Histamines have function in our bodies as: part of how our immune systems communicate; regulating physiological functions in the gut; and acting as a neurotransmitter for the brain, spinal cord, and uterus.
So, we need histamines to function normally. However, when our bodies do not recycle histamines at a normal level, or we consume foods with high levels of histamine we can have unpleasant reactions.
Do you suffer from health conditions that are a result of an imbalance of your histamines? In our modern world “histaminic reactions” happen far too often. You may have a histamine imbalance if you suffer from:
Migraines and other headaches
Fibromyalgia
Joint and muscle pain
Bloating, gas, stomach pain, fullness
Diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, reflux
Nausea, vomiting
Asthma
Sneezing, rhinitis, nasal congestion, cough
Hives, dermatitis, psoriasis
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Chronic fatigue
Low or high blood pressure, and heart arrythmias
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Irregular menstrual cycle
Taking anti-histamine products may not be the best way to handle high levels of histamines. A far better way to reduce excess histamines is a two-pronged approach. First, reduce your exposure to high-histamine foods. Second, increase your capacity to recycle the histamines you need for normal functioning.
High Histamine Foods
Fermented alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, champagne)
Vinegars, sauerkraut, kimchi
Dairy products (milk, yogurt, ripened cheese, cream, sour cream)
Avocado
Nuts
Fermented soy products
Vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, zucchini, sauerkraut)
Oily fish
Processed/Cured meats (salami, pepperoni, sausage, jerky)
Chocolate
Shellfish
Egg white
Fruits (strawberries, pineapple, citrus fruits, bananas, kiwi)
Coffee and tea
Leftovers
Artificial food additives
The second approach to controlling histamine reactions is to increase the natural recycling of your histamines. This is supported by supplementing the enzyme DAO, diamine oxidase. This supplement comes in a small capsule. The usual starting dose is 30,000 HDU (histamine digesting units) per day, taken 20 minutes before eating.
So, why do we need to supplement DAO? Other health conditions may predispose you to having a DAO insufficiency. Conditions such as: hormonal imbalances, estrogen dominance has been linked to histamine intolerance; kidney and liver diseases; nutrient deficiencies, such as low B6, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin C; and mold toxicity. Medications predisposing us to DAO insufficiency include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and proton pump inhibitor stomach medications.
At your next visit ask me if DAO supplementation could be part of your treatment plan.
