Best Foods to Eat and Avoid for Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

If you are suffering from hives and looking for helpful foods for hives, this article will explore some of the best foods to eat and avoid for chronic idiopathic urticaria.

As a dietitian helping many clients with CIU, I understand nutrition\’s role in managing chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).

While there is no specific diet for individuals with CIU, certain foods can help alleviate symptoms and others that may worsen them.

Foods to eat to heal chronic hives

1. Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in the skin. Foods high in omega-3s include fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

2. Probiotic-Rich Foods:

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help support the immune system and reduce inflammation. The best probiotic-rich foods are yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables (such as sauerkraut and kimchi), and kombucha.

3. Foods High in Quercetin:

Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Foods high in quercetin include apples, onions, berries (blueberries and strawberries), leafy greens (kale and spinach), and broccoli.

Foods to avoid with urticaria

1. Histamine-Rich Foods:

Histamine is a natural chemical that can cause allergic reactions and can trigger or worsen CIU symptoms in some individuals. Foods high in histamine include aged cheeses, fermented foods (such as sauerkraut and kombucha), and processed meats (such as salami and hot dogs).

2. Food Additives:

Certain food additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives, can trigger or worsen CIU symptoms in some individuals. These are commonly found in processed and packaged foods. You check the nutritional facts mentioned on food items, and the main food additives to avoid include monosodium glutamate (MSG), artificial sweeteners, and food dyes.

3. Alcohol:

Alcohol can cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to increased inflammation and worsening of CIU symptoms. It\’s best to avoid alcohol or limit consumption to small amounts.

Take Away

It\’s important to note that food triggers can vary from person to person, and it may be helpful to keep a food diary to identify specific triggers. Working with a registered dietitian can help identify trigger foods and develop an individualized nutrition plan.

In addition to dietary changes, it\’s important to maintain a healthy weight and engage in regular physical activity, as excess weight and inactivity can worsen inflammation in the body.

Keeping a food journal

After reviewing your diet, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to discuss potential dietary changes that could alleviate symptoms of CIU. It is important to create a personalized diet plan based on your unique tolerance for histamine.

Keeping a food journal to track your symptoms after each meal can also be helpful. Take note of the specific foods you consume, the time of consumption, and any changes in symptoms that occurred after eating (including how long it took for symptoms to occur or subside).

By sharing these findings with your doctor you can work together to develop an effective plan to manage your symptoms.

Conclusion

A balanced and varied diet focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods is important for managing CIU. Individuals with CIU can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health by focusing on anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding trigger foods.

FAQS: Diet for chronic urticaria

Useful References:

• Effects of a pseudo-allergen-free diet on chronic spontaneous urticaria: a prospective trial 
• Low-Histamine Diets: Is the Exclusion of Foods Justified by Their Histamine Content | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/5/1395/htm
• A Histamine-Free Diet Is Helpful for the Treatment of Adult Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria | Ann Dermatol. 2018 Apr;30(2):164-172.