Why does histamine intolerance cause headaches and migraines?  By now you’re likely quite familiar with what histamine intolerance is and the symptoms it may cause.  After reading about the symptoms of histamine intolerance, you can probably understand why you get hives and skin rashes as a result of histamines being released into the skin. But... why would histamine intolerance be associated with such severe brain splitting headaches? Especially since the brain itself does not contain pain receptors, and is unable to feel pain? The answer might surprise you… Migraines and histamine intolerance While the brain doesn’t have pain receptors itself, the protective layers of tissue that surround the brain sure do. When we look at the mechanisms of headaches, they typically occur as a result of an increase in blood flow to the blood vessels located around and within these tissues, which cause pressure that activates the pain receptors they contain. These headaches, because of the effect on the vasculature, or blood vessels, are called vascular headaches.  So, what does this have to do with histamine intolerance? Think about what you already know about what happens to the skin when you have a histamine reaction: it becomes red and swollen, in addition to the itching. The reason for the swelling is an increase in fluid being deposited as a result of the heightened histamine load. And, now you know that an increase in fluid causes vascular headaches, so put the two together and you’ll quickly realise that an increase in histamine within the brain and its surrounding tissues can increase the pressure, which causes the pain (1).  Histamine compounds commonly deposit in these brain tissues as they are rich in the histamine H3 and H4 receptors. The rich histamine receptor distribution in the brain means that histamines form an essential part of neurological health, but it’s the excess that causes all of the problems (2).  The headaches are usually associated with pain in one location or multiple sites across the head, and it all depends on the receptors that are being activated. When you have a headache along with tearing of the eyes, nasal congestion and/or runny nose, facial sweating and/or a sense of agitation, it’s usually a histamine-related headache.  Now that you know why histamine excess causes headaches and how you can distinguish between another type of headache, the next question is: what do you do to stop these terrible headaches (and other symptoms associated with them)? Improve headaches and migraines with a low histamine diet Reducing the amount of histamine that the body contains is the very first step to improving histamine-related headaches. As you already know, one of the easiest ways to do so with relatively easy implementation is to follow a low histamine diet. Reducing the amount of histamine in your food, reducing the amount of histamine your body releases as a result of food, and reducing the impact on diamine oxidase (DAO) production all comes with eating a low histamine diet. This brings me to the second step: increasing histamine breakdown with DAO.  DAO, as you know, is diamine oxidase, which is the primary enzyme your body uses to break histamine down. Research shows that many people who experience migraines are actually deficient in this enzyme (3). In fact, around 90% of people who experience severe and debilitating migraines were found to have a deficiency in the ability to produce and maintain adequate levels of DAO (4). Along with an increase in histamines in food, and/or an increase in the production/release of histamines by the body, there is an overload of histamines in the body, they flood to the brain and cause those terrible headaches we’ve been talking about. Taking supplemental DAO, which has been used in some European countries as an innovative approach to migraine treatment, is in its early stages of regulation, but the results are promising (4).  If you, like so many others with histamine intolerance, simply can’t get rid of those bothersome headaches, put your focus on your diet as a start, as each meal provides an opportunity to improve your health and symptoms. Here is a handy low histamine food list that can help to get you started.  Remember that histamine intolerance is not a primary condition, meaning that it does not simply occur on its own. While you’re trying to manage your symptoms, keep looking for the underlying cause of your histamine intolerance. You can read more in this article about all things histamine intolerance.  References: Worm, J., Falkenberg, K. & Olesen, J. Histamine and migraine revisited: mechanisms and possible drug targets. J Headache Pain 20, 30 (2019). Alstadhaug, K.B. (2014), Histamine in Migraine and Brain. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 54: 246-259. Izquierdo-Casas J, Comas-Basté O, Latorre-Moratalla ML, Lorente-Gascón M, Duelo A, Vidal-Carou MC, Soler-Singla L. Low serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity levels in patients with migraine. J Physiol Biochem. 2018 Feb;74(1):93-99. Izquierdo-Casas J, Comas-Basté O, Latorre-Moratalla ML, Lorente-Gascón M, Duelo A, Soler-Singla L, Vidal-Carou MC. Diamine oxidase (DAO) supplement reduces headache in episodic migraine patients with DAO deficiency: A randomized double-blind trial. Clin Nutr. 2019 Feb;38(1):152-158.

This hidden compound in food could be causing your symptoms.   Get the FREE Food List Do you experience reactions to foods, even though you seem to be eating a healthy, natural diet?Do you have symptoms like digestive distress, skin rashes, headaches, anxiety or allergy-like symptoms?Well, today, I'll tell you about a little-known-compound that may be the culprit behind your food sensitivities and symptoms.That compound is called histamine, and it's present even in healthy, all-natural foods.You've probably heard of histamine before in relation to allergies (think anti-histamines which act against allergies).Histamine is a highly inflammatory compound and, although it occurs naturally, many people become intolerant to foods which are high in histamine.This intolerance is exactly what can cause you to experience your food sensitivities and other symptoms!In fact, histamine intolerance can even be the underlying issue behind skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, anxiety, digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and much more.  *For a more comprehensive list of symptoms, see my post on histamine intolerance symptoms How to Reduce Histamine Symptoms The good news is that histamine intolerance can be controlled very quickly, simply by eliminating high histamine foods from the diet and focussing on low histamine foods instead.The benefits of a low histamine diet: Fast relief from a variety of symptoms (commonly occurs within 1-2 weeks) Understand exactly which foods are causing a reaction No guess work - I've listed all restricted and allowed foods As someone who personally suffered from histamine intolerance, I put together the most comprehensive histamine intolerance foods list available so that those of you that are histamine intolerant can experience fast relief, as well. How to Succeed on a Low Histamine Diet Your new low histamine diet will have you diving into uncharted territory.So, if you want to experience maximum symptom relief, click on the button below to get the free Low Histamine Diet eBook, which will provide you with: Full low histamine foods list 102 healthy foods you should avoid Additional tips, tricks and info for fast symptom relief Click the button below to get started on your new diet today! Get the FREE Food List

How do you know if you're experiencing histamine intolerance symptoms? Histamine intolerance is becoming increasingly identified as an underlying cause of numerous strange, allergy-like symptoms, that often appear without any history of such issues.And, as histamine intolerance symptoms can be body-wide, it can become pretty difficult to pinpoint this rare, multi-faceted disorder.Histamine is best known as a compound which is released in response to allergic reactions (think seasonal allergies: many people take anti-histamines).The release of histamine occurs as part of a normal biological mechanism. So, when your body is functioning properly, histamine is produced and degraded in tolerable amounts, thus preventing you from experiencing histamine intolerance symptoms.In this case, you can enjoy everything from chocolate to tomatoes to wine, without the ill health and confusion that follows. (Although, just a tip for all you wine-o's out there - I did my research on low histamine wine and posted a list of them for you to enjoy).Moving on... High histamine symptoms If, however, you are histamine intolerant, this means that the amount of histamine that your body is producing or consuming (through food and environment) is not balanced with the rate at which that histamine being degraded.This resulting in higher-than-normal biological levels of histamine - and, presto: histamine intolerance symptoms appear.In histamine intolerant individuals, high levels of histamine are capable of producing such histamine intolerance symptoms that may seem similar to an allergic reaction. Think hives, rashes, itching and congestion.It's notable that, what many people don’t realize, is that histamine intolerance can produce a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms. These symptoms include digestive distress (particularly diarrhea), mood issues and fatigue.Due to the fact that histamine intolerance symptoms are variable, widespread and can impact nearly every single system in the body, histamine intolerance is one of the most difficult intolerances to identify and diagnose.Additionally, the causes of histamine intolerance can be varied as well - making each case a complex combination of various factors.Below, I’ve detailed a list of common histamine intolerance symptoms impacting various areas of the body. Histamine intolerance symptoms list: Gut & Digestive Symptoms Irritable Bowel Syndrome (especially IBS-D) Bloating Diarrhoea Excessive flatulence Constipation (less common than diarrhea) Stomach aches or cramps (including severe menstrual cramps) Nausea Vomiting Acid reflux / Heartburn / Indigestion General digestive symptoms Skin symptoms Rashes Urticaria / Hives Psoriasis Eczema Acne or pimples Rosacea or redness Pruritis / Itchiness (also ocular pruritus or itchy eyes) Inflammation of the skin Respiratory symptoms Congestion Asthma Runny nose Sneezing Chronic cough Rhinitis Difficulty breathing Cardiac symptoms Arrhythmia Fast beating Fluttering Tachycardia Circulatory symptoms Circulatory collapse Hypotension Hypertension Constant shivers or chills Dizziness Psychological symptoms Anxiety Stress Depression Mood swings or imbalances Irritability Inattentiveness Lack of concentration Additional symptoms Headaches / migraines Fibromyalgia Watery eyes Fatigue Sleep issues Oedema (swelling often around eyes, mouth and throat) As you can see from this extensive list of histamine intolerance symptoms, there can be a lot of variability in the disorder, with an increasing number of symptoms continuing to be researched.One of the best ways to identify if your symptoms are due to histamine intolerance, is to follow a simple low histamine diet, which is used to reduce internal histamine levels and alleviate symptoms.If symptoms are due to histamine intolerance, studies have shown symptoms to relieve within the first 1-2 weeks.To receive my free low histamine diet, along with a guide to histamine intolerance and info on finding the root cause of your intolerance, click the button below! Get the low histamine diet! Life's too short to let symptoms control you.Anita Tee, Nutritional Scientist

If you’ve been suffering from histamine intolerance, and reacting to foods with outbreaks of symptoms such as hives, skin rashes and digestive symptoms, you’re probably wondering how you got here and what causes histamine intolerance in the first place.Addressing the topic of what causes histamine intolerance is a big one, so I’m going to make this as clear and succinct as possible to maximize your understanding. So What Is Histamine Intolerance Exactly.... Overall, histamine intolerance comes down to an imbalance in your internal histamine levels.Histamine levels in the body are simply higher than they should be and, much like during an allergic reaction, these high levels of histamine are causing a response which you’re experiencing as histamine intolerance symptoms.Although many factors contribute to determining internal histamine levels, there are 4 major factors involved in the underlying cause of histamine intolerance. What Causes Histamine Intolerance?  1. Level of Histamine Consumption - histamine is consumed mainly through food, but also through environmental and plant exposures. This is why, one of the fastest ways to reduce histamine levels is through a low histamine diet. If you haven't already begun, click below to start my free low histamine diet today: Start the low histamine diet! 2. Amount of Bacterial Production of Histamine - Bacteria produce histamine by converting the amino acid histidine into histamine. Even your probiotics can actually contribute to higher histamine levels - so, ensure you are taking a histamine safe probiotic with bacteria that won't produce more histamine.3. The Amount of Histamine Released from Mast Cells - Histamine is typically released from mast cells in response to allergens, however if mast cells are unstable, histamine can be released at higher-than-normal levels.4. The Rate of Enzymatic Degradation - Histamine is degraded by specialized histamine degrading enzymes such as diamine oxidase (DAO) and histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT). Low levels of these enzymes due to genetic or other factors can result in a slower-than-normal rate of histamine degradation.In a perfect digestive system, the levels of histamine consumption, production and release will balance with the levels of histamine degradation.However... in a compromised digestive system, such as that of people with IBS or gut issues, factors such as bacterial imbalances and enzyme insufficiencies can throw off this balance, resulting in extremely high levels of histamine.These high histamine levels can cause inflammation that can impact the bowel, therefore producing or exacerbating digestive issues and creating food sensitivities.Additionally, a histamine intolerance may be behind seemingly unrelated symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, respiratory symptoms or even symptoms that mimic allergic responses like hives and congestion. Getting Histamine Symptoms Under Control Although the list of what causes histamine intolerance can be a seemingly scary one, the good news is that histamine intolerance symptoms can actually be pretty easy to get under control.By simply eliminating high histamine foods and focusing on a diet primarily composed of low histamine foods, you significantly reduce a major source of incoming histamine, therefore helping to balance total histamine levels in your body. To see a full list of what foods are restricted and allowed on a low histamine diet, click here.The other good (or should I say great) news is that following a low histamine diet has shown to work very quickly to alleviate symptoms, regardless of what is causing your histamine intolerance in particular.Several studies have shown that histamine intolerant individuals will begin experiencing reductions in symptoms within 1-2 weeks of starting a low histamine diet.To find out other causes of histamine intolerance and how to resolve them, you can check out my course, How I Solved My Histamine Intolerance, which details all of the steps I used to heal my histamine intolerance for good, and go back to eating all of the foods I love. 

