Entries by manager@naturalallergytreatment.com.au

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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Allergies

Most of us have experienced it at some point – the uncomfortable kind of bloating that makes you feel six months pregnant. If you’ve landed here, you may be wondering if you have food allergies and intolerances, or if there is something deeper going on.

When bloating starts to show up every day and brings its friends, farts and weird poos, suddenly you’re questioning every food and becoming wary of your jeans. The frustration only continues when all the tests come back normal and you’re lumped with the IBS label and told to put up with it. 

What a lot of people haven’t heard about is a cause of bloating known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Exactly what it says on the tin, SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, where it shouldn’t be. 

The large majority of our gut microbes comfortably reside in the large intestine, so when the amount in the small intestine increases to a problematic number, they let us know about it by fermenting our food and producing some nasty gas.

This leads to bloating, flatulence,  burping, stool changes and other unpleasant experiences, both in the gut and other aspects of our health.

Where it gets complicated is SIBO can contribute to the development of allergies and food intolerances, which many of our Positive Association Technique (PAT) clients come to us with to seek relief. 

What causes SIBO?

digestive system graphic

The causes of SIBO can be complex and multifactorial. The gist is that the body has a master plan in place to prevent bacteria from gathering in the small intestine, but when these mechanisms falter, SIBO can develop. 

The two main methods of keeping SIBO at bay include a good amount of stomach acid and a strong cleansing wave moving through the gut. 

Gastric juices such as stomach acid, enzymes and bile are responsible for restricting food borne bacteria from making their way into the intestines. Sometimes these digestive juices can be lacking, such as when stress or medications like proton-pump inhibitors reduce their output. 

Additionally, a periodic peristaltic wave called the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) passes through the small intestine in between meals. The MMC has been dubbed the “intestinal  housekeeper” and helps keep SIBO at bay by moving bacteria towards the colon and preventing backflow. 

Illnesses and structural abnormalities of the gut which affect motility can also contribute to  SIBO, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, diverticular disease, hypermobility disorders and  abdominal surgery. Also, as we age both our motility and gastric acid production slow,  making us more susceptible to SIBO.  

SIBO is also more commonly found in people with certain health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Helicobacter pylori infection, obesity, liver disease, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, rosacea and dyspepsia. 

Signs and Symptoms of SIBO

symptoms of SIBO and allergies

SIBO is a tricky beast and can present itself in a variety of ways depending on which type of bugs are present and which type of gas is produced.  

Methane gas slows motility and contributes to constipation, whereas hydrogen gas often causes loose stools. It is also common to produce both gasses and have mixed stools.  

Symptoms of SIBO can often include: 

  • Bloating, particularly uncomfortable fullness after eating 
  • Flatulence 
  • Burping 
  • Reflux 
  • Nausea 
  • Reduced appetite  
  • Constipation, diarrhoea or both 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Nutrient deficiencies 
  • Weight loss  

The flow-on effects of SIBO can also contribute to symptoms outside of the gut. For example, numerous studies show a link between SIBO and rosacea, acne, psoriasis and dermatitis,  another sign of the gut-skin axis. 

Other clues SIBO might be present include: 

  • Bloating and/or burping within an hour of meals  
  • Reacting to high FODMAP foods – as they are so widespread, it can feel like you are  reacting to every food and make it difficult to pinpoint triggers
  • Probiotics worsening symptoms 
  • Increasing fibre (or prebiotics in supplements) can worsen symptoms
  • Improvement in symptoms when using antibiotics, even for a different issue
  • Restless legs at night 
  • Chronic B12 or iron deficiency without other cause 
  • Gut issues starting with a bout of gastritis 
  • History of recurrent antibiotic use 
  • History of recurrent antacid use  

The Link Between SIBO and Allergies

the hormonal histamine connection

When gut symptoms are present it can be difficult to understand their origin – is it food allergies and intolerances, or SIBO? 

We know that people with SIBO have low tolerance for FODMAP foods, as these  fermentable carbohydrates are what the overgrowth of bacteria like to feast on most. But can we blame other food sensitivities on SIBO too?  

The impact of SIBO on immunity and inflammation is complex and there are a few ways it can be linked to allergies and sensitivities.  

Imbalanced gut bacteria  

SIBO involves an excessive number of bacteria in the small intestine which are normally found in the colon, leading to imbalanced gut bacteria, also called dysbiosis. 

The role of the microbiome in allergies has been widely studied, showing that through  multiple pathways, dysbiosis can reduce tolerance to foods and lead to food allergies forming.  

Studies on the gut microbiome of infants have connected it to the development of allergies later in life. Factors like antibiotic use can disrupt the microbiome, playing a role in both the development of SIBO and allergic conditions such as asthma and food allergies in childhood.  

Evidence also points to a link between low microbial diversity in early life and the risk of  allergies. This is a good reason to aim for a diverse plant-based diet from an early age. 

Immune triggers and leaky gut 

The overgrowth of bacteria associated with SIBO triggers mucosal inflammation in the gut by increasing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. This activates a cascade of type 2 inflammatory  immune cells which are involved in allergic reactions.

In addition to this, the local inflammation weakens the tight junctions between our gut cells, which form one of our best barriers against the outside world.  

This is what we call leaky gut, also known as intestinal permeability, and means the LPS  created in the gut is now able to move into systemic circulation, further continuing to fuel type 2 (allergic) inflammation. 

Histamine intolerance  

When it comes to SIBO and allergies, SIBO can contribute to histamine overload in a few ways. It can allow an overgrowth of certain bacteria which produce histamine, and damage from SIBO can reduce our ability to breakdown and clear histamine.  

This can lead to histamine-induced food sensitivity symptoms such as headaches, sinus congestion, flushing, itchy skin, rashes or digestive upset. 

Nutrient deficiencies 

SIBO can affect absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, including those important for immune function and gut integrity, such as iron, B12 and zinc. This can further reduce our  tolerance to foods and make symptoms harder to resolve. 

It goes both ways 

Another thing to understand is that the connection between SIBO and allergies, goes both ways.  

While SIBO can trigger food sensitivities by the mechanisms mentioned, the low-grade inflammation caused by allergies can also worsen gut symptoms. This can create a cycle where symptoms can become more persistent and more difficult to manage. 

Testing for SIBO

sibo testing

If you’ve been reading along nodding your head and feeling seen, then it could be time to investigate whether SIBO is a cause of your symptoms. 

Visiting a GP and/or Naturopath well versed in SIBO is a great place to start. They can assess  your symptoms and help prescribe the appropriate testing.  

