Histamine intolerance: symptoms and nutritional tips

Histamine intolerance: symptoms and nutritional tips

Histamine intolerance: symptoms and nutritional tips

Histamine intolerance is a complex metabolic disorder in which the body has difficulty breaking down histamine properly. This leads to a buildup of histamine in the body, which can lead to various symptoms. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the symptoms of histamine intolerance and provide some nutritional tips that can help relieve the symptoms.

What is histamine?

Histamine is a chemical in the body that occurs naturally and performs many important functions. It is stored in certain cells of the immune system and released when the body responds to a stimulus. For example, it plays a role in allergic reactions such as hay fever or asthma.

In addition, histamine also has other important roles in the body such as regulating the sleep-wake cycle, controlling blood pressure and digestive processes.

What is histamine intolerance?

However, in people with intolerance to histamine, there is an imbalance between the actual level of histamine concentration in the body and the mechanisms for breaking down this substance by the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) or by breaking it down via other mechanisms. As a result, increased amounts of unused and not broken down histamine can accumulate.

This excess histamine can lead to unpleasant symptoms and is often referred to as histamine intolerance. This is not an allergic reaction, but rather a disruption in the breakdown and utilization process of histamine.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance

The symptoms of histamine intolerance can vary and vary from person to person. Typically, the symptoms only appear when the body has reached a certain level of excess histamine. Here are some common symptoms:

Digestive problems

Histamine can affect digestion and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.

Skin reactions

Histamines can also cause skin irritation, including redness (flushing), itching, or hives (urticaria).

Headaches and migraines

Histamines can dilate blood vessels, triggering or intensifying headaches and migraine attacks.

respiratory symptoms

Some people with histamine intolerance may experience respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or asthma.

Heart palpitations or low blood pressure

Histamines also have effects on the cardiovascular system and could lead to increased heart rate (palpitations) or low blood pressure.

Causes of histamine metabolism disorders

Histamine intolerance can have various causes:

DAO shortage

The most common cause of histamine intolerance is a deficiency of diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO is the enzyme that breaks down histamine in the body. If the body produces too little DAO or the enzyme is not functioning properly, an increase in histamine levels can occur.

Foods rich in histamine

Certain foods are natural sources of histamine and can therefore trigger symptoms in people with intolerance. These include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, hard-ripened cheese or red wine.

Taking medication

Some medications and medicines can inhibit the activity of the enzyme DAO and thus impair the breakdown of histamine. These include, for example, painkillers such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Diagnosis of histamine intolerance

There are no specific tests to clearly determine histamine intolerance. Instead, a careful examination and evaluation of the symptoms and possible trigger situations is usually carried out in order to draw conclusions about possible intolerance.

In addition, a diary in which those affected document their eating habits and the occurrence of symptoms can also be helpful. If you suspect histamine intolerance, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Nutrition tips for histamine intolerance

Adjusting your diet can help reduce the symptoms of histamine intolerance. Here are some useful tips:

Avoiding foods rich in histamine

To reduce your intake of excess histamine, avoid foods that naturally contain a lot of it. These include fermented products such as sauerkraut or kombucha, long-aged cheeses and certain types of fish such as tuna.

Prefer fresh foods

Fresh and unprocessed foods tend to have lower levels of free histamine. It is therefore advisable to give preference to such foods and to avoid heavily processed or shrink-wrapped products as much as possible.

High in diamine oxidase (DAO)-rich foods

There are also foods high in DAO enzymes, or substances that can help break down histamine. Examples of this are celery root extract, bromelain-rich foods such as pineapple or preparations with DAO enzyme.

Observe the tolerance limit

Every person reacts differently to the consumption of products containing histamine. It is important to find out what amounts can be tolerated individually. A diary can help you find your personal limit.

FAQs

What symptoms can occur with histamine intolerance?

Histamine intolerance can lead to a variety of problems, including digestive problems such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, skin reactions such as redness or itching, headaches and migraines, and respiratory problems or palpitations.

Are there specific tests to diagnose histamine intolerance?

There are no specific tests to diagnose histamine intolerance. A careful analysis of the symptoms and possible trigger situations is usually carried out in order to draw a conclusion.

Can diet help with histamine intolerance?

Yes, adjusting diet can help reduce symptoms in those with histamine intolerance. It is advisable, among other things, to avoid foods rich in histamine and to prefer fresh foods instead.

Final word

Histamine interolence is a complex metabolic disorder with various causes and far-reaching effects on the body. Timely identification of triggers and adjusting diet can go a long way toward reducing the intensity of symptoms. However, if symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist to receive an accurate diagnosis and individual treatment options.

Note: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please consult a qualified professional.