Trying to find supplements for histamine intolerance that actually work? I've got you! Today, I'll tell you about the 7 best supplements for histamine intolerance that are all-natural and scientifically proven to ease your symptoms.Let's get started. What the Histamine is Going on? They are one of the good guys in the complex cocktail that make up your body’s immune system – helping you gear up to fight a bad flu or infection. Yes, we’re talking about histamines – those ‘bonafide hustlers’ who make you itch, swell or even erupt in red patches, whatever it takes to get the bad boys out of your system asap.Unfortunately, sometimes, an excessive amount of histamines can make your body react like a bouncer who keeps out even the invited guests to the party - causing your body to respond violently to what are otherwise harmless triggers. If you have ever wiped a bookshelf covered in dust only to start sneezing violently, or eaten high histamine foods that don't cooperate with your system and broken into a bout of rashes, you'll know what I'm talking about. As you must know if you are a regular reader to this blog, I believe the right food choices can prevent a whole lot of health conditions and imbalances in the body, and histamine intolerance is no different. A balanced diet with low histamine foods can certainly help reduce symptoms of histamine intolerance. However, to kick start your maladjusted immune system, here are some tried and tested supplements for histamine intolerance that will help you bid goodbye to your histamine intolerance symptoms and say hello to an easier daily life.Each of these supplements for histamine intolerance was carefully selected through research. They have been tried and tested for their efficacy in histamine intolerance, and are backed by numerous scientific studies which I've cited throughout.Along with a nutritious, low histamine diet, the right supplements for histamine intolerance can go a long way in alleviating symptoms. Be sure to use a combination of my free low histamine diet, along with the supplement recommendations. Get the low histamine diet! As a histamine intolerance expert, here are my top supplement recommendations to help you say goodbye to the itches, sniffles and other body-wide symptoms that come along with with histamine intolerance. 7 Best Histamine Intolerance Supplements 1. The Right Probiotic It should be a more wide-spread word of caution that when selecting supplements for histamine intolerance, probiotics are one of the most important to pay attention to. It is absolutely essential that care is taken to choose the right strains, as the wrong combination of bacteria can actually aggravate symptoms!This is because many “beneficial” bacteria actually produce histamine. This production is natural and, in a healthy, non-histamine-intolerant individual, the body will degrade this histamine easily.However, in a histamine intolerant individual, it’s important to ensure you’re not adding any histamine-producing bacteria into your system and, instead, balancing your microbiome using histamine-friendly probiotics. In order to avoid aggravating symptoms, using a tailored, low-histamine probiotic would be the best starting supplement for histamine intolerance, as it will help to balance your gut bacteria using particular strains of probiotics that are histamine-friendly. I use a low histamine probiotic that combines six non-dairy, stomach acid resistant strains of beneficial bacteria that are, most importantly, low histamine. These probiotics have proven effective effective in numerous studies [1-4]. My clients using a low histamine probiotic have seen great results through both oral and rectal administration via probiotic enemas.For a more detailed explanation on selecting the perfect, histamine-friendly probiotic, check out this article I wrote on probiotics for histamine intolerance. 2. Vitamin C Here's something you've probably heard from your mother before: a daily dose of Vitamin C can really help boost the body’s immune system. This notion doesn’t simply come from the wisdom of old wives’ tales - it’s corroborated by science.Numerous studies have shown that intake of Vitamin C as a supplement for histamine intolerance can reduce the symptoms of histamine intolerance itself [5]. Additionally, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and provides numerous additional benefits to the body, including preventing biological ageing which is associated with disease status later in life.Keep in mind that citrus fruits, some of the highest common sources of vitamin C, are actually restricted on a low histamine diet, which may make meeting the daily requirement even harder. In this case, supplementation can be both practical and therapeutic. 3. Quercetin Quercetin, a plant pigment found in many proclaimed superfoods, has been shown to be an effective supplement for histamine intolerance by directly blocking the release of histamine from mast cells. Mast cells contain molecules called mediators (histamine is one such mediator) which are secreted when the cells are triggered.Studies have shown quercetin to display both anti-inflammatory and anti viral properties. It works more effectively with a supplement which contains bromelain (a compound found in pineapples) as well [6]. 4. Bromelain Bromelain is a phytochemical compound found in high concentration in the stem of pineapples. In other words, it’s a common mistake that eating pineapple chunks will provide a sufficient source of this beneficial compound!Bromelain has been used in traditional medicine systems across the world for centuries and, recently, science has begun to dive into the evidence behind this "miracle compound".According to studies, bromelain has shown to be effective in the treatment of numerous histamine-associated symptoms, while simultaneously improving absorption of certain compounds in the gut [6,7]. 5. Stinging nettles Stinging nettles, or Urtica dioica, has been shown to work better in blind tests than a placebo to reduce symptoms of histamine intolerance [8]. Let us see what happens behind the screen when the body ingests Urtica dioica…Interestingly, the stinging hairs on the leaves of the species are rich in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and acetylcholine. Through the process of freeze-drying, Urtica dioica is able to preserve its anti-allergen properties and work similar to existing antihistamine supplements on the market.A randomized, double-blind study using 300 mg freeze-dried Urtica dioica to treat patients with allergic rhinitis found that 69 of patients who participated in the study rated it as more effective than a placebo [9]. Another 58 percent felt it was effective in relieving their symptoms.It's interesting that this treatment has been effective, despite the fact that the stinging hairs themselves contain histamine. The reason for this, is because histamine has the ability to work as a local regulator to modulate immune response, therefore resulting in reduced symptoms! 6. N-acetyl cysteine N-acetyl cysteine is an important supplement for histamine intolerance, as it has shown to be responsible for potentiating inhibitory effects of mast cells on histamine release. In other words, N-acetyl cysteine acts as an assistant for maximizing the effect of other supplements that are used to reduce histamine release [10].This assistance can produce profound effects, as an increased release of histamine from mast cells is one of the primary causes of histamine intolerance, thus indicating that N-acetyl cysteine can relieve symptoms by targeting the root cause of histamine intolerance, rather than the symptom itself. 7. Natural D-Hist Natural D-Hist is a true superhero when it comes to supplements for histamine intolerance, as its compounds have all shown promising results in testing.The all-natural supplement contains stinging nettles leaf, N-acetyl cysteine, quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C, all of which have been demonstrated to be top superpowers for reducing histamine-associated symptoms [1-10].In other words, Natural D-Hist combines all of the best histamine-healing remedies into one single supplement of perfectly proportioned dosages for maximum symptom relief.The compounds in D-Hist have been shown to be very effective in treating sinus allergies and common symptoms of histamine intolerance. Unlike over-the-counter medications, this natural supplement does not cause drowsiness and, has been reported by clients to start seeing noticeable improvements in as little as 10 days. Natural D-Hist is by far my #1 recommended supplement for histamine intolerant clients because they can actually feel the difference, rather than being unsure if it’s working or not. It has even been referred to by my clients as a “miracle in a bottle” and a “wonder-drug" - and, the way it allows my clients to eat more foods with fewer symptoms makes it clear why it's the most popular antihistamine supplement I've worked with. Antihistamine Supplements: Conclusion Whichever supplements you choose to take, be sure that they are using high quality sources with clean ingredients - including the capsules - and are third party tested to ensure they contain all of the ingredients they claim to, in the therapeutic levels you need. The same ingredient can really vary in quality and potency. Think for example about two apple pies: one is made with organic, homegrown, apples freshly picked from the garden. The other is made from mass-produced, inorganic apples that were slightly spoiled and didn't want to be thrown out. Which is going to be more nutritious and will make you feel better? I'm guessing the first pie! The same really applies to supplements - they're extracted from plants. So, sourcing is really important and can make a world of difference between adding more junk into your body vs getting therapeutic levels of beneficial ingredients. Or, in other words, between feeling nothing vs a noticeable positive difference in your health. Life's too short to let symptoms control you. Anita Tee, Nutritional Scientist References Yang, P., Yang, G. and Liu, Z. (2013). Treatment of allergic rhinitis with probiotics: An alternative approach. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 5(8), p.465. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784923/ Ishida, Y., Nakamura, F., Kanzato, H., Sawada, D., Hirata, H., Nishimura, A., Kajimoto, O. and Fujiwara, S. (2005). Clinical Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus Strain L-92 on Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Dairy Science, 88(2), pp.527-533. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15653517/ Kawase, M., He, F., Kubota, A., Hiramatsu, M., Saito, H., Ishii, T., Yasueda, H. and Akiyama, K. (2009). Effect of fermented milk prepared with two probiotic strains on Japanese cedar pollinosis in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 128(3), pp.429-434. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18977549 Ouwehand, A., Nermes, M., Collado, M., Rautonen, N., Salminen, S. and Isolauri, E. (2009). Specific probiotics alleviate allergic rhinitis during the birch pollen season. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 15(26), p.3261. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19598302 Hemilä, H. (2014). The effect of vitamin C on bronchoconstriction and respiratory symptoms caused by exercise: a review and statistical analysis. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 10(1), p.58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363347/ Pavan, R., Jain, S., Shraddha and Kumar, A. (2012). Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Biotechnology Research International, 2012, pp.1-6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23304525 Heinicke, R., Van der Wal, L. and Yokoyama, M. (1992). Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia, 28(7), pp.844-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4658882 Li, Y., Yao, J., Han, C., Yang, J., Chaudhry, M., Wang, S., Liu, H. and Yin, Y. (2016). Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients, 8(3), p.167. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/ Thornhill, S. and Kelly, A. (2000). Natural Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis. Alternative Medicine Review, 5(5), pp.448-454. https://www.altmedrev.com/publications/5/5/448.pdf Masini, E., Di Bello, M., Pistelli, A., Raspanti, S., Gambassi, F., Mugnai, L., Lupini, M. and Mannaioni, P. (1994). Generation of nitric oxide from nitrovasodilators modulates the release of histamine from mast cells. J Physiol Pharmacol., 45(1), pp.41-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7519083