The gold standard for diagnosing SIBO is a small bowel aspirate culture, which takes a  sample of fluid from the small intestine during an endoscopy, to measure the bacteria present. 

Thankfully there is a less invasive option – a SIBO breath test which can be performed at home and sent to the lab. The breath test involves drinking a substance which the bacteria like to consume – typically lactose or glucose – and measuring the amount and type of gas  produced over a 3-hour period as it travels through the small intestine to the large intestine.  

A SIBO breath test result which is high in hydrogen is linked to a number of different bacteria  such as E.coli, Klebsiella and Enteroccous and can contribute to diarrhoea or mixed stools  (diarrhoea and constipation).  

Whereas a SIBO breath test result showing high methane levels is often caused by an archaea known as Methanobrevibacter smithii, and is linked to constipation. As this type of SIBO is not caused by bacteria, but rather archaea, it has been renamed to Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO). 

SIBO Treatment Options

SIBO and allergies treatment with leila

Once SIBO is identified, the goal is to target the overgrowth to reduce the problematic number of organisms in the small intestine.  

Bacterial overgrowth can be targeted with specific antimicrobial herbs and/or a specific,  locally acting antibiotic called Rifaximin. Rifaximin is a nonsystemic antibiotic which targets  the SIBO with limited detrimental effects on the microbiome. 

A low FODMAP diet or similar can often be used short term to reduce symptoms and inflammation caused by trigger foods. 

Alongside all of this, we care for whole gut health with herbal and nutritional support for  gastric juices, motility and the microbiome. These are important parts of the plan, assisting the treatment to work better, protecting beneficial bacteria and most importantly, helping to target the cause. 

An essential part of treatment is understanding and addressing the cause, which can be different for each individual. As with all health conditions, if the cause goes untreated, the problem is likely to recur.  

The Role of Positive Association Technique (PAT) with SIBO

enjoying food again after SIBO and allergies

Positive Association Technique (PAT) helps re-train the body’s response to food triggers using kinesiology, acupressure and positive conditioning. 

Allergies and sensitivities can trigger chronic inflammation, worsening gut symptoms,  increasing the histamine load and even contributing to leaky gut. 

While working on SIBO naturopathically, PAT can be a gentle way to address reactions to triggers like pollen, dust mites, cats and grasses, to lighten the inflammatory load and help reduce the symptoms that weigh us down. 

If you’re reacting to lots of foods, the goal is not to stop eating them but to correct the underlying gut issues which are causing them.  

Working with a Naturopath and PAT Practitioner can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms for longer  lasting results and ultimately, food freedom!

You can learn more about PAT;

 


leila diquinzio allergy naturopath melbourne

Written by Leila DiQuinzio – Melbourne based Naturopath & PAT Practitioner

Leila is a degree qualified Naturopath with over 12 years of experience, and provides Positive Association Technique (PAT) from the multi-modality clinic she co-founded in Northcote, Melbourne named ‘Aēsara Health‘.


Please note that this blog post contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before changing your diet, starting new supplements or regarding any medical condition.

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The Best Natural Eczema Creams

Many eczema journeys start the same way — trying cream after cream, hoping this one will be different. Before you know it, there’s a cupboard full of half-used products — natural eczema creams, topical steroids, antibiotic creams — all with big promises. And for a little while, some even seem to help… until they don’t.

This is often the case for our Positive Association Technique (PAT) clients who struggling with sensitive and reactive skin, and are seeking options for long-term relief. 

If you’ve been at this for a while you’ll already know – relief from creams is temporary at best. And if it was just about the right cream, you probably would have found it by now.

Natural eczema creams absolutely have a role – they’re just not the whole picture. Let’s break this down in a way that actually helps you make sense of what to use, what to avoid, and why so many products fall short.

The Role of Natural Eczema Creams

skin barrier for natural eczema creams

When you’re dealing with eczema, the skin barrier isn’t functioning the way it should.

Think of the skin like a protective wall. In eczema, that wall has tiny gaps in it.

Moisture escapes more easily, and irritants, allergens, and microbes can get in.

This is part of the reason why the skin feels dry, reacts quickly, and flares so easily in response to allergens.

The right natural eczema creams can:

  • Help reduce moisture loss
  • Protect the skin from external irritants
  • Soothe irritation and support healing
  • Act as a temporary barrier
  • Make the skin more comfortable day-to-day

For many people, using a cream regularly, especially during flares, is non-negotiable.

It’s part of keeping the skin as stable as possible, but it’s rarely ever enough.

Here’s the part that often gets missed…It’s not fixing why the skin is struggling in the
first place.

If you feel like you’re constantly chasing a better cream, this is why. You’re trying to solve an internal issue with an external tool.

Creams still have their place—so here are a few things to think about when choosing
one.

Types of Eczema and Dermatitis

best natural eczema cream for seborrheic dermatitis

This is something that often gets overlooked, but it matters more than most people realise.

The type of dermatitis you’re dealing with—and where it’s showing up—can help to guide the kind of natural eczema cream you use.

Because in some cases, the wrong product isn’t just unhelpful… it can actually make things worse.

Take seborrhoeic dermatitis, for example. This is commonly found around the hairline, scalp, eyebrows, and sides of the nose.

It’s often linked to an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, which feeds on the natural oils (sebum) on the skin.

So if you’re applying thick, oily creams to these areas, you may actually be feeding the very thing that’s driving the irritation—leading to more redness, flaking, and ongoing symptoms.

Another really important factor is bacterial balance on the skin.

Many people with eczema have higher levels of Staphylococcus aureus on their skin.

This bacteria tends to build up in areas like the creases of the elbows and behind the knees, but it can be present anywhere on the body.

What’s interesting is that these levels can increase before a flare—so it’s not just a result of eczema, but part of what drives it. (1)

One of the key things that influences this is the pH of the skin. (2)

Healthy skin is slightly acidic, and that acidity plays a protective role. It helps keep
harmful microbes like Staph aureus under control.

When the skin becomes more neutral or alkaline, it creates the perfect environment for this bacteria to overgrow—contributing to more inflammation and more frequent flares.

This is where choosing the right cream really matters.

Some moisturisers can shift the skin’s pH in the wrong direction, making things worse rather than better.

We want to support the skin’s natural acidity—ideally using products with a pH below 5.5 to help keep that protective barrier intact.

Something as simple as a diluted vinegar spray can also be incredibly helpful here, and it’s something I often recommend.

