A strict diet helped manage my chronic hives – and changed my relationship with food
After a severe flare-up left her desperate for relief, CNA TODAY's Amanda Yeap went on a low-histamine diet, cutting out many of the foods she once enjoyed. But the months of restrictive eating took a toll on her in ways she did not expect.
Once a chronic hives sufferer, Amanda Yeap underwent a low-histamine diet, which drastically altered her dietary habits and relationship with food. Her journey began when she sought relief from an intense flare-up that left her skin sensitive and inflamed. A dermatologist diagnosed her with chronic hives, and prescribed antihistamines, but they only offered temporary relief.
Her diet underwent a drastic transformation as she eliminated high-histamine foods like fermented foods, caffeine, kimchi, yoghurt, sourdough bread, gluten, dairy, and most out-of-home meals. She resorted to cooking fresh, unprocessed meals with basic ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and fresh herbs. Although the healing effects of the diet were not immediate, she noticed improved sleep, clearer skin, and elimination of midday energy crashes from coffee.
However, the diet also meant reevaluating her relationship with food, as she dreaded giving up her favorite indulgences like coffee, matcha, and sweet treats. The dietary restrictions forced her to become a proficient home cook and carefully read labels at the supermarket, transforming her perception of food from a source of happiness to a potential trigger for her hives.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
