What are Histamines?
Histamine is a compound stored in specific immune cells, including mast cells and basophils. The body releases the histamine to protect the body during an inflammatory or immune response to allergens. This is a normal part of a healthy, balanced immune system.
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What Causes Histamine Intolerance
Many foods naturally contain histamine or trigger histamine to release in the body. Problems occur when there is a dysfunction or deficiency of the enzymes that break down histamine.
How Does This Happen?
DAO (diamine oxidase) is the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine that you take in from foods. In a healthy individual with proper DAO levels, the histamine is broken down without any health complications.
But when this enzyme is deficient, histamine levels begin to rise in the body, causing “Histamine Intolerance.”
Reasons for DAO Enzyme Deficiency
- Gastrointestinal disorders (leaky gut syndrome, IBS, and SIBO)
- Nutrient deficiencies (certain nutrients are needed for DAO production)
- Medications that block DAO functions (NSAIDS, pain medications, antibiotics, narcotics, and many other prescription drugs)
- Mast cell conditions that increase histamine secretion are also commonly associated with symptoms of histamine intolerance
Histamine Intolerance Signs & Symptoms
The typical symptoms of histamine intolerance are digestive disorders with allergic-like reactions after consuming a high histamine food.
- Flushing
- Itching
- Brain fog
- Digestive problems
- Eczema
- Fatigue
- Hormone imbalances
- Migraines
- Hives
In More Severe Cases of Histamine Intolerance, Patients May Experience:
- Abdominal cramping
- Tissue swelling
- Irregular heart rate
- Anxiety
- Difficulty regulating blood pressure
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
- Dizziness
Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Histamine Intolerance
Current studies showed that testing DAO activity in serum is a valuable tool for differential diagnosis of histamine intolerance.
It should be performed in patients with symptoms like headache, tachycardia, urticaria, pruritus, diarrhea, and hypotension, where food allergy was previously excluded.
The Histamine and Zonulin test on the Rupa Health Portal is another excellent option that tests for both leaky gut syndrome and levels of histamine in the body via DAO levels.
Functional Medicine Treatment for Histamine Intolerance
High-histamine foods and histamine-liberating foods should be avoided as the first step in treatment.
Generally, fermented foods have the highest histamine levels, while fresh, unprocessed foods have the lowest levels.
Unrefrigerated foods can grow bacteria that increase histamine so, eating fresh foods and freezing leftovers immediately can help reduce histamine loads.
By eliminating histamine-rich foods from your diet for several weeks (under the supervision of a practitioner) and then slowly adding them back in, you can learn more about your individual tolerance to foods triggering your histamine reactions.
High Histamine Foods
- Fermented food (kefir, kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut)
- Alcohol (including wine)
- Bone broth
- Canned food
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Eggplant
- Legumes (soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts)
- Mushrooms
- Nuts
- Processed foods
- Smoked meat products (bacon, salami, salmon, ham)
- Shellfish
- Spinach
- Vinegar
Foods that Release Histamine
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 (kiwi, lemon, lime, papayas, pineapple, plums)
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
Supplements That Help Histamine Intolerance
Alongside a low histamine diet, A DAO supplement can help increase DAO levels in deficient patients.
Certain nutrients, including copper, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, may also help to support histamine degradation and DAO production.
Summary
Managing histamine intolerance involves making dietary changes, taking enzyme supplements, and avoiding or limiting the use of medications that trigger the release of histamine.
What are Histamines?
Histamine is a compound stored in specific immune cells, including mast cells and basophils. The body releases histamine as part of its response to allergens. This is a normal part of a healthy, balanced immune system.
[signup]
What Causes Histamine Intolerance
Many foods naturally contain histamine or may trigger its release in the body. Challenges can arise when there is a dysfunction or deficiency of the enzymes that help break down histamine.
How Does This Happen?
DAO (diamine oxidase) is the enzyme that helps break down histamine from foods. In individuals with typical DAO levels, histamine is usually managed without complications.
However, when this enzyme is less active, histamine levels may increase, potentially leading to what is known as “Histamine Intolerance.”
Reasons for DAO Enzyme Deficiency
- Gastrointestinal disorders (such as leaky gut syndrome, IBS, and SIBO)
- Nutrient deficiencies (certain nutrients are important for DAO production)
- Medications that may affect DAO functions (such as NSAIDS, pain medications, antibiotics, narcotics, and other prescription drugs)
- Mast cell conditions that increase histamine secretion are also commonly associated with symptoms of histamine intolerance
Histamine Intolerance Signs & Symptoms
Common symptoms of histamine intolerance may include digestive issues and reactions similar to allergies after consuming foods high in histamine.
- Flushing
- Itching
- Brain fog
- Digestive problems
- Eczema
- Fatigue
- Hormone imbalances
- Migraines
- Hives
In More Severe Cases of Histamine Intolerance, Individuals May Experience:
- Abdominal cramping
- Tissue swelling
- Irregular heart rate
- Anxiety
- Difficulty regulating blood pressure
- Difficulty regulating body temperature
- Dizziness
Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Histamine Intolerance
Current studies suggest that testing DAO activity in serum can be a useful tool for assessing histamine intolerance.
It may be considered for individuals with symptoms like headache, rapid heartbeat, skin reactions, itching, diarrhea, and low blood pressure, especially when food allergies have been ruled out.
The Histamine and Zonulin test on the Rupa Health Portal is another option that assesses both leaky gut syndrome and histamine levels in the body through DAO levels.
Functional Approaches to Managing Histamine Intolerance
Reducing intake of high-histamine and histamine-liberating foods can be a helpful first step.
Generally, fermented foods tend to have higher histamine levels, while fresh, unprocessed foods may have lower levels.
Unrefrigerated foods can develop bacteria that increase histamine, so consuming fresh foods and freezing leftovers promptly may help manage histamine levels.
By reducing histamine-rich foods in your diet for several weeks (under the guidance of a healthcare provider) and then gradually reintroducing them, you can learn more about your individual tolerance to foods that may trigger histamine reactions.
High Histamine Foods
- Fermented food (kefir, kimchi, yogurt, sauerkraut)
- Alcohol (including wine)
- Bone broth
- Canned food
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Eggplant
- Legumes (soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts)
- Mushrooms
- Nuts
- Processed foods
- Smoked meat products (bacon, salami, salmon, ham)
- Shellfish
- Spinach
- Vinegar
Foods that May Trigger Histamine Release
These foods are low in histamines but might trigger the release of histamine and could be problematic for some people with histamine intolerance:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Citrus fruits (kiwi, lemon, lime, papayas, pineapple, plums)
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
Supplements That May Support Histamine Intolerance Management
Alongside a low histamine diet, a DAO supplement might help support DAO levels in individuals with lower enzyme activity.
Certain nutrients, including copper, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, may also support histamine breakdown and DAO production.
Summary
Managing histamine intolerance may involve dietary adjustments, considering enzyme supplements, and being mindful of medications that could influence histamine release. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
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