These are just a couple of examples, but they highlight an important point:

Not all natural eczema creams are interchangeable.

And sometimes, the reason something isn’t working, isn’t because you haven’t found
the right product yet—it’s because the product you’re using doesn’t match what’s actually happening on the skin.

"Natural" doesn't always mean eczema-friendly

natural eczema cream

Once people realise conventional over the counter creams and steroids aren’t the full answer, they often swing to the other end of the spectrum and use more natural products.

And while there are some beautiful options out there, this is also where things can get confusing (and sometimes worse).

Because “natural” doesn’t automatically mean it’s good for sensitive, reactive skin.

There are two main things I see causing issues here.

  1. Ingredients that aren’t actually that natural

Some products are marketed as ‘natural’ but still contain:

  • Preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin 
  • Fragrance compounds (even if labelled vaguely) 
  • Petroleum-derived ingredients 
  • Alcohols that can be drying or sensitising 

The branding can feel clean and reassuring, but the ingredient list tells a different story.

This is where reading labels becomes really important—not just trusting the front of the packaging.

  1. Natural ingredients that can trigger flares

This one surprises a lot of people.

Even genuinely natural ingredients can be too much for eczema-prone skin, especially when the skin barrier is already compromised.

Some of the most common triggers I see include:

  • Essential oils 
  • High-terpene plant extracts 
  • Salicylate-rich botanicals 
  • Strong herbal infusions 

These ingredients aren’t “bad” and they can be beneficial for a lot of people — but eczema sufferers can still be very reactive to some of these natural compounds.

This is why I often recommend starting simple. The more reactive the skin, the more we want to strip things back—not layer more on.

The Best Natural Eczema Creams

the best natural eczema creams

Instead of searching for something that promises miracles, it’s more helpful to look for creams that:

  • Are fragrance-free (not just “contains natural fragrance”) 
  • Avoid essential oils and strong plant actives 
  • Focus on barrier support (think simple, nourishing ingredients) 
  • Have a short, transparent ingredient list 

And the most important point for me after working with so many eczema families – if you’ve found something that doesn’t cause a flare and seems to help soothe the skin and at least reduce dryness – stick with it. It might not be the full answer – but it can help support the skin without adding extra load or triggering further irritation.

From there, we can individualise based on what your skin actually needs.

A Holistic Approach for Eczema

woman with clear skin

If you’ve tried multiple products and nothing seems to stick, it’s not because you haven’t found the right one yet. Keep searching and it’s likely one of the only things that will change is that you’ll have less money in your pocket.

It’s usually because the skin is responding to more than just what’s being put on it.

Because eczema isn’t just a skin condition—it’s often a reflection of what’s happening internally.

When I work with families, we’re always looking at a few key areas alongside topical support.

The tricky part is that it’s rarely just one thing. In the meantime, everything can start to feel like a trigger—food, the environment, chemicals, weather, shower water, chlorine… it can feel endless. Trying to eliminate every possible trigger can quickly become overwhelming (and honestly, not very realistic for day-to-day life).

This is where I utilise Positive Association Technique (PAT).

Instead of trying to avoid everything, PAT helps reduce the over-reactivity itself—so the body becomes less sensitive.

We use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help pinpoint any reactions to a range food and environmental substances, which may be contributing your symptoms.

Following testing, we will address reactions to food triggers like sugars, using a acupressure based natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

Learn more about PAT in our Free PAT Information E-Pack, straight to your inbox.

Clarity and Calmer Skin

This kind of clarity can completely change things for the people I work with.

When you don’t know what’s driving the flares, everything starts to feel like a potential problem. Food becomes stressful. Everyday environments feel unpredictable. You second-guess everything—what you’re eating, touching, wearing, even where you go.

And over time, it’s not just the eczema that’s hard—it’s the constant mental load.

Avoiding more and more things. Trying to control every variable. Feeling like you can’t just live normally without risking another flare.

When we start to untangle what’s actually going on, that pressure lifts, and that reduced stress can have a major impact on symptoms as well.

We can still work more deeply on other areas as needed, but it helps create some breathing room. Some space to get relief from symptoms, because it can also take time to address deeper issues like nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and regular sickness that can lead to more flares.

So where does this leave creams?

They’re still part of the plan.

But instead of being the focus, they become one piece of a much bigger, more effective approach.

Used properly, a good cream:

  • Keeps the skin comfortable 
  • Reduces day-to-day irritation 
  • Supports healing while deeper work is happening 
  • Helps control bacterial overgrowth

But it’s no longer something you’re relying on to “fix everything”.

If you’re feeling stuck in the cycle of trying product after product, it might be time to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Because lasting improvement rarely comes from finding a ‘miracle’ cream.

Written by 'The Eczema Naturopath' and Brisbane PAT Practitioner - Belinda Byrnes

Brisbane Naturopath & PAT Practitioner Belinda Byrnes

https://www.theeczemanaturopath.com.au/If you’re looking for a Naturopathic approach to supporting you or your child’s skin, visit Belinda’s website – https://www.theeczemanaturopath.com.au/

 

Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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Sugar Cravings and Allergies

 

[written by Naturopath & PAT Practitioner Leila DiQuinzio]

You’ve heard that sugar is bad for you, but when faced with a rich truffle mud cake it’s hard to remember why. It basically comes down to two major mechanisms: immunity and inflammation. Unfortunately, sugar cravings and allergies have both of these things in common.

Allergic conditions like dermatitis/eczema, hay fever and asthma are due to an immune system that has lost its way, overproduced histamine and created an inflammatory cascade.

As a Naturopath & PAT Practitioner, I see many Positive Association Technique (PAT) clients in the clinic who struggle with sugar cravings and allergies. Interestingly, sugar cravings can actually be a sign that you may have an intolerance or sensitivity to sugars. So, let’s uncover this curious connection.

The Impact of Sugar Intake on our Health

lollies that can cause sugar cravings and allergies

Multiple studies indicate that Western diets containing higher levels of sugar, processed foods and fat contribute to immune dysfunction, tipping the balance to favour the Th2 inflammatory pathway, which can lead to allergies.

On the flip side, protective diets are those that contain good fats, fibre, antioxidants and minimal sugar, such as the wholefood Mediterranean diet.  

More specifically, studies have shown that consumption of sweet drinks (containing added sugars) as young as two years old is associated with higher incidence of food allergies, eczema and hay fever. Additionally, high sugar diets are known to specifically increase inflammatory cells in the skin, likely contributing to skin thickness seen in allergic dermatitis.  

