you can buy gluten free items from most supermarkets.. gluten free pasta, wholegrain rice, sweet potatoes are all big carb sources you can use! There is also more specialist gluten free stuff like bread ( still has yeast in though ) and pitta breads etc

You aren't avoiding refined carbs if you are eating bread. Gluten free or otherwise. Besides, those gluten free things are pricey wastes of money. Also, I hope the natural sweetener doesn't include agave which is not natural and pure fructose.

Get carbs from things like sweet potatoes, squash, oats, buckwheat. Buckwheat is a source of inositol which is beneficial for PCOS sufferers. If you need more calories, add fat.

Thank you! But wholegrain, is bad for you? The natural sweetener isn't agave, it's palm sugar. I already eat buckwheat in the form of pancakes at my breakfast! Tonight I'll be making a bread with almond, quinoa and buckwheat. The thing is though, it's all pretty expensive... really hard for a student.

But I do what I can. I'm also drinking mint tea and green tea so hope that will work! I started zinc as well. Is palmetto safe to take while you're on birth control or is that not a great idea?

thanks a lot!

Thank you! But wholegrain, is bad for you? The natural sweetener isn't agave, it's palm sugar. I already eat buckwheat in the form of pancakes at my breakfast! Tonight I'll be making a bread with almond, quinoa and buckwheat. The thing is though, it's all pretty expensive... really hard fort!

That's why it's cheaper to just not eat breads.

Yeah, but like I said I can't exactly miss those for my calory intake and it's a cheap food. Do you have any advice what else I could eat - not too expensive - that also contains loads of calories? You also talked about adding more fat into my diet. Any suggestions?

Yeah, but like I said I can't exactly miss those for my calory intake and it's a cheap food. Do you have any advice what else I could eat - not too expensive - that also contains loads of calories? You also talked about adding more fat into my diet. Any suggestions?

Yeah. The squashes, sweet potatoes, oats & fats I mentioned in my prior post.

Have you ever had a full hormonal panel done to make sure you have a hormonal imbalance? Acne is only one symptom of a hormonal imbalance...if your hormones are off, there are other signs, not just the acne. Since you are concerned about your hormones, find an experienced doctor who can do comprehensive testing to at least give you an indication of what could be setting your body off. It seems that your acne gets worse every time you get off birth control, so that's an indication of a hormonal imbalance, along with irregular cycles. After you find out what the issues are, do not resort to birth control pills anymore. It's obviously messing up your body, and eventually every woman has to get off birth control so it's best to deal with hormones at a younger age than be 40 with acne and messed up cycles. Check out Chiral Balance's website for supplements and herbs that help regulate your cycles after you consult with a doctor/ naturopath specializing in women's health. Vitex helped me regulate my cycles when coming off of birth control, so that might be an option. Inositol has helped me with skin and other PCOS symptoms, and it's safe for long term use.

Eating healthy is not a "thing"...if you are doing it because you feel you have to, you'll always feel restricted in your eating. If you are worried about losing weight, I agree with the suggestion about sweet potatoes. Keep a food diary and track your breakouts to see if there are patterns. You don't need to avoid everything - it really depends on how your body reacts to certain foods. There are also certain times of the month (e.g. mid-cycle and before/during your period) that you may be more sensitive to certain foods due to hormonal fluctuations and increase in histamines.

Lastly, if I were you I would stop drinking green tea. There is conflicting and inconclusive information about how exactly green tea affects hormones. Some sources claim it lowers androgens, while others claim it raises other hormones that indirectly boost testosterone. Spearmint tea might be bad for you too depending on your hormones, particularly if you are estrogen dominant. It's best to avoid these teas if you think they make you feel worse. Any type of mint tea also raises histamines, which is another reason to limit intake.

Helloooo!

I'm a 23 year old woman and have been suffering with moderate acne since the age of 11. Started taking birth control (diane 35) at the age of 15. That of course worked great and cleared everything up - did get a pimple every now and then, but just fine. Stopped taking it at the age of 16 and got my 'own' period back at 3 months after stopping at. I started taking it again because I had a relationship. Stopped taking it again at the age of 18 and my face and hormones went bad sh*t insane!! So much acne and pimples, I did not even know it was possible on that small face of me! The weird thing is though, I never really had cheek of neck acne. The acne was all centered in the T-zone, on my back and very little on the chest. Anyway, also my period was completely off. After 8 months I went to the gyno and they told me I had pcos. Which was quit strange, since I'm 51 kg at 1.65 m (thin) and no one in my family has it. Well, of course I started diane 35 AGAIN and switched to Mercilon after 2 years of using it. My acne is 'mild' and pretty much fine right (all the acne starts in whiteheads) now, but I'm still very concerned about that hormonal thing. I'm obviously still pretty sensitive. I can't eat chocolate or a lot of sugar, cause my hormones will get badly insane again.