How to choose low-histamine wines and enjoy a glass without the symptoms... Are you looking for a delicious low histamine wine to kick back and relax without any histamine intolerance symptoms?I've got you covered.Let's face it, we all like to indulge in a few-too-many rich, decadent delights.You know the kind - you arrive at a dinner party and, before you, lies a table with all kinds of to-die-for treats spread out in front of you - exotic wines, cheeses, all kinds of meat, fresh vegetables and fruits.Can you picture it? Of course you can.Now, for a pop quiz - which of these are high histamine foods? The quickest way to spot the right answer is to pick out the oldies – anything aged or fermented will have its proteins broken down and naturally contain a high concentration of histamines.Wines are a major culprit - most wines contain varying amounts of histamine and can cause adverse effects in histamine-intolerant individuals.And there lies the question - how can you enjoy a glass of wine without aggravating histamine intolerance symptoms? The key: find a low histamine wine to tickle your taste buds. Many people initially figure out they have histamine intolerance after sampling a glass of wine. The symptoms are similar to those that come from allergic rhinitis - sneezing, itchiness, nasal congestion and headaches.But, the symptoms can vary and be body-wide and these reactions may only cover the tip of the iceberg.So, if you want to savour a glass of low histamine wine after a long, hard day without breaking into a bout of unwanted histamine symptoms, how do you go about finding reliable, low histamine wines you can trust?Believe me - I know the struggle, I went through it. And, that's exactly why I've created this low histamine wine list to make your life (and alcohol habits) way easier. Low histamine wine: red or white The science is out - if you're aiming for a low histamine wine, skip the reds.The less “red” your wine, the better. Sparkling, white and rosé wines all are low histamine wines when compared to reds. And, it’s not even a small difference. Red wine can have as much as 20–200% more histamine than white wine (refer to the table below)!These high histamine levels are incredibly important, as researchers claim that as many as 75% of those who experience symptoms following wine consumption are reacting specifically to the histamines present in wine, and this has been corroborated by several studies.One study, known as the Red Wine Provocation Test, examined 28 subjects ranging between 19 and 63 years with a history of wine intolerance and observed that 22 of the 28 patients had significantly higher plasma histamine levels 30 minutes after drinking 125ml red wine (which contains the equivalent of 50 micrograms of histamine). This study concluded a distinct correlation between reactions to wine and histamine intolerance [1].The team of scientists behind the Red Wine Provocation Test also assessed histamine levels in 52 wines and 17 beers. They found that red wine had a significantly higher percentage of histamine when compared to white wines, champagnes and beers. Histamine levels in different kinds of alcoholic beverages* Alcoholic drink Histamine levels (micrograms/l) Red wines 60-3800 White wines 3-120 Champagnes 15-670 Beers 21-305 Source: [1]As you can see from the table above, when it comes to finding a low histamine wine, white wines are going to be a much safer bet than grabbing a bottle of red!However, there is some overlap and simply choosing white won’t guarantee that you can leave the evening symptom-free. So, let me get deeper into things so I can explain exactly which types of low histamine wine and brands are going to be best… Before I continue, it’s important to note that people can experience adverse reactions to wines due to other reasons as well, not just histamine intolerance - notably from the sulfite preservatives added to wines.So, in order to ensure the reactions in the Red Wine Provocation Test were due to histamine, scientists administered terfenadine (a commonly used antihistamine at the time) to the subjects prior to consuming wine. When consumed, terfenadine significantly eliminated symptoms in ten out of twelve patients [1].It’s notable, however, that the pharmaceutical drug terfenadine has since been withdrawn from the U.S. market and, as a scientist devoted to natural health solutions, I personally opt for using an all-natural anti-histamine called Natural D-Hist.In another double-blind, placebo controlled study, histamine in wine appeared to induce constriction of airways in the lungs of subjects, leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. When the subjects were made to drink high histamine wine (up to 3,700 micrograms/l), they experienced wheezing and a decrease in lung function [2].Additionally, levels of histamine within the blood increased after 10 and 20 minute intervals and appeared begin reducing after half an hour. This was the case for both high and low histamine wines [2]. Wine and histamine headaches Many people experience headaches after drinking alcohol. However, if you have chronic headaches, the one that comes the morning after enjoying a glass or two of wine might be a little more rough than the rest of us.You are not alone in this. Several tests have shown that headaches can be induced by ingestion of wine. Sticking to a low histamine diet can prove a life-saver in helping those who have been suffering from chronic headaches [3] - and, sticking to drinking low histamine wine can actually reduce hangover symptoms. Where Does the Histamine in Wine Come From? Before we go into why fermented consumables, such as wine, contain high amounts of histamines, let us understand where amines come from.***WARNING: Nerdy Science Talk Ahead***Amines are a class of compounds derived from amino acids. When long chains of amino acids bind together, they form proteins. This means that any form of food in which protein degradation takes place invariably contains amines. This includes all kinds of alcoholic beverages, fermented vegetables and matured cheese.So, what are the main amines found in foods? Histamine, tryptamine, putrescine, tyramine, isoamylamine, phenylethylamine, cadaverine, and spermidine, to name a few of the prominent ones.Now that we know the correlation between wines and histamine intolerance, the question is, what are the best low histamine wines to drink if you’re histamine intolerant?White wines are an obvious answer - but, what if you fancy a bit of red and don't want to break into a bout of itching and sneezing?In a 2011 study published by the Floridsdorf Allergy Centre, Austria, one hundred selected high-quality red wines made from seven different cultivars were tested for amine levels. Most of the wines had similar amine levels except for Pinot noir and St. Laurent wines, which had markedly higher tryptamine and cadaverine levels [4].Additionally, as much as 34 % of the wines tested had more than 10 mg/l of histamine levels, a threshold level once adopted in several countries across the world. Scientists found that histamine levels varied considerably between red wines independent of grape variety and even high-rated wines had high amounts of histamines [4].For example, when wines from 2004 and 2005 were compared, it was found that levels of histamine, putrescine and tyramine were higher in 2004 (a vintage with very good red wines) than in 2005 (a year delivering average red wine) [4]. Can wine manufacturing processes play a role? Malolactic fermentation - heard of it before? It's how all wine is made - malolactic fermentation is the conversion of the tart-tasting malic acid, found in grapes, to the milder tasting lactic acid by bacteria. Malolactic fermentation is what gives wine its mellow, rounded taste.Advances in production technology may hold hope for all those red wine lovers who fear to pick up a glass due to the unhealthy after-effects from histamine intolerance, as scientists are now researching the use of alternate bacterial strains during the fermentation process to help lower amounts of histamines in wines and thus produce low histamine wine options.It was earlier believed that high histamine levels were due to unhygienic manufacturing processes, though studies have shown that even high-quality wines contain large amounts of histamine. However, various studies have shown that a careful selection of strains used in the fermentation process can reduce the amount of biogenic amines in the final byproduct [5].In a 2017 study published in The International Journal of Food Microbiology, a non-commercial strain of lactic acid bacteria, autochthonous O. oeni, was used as a starter for wine. The starter was introduced to inoculate 20,000 L of Tempranillo red wine. The results were encouraging, as the wine made from this strain had five-fold less histamine than the control sample. A year later, after barrel ageing had taken place, histamine concentrations were still three-fold lower than in the control sample [6].These results provide a breakthrough for producing low histamine wine. Healthy gut? Don't overthink that glass So far, we have discussed the effect of red wine on histamine-intolerant individuals. What if you have no history of symptoms and would like to enjoy your wine?Science indicates your gut is efficient enough to digest any amount of histamine that comes your way in wine. In one particular study, subjects were given either a histamine-rich or histamine-free wine. Blood and urine samples were taken and there was no intolerance symptoms or significantly elevated histamine levels in blood or urine. These results demonstrate that in a healthy individual, the histamine is degraded and absorbed appropriately [7] Final Verdict The verdict is still not out regarding the exact role of wine in histamine intolerance, and a team of scientists still hold the view that the connection cannot be conclusively proven. A 2001 study showed that similar adverse reactions were found in the case of histamine-rich and histamine-poor wines, and therefore the role of a histamine inducing substance such as acetaldehyde could not be ruled out [8] Low Histamine Wines: A Comprehensive List* We understand it's not quite easy to take along a long list of wines you can choose from when going grocery shopping (or wine tasting, for that matter). However, if you are histamine intolerant wine-lover, knowing all of the in-and-outs of high and low histamine wines is critical in reducing symptomatic consequences.For this reason, I’ve done all of the work and research for you and put together the internet’s most comprehensive list of low histamine wine.So, next time you’re getting a little loopy without the itchy skin and shortness of breath, think of me, my friends. Low Histamine Wine List The following wines have been tested and certified to have less than 0.5 mg/l of histamines. And, to make things even better, they come capped with an orange lid, making them easy to identify on the countertop. Dolcetto D’Alba Doc Low Histamine Diano D’alba Doc Low histamine Barbera D’Alba Doc Low Histamines Langhe Chardonnay Doc Low histamines If you would still like to try a non-certified wine, below is a list of the levels of histamine in different types of wine and other alcoholic beverages.Histamine in White WineMaximum 120 μg/lAverage 37 μg/lMinimum 3μg/lHistamine in Red WineMaximum 3800 μg/lAverage 1010 μg/lMinimum 60 μg/lBordeaux France 2200 μg/lChianti Italy 1930 μg/lHistamine in ChampagnePommery France 670 μg/lHistamine in Dessert WineMaximum 400 μg/lAverage 280 μg/lMinimum 80 μg/lHistamine in Sparkling WineMaximum 78 μg/lAverage 46 μg/lMinimum 15 μg/lHistamine in Rose WineMaximum 61 μg/lAverage 40 μg/lMinimum 15 μg/lAnd, for those of you beer lovers... Histamine Levels in Beer Histamine in Wheat BeerMaximum 305 μg/lAverage 211 μg/lMinimum 117 μg/lHistamine in BeerMaximum 52 μg/lAverage 32 μg/lMinimum 21μg/lBudweiser USA 28 μg/lHistamine in Alcohol-free BeerMaximum 38 μg/lAverage 26 μg/lMinimum 15 μg/l* Source: [1]   References Wantke F, e. (1994). The red wine provocation test: intolerance to histamine as a model for food intolerance. Wantke F, e. (1996). Histamine in wine. Bronchoconstriction after a double-blind placebo-controlled red wine provocation test. F, J. (1996). Wine and headache. - PubMed - NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8645981 Konakovsky V, e. (2011). Levels of histamine and other biogenic amines in high-quality red wines. - PubMed - NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Smit, A. (2008). [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/50926144_Biogenic_Amines_in_Wine_Understanding_the_Headache Berbegal C, e. (2017). Lowering histamine formation in a red Ribera del Duero wine (Spain) by using an indigenous O. oeni strain as a malolactic starter. - PubMed - NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28061327 Kanny G, e. (1999). Histamine content does not influence the tolerance of wine in normal subjects. - PubMed - NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10219426 Kanny G, e. (2001). No correlation between wine intolerance and histamine content of wine. - PubMed - NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11174207

