What HIT me? Living with Histamine Intolerance: A guide to diagnosis and management of HIT - A patient's point of view - 3rd edition

HIT – Histamine Intolerance – is a condition that affects many people but remains largely undiagnosed. The symptoms of histamine intolerance (HIT) are caused by the inability of the body to break down histamine sufficiently. These symptoms can appear very like an allergy and can cause stomach and intestinal complaints, migraine, tiredness and skin problems, to name but a few. This is in most cases because of the reduced activity or low presence of an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is mainly responsible for breaking down histamine and other biogenic amines ingested through food. Foods that are known culprits include: red wine, ready meals, cured meats, mature cheeses, tomatoes and aubergines. It can make people’s lives a total misery. But it CAN be brought under control with the RIGHT DIAGNOSIS and the RIGHT DIET. This book is a guide to how to achieve both. It helps both health professionals and patients gain insight. This third edition contains a new section on how Genny won the battle against Histamine Intolerance and is fully operational in her job again and food lists that can help as guidance.CONTENTS1. Introduction2. Histamine Intolerance - In a nutshell3. How do I find out if I have HIT?4. Other intolerances - DAO and its closest friends and helpers5. What HIT is not6. Specially for the ladies - HIT’s favourite targets7. How do I find out what to eat or not?8. What do I need to do at home?9. How do I keep the family happy?10. How can I deal with this at work?11. What do I need to keep in mind when shopping?12. What consequences are there for my social life?13. Meat - the good... the bad and the ugly14. Fish - the good... and the ugly15. Milk and Dairy Products - essentials16. Fruit & Vegetables - the little labyrinth17. Bread & Baking18. The problem with alcohol!19. Pharmaceuticals, food additives, E-numbers and other culprits20. Food lists and supplements21. Short summary of therapy options22. Recipes23. The Food Diary