I started the whole 'healthy food thing' a few weeks ago but ever since I've lost weight, which is shocking to me because I already was underweight. I'm really confused about what to do... I cut out all sugar and refined carbs (instead I'm baking my owen natural sweetened cookies). I drink green smoothies and eat a lot of veggies. I also started drinking green tea and spearmint, because I heard it was good for lowering testosterone. I'm pretty sure that I'm testosteron sensitive, because my skin get's super super oily and the acne is centered in the zone and starts with whitehead (which are always all over the place on my chin --> very clogged pores).

I tried gluten free, but I just feel I can't do that because I can't miss the carbs from the bread. I need the carbs for my weight! It kind of feels like choosing between 2 bad things... looking like an anorexic or acne sufferer.

Does anyone have tips for my situation? I can't go too low on carbs because of my weight... I'm also on a budget, which is not fair because all the foods that I'm 'allowed' to eat are crazy expensive.

Thank you so much for your long answer!! I know I should get off birth control soon, but I'm just so anxious about the acne... My skin went so insane last time I quit taking it! What method of birth control do you use at the moment? At this moment I'm single so I won't need anything, but I might need it again soon.

I never had a full panel of hormone testing. At that time my doctor told me there was nothing they could do for me and they told me I had to go back on birth control. Can I do a test while on birth control or should I be off for a few months to do it? Hormone testing is pretty new here in the EU and very expensive. I don't know if there are that many doctors specialized in those test, but I have to find out.

I already stopped the green tea because I read the same thing. Is weaning of birth control a good method to get your hormones less upsetted? I think I'll be starting weaning off at around may, because I will be graduating from university this year and it will be stressful (=killing hormones). Do you think it is best to wean off birth control with the help of an expert?

Thank you!!! Oh and sorry for this worst case scenario English... I'm from the Netherlands

 

Have you ever had a full hormonal panel done to make sure you have a hormonal imbalance? Acne is only one symptom of a hormonal imbalance...if your hormones are off, there are other signs, not just the acne. Since you are concerned about your hormones, find an experienced doctor who can do comprehensive testing to at least give you an indication of what could be setting your body off. It seems that your acne gets worse every time you get off birth control, so that's an indication of a hormonal imbalance, along with irregular cycles. After you find out what the issues are, do not resort to birth control pills anymore. It's obviously messing up your body, and eventually every woman has to get off birth control so it's best to deal with hormones at a younger age than be 40 with acne and messed up cycles. Check out Chiral Balance's website for supplements and herbs that help regulate your cycles after you consult with a doctor/ naturopath specializing in women's health. Vitex helped me regulate my cycles when coming off of birth control, so that might be an option. Inositol has helped me with skin and other PCOS symptoms, and it's safe for long term use.

Eating healthy is not a "thing"...if you are doing it because you feel you have to, you'll always feel restricted in your eating. If you are worried about losing weight, I agree with the suggestion about sweet potatoes. Keep a food diary and track your breakouts to see if there are patterns. You don't need to avoid everything - it really depends on how your body reacts to certain foods. There are also certain times of the month (e.g. mid-cycle and before/during your period) that you may be more sensitive to certain foods due to hormonal fluctuations and increase in histamines.

Lastly, if I were you I would stop drinking green tea. There is conflicting and inconclusive information about how exactly green tea affects hormones. Some sources claim it lowers androgens, while others claim it raises other hormones that indirectly boost testosterone. Spearmint tea might be bad for you too depending on your hormones, particularly if you are estrogen dominant. It's best to avoid these teas if you think they make you feel worse. Any type of mint tea also raises histamines, which is another reason to limit intake.

Helloooo!