There is a close relationship between histamine intolerance and stress. In fact, the levels of stress and histamine release impact one-another dramatically. And - your brain may be influencing everything from your sleep to your symptoms. Especially if it's severe, as in the case of panic attacks, anxiety and depression.So, whether it's common daily stress or extreme stress - let's get to discussing the relationship between histamine and stress.And, how stress and histamine release may be creating a cycle that's doing your body more harm than necessary. Histamine Intolerance Revealed Histamine is an essential neurotransmitter with involvement in the digestive, immune and central nervous systems. There are four types of histamine receptors located throughout the body:1. H1 receptors are present in the cells involved in inflammation and allergic responses.2. H2 receptors can be found in the stomach, where histamine is involved in the release of gastric acid as part of the digestive process.3. H3 receptors are primarily found in the brain, where histamine acts as a neurotransmitter.4. H4 receptors are found in a broad range of the body’s organ tissues and participate in histamines interaction with key granulocytes such as mast cells.While histamine is an essential component of a healthy body, research suggests that at least 1% of the population suffer with histamine intolerance (1). When histamine is accumulated in excess, it can trigger a myriad of seemingly unrelated and debilitating symptoms.Many of us are familiar with the term ‘histamine’ as it relates to allergies, however the context for its role in a broader range of disorders is often poorly understood.As histamine primarily travels via the bloodstream, it can have a vast reaching influence on the gut, brain, skin and heart often resulting in the experience of anxiety, panic attacks and even insomnia. What Causes Histamine Intolerance? Histamine intolerance results from histamine excess in the body. When a disproportion between the amount of histamine being released and the body’s ability to metabolize it exists, histamine builds up in the system, often triggering a myriad of uncomfortable symptoms(2).There are many causes of histamine intolerance - for a more comprehensive explanation, read my post on causes of histamine intolerance. To keep things brief for this post, I've summarized some of the causes below: Mast cell Release As part of the body’s natural immune response, when an allergen is detected, it binds to immunoglobulin-E (IgE) antibodies, which signal the body’s mast cells to release inflammatory substances such as histamine. In this case, a good mast cell stabilizer can act as a "miracle in a bottle" for reducing symptoms and increasing food tolerance. Diamine Oxidase (DAO) deficiency DAO is an enzyme in the gut which regulates the resorption of histamine in the intestine. When DAO is inhibited, histamine cannot be broken down correctly and so levels of histamine in the body increase (1). In this case, you can try natural ways to increase DAO enzymes. Gut dysfunction As histamine is both produced and broken down in the gut, compromised gut health can cause imbalanced histamine levels. For this reason, there is often a similarity between symptoms of bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome (5), leaky gut and histamine intolerance. In this case, using a histamine-safe probioticis a good place to start enhancing gut health. Eating histamine-rich foods and beverages Histamine occurs naturally in the foods and drinks we consume. Those who suffer with histamine intolerance often see their symptoms worsen after the consumption of high histamine items such as cheese, chocolate and alcohol (3). Sticking to a diet that eliminates high histamine foods and histamine releasing foods is essential. If you are looking for a comprehensive diet, click the button below to download the free low histamine diet.   Get Your Free Diet Regardless of the root cause, one thing is for sure: stress is a negative addition that can increase histamine release and significantly worsen symptoms. Let's discuss why that is. How are Histamine and Stress Related? Stress, in particular, can be a problem for those experiencing histamine intolerance, as it can trigger an increase in histamine release, often exacerbating present symptoms. Let me give you a brief science lesson...When the body is under stress, it releases the stress hormone cortisol which calls the nervous system into action. The hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis is then stimulated by the nervous system which puts the body into ‘fight or flight’ mode.This cascade of events signals the body that it is under attack and, so, all of its resources are poured into energy conservation, which causes high energy processes such as digestion to shut down.Following this, the sympathetic nervous system is engaged; releasing neurotransmitters such as adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine to sharpen the senses and put your body on high alert for danger.As part of this stress response, the sympathetic nervous system can further activate the immune system, leading to mast cell degranulation and the release of even more histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine and stress are related in this way, with the outcome being that stress increases histamine release.While these evolutionary mechanisms are advantageous when the body is under significant external threat, the real problem occurs when this stress response is habitually triggered due to the various environmental and psychological stressors we are frequently exposed to.Overtime, the histamine and stress response cycle can increase histamine release, which can spark a number of symptoms, including: Histamine Intolerance and Anxiety & Depression: Histamine and stress are able to cause significant mood disorders due to the role of histamine in the brain.The presence of H3 histamine receptors in the brain explains the high occurrence of mood disorders in those who are histamine intolerant.In the brain, histamine acts as a neurotransmitter which can affect the levels of mood altering neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine and serotonin; causing the increased expression of anxious and depressive feelings. Histamine Intolerance and Insomnia: Histamine has been indicated in the onset of sleep disturbances; both in the case of insomnia and excessive sleepiness. Recent research reveals that histamine may in fact play an integral role in the circadian rhythm (6).In fact, the histaminergic system is localized within the hypothalamus brain region which can directly influence many aspects of the central nervous system. It has been found that activation of the H1 histamine receptor promotes sleep, while H3 receptor activation stimulates increased wakefulness (7).Not only can the relationship between histamine and stress throw off sleep balance and promote insomnia in the first place. But, the lack of sleep can cause increased stress and histamine release, therefore cyclically worsening these issues. Histamine Intolerance and Panic attacks: Under conditions of excess histamine levels, many individuals report experiencing regular and debilitating panic attacks. These panic attacks can be partially attributed to the role of histamine in vasodilation or the widening of blood vessels within the heart (8).This function causes blood pressure to drop as blood flows through the vessels more freely. In conjunction, the heart rate increases in order to continue pumping a consistent level of blood through the newly widened vessels.This reduction in blood pressure combined with the increased heart rate can result in shortness of breath, dizziness and a rapid heartbeat; together causing the individual to feel as though they’re experiencing a panic attack.Again, the connection between histamine and stress can worsen issues such as panic attacks, with the further issue being that stress and histamine release both increase.As with the other conditions discussed, this may potentiate further panic attacks, and increase both histamine and stress levels. 7 Ways to Reduce Histamine and Stress When it comes to histamine and stress, it's important to note that stress acts as the trigger rather than the cause of histamine intolerance. However, taking steps to manage your stress levels can still be very effective in minimizing your symptoms.Working to identify the source of your stress as well as taking steps to manage it effectively are important practices to adopt.Although personal sources of stress may vary, below are some universal methods for effectively reducing stress and histamine release.1. Magnesium SupplementationPay attention to your magnesium levels as stress can deplete magnesium in the body, while a lack of magnesium can amplify the stress reaction.Magnesium is found in a variety of vegetables, nuts and seeds, however during very stressful times, taking a magnesium supplement is recommended.Studies have shown transdermal magnesium to be most effective at increasing levels quickly (9). So, you may also consider applying liquid magnesium chloride 1-2/day to the skin to calm your system.2. DietBy controlling the amount of histamine coming into your body through the foods you eat, you can significantly reduce the levels of histamine which your body has to deal with. This reduces biological stress and can therefore calm stress-induced histamine release as well.The best way to do this is by following a low-histamine diet plan while closely monitoring and recording your symptoms. Additionally, eliminating foods that are not high in histamine themselves but either provoke histamine release or can be bacterially converted to histamine in the body is essential as well.If your current diet is not ticking all of these boxes and effectively reducing your symptoms, click the button below to get my free diet which I've personally designed to reduce both incoming and internal histamine sources. Get Your Free Diet Once you reach the point where your symptoms have noticeably reduced, you can begin to reintroduce a few moderate to high level histamine foods back into your diet and record your reaction.The response to different foods tends to vary significantly between individuals so it’s best to follow this process slowly; introducing one new food every 3-4 days. 3. Avoid Known Allergens.As histamine release is intrinsically linked to the allergic response, it is important to avoid known allergens such as pollen or dander.If you can’t control your exposure to an allergen, for example in the case of seasonal allergies, then adhering to a very low histamine diet as well as following the other listed suggestions during these times can help you to avoid reaching your body’s histamine threshold.4. PolyphenolsPolyphenols are a type of phytochemical found abundantly in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Pomegranates contain tannins and anthocyanin, two types of polyphenols which have been shown to stabilize mast cells (10). Apples also contain a variety of polyphenols which can inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells (11).5. Diamine OxidaseIf you suspect that your DAO levels are low, consider trying natural methods to increase DAO enzymes. Increasing DAO will support the body in breaking down and managing excess histamine and reduce your biological stress load.DAO can also be taken in supplement form - but, it should be noted that supplements on the market are largely derived from pork and are therefore unsuitable for vegans.6. B6Vitamin B6 is required for the production of DAO in the body and so it is important that you are getting enough in your diet. B6 is found in a variety of low-histamine foods such as brown rice, vegetables and fresh poultry. If you’re worried about your levels, you can also take B6 as a supplement.I recommend getting it in its active form, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, which will enable the body to absorb and utilise it more easily. Start by taking 50mg/day with food and increase to 100mg/day as needed.7. Mast Cell StabilizersUsing an all-natural mast cell stabilizer is one of the safest and most effective ways to reduce internal histamine levels aside from proper diet.Mast cell stabilizers are able to reduce both biological stress and histamine release internally. This method is great if you're looking to widen your variety of foods that are "safe" for you to consume without a reaction.With my clients, I personally use Natural D-Hist, which is made from natural ingredients and has been described by my clients as a "wonder-drug" and "miracle in a bottle" for it's ability to reduce symptoms and increase food choice. Targeting the root of your histamine intolerance While the above methods are very useful in controlling both mental and biological stressors that accompany histamine intolerance, it's important to remember that targeting the root cause of your intolerance is essential in solving your symptoms for good.For more info on how to discover the root cause, check out my eBook which contains a full diet to follow, along with step-by-step instructions on discovering the root cause and how I personally solved my histamine intolerance.Click the button below to download your free eBook. Get Your FREE eBook We’d love to hear from you. Do you notice that stress worsens these symptoms?Have you tried any of our solutions? If so, let us know in the comments!Life's too short to let symptoms control you.Your histamine intolerance expert,Anita Tee, Nutritional ScientistReferences:1. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr [Internet]. 2007 May [cited 2016 Dec 27];85(5):1185–96. 2. Hanusková E, Plevková J. [Histamine intolerance]. Ceskoslov Fysiol [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2017 Dec 16];62(1):26–33.3. Amon U, Bangha E, Küster T, Menne A, Vollrath IB, Gibbs BF. Enteral histaminosis: Clinical implications. Inflamm Res [Internet]. 1999 Jun 17 [cited 2017 Nov 25];48(6):291–5. 5. Fabisiak A, Włodarczyk J, Fabisiak N, Storr M, Fichna J. Targeting Histamine Receptors in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Critical Appraisal. J Neurogastroenterol Motil [Internet]. 2017 Jul 30 [cited 2018 Mar 11];23(3):341–8.6. Thakkar MM. Histamine in the regulation of wakefulness. Sleep Med Rev [Internet]. 2011 Feb [cited 2018 Mar 11];15(1):65–74. 7. Nakamura Y, Ishimaru K, Shibata S, Nakao A. Regulation of plasma histamine levels by the mast cell clock and its modulation by stress. Sci Rep [Internet]. 2017 Jan 11 [cited 2018 Mar 11];7:39934.8. Jin H, Koyama T, Hatanaka Y, Akiyama S, Takayama F, Kawasaki H. Histamine-induced vasodilation and vasoconstriction in the mesenteric resistance artery of the rat. Eur J Pharmacol [Internet]. 2006 Jan 4 [cited 2018 Mar 11];529(1–3):136–44.9. Kass L, Rosanoff A, Tanner A, Sullivan K, McAuley W, Plesset M. Effect of transdermal magnesium cream on serum and urinary magnesium levels in humans: A pilot study. PLoS One [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2018 Mar 12];12(4):e0174817. 10. Rasheed Z, Akhtar N, Anbazhagan AN, Ramamurthy S, Shukla M, Haqqi TM. Polyphenol-rich pomegranate fruit extract (POMx) suppresses PMACI-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the activation of MAP Kinases and NF-κB in human KU812 cells. J Inflamm [Internet]. 2009 Jan 8 [cited 2018 Mar 11];6(1):1.11. KANDA T, AKIYAMA H, YANAGIDA A, TANABE M, GODA Y, TOYODA M, et al. Inhibitory Effects of Apple Polyphenol on Induced Histamine Release from RBL-2H3 Cells and Rat Mast Cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem [Internet]. 1998 Jan 22 [cited 2018 Mar 11];62(7):1284–9.

