NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN ONTARIO
Chronic Urticaria (Hives)
A Naturopathic Look at Immune Balance and Inflammation
Chronic Urticaria
Chronic urticaria — commonly known as hives — is a skin condition marked by recurring itchy, raised welts that appear suddenly and may move around the body. When symptoms last longer than six weeks, they’re considered chronic. While the cause isn’t always clear, underlying inflammation and immune imbalance are often at the root.
As a naturopath in Ontario with experience in skin health and immune regulation, I often work with patients who have been searching for the “why” behind their hives. Understanding the triggers and internal factors behind chronic urticaria is key to calming the skin and reducing recurrence.
What Causes Chronic Hives?
Hives are caused by the release of histamine, a chemical that dilates blood vessels and causes itching and swelling. In chronic cases, the immune system becomes overreactive — even when there’s no clear allergen. Common contributing factors include:
Autoimmune reactions: The immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues.
Chronic inflammation: Ongoing inflammation can increase histamine release and skin sensitivity.
Gut and microbiome imbalances: Altered gut bacteria can contribute to immune dysregulation.
Infections or illness: Viral or bacterial infections sometimes trigger or worsen hives.
Environmental or dietary triggers: Heat, pressure, alcohol, or certain foods can activate histamine release.
The Naturopathic Approach to Chronic Urticaria
Naturopathic medicine aims to reduce inflammation, support immune balance, and identify hidden triggers. Treatment is individualized but often includes:
Comprehensive assessment: Exploring diet, stress, medications, and environmental exposures.
Anti-inflammatory nutrition: Incorporating whole, unprocessed foods and reducing alcohol, sugar, and processed fats.
Histamine balance: Identifying high-histamine foods and supporting enzymes that help break down histamine.
Gut support: Restoring healthy digestion and microbiome balance to calm immune overactivity.
Stress and adrenal support: Managing chronic stress, which can worsen hives and inflammation.
Targeted supplementation: Using natural antihistamines or anti-inflammatory nutrients (such as quercetin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids) where appropriate.
Why Work With a Naturopath for Hives?
Chronic urticaria can be frustrating because the cause isn’t always straightforward. A naturopathic doctor can help uncover the underlying immune and inflammatory patterns driving your symptoms — not just suppress them temporarily.
The Bottom Line
Persistent hives are your body’s way of signaling that the immune system is overreactive or imbalanced. By taking a whole-body approach — calming inflammation, supporting gut health, and identifying triggers — you can find lasting relief.
If you’re looking for a naturopath in Ontario experienced in chronic hives, skin inflammation, and immune health, naturopathic care offers gentle, integrative support tailored to you.
👉 Book a consultation today to explore a naturopathic approach to chronic urticaria and take the next step toward calm, healthy skin.
Dr. Janna Fung, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Janna Fung is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special interest in dermatology and women’s health. She has a passion for evidence based preventative medicine and strives to empower patients with the knowledge to achieve their optimal health. She understands collaborations is the only way to develop realistic sustainable health/wellness results and strives to develop individualized health goals with patients.