I'm a 23 year old woman and have been suffering with moderate acne since the age of 11. Started taking birth control (diane 35) at the age of 15. That of course worked great and cleared everything up - did get a pimple every now and then, but just fine. Stopped taking it at the age of 16 and got my 'own' period back at 3 months after stopping at. I started taking it again because I had a relationship. Stopped taking it again at the age of 18 and my face and hormones went bad sh*t insane!! So much acne and pimples, I did not even know it was possible on that small face of me! The weird thing is though, I never really had cheek of neck acne. The acne was all centered in the T-zone, on my back and very little on the chest. Anyway, also my period was completely off. After 8 months I went to the gyno and they told me I had pcos. Which was quit strange, since I'm 51 kg at 1.65 m (thin) and no one in my family has it. Well, of course I started diane 35 AGAIN and switched to Mercilon after 2 years of using it. My acne is 'mild' and pretty much fine right (all the acne starts in whiteheads) now, but I'm still very concerned about that hormonal thing. I'm obviously still pretty sensitive. I can't eat chocolate or a lot of sugar, cause my hormones will get badly insane again.

I started the whole 'healthy food thing' a few weeks ago but ever since I've lost weight, which is shocking to me because I already was underweight. I'm really confused about what to do... I cut out all sugar and refined carbs (instead I'm baking my owen natural sweetened cookies). I drink green smoothies and eat a lot of veggies. I also started drinking green tea and spearmint, because I heard it was good for lowering testosterone. I'm pretty sure that I'm testosteron sensitive, because my skin get's super super oily and the acne is centered in the zone and starts with whitehead (which are always all over the place on my chin --> very clogged pores).

I tried gluten free, but I just feel I can't do that because I can't miss the carbs from the bread. I need the carbs for my weight! It kind of feels like choosing between 2 bad things... looking like an anorexic or acne sufferer.

Does anyone have tips for my situation? I can't go too low on carbs because of my weight... I'm also on a budget, which is not fair because all the foods that I'm 'allowed' to eat are crazy expensive.

Which birth control are you on? What helped me successfully come off birth control was vitex/ agnus castus. Speak with a naturopath first if you decide to take this. Since you are in Europe, you can get the best quality agnus castus in liquid form.

I don't take birth control pills anymore, they completely messed up my metabolism and it took me years to finally recover. Vitex helped me regulate my cycles and get my body back into shape. A naturopath/ homeopath/ herbalist can help you balance your hormones using herbs and supplements.

I rely on condoms for birth control, and if a guy doesn't like that then no sex for him

Yes, it's better to wean off birth control gradually in my opinion, and to do it at a time in your life when you are less stressed so that you are less likely to break out. If you can find an expert who specializes in women's health, they can recommend the right supplements and diet for you when coming off birth control.

 

Thank you so much for your long answer!! I know I should get off birth control soon, but I'm just so anxious about the acne... My skin went so insane last time I quit taking it! What method of birth control do you use at the moment? At this moment I'm single so I won't need anything, but I might need it again soon.

I never had a full panel of hormone testing. At that time my doctor told me there was nothing they could do for me and they told me I had to go back on birth control. Can I do a test while on birth control or should I be off for a few months to do it? Hormone testing is pretty new here in the EU and very expensive. I don't know if there are that many doctors specialized in those test, but I have to find out.

I already stopped the green tea because I read the same thing. Is weaning of birth control a good method to get your hormones less upsetted? I think I'll be starting weaning off at around may, because I will be graduating from university this year and it will be stressful (=killing hormones). Do you think it is best to wean off birth control with the help of an expert?

Thank you!!! Oh and sorry for this worst case scenario English... I'm from the Netherlands

Wauw you know so much stuff, it's awesome! TY!! My birth control says it named 'Ethinylestradiol/desogestrel richter (0,2 mg / 0,15 mg). It's an OK pill for acne, but not as good as diane 35. I still get mild acne on my face, back and chest sometimes too. I also get very depressed sometimes, with emotions that actually scare me. What kind of metabolism problems did you have? I feel like I have them too. For example, I can get up to 6 bowel movements per day. Especially when I get nervous... I was infected with salmonella last summer, so ever since that happend I have a lot of stomach problems. Before that, I had 4 bowel movements per day every day. Too weird it is... I definitely want to find a doctor/naturalist who can help me come off this stuff, but it's pretty hard to find a 'good' one. I don't want to go and waste my money.

Which birth control are you on? What helped me successfully come off birth control was vitex/ agnus castus. Speak with a naturopath first if you decide to take this. Since you are in Europe, you can get the best quality agnus castus in liquid form.

