Histamine is an amine produced naturally in the body and in foods. It is a normal chemical involved in inflammation, mucous secretion, regulation of the gut, muscle contraction, the sleep – wake cycle, immune system, reproductive system, and neurotransmission (our behaviour/mood)
Histamine Intolerance (HIT) occurs when the amount of histamine produced/ingested is greater than the body’s ability to break it down and excrete it via our detoxification pathways.
Histamine Intolerance may present as:
Gastrointestinal – bloating, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux, flatulence, abdominal pain
Cardiovascular – low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, anaphylaxis
Neurological – headache, migraine, palpitations, tingling, sleep disturbance, dizziness
Skin – rash, itchy, eczema, swelling, inflammation, redness
Respiratory – asthma, rhinitis, sneezing, dyspnoea,
Reproductive – PMS, PMDD, painful periods, heavy periods, poor libido, endometriosis
Musculoskeletal – fibromyalgia, muscular pain
Urinary – frequency, interstitial cystitis
Central Nervous System – Perfectionism, highly motivated, obsessive compulsive, anxiety and depression, Low pain threshold (high or low histamine can lead to CNS imbalances and should therefore be tested).
How to assess if you have Histamine Intolerance:
1. Blood Test: Whole Blood Histamine, Zinc and Copper ratios, homocysteine, B6, B12, folate, Diamine Oxidase (DAO) Intolerance test, White Cell Count, Liver Function Test.
2. Genetic testing as various genetic variations in the MTHFR, DAO and HNMT enzyme have been identified and implicated with histamine intolerance. This also provides information on dietary and lifestyle modification.
3. Microbiome Mapping is designed to assess your gut microbiome from a single stool sample. It screens for digestive markers, pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, pathogens, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Assessing gut flora determines the effectiveness of histamine detoxification and breakdown. As poor gut health affects the DAO enzyme.