Histamine is a chemical that plays a vital role in our body.
It is involved in several physiological processes such as regulating the digestive
system, controlling the inflammatory response, and regulating the sleep-wake
cycle. However, in some individuals, histamine levels can build up and result
in an intolerance. This can cause a wide range of symptoms that can
significantly impact a person's quality of life.
What is Histamine Intolerance?
Histamine intolerance is a condition where an individual is
unable to properly break down histamine in the body, leading to a buildup of
this chemical. This can result from a deficiency in the enzymes that break down
histamine, or an increased production of histamine in the body. As a result,
symptoms of histamine intolerance can develop after consuming histamine-rich
foods or drinks, or taking medications that release histamine.
Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance
The symptoms of histamine intolerance can vary widely and be
similar to other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms
include:
Gastrointestinal problems: bloating, gas, abdominal pain,
diarrhea, and nausea
Skin reactions: itching, flushing, hives, and rashes
Respiratory problems: nasal congestion, runny nose, and
sneezing
Headaches and migraines: Dizziness, palpitations, and low
blood pressure
Fatigue and weakness: Mood changes, anxiety, and depression
Recognizing Histamine Intolerance Symptoms
Histamine intolerance can be difficult to diagnose as the
symptoms can be similar to other conditions. To determine if an individual has
histamine intolerance, the following methods can be used:
Dietary elimination and challenge:
The dietary elimination and challenge method is a way to
test for histamine intolerance. The individual is first advised to follow an elimination
diet that avoids consuming high histamine foods and drinks for a specified
period of time. This is done to see if the symptoms associated with histamine
intolerance improve during the elimination phase. After the elimination phase,
the individual can then slowly reintroduce histamine-rich foods into their diet
to see if their symptoms return or worsen. The process of re-introducing
histamine-rich foods is called a challenge. This process helps to determine
which foods are causing symptoms and to what extent. The dietary elimination
and challenge is a valuable tool for individuals with suspected histamine
intolerance as it helps to identify the specific triggers of their symptoms.
Blood tests: A blood
test is a laboratory test that measures the levels of histamine and the enzymes
responsible for breaking it down in the blood. The enzymes that are responsible
for breaking down histamine are called diamine oxidase (DAO) and histamine
N-methyltransferase (HNMT). The blood test measures the levels of histamine and
the activity levels of DAO and HNMT to determine if there is an issue with the
body's ability to break down histamine.
If the levels of histamine in the blood are high and the
activity levels of DAO and HNMT are low, it can indicate that the individual
has histamine intolerance, as the body is not effectively breaking down the
histamine. This information can be useful in making a diagnosis of histamine
intolerance and determining the severity of the intolerance. The results of the
blood test can also help guide treatment decisions, such as changes in diet or
the use of supplements to support the body's ability to break down histamine.
Skin prick tests: A skin prick test is a diagnostic test used to determine if an individual is sensitive to histamine and may have histamine intolerance. The test is performed by introducing a small amount of histamine or a histamine-containing substance onto the skin and observing for a reaction. If the individual is sensitive to histamine, a raised, red, itchy bump will form at the site of the prick, indicating that the individual has a histamine intolerance.
The skin prick test is a simple and quick way to determine
if an individual is sensitive to histamine and may have histamine intolerance.
However, it is important to note that a skin prick test is not a definitive
diagnostic tool and further testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis of
histamine intolerance. The results of the skin prick test can be used in
combination with other diagnostic methods, such as a blood test, to determine
the presence and severity of histamine intolerance.
Pay attention to food-related symptoms:
Pay attention to food-related symptoms refers to the need to
be mindful of any digestive symptoms that occur after consuming high-histamine
foods. Histamine intolerance can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including
abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. These symptoms typically occur
within a short period of time after consuming high-histamine foods and can be
indicative of histamine intolerance.
It is important for individuals with suspected histamine
intolerance to pay attention to food-related symptoms, as this information can
help them determine which foods are causing their symptoms and how severe their
intolerance is. Keeping a food diary and recording any symptoms that occur
after consuming high-histamine foods can be useful in determining the presence
and severity of histamine intolerance. This information can then be used to
make informed decisions about changes in diet and other forms of treatment.
Monitor symptoms related to the cardiovascular system:
Monitoring symptoms related to the cardiovascular system
refers to being aware of symptoms that may occur in the heart and blood vessels
and may indicate histamine intolerance. These symptoms can include low blood
pressure, rapid heartbeat, and flushing.
Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and flushing are
symptoms that can occur due to the release of histamine in the body. When
histamine levels become too high, the body can respond by constricting blood
vessels, leading to low blood pressure, and increasing the heart rate, leading
to a rapid heartbeat. Flushing can occur due to the dilation of blood vessels
and an increase in blood flow to the skin.
These symptoms can be indicative of histamine intolerance
and it is important for individuals with suspected histamine intolerance to
monitor for these symptoms. This information can help determine the presence
and severity of histamine intolerance and guide decisions about changes in diet
or other forms of treatment. Monitoring for symptoms related to the
cardiovascular system can also help to determine the effectiveness of
treatment, as improvements in these symptoms can indicate that histamine
intolerance is being effectively managed.
Keep track of headaches and migraines: Keeping track of
headaches and migraines refers to monitoring the occurrence of these symptoms
in individuals with suspected histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance can
cause headaches, migraines, and dizziness in some individuals, and these
symptoms can be triggered by consuming high-histamine foods or by stressful
situations.
It is important for individuals with suspected histamine
intolerance to keep track of their headache and migraine symptoms, as this
information can help determine the presence and severity of histamine
intolerance and the specific triggers of their symptoms. Keeping a headache
diary and recording any symptoms that occur after consuming high-histamine
foods or in response to stressful situations can be useful in determining the
presence and severity of histamine intolerance.
Keeping track of headaches and migraines is important for
individuals with suspected histamine intolerance as it can provide valuable
information about the presence and severity of the condition and the specific
triggers of their symptoms.
Managing Histamine Intolerance
Once histamine intolerance has been diagnosed, the following
strategies can be used to manage symptoms:
Avoid high histamine foods and drinks:
Some common high histamine foods include fermented foods
such as sauerkraut, cheese, and yogurt, as well as cured meats, alcohol, and
certain types of fish.
Take DAO supplements:
DAO (diamine oxidase) is the enzyme responsible for breaking
down histamine in the body. Taking a DAO supplement can help reduce symptoms of
histamine intolerance.
Limit stress:
Stress can increase the production of histamine in the body,
making symptoms worse. Practicing stress management techniques such as
meditation, yoga, and exercise can help reduce symptoms.
Avoid medications that release histamine:
Certain medications can release histamine in the body and
make symptoms worse. It is important to discuss with a healthcare professional
if any medications should be avoided or changed.
Conclusion
Histamine intolerance is a condition where an individual is unable to properly break down histamine in the body, resulting in a buildup of this chemical. This can cause a wide range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's quality of life, including gastrointestinal problems, skin reactions, respiratory problems, headaches and migraines, fatigue, and mood changes. Recognizing the symptoms of histamine intolerance can be difficult as they can be similar to other conditions. To diagnose histamine intolerance, methods such as the dietary elimination and challenge, blood tests, skin prick tests, paying attention to food-related symptoms, and monitoring symptoms related to the cardiovascular system can be used. Blood tests measure the levels of histamine and the activity levels of enzymes responsible for breaking down histamine, while skin prick tests determine if an individual is sensitive to histamine. Keeping a food diary and being mindful of symptoms can help determine the presence and severity of histamine intolerance. The results of these tests can guide treatment decisions, such as changes in diet or the use of supplements to support the body's ability to break down histamine.
