What is Histamine?

Histamine is an in important neurotransmitter and immune messenger molecule. It is involved in processes involving hydrochloric acid secretion for digestion, triaging water reserves to key areas of the body and the inflammatory response. Histamine receptors are located all over the body and have many important functions including:

• Histamine H1 receptors:Smooth muscle and endothelial cells affecting skin; blood vessels (Benadryl and Claritin block activity of these receptors)
• Histamine H2 receptors:Cells in the intestines control acid secretion, abdominal pain, and nausea; heart rate
• Histamine H3 receptors:Central nervous system controlling nerves, sleep, appetite and behavior
• Histamine H4 receptors:Thymus, small intestine, spleen, colon, bone marrow and white blood cells; inflammatory response
  

One of the major effects of histamine is causing the blood vessels to swell and dilate. When the body senses that it is threatened it will secrete higher amounts of histamine. This allows the white blood cells to quickly move through the blood stream and find the potential threat or infection. This is an important component to a healthy immune response.

When Does Histamine Become a Problem?

Histamine only becomes a problem when we have metabolic disturbances that do not allow us to effectively metabolize histamine properly. When histamine is formed it is broken down by specific enzymes. In the central nervous system, it is metabolized by hitamine N-methyltransferase (HMT), while in the digestive tract it is broken down by diamine oxidase (DAO).

The experts state that DAO is the major enzyme involved in histamine metabolism (6). The enzyme converts the histamine into imidazole acetaldehyde which does not trigger any sort of reaction in the body. DAO is responsible for ensuring a steady histamine level required for the balance of numerous chemical reactions taking place in the body.

Altered DAO Enzyme Production:

Some individuals have altered DAO production due to a number of different factors including (7):

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – some gut microbes produce high amounts of histamines as a byproduct of their metabolism.

Copper, Vit C & B6 Deficiency: Copper and Vit C are crucial components of the DAO enzyme and B6 is a key cofactor that enables DAO to degrade histamine.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Intestinal permeability creates major inflammatory stress in the body which can contribute to poor DAO function.

Genetic Polymorphisms in DAO enzyme – this can be seen on the 23andme SNP’s. A homozygous DAO would make someone more susceptible to developing a histamine intolerance.

Use of Certain Medications:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft)
• Immune modulators (Humira, Enbrel, Plaquenil)
• Antiarrhythmics (propanolol, metaprolol, Cardizem, Norvasc)
• Antihistamines (Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl)
• Histamine (H2) blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac)

Common Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

• Headaches/Migraines
• Difficulty falling asleep, easily arousal
• Hypertension
• Vertigo or Dizziness
• Arrhythmia, or accelerated heart rate
• Difficulty regulating body temperature
• Anxiety
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Flushing
• Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, Difficulty Breathing
• Abnormal Menstrual Cycle
• Hives
• Fatigue
• Tissue swelling

Histamines travel throughout the bloodstream and therefore can effect the gut, lungs, skin, brain and entire cardiovascular system. This is why there are such a wide array of health problems associated with it and it is quite challenging to pinpoint and diagnose if you are not aware of the condition (13, 14).

Key Histamine Reducing Supplements

There are several supplements that help the body to reduce histamine levels naturally.  These supplements should be done in conjunction with a low-histamine diet and healthy lifestyle activities that are described in detail in this article. 

Hista Response:  This product features hyperimmunized IgY and spore forming Bacillus coagulans for immune support.  In particular, this product is excellent for reducing a hyperactive histamine response as well as food sensitivities and gut mediated inflammation.

         Normal Dosage:  2 caps – 2x daily

         Advanced Dosage:  3 caps – 2x daily

Hista Protect:  This is a patented enzyme formula containing diamine oxidase (DAO)—the main enzyme responsible for the degradation of ingested histamine. Many individuals have deficiencies in DAO enzymes and therefore suffer with histamine reactions. 

         Normal Dosage:  Take 1 tablet no more than 15 minutes before the consumption of histamine-rich foods, or take as directed by your healthcare professional.

         Advanced Dosage:  Take 1 tablet no more than 15 minutes before the consumption of histamine-rich foods, or take as directed by your healthcare professional.

Quer-C Powder:  This product contains a powerful blend of antioxidants Vitamin C and Quercetin to help support a healthy inflammatory response and histamine levels.  The combination of quercetin and vitamin C works as a natural anti-histamine to manage allergies, gut inflammation, skin inflammation and brain inflammation.  

         Normal Dosage: Take 1 gram (1/4 tsp) – 1 time daily with a meal

         Advanced Dosage: Take 1-4 grams (up to 1 tsp) – 2-3 times daily with meals.

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