the body do with that?

When we consume more energy than our bodies need, through the food and drinks that we consume, that energy is stored for later use, often as fat. When we consistently eat and drink more high energy foods, that our body requires, then over time this can lead to weight gain and even difficulties in energy regulation. 

Energy Storage and Glucose Uptake
When our metabolism works optimally, food is consumed and digested, with the release of small sugars (glucose) into the blood stream.  When all is going well, cells can efficiently accept this glucose, which is critical for keeping energy levels steady. This the natural flow of food to diget

But when there’s a disruption – such as cells becoming less responsive to insulin – glucose can’t enter cells effectively. This often leads to elevated blood sugar levels and can progress to pre-diabetes. It’s a metabolic imbalance that can have serious health impacts.

Beyond Weight – Metabolism and Heart Health
Our metabolic health also affects our cardiovascular system. When glucose and fats aren’t metabolized efficiently, it can result in high blood sugar and elevated cholesterol, both of which increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. Poor metabolic function can lead to damage within blood vessels, stressing the heart and impacting circulation.

Metabolism and Aging
Impaired metabolism doesn’t only affect weight and energy; it impacts cellular health too. When cells don’t receive the energy they need, they may not perform as efficiently, leading to cellular damage. Over time, this damage can contribute to premature aging, both inside and out.

Why Metabolism Matters for Overall Health
Our metabolism is at the heart of how our bodies function. From managing energy to ensuring each cell performs well, metabolism is a vital component of lasting health and longevity. By focusing on metabolic health, we can support balanced energy, reduce the risk of chronic illness, and age gracefully.

Are you ready to explore how to boost your metabolism and support your body’s natural energy balance?

 

Book a Call here to see how I can help you.

Inspiring Wellness

 

Beth

 

What is a Naturopath?

What is a Naturopath?

What Is a Naturopath?

A naturopath is an allied healthcare professional trained to support the body’s own healing abilities using a blend of science and nature. While today’s naturopaths must earn a Bachelor’s degree to practice, I began my journey over 20 years ago, earning an Advanced Diploma in Natural Medicine, a Diploma in Traditional Homeopathy, and a Diploma in Herbal Medicine. These were the highest certifications at the time, and with experience, I have proudly attained ‘Grandfather’ status.

As qualified naturopaths, we join professional associations that monitor our Continuing Education Points (CPE) and allow access to Practitioner Only Products (POP). These products are therapeutic in nature and are often more potent than retail items, containing ingredients carefully formulated to make a biochemical impact. While some retail products are helpful, others may not be potent enough to drive change—or could even have quality issues. Just like a perfect cake needs the right ingredients in the right amounts, your health plan requires balance and precision.

Our Approach: Naturopathy is all about understanding the root causes of health issues rather than merely addressing symptoms. We aim to support each individual’s wellness through a combination of biochemistry, common sense, and natural therapies. Conventional medicine is fantastic when sickness has already set in. Natural medicine, however, shines in three main areas: prevention, support for medical diagnoses or treatments, and in some cases, as a standalone approach for those preferring a natural path.

Naturopathy looks at whole-person care—nutrition, lifestyle, mental well-being, and physical symptoms—to create a personalised plan for your optimal health.

How Do I Work?

We start by getting to know you and your unique health story. In an initial consultation of up to 90 minutes, we explore answers from a comprehensive questionnaire and dive into what’s really going on for you. Many clients come to me with unexplained symptoms, and our first visit is often an opportunity to gain clarity and provide explanations.

After this, I typically suggest evidence-based testing like blood tests, Microbiome analysis, Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), Organic Acids Test (OAT), or Gene Testing (3×4). These tests, combined with your symptoms, allow us to develop a precise and strategic plan.

As we move forward, I love to use food as the primary “medicine” and supplement with only high-quality, specific nutrients and herbs as needed.

How I Can Help You Feel Alive Again

Working with me means more than just treating symptoms or trying out random retail products. Instead, you’re taking informed steps toward true healing and vitality. Imagine feeling refreshed when you wake up, having more energy throughout the day, and knowing you’re making positive, lasting changes for your health.

Book a Call here to see how I can help you.

Inspiring Wellness

 

Beth