Although hives occur in all ages they are generally more prevalent in young adults. The reaction leading to hives involves the release of histamine from mast cells. In about 75-80% of all hive cases the cause is never discovered. The most common causes of chronic hives are food sensitivities, stress, drug reactions or fungal/yeast infections
Over 90% of the population has an adverse reaction to Candida albicans, one of the major fungal/yeast factors. That might seem odd when you realize Candida normally and naturally resides within the colon along with several other types of bacteria, fungus or parasites. Although Candida can cause adverse affects to people including hives they serve their purpose by cleaning up toxins and waste in the body as needed. Also growing within the same vicinity are beneficial bacteria whose sole purpose is to keep Candida and other bacteria (unfriendly) under control. The problems arise when the not so friendly yeast begin to outweigh the friendly.
Approximately 10% of Candida sufferers develop hives, eczema, asthma, chronic vaginitis, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps. Outside of hives and other skin disorders there are immune system disorders, chronic inflammation, extreme fatigue, yeast infections in women, gastrointestinal tract (gas) disorders, panic attacks, psoriasis, dry, itching skin, dermatitis/ dandruff, swollen lips, throat or tongue, urinary tract/prostate gland problems and/or a white coated tongue (thrush).
If your hives are the result of a Candida induced histamine release one of the first things you should do is go through detoxification. It is one of the best ways to clear up fungal/yeast infections, and is how the body can effectively get rid of the toxins and sugar overload Candida feeds on. Detoxification consist of several days of fasting or limiting the bodily intake to fruit or vegetable juices while drinking plenty of water to flush the system. It takes anywhere from 3-14 days depending how bad the infection is or the timeframe you are working within.
Probiotics, live microorganisms similar to the beneficial organisms living in the colon already, and called friendly bacteria as well, are used in complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) to aid in cases of Candida related hives. This is seen more so than ever since it was realized there are cells in the colon directed connected to the immune system.
Because probiotics are known to reduce the severity of the allergies Candida/hive sufferers can supplement their diet with them. They aid in the body’s biochemical processes of strengthening the immune system to combat allergies, especially in conjunction with essential fatty acid such as flaxseed, borage seed or fish oil.
Vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium are essential not only for bodily function but healing as well. Other micronutrients (trace minerals) are often lacking in people who have been diagnosed with allergies resulting in hives or Candidiasis.