Hives, Urticaria Nightmare
I have been a patient of chronic idiopathic urticaria, what it means in a simple term is that you can get hives without any reason. I have suffered from this disease for almost 8 years. In the start it was just a pressure urticaria. That means I used to get hives on part of my body where the pressure is applied, so it used to be my palms and fingers most of the time, as most of the work is done by hands. Then suddenly one fine day my legs were impacted, and then it happened on stomach as well. It spread to the face finally. Antihistamines used to work for to give instant relief but slowly they also stopped working.
Now, It used to come by its own and would go by its own usually in 2-3 days of time. Its so frustrating and itchy that you really get into depression. I tried steroids as well when advised by doctor in severe attacks but they are the worst. Steroids did more harm than cure, it gave me instant relief and red patches were diminished for some time; however, it would come back again with more intensity on very next day. So steroids were big no-no for me.
As advised I started to look my lifestyle and diet more closely for things that would give me hives. I identified a few things like pain killers, dust and few foods (specially Chinese and sour things) which gave an instant reaction to my body like in 2-3 hours of time. However, it was really more frustrating when you avoided these things very cautiously, and then it came back again to haunt you. There was no obvious reason. So I gave up all the precautions that I was taking as I was more depressed and disappointed that having all these things avoided just dint work. There was no improvement in frequency or severity of occurrence of red patches all over my body.
I tried all kind of treatment be it allopathic, homeopathic (I followed this for almost 3 years) and Ayurveda, literally nothing worked. Why I am writing this blog because in recent time from past one year or so I didn’t get the hives.
What did I change, a year ago I decided to go through the fitness regime, just like that not intentionally to get rid of hives but just to get fit. I joined Yoga classes to manage my stress level, I belong to the corporate world so it was important to manage the stress. I also joined Gym to increase my fitness level and getting my body in shape. In Gym I used to do the cardio for 30 mins and 30 mins of weight lifting.
I also changed my diet drastically which I think is the main reason I did not get the hives in this period. I cut down on carbs heavily and increased the protein portions in my regular diet (no supplements). I kept the meal very light in the evening. I used to eat the dinner around 07:30 PM and it was very light meal, only grilled vegetables sometimes. The important aspect in my diet was cutting down on sugar. I reduced the sugar intake to the minimum I could. It was no added sugar in my tea, coffee. Sweets, chocolates (I love dark chocolates) and cakes were out of question. So
It was only limited to natural sugar present in fruits, vegetables etc. so to summarize,
• Cut down on carbs
• Reduced your sugar intake
• Have an early and very light dinner
• Exercise regularly 40-60 mins.
• Work on your immunity (I used to take 8-10 almonds, soaked in water overnight to boost my immunity level)
• At least follow it strictly for 6-8 months.
Please don’t get dispersed from hives, fight and take control of your life. Following above, if could not cure hives I am sure it will improve your lifestyle. Also please watch motivational videos on you tube if are getting depressed because I know how this can affect not only your life but the life of people around you so videos will help you coming out of depression.
All the best. May God keep your fit and healthy.
-Deepak
Hivesguy says
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience, Deepak. I hope you continue to experience relief.
Melvin says
Thanks for the information, but there is one thing I don understand, what do u mean soaked in water overnight, u mean just soak yourself in bathtub with water for few hours??