What to do when histamine symptoms are taking over Is your histamine reaction sometimes too much to handle?Do some meals leave you with a stuffy nose, irritated, watery eyes, or difficulty breathing? Perhaps unexplained headaches, anxiety or your heart racing?Have you broken out in hives, after eating certain meals, or been left with unbearable digestive symptoms? If some of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be experiencing a histamine reaction. The good news is, there are a number of things you can do to prevent histamine reactions, and to treat them when they happen. Histamine without Intolerance The reason it can be so difficult to distinguish allergy from histamine intolerance is that the symptoms can be so similar.Histamine is a key mediator in an allergic response, so it is no wonder allergies and histamine reactions can be mistaken for one-another.Most histamine in the body is produced and stored in small granules within mast cells and, is released in response to an allergen or other inflammatory trigger. Histamine containing mast cells are an important part of our immune system, protecting us from invading pathogens and helping to elicit wound healing.Mast cells are found all over the body, and are particularly abundant at sites of potential injury, such as the nose, mouth, feet, blood vessels, intestines and lungs (1). For this reason, histamine reactions tend to affect these tissues. Histamine is also found in the brain where it functions as a neurotransmitter and, in the stomach where it orchestrates the release of gastric acid to digest our food (1).In addition to being a natural part of our biology, histamine is present in many of the foods we eat and components in the environment. If you have ever brushed against stinging nettles you will have experienced a direct response to the histamine in the plant (2). Histamine is even present in the venom of insects such as bees and wasps, resulting in the swelling and stinging of the bite that you experience (2).Eliminating incoming histamine is the reason why histamine intolerant individuals experience fewer histamine reactions when eating a low histamine diet. What is a histamine reaction? When you experience a histamine reaction, it is the response of your body to excess histamine in your blood or tissues.Histamine exerts its intended effects on various tissues of the body via histamine receptors, which are something like a dock for histamine. When histamine binds a receptor, this signals a particular response, such as gastric acid release, dilation of blood vessels, inflammation, immune attack of invading pathogen or neuronal signaling, all aiming to protect us or carry out helpful bodily functions.However, when our histamine levels are too high, this signaling can go haywire, resulting in a histamine reaction. Symptoms of a histamine reaction Histamine reactions can emerge in many forms. I've summarized some common symptoms by body system below - but, you can also check out my more comprehensive list of histamine intolerance symptoms. Effects of excess histamine on the central nervous system can include nausea, headache, vertigo or sleep disturbances (3). Effects on the cardiovascular system are mainly due to dilation of the blood vessels which may cause a drop in blood pressure, flushing of the cheeks, and dizziness. Effects on the skin can include rash, hives, flush and itchiness. Effects on the airways include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and constricted or wheezy breathing (like asthma). Effects on the digestive system include acid secretion, diarrhea, stomach aches and cramps, bloating and flatulence. Effects on the hormonal system include menstrual cycle disturbance, headache associated with the menstrual cycle (3) and low mood. Histamine is produced by our bodies, by the bacteria in our gut, and is in many of the foods we eat. It doesn’t normally cause us any problems when the levels are low. The problem is when our bodies are unable to get rid of it as rapidly as it is produced or taken in through the diet.It's something like a bucket of water that will overflow once its capacity has been exceeded - essentially, you won't notice the consequence that is a histamine reaction until its levels rise above the threshold, and the bucket overflows.But, the good news is that if you experience histamine reactions, there are probably a number of changes you can make to lower your levels of histamine so that your bucket is only half full.Once you have managed to reduce your histamine levels, you may even be able consume small amounts of the foods that used to cause you itchy eyes, runny nose, headaches without experiencing any symptoms. Root Causes of Histamine Reactions Increased production or decreased degradation of histamine Some of us are particularly susceptible to histamine reactions because we are unable to break down histamine as effectively as most, and there can be multiple reasons for this(4). For example, if you are not producing enough of the histamine-degrading enzyme Diamine oxidase (DAO) due to impaired gut health, genetic issues or lack of cofactors (3,5), you may not be able to break down or inactivate histamine effectively. For example, damage to the cells that produce DAO in the intestines is just one of the reasons why gastrointestinal disease is commonly linked with histamine intolerance(4). Additionally, during pregnancy, DAO is produced at high concentrations by the placenta (6), which may explain why food intolerances commonly subside during pregnancy (7). If you suspect a DAO deficiency is your issue, you can try these natural ways to increase DAO enzymes. Increased conversion from histidine to histamine Another cause of elevated histamine can be high levels of the enzyme that produces histamine from the amino acid histidine (histidine decarboxylase). Methylation deficiency Methylation is a buzz word you hear a lot in nutrition circles, as it is so fundamental to many processes in the body. And, it's not uncommon to have deficient methylation for one reason or other (genetic, nutritional, etc.). HNMT is an enzyme that inactivates histamine via a methylation reaction. So, if you have insufficient methylation capacity (eg. due to B12 deficiency, folate deficiency or MTHFR polymorphisms) this may reduce histamine inactivation inside cells by HNMT. Allergy and inflammation Since histamine is released as part of the allergic and inflammatory responses, the presence of allergy or chronic inflammation will increase your basal histamine levels. This is why individuals with a seasonal allergy to pollen, for example, may experience a histamine reaction to tomatoes, citrus or spinach only during pollen season. Dietary sources of histamine Many foods contain histamine, while others contain histamine releasing substances. The classic culprits for causing histamine reactions are aged and fermented foods. However, histamine is surprisingly high in a number of fresh, healthy and all-natural foods such as spinach and tomatoes. For this reason, I've created a free and comprehensive low histamine diet that you can download. Medications Certain medications can also cause histamine release. So, if you are on any medications and think you suffer histamine sensitivity it could be worth discussing this with your doctor. Gut flora imbalance The composition of your gut flora is important in determining the levels of histamine you are exposed to. If you have an overgrowth of histamine-producing bacteria, more histamine will be produced during the breakdown of dietary protein. This also means that a high protein diet (especially animal protein such as fish, meat, dairy and eggs), may result in further elevations in histamine production than a lower protein diet. On the other hand, we also have strains of bacteria that degrade histamine, so for the sake of reducing histamine load, its beneficial for our gut to be colonized by more of these varieties. In this case, I recommend trying out a low histamine probiotic. How to stop a histamine reaction: top 9 tips to clear histamine from your body Now that you know what causes may be underlying your histamine reaction, it's time to learn how to prevent, control or stop a histamine reaction and clear histamine from the body fast. The goal is to keep your bucket half empty so that there is room for the unavoidable histamine that is part of life.Here are my top tips for dealing with a histamine reaction.1) Ginger - Although sticking to a low histamine diet can help to prevent histamine reactions in the first place (8,9), consuming antihistamine foods can actually help to calm a histamine reaction while it's happening. One of the strongest known antihistamine foods is ginger. If you're experiencing a histamine reaction, try chewing on fresh ginger or pouring boiling hot water over sliced ginger to make fresh ginger tea. In general, you can also drink ginger tea before bed to act as a natural antihistamine and prevent histamine reactions.2) Mast cell stabilizers - One way to calm you histamine reaction is to stabilize mast cells in order to slow the natural release of histamine in response to your sensitivity. This method can not only calm your reaction but, can also boost your body's natural histamine tolerance so that you can consume more foods with fewer symptoms. It's important to choose a supplement specially formulated to address histamine intolerance via multiple routes such as D-Hist which contains a selection of natural ingredients that work together to help stop histamine release and regain tolerance.3) Keep a food diary. By paying attention to the foods you react to, you will be able to build up a list of foods to avoid that is relevant to you. Make sure you are including all of the relevant information rather than just foods. I've put together an food diary you can print out and use.4) Diamine oxidase - It's possible to take DAO in supplement form to increase the breakdown of histamine within the body and assist with a histamine reaction. However, the majority of DAO supplements are derived from pigs and are unsuitable for vegans. Trying natural methods to increase DAO enzymes may be a better route for controlling your histamine reactions before and during their occurrence.5) Pea sprouts - An alternative to taking DAO supplements is to consume pea sprouts. When seeds sprout, they produce DAO, and pea sprouts have even been found to have the highest DAO levels (10). You can sprout peas in water, preferably in the dark for 10-12 days, then blend in a smoothie (roots and all) and consume fresh.6) Avoid histamine releasing triggers and allergens - Any allergies you have will trigger histamine release, so learning what these are and avoiding them is key to keeping histamine reactions to a minimal. Remember, it's not all about food. Histamine release can be triggered by medications, skin creams, sunscreen, face wipes, airborne irritants and household products.7) Histamine-friendly probiotics: If gut flora imbalance is contributing to your histamine overload, a probiotic may help re-establish balance. But, be sure to choose a probiotic formulated to promote histamine degradation - otherwise, regular probiotics can often make symptoms worse as the bacteria will naturally produce histamine. I recommend trying out this hypoallergenic, low histamine probiotic, which is one of the few histamine-safe probiotics on the market.8) Focus on gut health. A leaky gut, IBS or other bowel trouble increases the level of inflammation both in the gut and the rest of the body. You want to keep inflammation levels down, as inflammation means histamine release. Focusing on gut health is a method to not only prevent histamine reactions before they happen but, begin improving and healing your intolerance, and making histamine reactions less frequent in the first place. Eating a healthy, low histamine diet that contains all of your essential nutrients while also focussing on your gut bacteria is a great start to this.9) Make sure you're on the right diet - Remember, it's not just high histamine foods that can trigger a histamine reaction. Histamine releasing foods or foods which are high in precursors for histamine can also cause symptoms, even if the food isn't high in histamine itself. These food can be hard to identify, which is why I've created a low histamine food list that includes all histamine symptom triggers and identifies more food culprits than your typical low histamine diet. Click the button below to get your free copy: Get the Diet Your next histamine reaction Now that you have tools to help you to both deal with and prevent having histamine reactions in the first place, try them out next time you expect to be eating questionable foods, feel a histamine reaction starting to bubble up or, simply incorporate these into your daily routine in order to minimize the chance and severity of potential reactions.Do you have a method of dealing with histamine reactions at home? Share what's worked for you in the comments below! References:1. Benly P. Role of Histamine in Acute Inflammation. 2015;7(6):373–6.2. Abbas Abul K., Lichtman; AH, Pillai S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology. Vol. 8a ed., Elsevier. 2014. 544 p.3. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1185–96.4. Maintz L, Bieber T, Novak N. Histamine Intolerance in Clinical Practice. Dtsch Arztebl. 2006;103:3477–83.5. Johnston CS. The antihistamine action of ascorbic acid. Subcell Biochem. 1996;25:189–213.6. Morel F, Surla A, Vignais P V. Purification of human placenta diamine oxidase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1992;187(1):178–86.7. Reinhart J, Felix W. Wine and Headache. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 1996;110(1):7–12.8. Schwelberger HG. Histamine intolerance: A metabolic disease? Inflamm Res. 2010;59(SUPPL. 2).9. Vickerstaff Joneja JM, Carmona-Silva C. Outcome of a Histamine-restricted Diet Based on Chart Audit. J Nutr Environ Med. 2001;11(11):249–62.10. Masini E, Bani D, Marzocca C, Mateescu MA, Mannaioni PF, Federico R, et al. Pea seedling histaminase as a novel therapeutic approach to anaphylactic and inflammatory disorders. A plant histaminase in allergic asthma and ischemic shock. ScientificWorldJournal. 2007;7:888–902.

