
What is Histamine Intolerance?
Histamine intolerance is a term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by an inability to properly breakdown histamine which leads to a build up of histamine in the body.
Throughout this article we will discuss:
– What is histamine?
– The symptoms associated with histamine intolerance
– What causes histamine intolerance?
– The link between histamine intolerance and estrogen dominance
– The link between histamine intolerance and weight gain
What is Histamine?
Histamine is a signalling chemical released by the immune system to send messages between different cells. Histamine has many functions, but it is commonly known for its role in causing allergic and anaphylactic symptoms. Histamine is primarily stored in mast cells which are present under your skin, near blood and lymph vessels, in nerves and in your lungs and intestines. Histamine regulates several bodily functions and it plays a strong role in the body’s inflammatory response. The effect of histamine varies depending on what histamine receptor it binds to. There are 4 known histamine receptors. They are:
H1
H1 receptors are present throughout the whole body, there receptors play a role in allergy and anaphylactic reactions. Activation of the H1 receptor can cause itchy skin, low blood pressure, pain, flushing and narrowing of the airways.
H1 receptors also help to regulate sleep-wake cycles, appetite, body temperature, emotions and memory.
H2
H2 receptors are present in your stomach cells, smooth muscle cells and heart cells. Activation of H2 receptors leads to stomach acid secretion (which is essential for digestion), stimulation of mucous glands in your airways, flushing, headache and low blood pressure.
H3
H3 receptors are involved in blood-brain barrier function. They are also found in neurons in your central nervous system. H3 receptors help to regulate the release of histamine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
H4
H4 receptors are present in bone marrow. They play a role in the formation of certain blood cells while also playing an important role in inflammatory and auto immune disorders.
Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance
Histamine intolerance is a misleading label. The challenges associated with histamine intolerance are less about the body being intolerance to histamine and more about the body struggling to breakdown and elminate excess histamine. This causes an accumulation of histamine that may result in:
– Headaches and migraines
– Mucous Membrane Inflammation: nasal congestion, chronic asthma, itchy nose and eyes, dry eyes, itchy ears
– Fatigue, brain fog
– Digestive Issues: acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, food intolerance
– Menstrual Problems: irregular periods, period pain, endometriosis, cyclic migraines, PMS
– Skin Issues: acne, rosacea, eczema, hives, itchy skin, welts, intolerant to sunlight
– Stubborn weight gain
– Fluid retention, swelling of the limbs, inflammation, body pain
– Mental Health Challenges: anxiety, depression, insomnia
The symptoms of histamine intolerance may present in a variety of combinations. Personally I experienced menstrual issues, body pain, fatigue and acne. I’ve worked with clients where histamine intolerance has resulted in weight gain, rosacea, irregular periods and anxiety, while others have experienced weight gain, itchy skin, fluid retention and dry eyes.
What Causes Histamine Intolerance?
While the exact cause varies from person to person, common triggers include:
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress and trauma has a negative impact on almost every system in the body. Stress impacts gut health and immune system health which are both heavily involved in histamine intolerance.
Gut Health
The gut plays an important role in histamine breakdown and clearance. Bacterial overgrowth in the gut may lead to excessive production of histamine. Certain medications like acid lowering medications may cause a bacterial overgrowth. Interestingly, acid reflux, heartburn and GERD are common complications associated with histamine intolerance.
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), leaky gut, candida, parasitic infections and H.Pylori may also play a role in the development of histamine intolerance.
An enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO) is produced by the gut and is involved in breaking down histamine. Optimal gut health is required to produce DAO. Low DAO can lead to an excessive buildup of histamine which may trigger the symptoms associated with histamine intolerance.
Diet
Some foods are high in histamine while other can prevent the release of DAO leading to an accumulation of histamine. While diet is not a true cause of histamine intolerance, certain foods can exacerbate symptoms and you may be advised to reduce your intake of these foods while you are healing the underlying cause. This is not a comprehensive list, however, common triggers may include:
Foods High in Histamine:
Alcohol
Eggplant
Matured cheeses
Smoked meats
Shellfish
Nuts
Chocolate
Microwave meals
Chocolate
Foods that Increase Histamine Release:
Citrus fruits
Chocolate
Papaya, pineapple, kiwi, banana
Tomato
Additives: sulphites, nitrites, glutamate, food dye
Foods that Block DAO:
Alcohol
Black tea
Other causes may include estrogen dominance, mould exposure and nutritional deficiencies.
It is important to work with a practitioner to uncover your unique cause of histamine intolerance. This will allow you to proceed with targeted treatment and tailored solutions.
Histamine Intolerance and Estrogen Dominance
Histamine plays an interesting role in women’s health, primarily due to its relationship with estrogen.
Higher levels of histamine can promote and increase in estrogen levels. This may lead to heavy periods, endometriosis and cyclic migraines (around the period and ovulation).
To make matters worse, when estrogen levels are high, mast cells are stimulated to release more histamine creating a vicious cycle of high histamine and high estrogen. Learn more about estrogen dominance.
Stress, restrictive dieting, the oral contraceptive pill, HRT, exposure to xenoestrogens, poor gut health and sluggish detoxification are just some common factors involved in the development of estrogen dominance.
When histamine is playing a role in female health challenges we may expereince:
– Cyclic headaches, migraines or period pain
– Asthma, allergies or feeling “run down” before your period
– Hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms
– Cyclic insomnia
– Low mood, anxiety or overwhelm before your period
– Mid cycle/ovulation symptoms like migraines, insomnia or mood changes
– Exacerbations in chronic conditions like interstitial cystitis before your period
Histamine Intolerance and Weight Gain
The chronically elevated levels of histamine experienced with histamine intolerance can lead to metabolic imbalances, problems with appetite regulation and stubborn weight gain.
Many women with histamine intolerance rely on daily use of antihistamines to manage symptoms. Antihistamines are know to inhibit weight loss and promote stubborn weight gain. Switching to a natural alternative (if safe to do so) is the first step while addressing the root cause.
Interestingly, histamine is required to help us maintain a healthy weight. Unfortunately, excess histamine leads to chronic inflammation and chronic stress. The chronic stress leads to an increase in the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone, which triggers a cascade of imbalances that impair our ability to lose weight.
Throughout this process the nervous system may be affected, hormone health may suffer, the digestive system may experience several problems, thyroid function can become impaired, chronic inflammation may prevent us from exercising and the high levels of histamine may cause us to lose control of our eating habits.
After working with many women with histamine intolerance, I have also noticed that much of the weight they desire to lose is actually inflammation and fluid retention. As we begin to support the body to breakdown and clear the excess histamine, rapid changes in body composition can be noticed.
How to Resolve Histamine Intolerance
While I generally like to share tips on how you can take control of your own health and wellness, histamine intolerance is a complex imbalance that does require practitioner support from an experienced health professional.
We are likely to focus on improving your immune response, healing your gut, regulating your nervous system and addressing any deficiencies that may be contributing to the problem.
If you are resonating with the signs and symptoms of histamine intolerance, I would love to support you to gain freedom from this challenge.
Here are 3 ways I can help:
1. Work with me! Book a consultation in person (Evandale, SA) or AUS + NZ wide online via Zoom
2. Listen to the Holistic Weight Loss Podcast
3. Connect with me on Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn | Facebook
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