Pilchard

🍨 What Is Pilchard?
Pilchard, often grouped with sardines, is a small oily fish commonly eaten grilled, canned, or smoked. It naturally contains proteins, omega-3 fats, and histamine, which may influence how the body responds to it from a general wellness perspective.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Pilchard Occur?

• Proteins: Some individuals may respond differently to certain fish proteins.

• Histamines: Pilchards naturally contain higher histamine levels, especially in canned or preserved forms.

• Fat content: Their oily nature may be more challenging for some people to process.

🛠️ Supportive Lifestyle Choices

• Pause pilchard and pilchard-based dishes for 8 weeks.

• After this time, retest to observe changes in overall wellness patterns.

• Choose alternatives such as lean fish (e.g., cod) or plant-based omega-3 sources.

• Support general digestion and balance through hydration and whole-food nutrition.

Supplements Which May Support General Wellness

• Digestive enzymes – Support the breakdown of proteins and fats.

• Probiotics – Promote gut balance and digestive wellness.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Plant-based sources may support overall balance.

• Vitamin C – Supports natural antioxidant pathways.

🌟 Why Might Sensitivity to Pilchard Occur but Not to Other Fish?

• Histamine content: Pilchards often contain higher levels than many white fish.

• Fat composition: Oily fish digest differently than leaner species.

• Protein structure: Pilchards have distinct natural proteins that may be processed differently.

🥥 Popular Pilchard Dishes & Alternatives

Common Dishes:

• Pilchard curry

• Grilled pilchard

• Canned pilchard salads

Alternatives (If Tolerated):

• Sardines

• Mackerel

• Chia seeds or flaxseeds for plant-based omega-3s