Is there a test for histamine intolerance?If you believe you are histamine intolerant and are looking for a histamine intolerance test, we need to talk. Histamine intolerance can be frustrating, as there is a lack of understanding and recognition among healthcare practitioners when it comes to this disorder. Additionally, the nature of the disorder involves a wide rang of seemingly unrelated symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and control.However, as your histamine intolerance expert, I've got you covered.I've done the digging and, today, I propose that a careful, evidence-based analysis of what is shown in the literature allows us to define a systematic approach to understand the physiological contributions to each individual’s experience. This understanding, under the guidance of an experienced practitioner, can lead to a diagnosis of histamine intolerance and control of symptoms.   Histamine Intolerance in Short Histamine is a natural chemical that acts as a messenger in many body systems including but, not limited to the brain, the stomach, blood vessels and muscles. Historically, it was characterized as our first chemical of defence released by cells in response to foreign pathogens. It also mediates the allergic reaction and can act as a messenger within the nervous system. Histamine is pre-formed and stored in granules in several different cell types. These cells are widely distributed throughout the body. Several mechanisms including both allergic and non-allergic pathways can stimulate these cells to release histamine. The histamine then binds to a number of receptors to exert its effects.Due to the wide distribution of histamine producing cells and the equally wide distribution of histamine receptors, the effects of receptor binding involve many organ systems.Resulting symptoms may therefore be spread across the body and include flushing and rashes (skin), arrhythmias, low blood pressure or dizziness (cardiovascular system) and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain (gastrointestinal system), to list a few (1). For a comprehensive list, see this post on histamine intolerance symptoms.So, in summary, we have a chemical molecule produced in many cells and released following any of a multitude of stimuli and acting on any number of organs.No wonder the effects are inconsistent from patient to patient and case to case. No wonder a test for histamine intolerance has yet to be created. And, no wonder you are confused by your symptoms. Histamine Intolerance Testing The added complexity of creating a test for histamine intolerance is one of context. Each individual will have a tolerance level beyond which they develop symptoms. We can, therefore, define histamine intolerance as a state where the physiological histamine level exceeds an individual’s tolerance level i.e. the level beyond which they begin to develop symptoms. What contributes to this tolerance level? Again, this is determined by a multitude of factors. This level may be genetically predetermined. It may be a result of other chemical messengers such as hormone levels, individual variances in diet or the simultaneous use of certain medications. Each case can vary.Furthermore, other physiological states such as inflammatory conditions of the GIT may contribute to histamine tolerance. So, not only are the effects of histamine widespread, the extent of the effect will vary from patient to patient and case to case.In any case, the ultimate issue of intolerance is an elevation in histamine concentration. Such elevations in histamine result from an imbalance in histamine levels versus histamine breakdown or, what can be described as a dysfunctional histamine metabolism (2).Histamine levels, from any source, may rise and, when the individuals ability to break down the histamine is compromised, the balance tips towards histamine excess and adverse events are triggered.So, now that we know what histamine intolerance is, how do we know if that's the main issue causing or contributing to your symptoms?Well, let's get to discussing an at-home test I created through my experience being histamine intolerant, working with histamine intolerant clients and doing plenty of scientific research to see what can and cannot help.I call this test Tee's Histanalysis Method. A Test for Histamine Intolerance: Tee's Histanalysis Method By sifting through the relevant literature and identifying where there is sufficient evidence, I have defined an approach to an at-home histamine intolerance test called Tee's Histanalysis Method.This test for histamine intolerance is focused on identifying contributions to an individual’s histamine excess. The order of testing should be informed by the individuals symptoms and the physiological environment. It is highly recommended that this histamine intolerance test is guided by a practitioner with the relevant experience in interpreting the results. Histamine Intolerance Test Steps: 1. The first step of applying a test for histamine intolerance is to record all of your symptoms and suspected contributors, including food products and medications. Compare these suspects to known high histamine foods and medications. Remember, you may have additional intolerances, so not all suspected foods must be high in histamine. But, all high histamine foods should be a suspect when consumed in excess.2. The second step of the histamine intolerance test is dietary elimination of suspected foods (12). This elimination includes applying a low histamine diet along with any additional suspected offenders. Use this histamine intolerance food list, as it contains high histamine foods along with foods that may not be high in histamine themselves but, can act as histamine releasers or encourage bacterial production of histamine. Get the foods list! 3. The next thing you'll want to do when conducting a test for histamine intolerance is record all changes between your food and symptoms. Do this by keeping a food/symptom diary and include all necessary details including exercise, stress levels, supplements, etc. I've created a useful template for this that will ensure you're entering all of the necessary information. You should use this food diary template and fill it in after each meal.4. After two weeks of following the specific diet above, take a loading dose of Natural D-Hist, which consists of taking 2 capsules three times per day for 7-10 days. Be sure to order this in advance, so that you have it on hand when it's time to start taking it.5. Following the loading dose, drop the dosage of Natural D-Hist to a maintenance dose of between 1-3 capsules per day as needed to maintain improvements. Many are fine with one capsule per day but, if your improvements are not sustained, you may take one capsule before each main meal.6. Review your food/symptom diary and begin replicating the days where your symptoms were rated to be at their mildest. Include the same foods, exercises, supplements and D-Hist dosage in this replication.7. Once you've reached a stable state where your replicated days are consistently producing mild levels of symptoms, begin reintroducing foods at a rate of one food consumed for 2-3 days, with a 5 day break in between foods. Consuming the food for 2-3 days allows for enough to be consumed that a reaction will occur if you are sensitive. If you experience a reaction earlier, you can stop consuming the food immediately. Additionally, the break between introducing new foods allows you to identify delayed reactions, as food sensitivity symptoms can appear up to 5 days after consuming the suspected food. 8. All foods which caused symptoms during reintroduction should remain eliminated from the diet. You may attempt a second reintroduction of the offending food after 3 months of following a histamine intolerance protocol, if desired.As you can see, this simple at-home test for histamine intolerance is way more cost-effective than any other test out there - and, it can be more definitive, informative and result in immediate symptom reduction.The logic behind this histamine intolerance test is that it can either help to rule out or reveal histamine intolerance. Simply put, no change in symptoms likely means you can rule out histamine intolerance, whereas immediate symptom reduction is a pretty strong indicator towards the presence of histamine intolerance.As this histamine intolerance test can be done at home and only requires the cost of a single supplement, I recommend it as a more logical and cost-effective choice compared to many alternative tests or Hail Mary supplements which may only leave you with slight clues at a higher cost.Evaluate the probability that you have histamine intolerance and, depending on the results, either start fixing it or stop wasting your time on it.Getting Started: What You'll Need Histamine intolerance food list Food diary template Natural D-Hist (1 bottle to start) Histamine intolerance protocol (upon confirmation of the probability of intolerance) I recommend starting this test as soon as possible in order to prevent the progression and worsening of symptoms, as well as preventing the harmful impact on other body systems which makes the disorder more difficult to address.There is no reason you can't begin today by starting your food diary and following the first steps of the protocol.Life's too short to let symptoms control you.Your histamine intolerance expert,Anita Tee, Nutritional Scientist1. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1185–96.2. Schwelberger HG. Histamine intolerance: A metabolic disease? Inflamm Res. 2010;59(Suppl 2):S219-21.3. Schwab D, Eg H, Raithel M. Histamine content and histamine secretion of the colonic mucosa in patients with collagenous colitis. Inflamm Res. 2002;51(1):33–4.4. Reese I, Ballmer-Weber B, Beyer K, Fuchs T, Kleine-Tebbe J, Klimek L, et al. German guideline for the management of adverse reactions to ingested histamine Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the German Society for Pediatric Allergology and Environmental Medicine (GPA), the German Association of Allergologists (AeDA), and the Swiss Society for Allergology and Immunology (SGAI). Allergo J Int. 2017;26:72–9.5. Wöhrl S, Hemmer W, Focke M, Rappersberger K, Jarisch R. Histamine intolerance-like symptoms in healthy volunteers after oral provocation with liquid histamine. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2004;6. Giera B, Straube S, Konturek P, Hahn EG, Raithel M. Plasma histamine levels and symptoms in double blind placebo controlled histamine provocation. In: Inflammation Research. 2008.7. Kanki M, Yoda T, Tsukamoto T, Shibata T. Klebsiella pneumoniae Produces No Histamine: Raoultella planticola and Raoultella ornithinolytica Strains Are Histamine Producers. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2002;68(7):3462–6.8. Maintz L, Benfadal S, Allam JP, Hagemann T, Fimmers R, Novak N. Evidence for a reduced histamine degradation capacity in a subgroup of patients with atopic eczema. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;9. Pinzer TC, Tietz E, Waldmann E, Schink M, Neurath MF, Zopf Y. Circadian profiling reveals higher histamine plasma levels and lower diamine oxidase serum activities in 24% of patients with suspected histamine intolerance compared to food allergy and controls. Allergy. 2017;10. Music E, Silar M, Korosec P, Kosnik M, Rijavec M. Serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity as a diagnostic test for histamine intolerance. Clin Transl Allergy [Internet]. 2011;1:P115. Available from: www.biomedcentral.com/submit11. Manzotti G, Breda D, Di Gioacchino M, Burastero SE. Serum diamine oxidase activity in patients with histamine intolerance. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016;29(1):105–11.