Higher sugar intake has also been linked with a higher incidence of asthmatic symptoms due to  increased allergy markers, reduced immunoprotective factors and therefore an increased  susceptibility of the immunity of the airways to allergic inflammation. 

Outside of their influence on allergies, the impact of dietary sugars and processed foods on our  health are also well documented, shedding light on their effect on inflammation, oxidative stress,  alteration of the gut microbiome, gut permeability and reduction in immune function.  

Dangerously, excessive sugar intake or a high carbohydrate diet can end up as insulin resistance, a pre-diabetic condition which can contribute to metabolic disease incorporating weight gain,  cholesterol imbalance and diabetes, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), acne and candida.

So, there are multiple reasons beyond sugar cravings and allergies to learn about blood sugar management for wellbeing! 

Can you be Allergic to Sugar?

sugar and allergies

Sugars and starches are actually one of the most common Positive Association Technique (PAT) treatments we do in the clinic, as reactions to sugars and starches in foods can contribute to a variety of symptoms, and skin and digestive issues in particular. 

This includes all naturally occurring sugars in foods as well, such as lactose in milk and starches in potatoes and rice, anything with a carbohydrate component. 

Many of you may have also heard of FODMAPs, which are essentially sugars that can ferment in our gut and can cause issues for sensitive people.

We usually need to address sugars and starches first when working with multiple food sensitivities, particularly to milk and grain products. 

Interestingly, sugar cravings can actually be a sign that you may have an intolerance or sensitivity to sugars. 

What causes Sugar Cravings?

what causes sugar cravings and allergie

On a very basic level, we crave sugar for energy. When blood sugar drops, fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability and brain fog set in and the body receives signals that we need a new hit to keep going! 

The best way to combat this is to aim for stable blood sugar levels, avoiding the spike and the  inevitable crash. This is partly why sugar becomes addictive; we can unknowingly create a biochemical requirement for it.  

Studies on the addictive nature of sugar have demonstrated similarities in both behaviour and brain  changes when comparing addictive drugs and sugar. Sugar triggers the body to release opioids and dopamine, two brain chemicals involved in making us feel good, so when they drop, as does the good feeling and we are left wanting another dose.  

Candida could be another reason why you can’t stop thinking about sweets. Candida is a naturally occurring species of yeast which naturally inhabits our bodies at low levels. When it overgrows, we call it an opportunistic infection, one that will gladly take up room if given the chance by an  imbalanced microbiome.

Other gut microbiome disruptions, like the presence of parasites, can also leave us craving sugar. 

A diet high in sugar (including sweets, starches and alcohol), stress, infection, poor immunity or  antibiotic use can all be contributors to this disruption in the microbiome favouring a candida bloom.  

As candida thrives in an oxygenated environment, it particularly loves to grow in exposed parts of the  body such as the vagina (thrush) or mouth (oral thrush) but can also commonly be found in the colon  or small intestine (small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO)).  

If you’ve ever had a significant overgrowth of candida, you’ll understand too well the havoc it can wreak – major fatigue, brain fog, mood swings, gut symptoms like bloating and stool changes, and/or local symptoms like itching and discharge. And some say the most annoying of all – irresistible sugar cravings.  

They are annoying not just because these sugar cravings feel uncontrollable but because the cruel  irony is candida make you do it! Candida thrives on sugar, and it wants to be fed.

This makes avoiding sugar difficult, but also necessary and best done alongside the help of a practitioner like a naturopath who can treat the overgrowth at the same time. Getting on top of a candida overgrowth properly is  key to targeting symptoms and preventing them from returning.  

Why do we Crave Foods we are Allergic to?

food cravings and allergies

The addictive nature of some foods can be why we can sometimes crave the foods we are intolerant to. Have you ever experienced a reaction to something and you know you should stay away but at  times it’s all you can think about? Part of this is often because psychologically we tend to want what we can’t have! However, there may be a physiological basis to it too.  

Some foods such as dairy and gluten contain compounds (casomorphins and gliadorphins) known to  trigger an opioid response in the part of the brain linked with reward and addiction. This makes us feel so great that removing them from the diet can sometimes create a withdrawal effect, leaving the  body craving more. This is why it’s so compelling to polish off the cheeseboard in front of you!  

Interestingly, one study suggests that this may also explain why so many people with celiac disease, a  known immune response to gluten, don’t experience symptoms. It is possible that this opioid effect  could be “masking” the harmful effects of gluten! 

Even though it feels like your body is calling for the foods you react to, it’s best not to heed the call.  Ingesting foods which cause inflammation can eventually damage the protrusions on the surface of  the gut called villi, reducing our absorption of nutrients, increasing our risk of leaky gut and worsening food intolerances.  

The Link between Histamine and Blood Sugar

histamine and blood sugar

Studies have demonstrated a link between allergies and blood sugar dysregulation, with food allergies shown to increase the risk of diabetes. Airborne allergies and allergic asthma have also been linked to obesity via the mechanism through which insulin resistance develops.  

One theory is that when we are exposed to allergens such as dust or pollen, the immune system  releases histamine. Histamine is the compound responsible for triggering the inflammation which leads to all the symptoms you feel, like redness, swelling, phlegm and heat. 

This also explains the connection between sugar cravings and allergies. As this inflammation increases cortisol levels, a stress hormone which triggers the liver to release glycogen stores as sugar into the bloodstream.

This is a mechanism designed to give us more energy to help us deal with the stress, which can be great short term however chronic stress can contribute to more long term blood sugar imbalances, like insulin resistance and blood glucose spikes and therefore increased sugar cravings. 

Managing Sugar Cravings and Allergies

naturopath tips for sugar cravings

As naturopaths we have many tools in our belt for addressing sugar cravings and allergies. The most sustainable are healthy dietary hacks which set you up for balanced blood sugar levels, which in turn have a  beneficial effect on a myriad of health aspects such as energy, moods, metabolic health, skin,  hormones, gut health and weight balance.  

Research utilising continuous glucose monitors (CGM) to measure daily glucose patterns tells us that spikes in glucose have even greater implications on health than a higher but steady level of blood glucose. This is further reason why maintaining stable blood sugar is priority for health as well as for minimising sugar cravings.  

Let’s look at the some of the best options for stabilising blood sugar and reducing cravings.

Dietary Tips

healthy meal for managing sugar cravings and allergies

Balance and Order your Meals

When having carbohydrates, combine them with protein, fibre and good fats to help slow the  absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Just like how you shouldn’t drink alcohol on an empty  stomach, think of sweets the same way.  