I don't take birth control pills anymore, they completely messed up my metabolism and it took me years to finally recover. Vitex helped me regulate my cycles and get my body back into shape. A naturopath/ homeopath/ herbalist can help you balance your hormones using herbs and supplements.

I rely on condoms for birth control, and if a guy doesn't like that then no sex for him

Yes, it's better to wean off birth control gradually in my opinion, and to do it at a time in your life when you are less stressed so that you are less likely to break out. If you can find an expert who specializes in women's health, they can recommend the right supplements and diet for you when coming off birth control.

Thank you so much for your long answer!! I know I should get off birth control soon, but I'm just so anxious about the acne... My skin went so insane last time I quit taking it! What method of birth control do you use at the moment? At this moment I'm single so I won't need anything, but I might need it again soon.

I never had a full panel of hormone testing. At that time my doctor told me there was nothing they could do for me and they told me I had to go back on birth control. Can I do a test while on birth control or should I be off for a few months to do it? Hormone testing is pretty new here in the EU and very expensive. I don't know if there are that many doctors specialized in those test, but I have to find out.

I already stopped the green tea because I read the same thing. Is weaning of birth control a good method to get your hormones less upsetted? I think I'll be starting weaning off at around may, because I will be graduating from university this year and it will be stressful (=killing hormones). Do you think it is best to wean off birth control with the help of an expert?

Thank you!!! Oh and sorry for this worst case scenario English... I'm from the Netherlands

Oh that's a weird quote! My response is on the top

You're welcome, I hope it's helpful. I was on diane 35 a long time ago, and it made my metabolism much slower and I gained weight that I couldn't lose. I suffered from depression too. The pill you are on right now sounds like a slightly milder version of diane and other generic birth control. Any time you put synthetic hormones in your body, it can affect so many things , including weight and mood.

I got a lot of digestive issues too, and what helped me was digestive enzymes. I take them with large meals and my bowel movements have decreased a bit (I was too regular also). It seems like your digestion has been weakened after your infection...have you seen a doctor about that? Maybe they can help you with a diet plan suitable for you and also recommend supplements you can take to strengthen your liver.

I had trouble finding a good naturalist in both Europe and the US...it's hard to find someone specializing in women's health. Maybe you can find an integrative doctor instead? Integrative doctors specialize in both Western and alternative/ herbal treatments (depends on the doctor) and will try to give you the mildest treatment for your condition instead of starting you off on the strongest pills.

 

Wauw you know so much stuff, it's awesome! TY!! My birth control says it named 'Ethinylestradiol/desogestrel richter (0,2 mg / 0,15 mg). It's an OK pill for acne, but not as good as diane 35. I still get mild acne on my face, back and chest sometimes too. I also get very depressed sometimes, with emotions that actually scare me. What kind of metabolism problems did you have? I feel like I have them too. For example, I can get up to 6 bowel movements per day. Especially when I get nervous... I was infected with salmonella last summer, so ever since that happend I have a lot of stomach problems. Before that, I had 4 bowel movements per day every day. Too weird it is... I definitely want to find a doctor/naturalist who can help me come off this stuff, but it's pretty hard to find a 'good' one. I don't want to go and waste my money.

Oh that's a weird quote! My response is on the top

Thanks, your adivce is most definitely very helpful! It sounds to me like our situations are much a like!

Yes, I did see a doctor last summer because I had diarrhea for almost 2 months! Weird that I did not lose any weight... well so they almost checked everything and they said at the end that salmonella caused me irritateable bowel syndrome and that I had to find out what to do and what not. Very nice... at september, oct and november it definitely got a lot better! I do have to admit that I suffer from hypochondria, so when I was forced to get my mind off it (school started..) it instantly went better. But in december I've been stressing out and started drinking a lot of green smoothies and eating a lot of veggies. That might have caused problems again... What kind of digestive enzymes do you take? Is it a supplement? Sounds like something I should definitely try. My bowel movements def. increase when I get nervous.

Right now I have my 'pill period' and I always clear up completely at that time. I only clear up during the bleeding... I decided to take one pill strip the way I used to, and after that one I will start weaning off. By the time I come off the pill it will be July, so it will be nice and warm outside and I won't have the stress of school because I will be graduated by that time.

I will check your other posts too, because I saw you also had a very interesting post going on about inositol! Last question: do you recommend taking vitex right after I stopped taking my last birth control, or should I first let nature do it's way and get a hormone test?