Are you troubled by a child who seems to get stomach aches after eating different types of food?Do you despair at what to feed your toddler whose skin rashes won't seem to resolve, despite trying everything from steroid creams to removal of common allergens?Although you may have an idea that there's a dietary connection to your child's symptoms - you may feel baffled about how this can be, and which foods you should avoid.Well, today I'm going to offer up some interesting info that might be just what you've been looking for. Is Food Making My Child Sick: Allergies or Intolerance? Feeding toddlers can be a challenging task. Between dealing with their varying appetite, short attention span and picky eating habits, a parent has their work cut out for them.This task can become even more challenging when food appears to induce unpleasant symptoms for the child, such as, recurrent stomach aches with or without accompanying diarrhoea, itching body, hives or just constant congestion.In addition to making mealtimes and meal prep a dreaded experience for the caregiver, these symptoms could affect the child’s dietary intake to the extent of affecting their growth and development, affecting their long term eating habits and preferences, as well as affecting the whole family’s ability to socialise(1).At this point - the dreaded question hits: what the heck is going on inside my child!?The symptoms above may very easily be attributed to food allergies - and, often are. But, they may not actually arise from food allergies in the true sense of the term. Several studies have demonstrated these reactions can also be non- immunologic, when allergy tests were performed(2)(3).While food allergies will typically present soon after the culprit food has been eaten, symptoms caused by non-allergic reactions may appear hours (even days) after the food is eaten, either by the child or, by the mother, in the case of breastfed infants.This delayed reaction time can enhance confusion, as exposure to the culprit food item may not always appear to elicit symptoms. Symptoms may appear to be precipitated by some unrelated food, exercise or even seasonal changes. Or, the child may even appear to react to any food at all which can be frustrating and leave the caregiver feeling quite hopeless.Often, in such complex cases, medications such as antihistamines will be tried, with unpredictable outcomes. Pre-existing conditions such as eczema or behavioural problems may even appear to get worse with certain foods. Histamine Intolerance in Children and Babies While stomach aches may be an indication of many different conditions of childhood and, perhaps the easiest symptom for children to express, it also happens to be one of the first symptoms of histamine intolerance(4).When it becomes a recurrent complaint, accompanied by other symptoms such as itchy body or tongue after eating certain foods, frequent episodes of congestion and hives, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or restlessness and colic in the younger child, a parent may consider histamine intolerance as a potential issue for their child.Histamine intolerance occurs in susceptible individuals when the levels of histamine degradation cannot keep up with the levels of histamine accumulation. Basically, too much histamine is being consumed or produced - and, not enough histamine is being broken down.The histamine molecule, whose role in the body is to alert the immune system to the presence of allergens, can also cause an exaggerated pseudo-allergic response.In this case, there may be no actual allergen triggering the response but, rather, an abundance of the molecule that the susceptible individual has failed to break down and eliminate from the body. Why is Histamine Hanging Around? Each day within the body, histamine is produced, released and taken in constantly. Whether it's through bacterial production or eating high histamine foods, raising the levels of internal histamine is a common daily process. In a normally functioning body, however, histamine is then broken down by the enzyme Diamine Oxidase (DAO) (5). This process prevents histamine from accumulating in the blood and normalizes internal histamine levels (5).If levels of internal histamine are higher than the levels of histamine being broken down, symptoms begin to appear. The symptoms most relevant to children include; gastrointestinal (stomach aches, bloating, diarrhoea), skin (flushing, itching, hives, eczema, psoriasis), nervous system (headaches, mind fog), cardiovascular (increased heartbeat) and, respiratory (sneezing, congestion, breathlessness with exercise) (5)(6).Additionally, histamine levels can increase steadily, causing progressively worsening symptoms.For example, a child who has previously only experienced congestion of the nose, may start to complain of stomach ache, followed by diarrhoea and, unless a solution is instituted, may continue to acquire newer and more distressing symptoms.There are many underlying reasons that can cause or contribute to becoming histamine intolerant. Reasons specific to DAO issues range from reduced DAO production due to genetic inheritance(7), inhibition of DAO through the consumption of certain chemicals, drugs or additives(8), nutritional deficiencies such as copper, zinc, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C which support DAO functioning(6).Another enzyme Histamine N-methyltransferase(HNMT), is also involved in the breakdown of histamine and its dysfunction may also contribute to an accumulation of excess histamine, but it appears to play a minor role in histamine intolerance in comparison to diamine oxidase(9).In fact, the influence of DAO is so powerful that it can even be measured as one of the main diagnostic indicators of histamine intolerance(5)(10). Studies have shown levels of DAO below 10 U/ml to be associated with histamine intolerance in both adults and children(4), while symptomatic individuals with levels above these were unlikely to be histamine intolerant(11)(12).For more comprehensive details and additional reasons that could cause histamine intolerance, have a look at my post on what causes histamine intolerance. How much histamine is excess and when? As mentioned earlier, histamine is essential to us because it acts as a warning signal when potentially harmful foreign molecules enter the body. Histamine is therefore widely distributed throughout the body, which is why histamine excess symptoms can impact different body systems.Normal histamine levels range from 0,3 to 1,0 ng/ml. Above this level, symptoms begin to appear and can even progress to cardiac arrest above 100 ng/ml. Levels between 1 – 3 ng/ml may cause itching, hives, rapid heart rate and flushing. Additionally, these levels can increase the secretion of stomach fluids and the contraction of stomach muscles, which the child will experience as stomach cramps and diarrhoea(8)(3).Excess histamine can come about because of increased release from mast cells following stimulation, such as, during a particularly bad hay fever season, for example. In children with compromised DAO functioning, the body will struggle to bring down the histamine levels accordingly, which creates a cumulative increase in the circulating levels of histamine. Eventually, a tipping point is reached where the body’s histamine tolerance is exceeded - much like a basin overflowing when the tap is left to run.The consumption of histamine containing foods and histamine releasing foods adds to the demand for DAO and will precipitate the symptoms of excess histamine. Histamine is present in many foods - and, it's completely natural and is contained in even extremely healthy foods. This is why, even if you're aiming to provide your child with a healthy, all-natural diet, symptoms may still continue to appear, despite your best efforts!If you're looking for a comprehensive list of low and high histamine foods that details exactly what you can and cannot eat, download the histamine intolerance food list which, for histamine intolerant individuals, will start relieving symptoms in as little as 1-2 weeks(5)(7)(10). Download the Food List Important: it's notable that this list would apply to both children and adults - and, for a breastfeeding mother, high histamine foods should also be reduced to avoid transferring excess histamine to your child through milk. Diagnostics & Therapies for Histamine Intolerance in Children and Babies Histamine intolerance is still an obscure subject in both medical and nutrition circles, therefore one may need to patiently search for a qualified professional who is aware of the condition, able to appropriately recognize it and, guide its management.One standard diagnostic scale requires 2 or more digestive symptoms (e.g. diarrhoea, stomach ache or bloating) experienced for more than 3 months, a DAO level below 10 U/ml, a positive response to a low histamine diet, and negative IgE(allergy) test results, to make a diagnosis(5). Since histamine intolerance is so diverse, these measurements are not exclusively necessary, but, most studies agree that clinical history and a positive response to a low histamine diet are some of the most reliable diagnostic qualifications(8)(3).I created an at-home version of a histamine intolerance test, in order to better understand responses to a low histamine diet and a reduction in histamine load. Read my post on this at-home test.It's notable that this test was created for adults and requires the use of a histamine-lowering supplement called D-Hist. However, there is a version of this supplement created for children called D-Hist Jr. that can be used as a substitute for learning more about your child's condition and improving symptoms. Histamine Intolerance Food Elimination and Reintroduction If you suspect that your child may have histamine intolerance, it is ideal that you seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner to guide you through your journey. Seeking help is essential because histamine intolerance may mimic other conditions, such as IgE food allergies, which can be life threatening and would not respond to a low histamine diet.Contact with a professional also allows for underlying conditions to be identified and appropriately managed or eliminated, such as gut permeability, bacterial dysbiosis or chronic inflammatory bowel disease(3), which can precipitate histamine intolerance by allowing histamine and its metabolites to enter the bloodstream through a disrupted gut wall.The gold standard for management of HIT is the implementation of the low histamine diet, in which histamine containing, and histamine releasing foods (detailed in my histamine intolerance food list) are removed from the diet, with symptom reduction commonly occurring within 1-2 weeks, or up to 4 weeks in more severe cases (10)(13). The diet is necessary for both the child and the mother if the mother is breastfeeding.   Download the Free Diet   As explained above, HIT symptoms arise from histamine levels increasing cumulatively over time until a tipping point is reached. The low histamine diet allows the histamine breakdown mechanisms to recover and gradually reduce these levels to below tipping point.Once symptoms have resolved and the child is stabilised, it is possible to begin to reintroduce the foods one at a time, in graded amounts, allowing for observation of any that may again trigger symptoms. Reintroduction may take time - however, it's an important step as childhood is a period of intense growth and development and allowing a wider variety of nutritional sources allows for enhanced overall nutrition and gut bacterial diversity for healthy growth and reduction of future illness risk.Studies assessing children on unsupervised elimination diets for different conditions, including HIT, found children with failure to thrive, stunted growth and nutritional deficiencies(2). These issues become more probable when on an elimination diet, as it becomes harder to monitor nutrient intake and ensure all nutrition requirements are being met. Reintroduction of foods also allows for normalisation of eating and socialisation habits of both the child and the family(1). Steps for Moving Forward with a Histamine Intolerant Child Overall, the implementation of a low histamine diet in children, done under the guidance of a nutrition trained professional, is ideal as it allows for initial assessment of the child’s nutrition status and continuing guidance regarding the best foods to replace those being removed, as well as regular monitoring of the child’s nutrition status through the process to avoid malnutrition.A professional would also be well placed to recommend supplementation such as DAO cofactors, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Copper, Zinc, D-Hist Jr. for stabilising mast cells and histamine-safe probiotics for gut healing if needed(13)(11). Severe cases of HIT may also be recommended to use antihistamines to control symptoms while dietary influence takes effect.Histamine intolerance may be little recognised by many professionals - but, for those living with it, the disorder can seem a losing battle. For a parent watching their child suffer these symptoms, life can seem torturous - however, it's good to know that dietary management is one of the most effective strategies for a fast and natural way to improve symptoms.For all of the worried parents out there - this article has been written for you, to help you understand the condition, and support your efforts in overcoming the burden of watching your child suffer from histamine intolerance.References1. Peniamina R. The Impact of Food Allergies on Quality of Life. Pediatr Ann. 2013.2. Mehta H, Groetch M, Wang J, Jaffe R. Growth and Nutritional Concerns in Children with Food Allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;13(3):275–9.3. Zopf Y, Baenkler H-W, Silbermann A, Hahn EG, Raithel M. The Differential Diagnosis of Food Intolerance. Dtsch Ärzteblatt Int ⏐Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009;106(21):359–70.4. Rosell-Camps A, Zibetti S, Perez-Esteban G, Vila-Vidal M, Ferres-Ramis L, Garcia-Teresa-Garcia E. Histamine intolerance as a cause of chronic digestive complaints in pediatric patients. REV ESP ENFERM DIG REV ESP ENFERM DIG. 2013;105(4):201–7.5. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance 1Ϫ3. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:1185–965.6. Kovacova-Hanuskova E, Buday T, Gavliakova S, Plevkova J. Histamine, histamine intoxication and intolerance. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015;43(5):498–506.7. San Mauro Martin I, Brachero S, Garicano Vilar E. Histamine intolerance and dietary management: A complete review. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2016;44(5):475–83.8. Skypala IJ, Williams M, Reeves L, Meyer R, Venter C. Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence. Clin Transl Allergy. 2015;5.9. Maintz L, Bieber T, Novak N. Histamine Intolerance in clinical practice. Dischem Arztebl. 2006;103(51–52):A3477-83.10. Joneja J. The Pivotal role of Histamine in the Symptoms of Food Intolerance. In: New Advances in Complementary Medicine American College for Advancement in Medicine. 2002.11. Manzotti G, Breda D, Di Gioacchino M, Burastero S. Serum diamine oxidase activity in patients with histamine intolerance. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016;29(1):105–11.12. Wagner N, Dirk D, Peveling-Oberhag A, Reese I, Rady-Pizarro U, Mitzel H, et al. A Popular myth – low-histamine diet improves chronic spontaneous urticaria – fact or fiction? JEADV [Internet]. 2016.13. Wantke F, Gotz M, Jarisch R. Histamine-free diet: treatment of choice for histamine-induced food intolerance and supporting treatment for chronical headaches. Clin Exp Allergy. 1993;23(23):982–5.

