Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms and How to Identify Them

Histamine intolerance may be a term that’s unfamiliar to many, but more and more people are now discovering that they may be suffering from this condition. This is because histamine is present in many foods and drinks, and can be produced by the body as well. When the body is unable to break down histamine properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms that can cause inconvenience and discomfort to the sufferer. In this article, we’ll outline what histamine intolerance is, its symptoms, and how to identify them.

Understanding Histamine Intolerance

Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body and is responsible for many functions and processes including regulating sleep, inflammation, and digestion. The body produces histamine in cells called mast cells and it’s released when the body detects an invasion by pathogens or is exposed to allergens. Histamine is also present in many common foods and drinks such as alcohol, fermented foods, and cheese. In most people, histamine is broken down by an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is produced in the gut, liver, and other organs. However, in some people, the body doesn't produce enough DAO or produces defective DAO enzymes that can’t break down histamine properly. This leads to an accumulation of histamine in the body and can result in histamine intolerance.

Histamine intolerance is a relatively new concept in the medical world, and it’s not yet fully understood. However, it’s thought to be a condition that affects many people, especially those with allergies or autoimmune diseases. The symptoms of histamine intolerance can vary widely, and they can be difficult to diagnose.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in a variety of physiological processes in the body. It’s involved in the regulation of gut function, immune response, and communication between the brain and nerves. Histamine is also a potent vasodilator, meaning it can cause blood vessels to widen, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

While histamine is essential for many bodily functions, too much of it can be harmful. When histamine levels build up in the body, they can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, skin rashes, hives, itching, flushing, and gastrointestinal problems.

Causes of Histamine Intolerance

While the exact cause of histamine intolerance is not yet clear, certain factors can make a person more susceptible to this condition. These include genetic predisposition, reduced DAO enzyme production, ingestion of high histamine foods, and medications that block DAO enzyme activity like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormones. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can also contribute to fluctuations in DAO levels, leading to symptoms during certain times of a woman’s cycle.

In addition to these factors, other conditions can also contribute to histamine intolerance. These include leaky gut syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). These conditions can all lead to an increase in histamine levels in the body and contribute to the symptoms of histamine intolerance.

The Role of Diamine Oxidase (DAO) Enzyme

DAO is an enzyme produced in the small intestine, liver, and plasma, and it’s responsible for breaking down histamine. When the body doesn't produce enough DAO enzyme, histamine levels in the body can build up and lead to histamine intolerance symptoms. In addition to DAO, other enzymes like histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) also play a role in breaking down histamine in the body.

There are several ways to increase DAO levels in the body, including taking DAO supplements, avoiding high histamine foods, and reducing stress levels. Some studies have also shown that probiotics can help increase DAO production in the gut, which may help reduce histamine intolerance symptoms.

In conclusion, histamine intolerance is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose and treat. However, by understanding the causes and symptoms of this condition, individuals can take steps to reduce their histamine levels and improve their overall health and well-being.

Common Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

The symptoms of histamine intolerance can vary from person to person and may depend on the level of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that is naturally produced by the body and is involved in various physiological processes. However, in some people, histamine can accumulate in the body and cause a range of symptoms.

Here are some of the common symptoms of histamine intolerance:

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of histamine intolerance is gastrointestinal distress. This can include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Histamine can cause the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to contract, leading to these symptoms.

Skin Reactions

Another common symptom of histamine intolerance is skin reactions. This can include hives, itching, redness, and swelling. Histamine can cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to these symptoms.

Respiratory Issues

Histamine can also cause respiratory issues in some people. This can include asthma, coughing, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Histamine can cause the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract to contract, leading to these symptoms.

Cardiovascular Symptoms

Some people with histamine intolerance may experience cardiovascular symptoms. This can include dizziness, headache or migraine, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Histamine can cause the blood vessels to dilate and the heart to beat faster, leading to these symptoms.

Neurological Symptoms

Histamine can also affect the nervous system and cause neurological symptoms. This can include anxiety, depression, fatigue, and mood swings. Histamine can affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to these symptoms.

If you suspect that you may have histamine intolerance, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Diagnosing Histamine Intolerance

If you suspect you may be suffering from histamine intolerance, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Histamine intolerance is a condition where the body is unable to break down histamine, leading to a build-up of histamine in the body. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, hives, digestive issues, and more.

Medical History and Physical Examination

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may present with similar symptoms. They may also review your diet, gut health, and medication usage. It’s important to be honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms and any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your condition.

During the physical examination, your doctor may look for signs of inflammation or allergy, such as redness or swelling. They may also listen to your lungs and heart to check for any abnormalities.

Elimination Diet

An elimination diet involves removing high histamine foods from your diet for a period of time to see if it improves your symptoms. This can be a helpful tool in identifying trigger foods and managing your symptoms.

High histamine foods include aged and fermented foods, such as cheese, wine, and sauerkraut, as well as foods that are naturally high in histamine, such as tomatoes, spinach, and avocados. Other foods that can trigger histamine intolerance include citrus fruits, chocolate, and nuts.

Once your symptoms subside, you can gradually add foods back into your diet to see which ones trigger your symptoms. This can help you identify which foods to avoid in the future.

Blood Tests

Blood tests can measure DAO enzyme levels or histamine levels in the blood. DAO (diamine oxidase) is an enzyme that breaks down histamine in the body. If DAO enzyme levels are low, or histamine levels are high, it can suggest histamine intolerance.

It’s important to note that blood tests are not always conclusive and may not always accurately reflect histamine intolerance. Your doctor may use blood tests in conjunction with other diagnostic tools to confirm a diagnosis.

DAO Activity Test

The DAO activity test measures how much DAO enzyme is being produced by the body. This test is more accurate than measuring DAO enzyme levels in the blood and can be a useful tool in confirming the diagnosis of histamine intolerance.

During the test, a small amount of histamine is injected into the skin. The amount of histamine that is broken down by the body is then measured. If the body is unable to break down histamine effectively, it can suggest histamine intolerance.

Overall, diagnosing histamine intolerance can be challenging, as symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions. It’s important to work with your doctor to rule out other conditions and identify the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

Conclusion

Histamine intolerance can be a frustrating condition to live with, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it’s possible to alleviate symptoms. Keeping a diary of symptoms can be helpful in identifying triggers and reducing exposure to high histamine foods and drinks. In some cases, supplementation with DAO enzyme can also be beneficial. If you suspect you may be suffering from histamine intolerance, speak to your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.