I get irritable bowels every now and then, and I have to decrease the amount of fruit and even vegetables. I try to eat vegetables with a few complex carbs (like gluten-free pita) or starches (like sweet potato) or fiber to avoid getting diarrhoa. When I used to smoke, it was terrible for my bowels, and so is caffeine. If the green smoothies are too much for your bowels, try drinking less of them and add more complex carbs and some starches like sweet potatoes or even one regular potato every few days. Gluten-free and yeast-free bread can help too, although many people tend to avoid bread. For me, gluten-free pita works and doesn't break me out.

I take enzymedica's digest spectrum, but I haven't been able to find them in Europe. I think solgar is a good brand, and they make digestive enzymes that you can easily find in Europe. I would start with 1 a day with your largest meal and see how your body reacts. Keep your meals small anyway...it's better for digestion to eat smaller meals throughout the day than fewer larger ones.

I think whenever you are ready, start to gradually wean off birth control and then give your body a break for 1-2 months. Usually, it takes a few months for hormones to get messed up after quitting birth control. Actually, last time I quit birth control, my skin initially got so much better off it and I thought it was going to stay that way. But gradually, I started breaking out again until my acne was out of control. I think you can wait a few months and then once you start breaking out immediately go get your hormones checked. Most likely your progesterone will be low and estrogen either too low or too high, since you are taking something similar to diane (non anti-androgenic). Vitex is more popular in Europe (known as agnus castus/ chaste berry more commonly), so hopefully you will be able to find someone qualified to help you with dosage and other supplements to take along with it. My key supplements when starting vitex were acidophilus (to balance gut flora), a multivitamin (may not be necessary if you have a balanced diet), and evening primrose oil. But now I just stick with inositol (great for my PCOS symptoms), digestive enzymes, vitex, herpanacine (multivitamin for skin), and sometimes vitamin C. I think that vitex is so strong on its own that it doesn't require too many other supplements.

Thanks, your adivce is most definitely very helpful! It sounds to me like our situations are much a like!

Yes, I did see a doctor last summer because I had diarrhea for almost 2 months! Weird that I did not lose any weight... well so they almost checked everything and they said at the end that salmonella caused me irritateable bowel syndrome and that I had to find out what to do and what not. Very nice... at september, oct and november it definitely got a lot better! I do have to admit that I suffer from hypochondria, so when I was forced to get my mind off it (school started..) it instantly went better. But in december I've been stressing out and started drinking a lot of green smoothies and eating a lot of veggies. That might have caused problems again... What kind of digestive enzymes do you take? Is it a supplement? Sounds like something I should definitely try. My bowel movements def. increase when I get nervous.

Right now I have my 'pill period' and I always clear up completely at that time. I only clear up during the bleeding... I decided to take one pill strip the way I used to, and after that one I will start weaning off. By the time I come off the pill it will be July, so it will be nice and warm outside and I won't have the stress of school because I will be graduated by that time.

I will check your other posts too, because I saw you also had a very interesting post going on about inositol! Last question: do you recommend taking vitex right after I stopped taking my last birth control, or should I first let nature do it's way and get a hormone test?

Ok, thanks again for your great response! I also read a lot on natural progesterone cream. It could be confusing what to use and what not, because there are so many suggestions on this website. I think it's most important for me to just stay hormonal balanced, then it should be fine I guess. Did you get your period back after stopping BCP or did you get it back once you start taking vitex?

I read another post where you were raving about inositol and it sounds promising. Can you start taking that right away (cause you spoke of it as a vitamin) or do I have to wait with that too?

Hope to find a doctor in the Netherlands that is not too expensive... a lot of them hormone doctors out here are focust on losing weight, but they know their stuff about hormones so that could work out.

Still a bit concerned about the birth control issues. I love to date so it probably won't be too long before I have a new guy and I just know condoms are not a guarantee for safety. Last time I used one it just broke! That can't happen when you're not on BCP.

thanks!!

I think inositol is great for any woman with PCOS. If you read my thread on it, I included some studies done in Italy, so there is actual scientific evidence that it works. Vitamin D is also useful. You can take inositol long term and with birth control as far as I know, but since it promotes healthy ovulation it might not help you much if you are already taking birth control. It's better to wait and see how your body is after birth control to decide if you even need to add any supplements though.