Furthermore, one of the best ways to mitigate a blood sugar spike is to eat your food groups in the  right order. Beginning with vegetable fibres, then proteins and fats, leaving starches and sugars until  last. For example, start with your salad, then meat or eggs, then bread or potatoes and always leave  dessert until last.  

Also aim for snacks to be protein and good fat based to carry that nice stable blood sugar level  between meals. Avoid having sugar as a snack in between meals unless it is following something high  in protein or good fats like some nuts or nut butter, tuna, a boiled egg or avocado toast. 

Savoury Breakfast

When we are breaking our overnight fast, the body is at its most sensitive to glucose and anything  eaten is absorbed into the bloodstream very quickly. This means that sugars eaten at this time can lead to the biggest blood sugar spike in the day, setting you up for a wild rollercoaster of energy and mood swings!  

A savoury breakfast based around proteins and/or good fats is the best way to set up your blood  sugar for a balanced day. This might include eggs, meat, fish, tofu, nuts and seeds or full fat (not  skim) yoghurt, protein powder, cheese, avocado or nut butter.  

Carbohydrates can accompany this but they’re not the main event e.g. avoid just having cereal or a  pastry, and some carbs are better than others i.e. choose steel cut oats or sourdough, wholemeal or seed breads. 

If you want something sweet, whole fruit is the best option as it contains fibre to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Whichever sweet treat you might choose, always eat it after your  protein and good fats to reduce the impact on your blood sugar levels. 

In very last place comes coffee. Even though it might be nice to begin with, if you’re aiming for balanced blood glucose, drinking coffee around 30 minutes after your meal is a better way to reduce the glucose spike.  

Start with Vinegar

There has been a lot of emerging research on vinegar, showing that the acetic acid helps us digest  carbohydrates more slowly, putting the brakes on the entry of sugar into the bloodstream and  therefore helping to reduce a glucose spike.  

Drinking 1 tablespoon of vinegar diluted in a glass of water before meals is all that’s required. You  can start with 1 teaspoon and slowly build up. The dilution is important to protect our teeth, you can  even use a straw if you want to. If drinking vinegar makes you cringe, having it as a salad dressing at  the start of your meal ticks all the boxes. 

To sweeten the deal even further, apple cider vinegar before meals aids digestion in general and has  been shown to reduce cholesterol, encourage weight loss and assist with PCOS. 

Hydration

Adequate water intake helps support energy levels, stress management and stable blood glucose.  Aim for 2 litres per day, which can include non-caffeinated herbal teas.

Lifestyle Tips

lifestyle tips for managing sugar cravings

Move your Body

The old adage of a stroll after lunch holds up when we look at the research. Studies show at least a  10 – 20 minute walk after meals significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to walking at  other times of the day. It doesn’t even have to be walking, you can do any type of exercise: have a  dance, lift some weights or do squats or yoga.

Quality Sleep

Chronic sleep loss has been linked to poor blood sugar regulation and is known as a risk factor for  insulin resistance, weight gain and type 2 diabetes. 

It works the other way too, we often crave sugar in the evenings because we are tired. If this is you,  aim to embrace the fatigue rather than fighting it, do something very low key like read a novel and  then head to bed early. You will likely find as you have earlier sleep for a few nights in a row, the  evening fatigue and therefore cravings will reduce.

Manage Stress

You’ve probably experienced craving comfort foods in stressful times, meaning we’re more likely to  reach for sweet things when under pressure or upset. Stress also increases blood glucose by  increasing cortisol which causes the liver to release stored glycogen as sugar into the bloodstream.  When this spike crashes we can crave sugar too.  

Carve out some time for mindfulness to help manage stress, even just a few minutes of deep  breathing can make a big difference to cortisol levels. 

Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Put simply – don’t buy refined sugar. Without it in the house you’re more likely to turn to your  alternatives like fruit or homemade cookies or dark chocolate or doing something instead of eating  something. 

Eat Mindfully

When you do consume something sweet, savour it. Consuming mindfully, with full awareness allows  it to be more satisfying and we often need less to hit the spot, as oppose to popping in row after row  of chocolate without thinking about, just allowing the taste buds to take over. 

Naturopathic Support for Sugar Cravings

naturopath for sugar cravings

The dietary approaches mentioned are the foundation of minimising sugar cravings. If you’re already  doing these and feel like you’re still craving sugar, or if you’re finding it hard to make the changes, then a naturopath can help you look at other approaches and supportive options.  

Certain blood tests like fasting insulin, fasting glucose and HbA1c can provide a helpful picture of  which supplements and dietary changes might be most beneficial. Comprehensive functional testing  such as stool tests can also give us insights into the impact of our diet and gut health on cravings,  allergies, microbiome balance and overall wellbeing.  

If you suspect candida is the driver of your sugar cravings and allergies, working with a GP and naturopath to diagnose and address this is important. Targeted anti-fungal herbs and probiotics can be used, alongside dietary and supplemental support for the entire microbiome, to help reduce the  opportunity for candida to overgrow.

If a candida overgrowth is linked to other conditions such as  small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or hormonal imbalances, we can look into these too.  

There are select nutrients and herbs which are particularly helpful at regulating blood glucose,  inositol being a favourite. Other go-to nutritional supplements include magnesium and chromium,  deficiencies of these contribute to dysregulated blood sugar and sugar cravings. 

We can also help reduce sugar cravings by reducing histamine production. Nutrients like quercetin,  bromelains and vitamin C are great for this.  

Herbal medicines such as Cinnamon and Gymnema are excellent for reducing the impact of sugar on  our system and easing our craving for sweetness. 

Natural Allergy Treatment

natural allergy treatment

Sugars and starches are actually one of the most common PAT treatments we do in the clinic, as reactions to sugars and starches in foods can contribute to a variety of symptoms, and skin and digestive issues in particular.

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), we use a technique called muscle testing (or kinesiology) to help pinpoint any reactions to a range food and environmental substances, which may be contributing your symptoms.

Following testing, you work with your PAT practitioner to address reactions to food triggers like sugars, using a acupressure based natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).

Get in touch

  • Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
  • Find a clinic location near you HERE
  • Send us your question HERE
  • Get your Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
leila diquinzio allergy naturopath melbourne

Written by Leila DiQuinzio – Melbourne based Naturopath & PAT Practitioner

Leila is a degree qualified Naturopath with over 12 years of experience, and provides Positive Association Technique (PAT) from the multi-modality clinic she co-founded in Northcote, Melbourne named ‘Aēsara Health‘.

