This is week three of our Ease Endo Tea Challenge. If you’d like to receive a copy of each week’s challenge with all the references, research, doses and info, sign up to the challenge via email. I’ve linked to the sign-up page in my show notes. You can also hop over to Instagram and comment, ask questions or share pics of your challenge so far.

This week, we're easing histamine levels, and as a result, pain and inflammation!

The Symptom

Did you know that histamine is involved in growth and inflammation of endometriosis? Mast cells, the immune cells which release histamines, have been found in high levels within and around endometriosis lesions - and the research shows that the higher the number, the more intense the pain.

The involvement of mast cells and histamines is so integral to the growth and symptoms of endometriosis, that researchers are now calling for mast cell focused immune treatments for endo.

Additionally, histamines are involved in both menstruation and ovulation. Their inflammatory nature helps with the shedding of the uterine lining, but too high levels during our period or ovulation could mean excessive pain.

In my experience as an endo health coach, many of my clients respond well to supplements, tools and lifestyle changes that lower histamines or stabilise mast cells. Now, luckily, this doesn't mean adopting a low histamine diet! In fact, I generally see that as a last resort, because it can feel fairly restrictive, and because often it's only required in clients who genuinely have very strong reactions to histamines.

For many of us with endo, just lowering histamine levels with tools that calm down the mast cells, is enough to see a difference in our endo symptoms.

Here are some other facts about endo and histamines:

So, chances are, you have allergies! And as histamines are released in response to a potential allergen/threat, by calming down mast cells, we can in turn calm down our allergies and our endo pain!

So this week, we're drinking nettle tea.

References.

This episode is also sponsored by Semaine. Semaine is a plant-based supplement for reducing period pain and inflammation, that you take for 7 days of your cycle, during your period. Semaine is made up of 9 super-powered plant extracts and minerals that are all vegan and sourced for maximum quality and bioavailability and selected based on the latest clinical research. If you want to try Semaine, they are currently offering 15% off your first order and they deliver worldwide! Head to: www.semainehealth.com

This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works

Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.

My cookbook This EndoLife, It Starts with Breakfast is out now! Get 28 anti-inflammatory, hormone friendly recipes for living and thriving with endometriosis. Order your copy here.

If you feel like you need more support with managing endometriosis, you can join Your EndoLife Coaching Programme. A 1-to-1 three month health and life coaching programme to help you thrive with endometriosis. To find out more about the programme and to discuss whether it could be right for you, email me at [email protected] or visit my website.

This episode is produced by Ora Podcasts.