Histamine Intolerance

Histamine Intolerance

Histamines

Histamines are chemicals in the body produced in response to allergens. Specifically, the body produces white blood cells called mast cells to release histamines during the inflammatory-immune response to allergens. This is part of a healthy, balanced immune system. Many foods naturally contain histamine or trigger the release of histamine in the body.

Histamine Intolerance

Histamine Intolerance occurs when there is a build-up of histamine in the body. It is not a sensitivity to histamine, but an indication that one has developed too much of it. And when histamine levels get too high or when the body can’t break it down properly, it can affect normal bodily functions and cause a variety of symptoms. Many foods naturally contain high histamine levels, and various health conditions and medications can contribute to an intolerance.

Causes

The body naturally produces enzymes (histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) and diamine oxidase (DAO)) when histamine increases in the body. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. Histamine Intolerance is due to a dysfunction or deficiency of these enzymes. Without the enzymes to effectively get rid of excess histamine, one could experience a histamine overflow, which can cause a lot of problems and lead to intolerance.

Factors that Interfere with Histamine Enzyme Function

— Medications that block enzyme function or prevent production.
— Histamine-rich foods that cause histamine enzymes to function improperly.
— Foods that block histamine enzymes or trigger histamine release.
— Gastrointestinal disorders, such as leaky gut syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gut dysbiosis and small intestinal overgrowth overgrowth. Since histamine enzymes are produced in the gut, when the gut lining is inflamed or damaged, the body may produce less histamine enzymes, thus leading to a build up of histamine in the body. Additionally, an imbalance in the gut may lead to an overgrowth of histamine producing bacteria causing histamine overproduction. Normal levels of enzymes can’t break down the increased levels of histamine in the body, causing a reaction.
— Nutrient deficiencies (certain nutrients are needed for histamine enzyme production).
— Genetics. Some people may have an increased risk of developing histamine intolerance due to a genetic polymorphism in the DAO gene.

Histamine Intolerance Symptoms

Anxiety, digestive problems, brain fog, eczema, rash, trouble breathing, a runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, hormone imbalances, irritability, low blood pressure, low sex drive, migraines, nausea, racing heart.

Sources of Histamine Intolerance

High Histamine Foods

These foods could cause an overload of histamine:

Alcohol
Bone broth
Canned food
Fermented milk products
Cheese
Chocolate
Cinnamon
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Fermented food

Pickled food
Legumes
Mushrooms
Nuts
Wheat
Processed foods
Smoked meat products
Shellfish
Spinach
Vinegar

Foods that Release Histamines

These foods are low in histamines but can trigger the release of histamine and create problems for people with histamine intolerance:

Avocados
Bananas
Citrus fruits
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Nuts
Egg whites
Additives
Beans and pulses

Diamine Oxidase (DAO) Enzyme Blockers

These foods block the enzyme that controls histamine:

Alcohol
Energy drinks
Teas (black, green, yerba)

Medications

Many medications can interfere with levels of DAO and HNMT in the body, including:

Antidepressants
Antibiotics
Narcotics
Gastrointestinal medications
Antihypertensives
Medications that affect metabolization

Diagnosis

A medical professional may have trouble defining and diagnosing histamine intolerance. This may be because the symptoms can arise in many different areas of the body and overlap with those of other conditions.

There are currently no proven tests to diagnose histamine intolerance. However, many practitioners will prescribe the following tests to determine the possible presence of histamine intolerance:

— A trial of a low histamine diet can be important in confirming a diagnosis of histamine intolerance.
— A measure of blood DAO activity and histamine levels is a valuable tool for determining the presence of histamine intolerance.
— If someone notices their symptoms getting better after using antihistamine medications or other mediator-blocking medications, that’s a sign that they are likely dealing with histamine intolerance.

Treatment

Getting to the Root of the Problem

Treating any possible underlying disorders first is an important part of healing. Histamine intolerance has been directly linked to a variety of different conditions such as leaky gut syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gluten intolerance, methylation gene variants, toxic mold exposure and chronic stress. For many people it is a confluence of different factors that leads to histamine intolerance. Through thorough exploration of one’s health history, a practitioner is able to decipher if someone is dealing with any of these contributing factors and make a plan to address each one of them individually. By addressing the root cause, one is usually able to improve histamine tolerance.

Adopting a Low-Histamine Diet

Eliminating or greatly reducing one’s intake of high-histamine and histamine-releasing foods (while they are dealing with the root reasons of why they have the problem in the first place) is going to help mitigate and alleviate symptoms of histamine intolerance. The tolerance to histamine varies from person to person and the foods tolerated must be deduced by trial and error. Some people can only tolerate very small amounts and others can be more liberal. The goal here is not to necessarily decrease or remove foods entirely or forever, but to deal with the underlying drivers of what is triggering the histamine intolerance in the first place. Over time, as function is regained, one will be able to reintroduce foods and drinks that were temporarily avoided.

Bio-Individuality

Since every person’s biochemistry is uniquely different, what works for one person is not always going to work for the next. That is why it is important to work with a practitioner to determine the best course of action for one’s specific health case.