Please note that this blog post contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before changing your diet, starting new supplements or regarding any medical condition.

 

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How Allergies Impact Sleep Quality & Daytime Fatigue

Sleep is a fundamental component of overall health and well-being. It’s during sleep that your body heals, consolidates memories, regulates hormones, and supports brain function. Sleep impacts everything from mood and cognitive abilities to physical health, including immune function and metabolism. 

Poor sleep can even lead to an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

What many of our Positive Association Technique (PAT) clients don’t realise, however, is how significantly allergies can disrupt sleep quality. Allergies for some are seen as a seasonal annoyance or just a mild inconvenience, but they can have a profound impact on your sleep, breathing, and general well-being. 

In fact, allergic reactions can cause discomfort and interfere with your breathing, making it more difficult to sleep and leading to a range of sleep-related issues. 

This article will explore how allergies affect sleep, the impact on breathing, and how Positive Association Technique (PAT) can help promote sleep quality, despite allergy symptoms.

How Allergies Affect Your Sleep

woman with allergies sitting on bed

Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to harmless substances, known as allergens. Common allergens include mould, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

When these allergens are inhaled or come into contact with the skin, the immune system releases histamine and other chemicals to fight them off. This triggers a range of symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and nasal congestion.

While these symptoms may be tolerable during the day, they are particularly disruptive at night. When you’re trying to fall asleep, these symptoms can worsen and make it difficult to rest. Nighttime allergies often lead to interrupted sleep cycles, making it harder to enter the deep stages of restorative sleep. 

This can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and an overall decrease in quality of life. Let’s explore the specific ways allergies affect sleep.

Dust Mite Allergic Rhinitis and Sleep

dust flowing through the air causing allergies and impacting sleep quality

Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They feed on dead skin cells that naturally shed from the body, and they thrive in warm, humid environments. Though dust mites are microscopic, they can multiply rapidly and cause significant allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

For those who are allergic to dust mites, symptoms are often most noticeable in the morning, symptoms often being nasal congestion or runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. This is because dust mites are most abundant in the sleeping environment. 

Dust mite allergens—found in their waste and body fragments—are airborne and can be inhaled while you sleep. Research has shown that allergic reactions to dust mites can have a greater impact on sleep than other allergens.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Janna Kremez explains that when we breathe through our mouths during sleep due to nasal congestion, we bypass the nose’s natural filtration system. 

As a result, dust mite allergens enter through the mouth, reaching deeper into the lungs and exacerbating respiratory symptoms like coughing or wheezing. This is particularly concerning for individuals with asthma, as dust mite allergens are known triggers for asthma attacks.

Additionally, pets, which often carry dust and dust mites in their fur, can make the situation worse. When pets share your bed, they can transport dust mites and other allergens directly to your sleeping environment, further complicating the problem.

Mould, Sinus Infections and Sleep

Mould is another common allergen that can significantly disrupt sleep, especially for individuals with sinus problems. Mould thrives in damp, dark environments, and its spores can easily be inhaled through the nose or mouth. Once mould spores reach the sinus cavities, the body’s immune system releases eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) to combat the fungus. This results in inflammation and irritation in the sinus passages.

Chronic sinusitis, which can be exacerbated by mould exposure, often leads to poor sleep quality. The discomfort of sinus pressure, headaches, and nasal congestion can cause frequent awakenings during the night, making it difficult to get restful sleep. 

Studies have shown that individuals with chronic sinusitis report higher rates of sleep disturbances.

Symptoms of fungal sinusitis include nasal congestion, a runny nose, headaches, a diminished sense of smell, postnasal drip, and body aches. A 1999 study by the Mayo Clinic found that 96% of patients with chronic sinusitis had fungal cultures in their nasal secretions. 

Interestingly, the same fungal cultures were also present in over 90% of individuals without a history of sinusitis, suggesting that fungi are a natural part of the environment but may cause problems when the immune system overreacts to them.

Although antifungal treatments may offer temporary relief, symptoms often return when the fungi re-establish themselves in the sinuses, leading to recurring sinus infections and ongoing sleep disruptions.

The Various Impacts of Allergies on Sleep

woman holding her blocked nose due to the impact of allergies on sleep quality

Nasal Congestion

One of the most common and disruptive symptoms of allergies is nasal congestion. When allergens trigger inflammation in the nasal passages, it becomes nearly impossible to breathe through the nose. This forces individuals to breathe through their mouths, which can cause the throat to dry out and increase the likelihood of snoring or even obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Nasal congestion can also worsen during sleep due to the horizontal position of the body. Gravity causes mucus to pool in the sinuses, leading to further obstruction of the airways. This can make it difficult to stay asleep, as frequent awakenings occur due to the need to clear the nose or throat.

Itching and Irritation

Allergic reactions can cause itching and irritation in areas such as the eyes, throat, and skin. Itchy eyes can prevent you from relaxing and falling asleep, while a scratchy throat or irritated skin can lead to discomfort that makes it harder to stay asleep. These symptoms create a constant state of irritation that can interfere with achieving deep, restorative sleep. Constantly scratching or rubbing the irritated areas can also prolong the discomfort, worsening the issue.

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Nasal congestion from allergies can significantly increase snoring, which occurs when airflow is restricted through the mouth and nose, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. This can disrupt sleep for both the individual and their bed partner. In some cases, nasal congestion can contribute to sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops temporarily during sleep.

Glenn White from Buteyko Breathing NZ, explains that individuals who snore may be engaging in “over-breathing,” where they breathe 2-3 times more than normal. Ironically, over-breathing can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the brain and body tissues, potentially leading to long-term health problems such as brain fog, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues.

Fatigue and Daytime Sleepiness

One of the most frustrating effects of allergy-induced sleep disruptions is daytime fatigue. Even after spending the night in bed, individuals with allergies often wake up feeling exhausted and unrefreshed. This excessive sleepiness can impair focus, productivity, and the ability to perform daily tasks. As a result, allergies that affect sleep quality can have a significant impact on work, school, and social activities, leading to a decreased quality of life.

Postnasal Drip

Postnasal drip (PND) occurs when excess mucus accumulates in the back of the throat and drips down, causing irritation and coughing. PND can be triggered by allergies, sinus infections, or even a deviated septum. When caused by allergies, the mucus that builds up can irritate the throat and contribute to inflammation, leading to persistent coughing, especially at night.

