Histamine intolerance is sometimes confused with mast cell activation syndrome, though they are related conditions. Patients with either of these conditions may have trouble metabolizing histamine, and serum DAO testing is one way of assessing the patient’s ability to breakdown histamine. Lowered levels do correlate with some conditions and with symptoms, and can be useful from a testing perspective.

A good proportion of my practice has been directed to helping patients who are sensitive to mold and mycotoxin related illness. While often we can get confirmation of an increased body burden of mycotoxins (toxins, or secondary metabolites from mold) through [urine testing](https://pannaturopathic.com/mycotoxin-testing), there are some warning signs or hints in the history and exam that often lead us discuss such testing.

A presentation between Moleculara Labs (who runs the Cunningham autoimmune encephelopathy panel) and Dr Kenderlehrer was recently posted and has excellent summary points. I have written this post combining some of the information from that lecture as well as my own experiences. Not all mental health issues come from past or current infection associated neuroinflammation, but some do, and considering this possibility may help to find more effective patient-centered treatment options.

Chelation therapy has long been used as part of a detoxification protocol in naturopathic medicine. It can be useful in some patients to lower to total body burden of toxins, but it can be very useful for improving circulation and reducing vascular events especially in diabetics.

Herbal medicine for chronic infections: How herbs can help with lyme and bartonella treatment by modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and protecting the nervous system.

• Natural polypharmacy: How combining multiple herbs can create synergistic effects that are greater than the sum of their individual actions.

Leaky gut is a condition that occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes more porous than it should be, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and possibly bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and potentially exacerbating autoimmune diseases. Naturopathic treatments focus on improving gut health, reducing inflammation, restoring the healthy microbiome, and rebalancing the immune system. This may involve dietary and lifestyle changes, incorporating nutrient-dense foods and supplements, and utilizing botanical medicines. Additionally, stress management and optimizing sleep patterns are important aspects of naturopathic treatment. By addressing leaky gut and supporting the immune system, we can take proactive steps in managing autoimmune diseases.