I got my period many months after stopping bcp, but my period wasn't even regular on bcp so I don't remember how long it took to regulate my cycle. Actually, about a month after starting vitex (the first time, when I got off birth control) I got my period, and my period has been extremely regular since then, even the times I went off vitex my periods stayed regular

Hmm....I'm not sure about sex protection off bcp. Some women are on IUDs but apparently some IUDs are bad for acne. There are some IUDs without hormones though that are safer, but I'm not very familiar with it. No method is 100% safe.

Ok, thanks again for your great response! I also read a lot on natural progesterone cream. It could be confusing what to use and what not, because there are so many suggestions on this website. I think it's most important for me to just stay hormonal balanced, then it should be fine I guess. Did you get your period back after stopping BCP or did you get it back once you start taking vitex?

I read another post where you were raving about inositol and it sounds promising. Can you start taking that right away (cause you spoke of it as a vitamin) or do I have to wait with that too?

Hope to find a doctor in the Netherlands that is not too expensive... a lot of them hormone doctors out here are focust on losing weight, but they know their stuff about hormones so that could work out.

Still a bit concerned about the birth control issues. I love to date so it probably won't be too long before I have a new guy and I just know condoms are not a guarantee for safety. Last time I used one it just broke! That can't happen when you're not on BCP.

thanks!!

I think I will just use the inositol as I come off birth control. It seems to have less side effects (no change of causing other hormonal imbalances) than the vitex. I hope that will just work out enough. Right now my skin is completely clear... period started this sunday and I have to take my new pill strip tomorrow. I don't know if it's the period, because I'm also using vit. A, E, C , zinc and a herbal blend (it was recommended by seppo from acne einstein), drinking a detox tea and added a lot of good fats to my diet (1 eatspoon of coconut oil at breakfast, 2 eatspoons of flaxseed oil at lunch and 1 eatspoon of olive oil at night, and also 2000 mg of omega 3 oil!). Maybe that is doing some tricks as wel... today my vitamin D is coming in, which is handy for my overal health because there is not much sun in Holland at the moment (not that it's every a sunny country ).

I will keep things updated here!

I will check your other posts too, because I saw you also had a very interesting post going on about inositol! Last question: do you recommend taking vitex right after I stopped taking my last birth control, or should I first let nature do it's way and get a hormone test?

Post about buckwheat, a great source of inositol. http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/291909-better-grains-and-grain-substitutes/?p=3314224

I will check your other posts too, because I saw you also had a very interesting post going on about inositol! Last question: do you recommend taking vitex right after I stopped taking my last birth control, or should I first let nature do it's way and get a hormone test?

Post about buckwheat, a great source of inositol. http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/291909-better-grains-and-grain-substitutes/?p=3314224

I'm not sure why, but every time I try buckwheat, the next day my skin looks a bit worse. Perhaps it's the type of grain, although it's probably one of the best quality grains to incorporate in the diet.

Carob is another good source of inositol....it almost tastes like cocoa but is low in sugar.

However, you would have to eat a LOT of inositol sources like buckwheat and carob to get the same effect as taking the supplement forms. For people who are not deficient, that's not an issue, but if you are looking to relieve PCOS symptoms that are severe, then it's better to at least add some myo-inositol powder to your regimen.

There is a recipe called the PCOS blaster muffins, with buckwheat farinetta, that I posted a few months ago, but again, you would have to eat 2-3 per day to get the same amount of inositol as in the powder.

Yeah exactly soo I would just go for the supplement! I'm already eating much buckwheat, since I make my cookies from them (sweetening them with either way raisins or palm sugar). Do you have any other nice cookies receipes that are 'PCOS/insulin' proof?

Thanks for all your helpful advice!

hmm I can't think of any other dessert recipes for PCOS. There are a lot of good recipes in a thread on this forum, but I haven't seen anything specifically for PCOS. Maybe the soulcysters forum has more.

I'm not sure why, but every time I try buckwheat, the next day my skin looks a bit worse. Perhaps it's the type of grain, although it's probably one of the best quality grains to incorporate in the diet.

According to the food list on a Swiss website on histamine intolerance, buckwheat has a rating of 2. The scale is 0 to 3, 3 being the worst foods for HIT.

There is also the risk of gluten contamination.

I'm finding no single list can be relied on. The Swiss list has coconut at category 0, other lists have it at 70 mg/kg, which is high for a plant food.

http://www.histaminintoleranz.ch/en/therapy_dietarychange.html