The constant need to clear the throat can disrupt sleep cycles and prevent restful sleep. Other symptoms of postnasal drip include sore throat, frequent swallowing, hoarseness, gurgling sounds, and bad breath. If left untreated, postnasal drip can lead to ear infections, sinus infections, and other complications in the nasal passages.

Coughing

Excess mucus from postnasal drip can lead to coughing, which tends to worsen when lying down. This can significantly disrupt sleep, as coughing can prevent you from entering the deeper stages of sleep. Continuous coughing throughout the night can leave you feeling groggy and unrested the next day.

Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are another lesser-known issue that can be triggered by allergies. When excess mucus from allergies accumulates in the tonsils, it can mix with bacteria and food particles, forming hardened lumps known as tonsil stones. These stones can cause symptoms such as bad breath, sore throat, earache, and in some cases, tonsillitis.

Although tonsil stones are more common in individuals with a history of tonsil infections, the irritation caused by allergens can make the tonsils more susceptible to developing these stones. This can further contribute to difficulty breathing and discomfort during sleep.

Histamine and Sleep

word histamine highlighted in paper for link between histamine and sleep

Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system during allergic reactions. It causes the inflammation, redness, excess mucus production, and itchiness associated with allergies. 

However, histamine also acts as a neurotransmitter, meaning it can influence the nervous system and impact sleep. 

Elevated histamine levels can act as a natural wake-promoting chemical, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. This is why allergy symptoms, especially at night, can often lead to disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia.

You can learn more about the neurological effects of histamine in our article – “Histamine and Anxiety“

Relieving Allergy Symptoms to Improve Sleep Quality

woman sleeping in bed after addressing allergies that impact sleep quality

Although it’s challenging to eliminate all allergy triggers, there are several steps you can take to reduce symptoms and improve sleep quality:

    1. Use Air Purifiers and Ventilation Systems
      Air purifiers help reduce airborne allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Running an air purifier in your bedroom, especially during high pollen seasons, can create a cleaner and more allergy-friendly sleep environment. Some ventilation systems come with HEPA filters, which further reduce the circulation of allergens in the air.
    2. Shower Before Bed
      Outdoor allergens like pollen often cling to your skin, hair, and clothes during the day. A quick shower before bed can remove these allergens and prevent them from transferring to your bedding, helping to reduce symptoms, particularly for those with seasonal allergies.
    3. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
      Sleeping with your head elevated helps reduce nasal congestion and improves airflow, which can alleviate symptoms like postnasal drip and coughing. Try using an extra pillow or investing in an adjustable bed to prop your head up while you sleep.
    4. Keep Your Bedroom Clean
      Dust mites are one of the leading triggers for allergic reactions in the bedroom. To combat this, use a hypoallergenic mattress covers and pillowcases, and wash your bedding regularly in hot water. Additionally, try to keep pets out of the bedroom to minimize pet dander exposure.5
    5.  Positive Association Technique (PAT)
      PAT helps re-train the body’s response to triggers using kinesiology, acupressure and positive conditioning. By calming reactivity we can reduce the production of histamine, lightening the load on your bucket.

      Learn more about Positive Association Technique (PAT);

Allergies, breathing difficulties, and poor sleep are deeply connected. Allergic reactions can disrupt sleep in many ways, from nasal congestion and snoring to postnasal drip and coughing. The resulting sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, which in turn makes it harder to cope with daily activities.

However, by taking proactive steps to manage allergies—such as using air purifiers, maintaining a clean environment, and addressing underlying health issues like sinus infections and tonsil stones—you can improve both your sleep quality and overall well-being.

Written by Jenny Bates

Jenny has been providing Positive Association Technique (PAT) for over 20 years across our Sydney and Auckland clinics, and is the mentor for our team of Naturopaths. 

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Histamine and Anxiety; Can Histamine Impact your Mental Health?

If you’ve ever suffered the annoyance of hay fever or hives, like many of our Positive Association Technique (PAT) clients, you might be familiar with histamine by way of its nemesis – antihistamines.

We often turn to these to help control the itching, swelling, redness and phlegm production triggered by things like pollen, dust, cats and certain foods.

We mostly think of histamine for its role in immune activation, raising the red flag when there is a perceived threat and calling for an inflammatory response to help the body deal with it.

But histamine is so much more than that.

What many people don’t realise is that histamine has four different receptors around the body – H1, H2, H3 and H4 – which means it has a huge range of effects, from influencing stomach acid, blood vessel dilation, hormone release, temperature control, satiety, energy levels and most interestingly, your mental health.

Histamine as a Neurotransmitter

histamine as a neurotransmitter

Histamine also works as a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger which carries signals from one nerve cell to another.

Nerve cells which produce histamine are exclusively made in the tuberomammillary nucleus within the hypothalamus, and from there project throughout the brain.

Plus, histamine influences the release of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline and GABA. All of this is important because it means histamine is involved in a variety of nervous system functions including:

• Learning
• Cognition
• Memory
• Attention
• Mood regulation
• The stress response
• Alertness

This helps explain why histamine has been linked to conditions such as narcolepsy, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, Parkinson’s, and schizophrenia.

One of histamine’s biggest roles is in the sleep-wake cycle. It stimulates alertness in line with circadian rhythms: production of histamine is increased when we are awake, reduced when we are relaxed and significantly less when sleeping. This is why some antihistamines make you drowsy – they block histamine attaching to the receptors which would normally cause alertness.

Histamine Intolerance; When the Bucket Overflows

histamine bucket analogy

As you can imagine, with such far-reaching and important effects, an imbalance of histamine doesn’t go unnoticed.

Histamine intolerance happens when the body can’t efficiently manage and clear the accumulated load of histamine – from allergies, internal production and ingestion through food.

The bucket analogy is handy to explain this: when histamine clearance is insufficient, the histamine builds up in a metaphorical bucket, which can overflow into symptoms. Due to the wide spread effects of histamine, symptoms can be all over the place:
• Anxiety, depression, brain fog, difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia, fatigue
• Headaches, migraines, dizziness
• Bloating, diarrhoea, reflux, nausea, abdominal cramps
• Sinus congestion, sneezing, difficulty breathing
• Hives, itchy skin, flushing, rashes
• Heavy periods, painful periods
• Postural hypotension
• Joint pain, swelling

Histamine intolerance is also more common in women, thanks to the close relationship between oestrogen and histamine where they spur each other on: histamine triggers oestrogen production and high oestrogen stimulates histamine release.

So, if you’ve noticed more headaches, insomnia, congestion or flushing when oestrogen is peaking around ovulation and before your period, histamine could be to blame.

