What is histamine intolerance and what are its symptoms?

If you or someone around you is an allergy sufferer, you’ve probably already encountered the word histamine. But do you know what histamine intolerance means? In this article, we’ll explain what’s behind the term, how it’s formed and what its symptoms are, so you don’t confuse it with an allergy.

What is histamine intolerance?

Histamine intolerance is a condition where the body cannot process histamine properly. It is therefore a hypersensitivity of the organism to histamine. Histamine is a chemical that plays an important role in various bodily functions such as sleep regulation, immune response and food digestion. The human body naturally produces histamine and also takes it in from food.

We must remember that this is a form of food intolerance and is not the same as a digestive disorder or food allergy. In fact, histamine intolerance is a reaction to excessive levels of histamine in the body that is not triggered by the immune system. In the case of an allergy, the excessive production of histamine is the response of the immune system to a particular allergen.

So intolerance and allergy have one thing in common – excessive amounts of histamine do not do the human body good, which is manifested by the formation of unpleasant symptoms. In the case of intolerance, however, they take a much milder form.

Learn what is food intolerance and how to get rid of it?

How does histamine intolerance arise?

The body is unable to break down histamine properly due to a lack of function of the enzyme diaminooxidase (DAO) in the gut, which is supposed to break down histamine released from food. When DAO does not function properly, histamine builds up in the blood and leads to the development of unpleasant symptoms.

The cause of poorly functioning diaminooxidase can be genetic predisposition, stress, poor diet or the use of drugs that have a negative effect on this enzyme. Gluten intolerance, leaky gut syndrome, alcohol or Crohn’s disease can also have an impact

You might be interested in: Gluten allergy

This intolerance affects a relatively small proportion of the population. It is more pronounced in middle-aged people and in women rather than men, with histamine sensitivity increasing mainly before menstruation.

Histamine intolerance in children

Histamine intolerance can also occur in children. However, this happens even less than in adults. If children develop this problem, it is characterized by the same symptoms as in the case of adult patients.

How is histamine intolerance manifested?

Each patient suffers from a different number of symptoms. Once again, they usually have a milder form than would be the case with allergy symptoms. But because of the similarity to allergy, histamine intolerance is very difficult for people to recognize. Symptoms of histamine intolerance include:

• Indigestion (bloating, diarrhea or constipation),
• headaches and migraines,
• itching, rash or hives,
• fatigue and drowsiness,
• runny nose, sneezing,
• insomnia or sleep disorders,
• muscle and joint pain,
• anxiety or nervousness,
• aggravation of menstrual problems.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance usually appear quickly, within about an hour or even a few minutes. However, if symptoms are delayed, it is not easy to find out what is causing them and often histamine intolerance is confused with other problems.

How is histamine intolerance detected?

Diagnosis of histamine intolerance begins first with a thorough medical history. Based on the clinical manifestations described by the patient, the occurrence in the family, the foods consumed and other relevant information, the doctor conducts further tests and examinations. These include blood counts with eosinophil counts, measurements of total IgE (allergic antibodies) or laboratory tests of the DAO enzyme activity in blood serum or intestinal mucosa. Depending on the results, the doctor can rule out allergies, lactose intolerance, celiac disease or Crohn’s disease.

TIP: At home, the RYCHLOTEST can help you rule out allergies .

Treatment of histamine intolerance

Treatment of histamine intolerance requires consultation with a specialist who will develop a treatment plan based on the exact causes of the problem, which vary from patient to patient. Histamine intolerance is helped by:

• Antihistamines – Antihistamines are medications that help reduce the effects of histamine in the body to relieve itching, rash or digestive problems.
• Dietary changes – If your doctor confirms histamine intolerance, you may need to limit your consumption of foods high in histamine, including cured meats, fermented foods, cheese or alcoholic beverages.
• Vitamin and mineral supplementation – It is important to take vitamins and minerals that support immune function and minimize the risk of inflammation. Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, copper or manganese are suitable .
• Probiotics – Taking probiotics helps to stimulate healthy intestinal microflora and supports digestion.
• Supplementing with the enzyme DAO – There are dietary supplements containing the enzyme diaminoxidase (DAO), which helps break down histamine in the body and reduces its levels in the blood.
• Drinking – Adequate fluid intake, especially water, helps flush out toxins and keep the body hydrated.
• Natural cosmetics – Last but not least, it is recommended to use natural cosmetics. Chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and aggravate the manifestations of histamine intolerance.

Learn how to recognize a cosmetic allergy.

What can I eat with histamine intolerance?

In the case of histamine intolerance, it is logically recommended to consume foods with lower histamine content and avoid those with high amounts. If you accidentally eat a food with a higher histamine content, you are not at risk of serious problems as you would be with an allergy. Below you will find a list of recommended foods for people with histamine intolerance:

• Fresh meat – Beef, pork, poultry and fish are usually safe choices, but should be fresh.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables – You can eat most fresh fruits and vegetables, especially apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, spinach and squash.
• White bread – White bread contains small amounts of histamine.
• Some dairy products – Don’t be afraid of fresh milk, sour cream and some hard cheeses with lower histamine content.
• Some grains – Rice, oats, corn and quinoa are also well tolerated.
• Plant milk – Almond, rice or coconut milk is a suitable alternative to regular milk.

You might also be interested in: How does meat allergy manifest itself and what to do about it?

Frequently Asked Questions