Chronic hives can be an incredibly frustrating condition to deal with, both for those who suffer from them and the practitioners working to help find solutions. The itch, the redness, and the discomfort can be overwhelming, yet traditional treatments often provide only temporary relief or mask the underlying issue without actually addressing it. If you’ve been struggling with chronic hives, you know the drill: antihistamines, corticosteroids, and other symptom-masking treatments, but no clear answer about what’s truly causing the hives. 
I recently underwent cataract surgery—an outcome of a trauma cataract from a detached retina nine years ago and the laser procedure used to treat it. While the surgery itself was straightforward, my biggest challenge was overcoming the anxiety leading up to it. Two years ago, I struggled with severe menopause symptoms—low hormones, heightened anxiety, and full-blown panic attacks. Even a routine retina check-up sent me into panic mode. The night before one appointment, I was convinced my retina had detached again, leading to an intense panic attack.
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is widely debated in the health and wellness world. While some can eat it without issue, for many, gluten can trigger inflammation and health problems—even without celiac disease. Let’s take a closer look at how gluten may contribute to inflammation in the body. What Is Gluten? Simply put, gluten is a protein found in certain grains that helps give foods their texture and structure. While gluten itself isn’t harmful, many people struggle to digest it. For these individuals, gluten can cause an immune response that leads to inflammation.
When my daughter struggled with chronic hives, a low histamine diet became a crucial part of her healing. This wasn’t a forever diet but a "for now" approach to help regulate her histamine levels and allow her body to recover. By eliminating high-histamine foods, we saw a gradual reduction in hives, and her skin began to heal. After several months, we successfully reintroduced most foods—except gluten and peanuts, which we continue to avoid. This diet played a vital role in restoring her health.
Chronic hives can be frustrating and debilitating, especially when the cause remains unknown. While often thought of as a skin issue, hives are actually an external sign of internal imbalances. One of the most overlooked root causes is gut dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiome that can lead to inflammation and immune dysfunction. Your gut does more than digest food—it regulates immunity, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates toxins. When the microbiome is out of balance, it can trigger widespread inflammation...