How Allergies Can Tip the Histamine and Anxiety Balance

histamine and blood sugar

Every time you react to an allergen – pollen in spring, the cat next door, the food that makes you itchy – it triggers the release of more histamine, building up levels in the bucket.

At the same time, if the body struggles to keep up with the clearance of histamine, the bucket can overflow and seemingly out of nowhere the sneezing starts, the rash flares, anxiety spikes or digestive symptoms worsen. Inflammation also occurs, which further impacts other health conditions like depression, joint pain and period trouble.

Histamine, the Gut Microbiome and Your Mental Health

woman holding sore stomach

We’ve talked about histamine being produced by immune cells and also in the brain, but your gut microbiome plays its part too.

Histamine-producing gut bacteria

Certain strains of bacteria in the gut produce more histamine than others, if you have more of these particular gut bugs, this can contribute to the overall load of histamine in your bucket. We can help reduce histamine-producing bacterial strains in the gut by consuming a variety of plant-based foods. This feeds a wide variety of beneficial bacteria and helps crowd out problematic ones.

DAO is made in your gut
Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a major enzyme involved in breaking down histamine that we eat. This enzyme is produced in the gut lining, so factors influencing gut integrity can also influence histamine balance – think irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis), food intolerances, infections and even stress.

Your gut makes neurotransmitters too
The gut microbiome also produces other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA,
acetylcholine and dopamine. Not all of these are able to cross the blood-brain barrier but they do act on the enteric nervous system of the gut – including the vagus nerve – and influence building blocks to produce neurotransmitters in the brain, like tryptophan for serotonin production.

This is just another reason why gut health and mental health are so intertwined, and why histamine imbalances can affect so many mental health symptoms.

Is Histamine causing your Anxiety?

woman with migraine from amines

As you can tell by now, histamine shows up all over the body, so it can be tricky to pinpoint. Here are some clues that histamine might be a problem:  

  • You feel like you are reacting to every food, or fine with a food one day and not the next (when levels of histamine have accumulated). 
  • High histamine foods make you feel worse. These include fermented foods & drinks  (e.g. sauerkraut, kombucha, beer), hard cheeses, processed meats, alcohol, bone  broth, chocolate, citrus, avocado, smoked and canned fish. 
  • Symptoms are linked to your menstrual cycle 
  • Antihistamines are helpful short-term  

Keeping a diet diary or trialling a low histamine diet for a few weeks can help provide some insights.

You can also obtain a comprehensive list of foods that contain histamine from us HERE.

Do Antihistamines Treat Insomnia?

histamine and insomnia

Many people turn to antihistamines for their drowsy effects when they have trouble sleeping. They work because they block histamine receptors but this comes with side effects too, including:  

  • Poor sleep quality – interfering with essential REM sleep 
  • Grogginess 
  • Urinary retention 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Sleep walking 
  • Tolerance can be reached quickly (higher doses are needed) 

This is why addressing the cause – stress, histamine imbalance, hormones, gut issues – is  always the best solution, particularly for long term results. 

Addressing Histamine and Anxiety Issues with PAT & Naturopathy

natural allergy treatment

Positive Association Technique (PAT)  

PAT helps re-train the body’s response to triggers using kinesiology, acupressure and  positive conditioning. By calming reactivity we can reduce the production of histamine, lightening the load on your bucket. 

Learn more about Positive Association Technique (PAT);

  • in our PAT Information E-Pack
  • Call our office on 1300 853 023 (Aus) / 09 479 5997 (NZ)
  • Email us at clinics@naturalallergytreatment.com.au

Naturopathy 

A Naturopathic assessment looks at why histamine is high in the first place, exploring a  range of possible causes such as:  

  • Gut issues 
  • Hormone imbalances 
  • Genetic mutations (e.g. MTHFR) 
  • Nutrient deficiencies 
  • Mould exposure 
  • Medications (even some antihistamines can reduce DAO!)  

Alongside addressing the cause, naturopaths may utilise specific nutrients to reduce  histamine production and improve clearance, such as increasing DAO production to break  down histamine. First line nutrients for this include: 

  • Quercetin 
  • Vitamin C 
  • Vitamin B6 
  • Nettle leaf tea 
  • DAO enzymes 
  • Gut support

Learn more about Leila’s Naturopathic approach on her website – https://leiladiquinzio.com/

At-Home Tips for Managing Anxiety

progesterone and histamine

Anxiety is a common symptom of histamine imbalance and is also deeply connected to gut  health. As well as investigating and addressing histamine, a range of tools are available to  help reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system and improve emotional resilience.  

Self-care & mindfulness daily 

This looks different for everyone and should be something you generally enjoy. Whilst  sitting in meditation is undeniably beneficial, like going to the gym, it is a muscle which  needs to be patiently trained. Other activities can also be forms of meditation, you might  enjoy: 

  • Paint-by-numbers 
  • Colouring in 
  • Going for a walk with full attention on your environment 
  • Taking a bath 
  • Deep focused breathing for a few minutes, like 4×4 or 4-7-8 breathing 

Whichever form you choose, coming back into your body and creating some space in your  mind is a great way to take a break from the chatter.  

Movement 

A great release for the nervous system, some people enjoy a run or boxing session whereas  others do better with breath-centred yoga. The key is you should feel good afterwards, not  wiped out. 

Nutrients & herbs 

These can be great to use short-medium term and also have on hand to calm an overactive  nervous system when life get overwhelming. It is always important to consult a qualified  prescribing practitioner before taking herbs and nutrients, to make sure they’re safe and  right for you. 

  • Magnesium 
  • B vitamins 
  • L-theanine 
  • GABA 
  • Lavender 
  • Lemon balm 
  • Chamomile 
  • Passionflower 
  • Kava  

Support network 

Everyone needs a support network in place – friends, family, helplines or a trained therapist. 

When your self-care stops working or anxiety feels unmanageable, that’s a sign it’s time to reach out.  

Does This Resonate?

If the symptoms described in this article sound like you – especially if your symptoms  improve when taking antihistamines or you don’t tolerate high histamine foods well – it  might be time to explore whether histamine imbalances could be contributing to your  mental health. 

Remember, you’re not in this alone. A qualified practitioner can help investigate the root cause and create a personalised plan to get you back to feeling calmer and more like yourself again.

leila diquinzio allergy naturopath melbourne

Written by Leila DiQuinzio

Melbourne based Naturopath, PAT Practitioner and Co-founder of Aēsara Health.

Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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