Have you ever wondered if there's a link between exercise and histamine intolerance? Can exercise reduce histamine levels? Or, are your symptoms getting worse through exercise induced histamine release? What's the case and where do you draw the line between pushing through body-healing exercise or calling it quits to prevent irritating your histamine intolerance? As early as 1935, researchers showed that exercise and histamine levels share a close connection. In an animal study, the rise in histamine levels during exercise showed to be dependent on the intensity and duration of the exercise being performed [1].Now, decades later, research confirms the same effect can be witnessed in humans…But, you likely don’t need the research to tell you that there's a connection. Because, you’re living it. Exercise induced histamine release Check any forum discussing exercise and histamine and you’re likely to see some very negative comments. So many people appear to be "allergic" to exercise, just like you!Each time you try to exercise, your heart rate goes up, your limbs go numb, a rash develops across your body, you feel dizzy or develop a migraine-like headache either during or following exercise.It’s these reactions that are likely to leave you thinking that exercise is just not a good idea for you. Much like avoiding animal hair if you’re allergic to it, you might as well accept the fact that you’re never going to be fit if you live with histamine intolerance.Or do you? Why exercise doesn't have to worsen histamine symptoms  Of course, it’s not good for your health to push through exercise that makes you feel sick or go into a feeling of anaphylaxis. But, exercise is an important part of your histamine management; and when it comes to exercise and histamine it’s the type of exercise you choose to do that has the greatest impact. Additionally, ensuring you're on a low histamine diet that also utilizes foods which act as mast cell stabilizers.If you haven't begun a low histamine diet or are unsure if your current diet is comprehensive, click below to download my free guide to histamine intolerance which also explains 4 secret strategies for reducing histamine intolerance symptoms. Download the Food List When utilizing the correct diet, choosing the right type of exercise will not only have an effect on your body’s histamine release but, your symptoms – particularly your energy levels and fatigue – can play a major role in whether it becomes beneficial, or remains detrimental.Before we consider the ‘right’ types of exercise, let’s look at the elements to consider when addressing exercise and histamine. What's the connection between exercise and histamine intolerance? You may be wondering what's causing your histamine reactions in the first place. Let's talk about a couple of the most common reasons... Reason 1: Excess histamine release Typically, histamine is released when your body experiences an invasion of a foreign protein.Take, for example, a bee sting. Histamine is released, which causes the area to swell and itch as the body stops the toxin from causing widespread harm.Research shows, however, that exercise induced histamine release is not a result of the typical allergic reaction. Instead, it’s because of exercise-specific triggers that histamine is released [2].Skeletal muscles are one of the areas within the body that contain a wide distribution of H1 and H2 histamine receptors (there are actually four types scattered throughout the body) [3].When mast cells, embedded within the skeletal muscle, release histamine, it binds to these receptors, eliciting a histamine response [4].Mast cells are typically activated due to an increase in inflammation within the muscles as a result of exercise. High intensity exercises – and, even moderate intensity exercise in susceptible people – causes tiny tears in muscle fibres, which trigger a mast cell response and, therefore, provoke exercise induced histamine release [5].This relationship between exercise and histamine is the reason you suffer the way you do when you take part in physical activity.In fact, this relationship is responsible for the symptoms of symptomatic reactions, such as low blood pressure, which is often sustained post-exercise due to the vasodilation it causes (relaxation of the blood vessels and reduced pressure of the blood flowing to essential organs).It’s also one of the most common reasons for dizziness and weakness following exercise, even in healthy young adults [6]; but, in those with histamine intolerance it’s even more severe, can last longer, and generally cause panic and anxiety when it comes to exercise What to do about it When the above is considered, it may appear that you really are allergic to working out and that as a means to regulate histamine overload, exercise may seem counterintuitive. But it really is an important part of your recovery and management of your condition.The key is finding an exercise routine that works for you, that allows you to build up your ability to take part in more physical activity and, that benefits your health and wellbeing overall.It’s not about hitting the streets and training to run a marathon and, you don’t have to jump into an intense step class to get the benefits of working out… you don’t even have to take up kickboxing or CrossFit, either.Something far more gentle, calming but still involving activity, can be just what you need to keep moving without it resulting in a surge in histamine. Reason 2: High histamine workout equipment It's often overlooked that some of the equipment we use during our workouts is littered with histamine-releasing or histamine-containing compounds. When you think about some of the cheap plastics, PVC and neon colorants that are used, you might start to get an idea of how these materials and dyes can irritate our symptoms by triggering our immune system. The number 1 culprit for these materials is yoga mats or exercise mats. Those $20 bright pink mats that are an absolute bargain may be absolutely damaging you in the long run. What to do about it It's important to know if the equipment you're working out with is impacting your symptoms. Dumbbells are usually on the safer side, as many of them are made from cast iron or stainless steel. It's best, however, to avoid coated dumbbells that use cheap dyed rubbers to cover the handles. If you're going to swap out one piece of equipment you suspect is irritating your symptoms, it should be the mat you work out on. Getting a high quality yoga mat made of natural materials to do anything from yoga to core exercises, stretching and pilates on can make a huge difference. The mat I personally use is this Yoco cork yoga mat. It's all-natural, hypoallergenic and antibacterial, which makes it great for those who are histamine intolerant. How to make working out work for you From what you've read above, it might be predictable that one of the recommendations I'll give for working out is to find exercises that aren't pushing you to your absolute limits and are more gentle on your healing body.  Yoga One of the exercises that comes up regularly is yoga, but, it also depends on the type of yoga you choose. We're all at different fitness levels - some may find they are able to dive right into an hour of vinyasa flow yoga without too much difficulty, while others may not be able to tolerate even one strength movement.Fortunately, with so many varieties available, you can tailor your yoga session to suit your needs, even choosing an alternative depending on how you feel from one day to the next.One of the other great benefits of yoga is the target on mental health. Stress – which can also be a reason the intensity of exercise sends you into a histamine-induced downward spiral – causes mast cells to become activated and may increase histamine release as a response to inflammation.Likewise, even the stress that comes about when you think about exercise can cause histamine to increase!Yoga can have a calming effect on the body and mind as it focuses on breathing and relaxation. Yoga apps are plentiful, and can set you up to do calming yoga sessions in the comfort of your own home. Once again, do not use a mat that is made from unnatural materials, PVC or anything that's neon - it's likely going to irritate your symptoms. Go for an all-natural, high quality, low histamine yoga mat that's going to leave you feeling refreshed and symptom-free. Walking Walking is another great way to exercise without suffering the histamine-related consequences. The Physical Activity Guidelines, as suggested by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, encourages adults to take part in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every week, and walking can easily make up this time with 30 minutes on most days of the week. Strength Strength exercises are another important part of physical activity. While lifting weights can place a significant amount of strain on your muscles and cause higher degrees of muscle damage as a means to build them bigger and stronger, you don’t have to take part weightlifting that gets you a ticket to the Olympics for it to be beneficial. Lighter weights, lower reps and routines with a low-moderate intensity are still great for your body, particularly when you have issues with your histamine load.One of my favourite workout websites is called Fitness Blender. I've personally used them for nearly a decade, so I'm a huge fan of their hundreds of free workout videos of all types (including yoga, strength, and low impact cardio).  Don't be afraid of exercising Exercise may be intimidating, having likely experienced severe reactions to it in the past. But, when you try again, take it slow in the beginning and schedule in an appropriate number of days rest in between exercise days.Because histamine release is associated with Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), allowing the muscles to recover almost fully before the next workout can reduce the surge of inflammation and histamine release at the next training session [7].As your muscles begin to become accustomed to the exercises and physical exertion, your intensity can increase, and rest periods decrease.Whatever you decide, make it work for you. Take a serious look at your goals, and consider how you will achieve them while still managing the histamine-induced turmoil that has taken over your body for the time being.Don’t push too hard, or too fast! Managing exercise and histamine intolerance is a long-term goal, and finding the ‘perfect’ routine may take time… but when you do, it’ll certainly be worth it.There are other points to consider when taking part in exercise when you have a histamine intolerance. 4 ways to reduce a histamine response during exercise Food can have a huge impact on exercise and histamine [8]. And these four food-based considerations can have a positive effect on whether exercise brings about a surge of histamine. Change when you eat. Eating right before exercise can be a problem for some people. One reason could be because food may trigger increased release of histamine from the gut bacteria, which can then push histamine load. Rather eat an hour or two beforehand, and take the next point into account. Choose what you eat wisely. Food may not only cause histamine release from your body, but, may itself be a histamine liberator - although, mast cell stabilizers such as Natural D-Hist can help to reduce this histamine liberation. It’s important to take this into consideration, especially on training days. Most of all, be sure you're eating foods that are low in histamine and that reduce histamine load. Download the full food list below to start eating properly! Get the Food List Think about what you’re fuelling with. Energy bars, whey protein shakes and protein bars may be the reason you’re having difficulties with exercise and histamine. If you’re looking for a protein source, choose eggs, for example, over processed ‘health food’. Or, try my recipe for a Low Histamine Superfood Smoothie Come up with a formula. On training days, it may be easier to eat the same diet for that day, that you eat on every other training day. While it’s important to have a variety of nutrients and dietary diversity for health and wellbeing, if exercise and histamine are a problem, the days you do train can be quite formulaic as long as the other days are more nutrient rich. Sometimes, you may come across information that may be less helpful. For example, using antihistamines during exercise.But, let's dive into why that may not be such a great idea... Why antihistamines before exercise may not be the answer Research conducted by the University of Oregon in 2016 provided evidence to support the case against the use of antihistamines in exercise-induced histamine responses. The reason this isn't the best idea is because part of the recovery process of exercise is carried out by mast cells and subsequent histamine release [9].Along with the relaxation of blood vessels, an increase in blood flow contributed to the histamine response which, as a result of skeletal muscle exercise, lasted as long as two hours. The researchers concluded that, while histamine may have seriously negative connotations attached to it, the importance of its release during exercise recovery cannot be overlooked [9,10,11].If you are currently taking antihistamines to manage histamine release during exercise, speak to your doctor about alternatives before simply stopping any medication you have been prescribed.Exercise induced histamine release is often as a result of a combination of histamine increasing factors. As someone who has histamine intolerance or is struggling with histamine overload, a better way to reduce the release of histamine – or its effects - during and after exercise, is to manage your levels altogether, such as through diet and lifestyle changes.References: Appearance of histamine in the venous blood during muscular contraction. Anrep GV, Barsoum GS. J Physiol. 1935;85:409–20. The Intriguing Role of Histamine in Exercise Responses. Meredith J. Luttrell and John R. Halliwill. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2017 Jan; 45(1): 16–23. Effect of H1- and H2-histamine receptor blockade on postexercise insulin sensitivity. Pellinger TK, Dumke BR, Halliwill JR. Physiol Rep. 2013 Jul; 1(2):e00033. Postexercise hypotension and sustained postexercise vasodilatation: what happens after we exercise? Halliwill JR, Buck TM, Lacewell AN, Romero SA. Exp Physiol. 2013 Jan; 98(1):7-18. Elevation of histidine decarboxylase activity in skeletal muscles and stomach in mice by stress and exercise. Ayada K, Watanabe M, Endo Y. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2000 Dec; 279(6):R2042-7. Sustained postexercise vasodilatation and histamine receptor activation following small muscle-mass exercise in humans. Barrett-O’Keefe Z, Kaplon RE, Halliwill JR. Exp Physiol. 2013;98:268–77. A single dose of histamine-receptor antagonists prior to downhill running alters markers of muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness. Ely MR, Romero SA, Sieck DC, Mangum JE, Luttrell MJ, Halliwill JR. J Appl Physiol. 2016. Food-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis: Possible Impact of Increased Basophil Histamine Releasability in Hyperosmolar Conditions. Barg W, Wolanczyk-Medrala A, Obojski A, Wytrychowski O, Panaszek B, Medrala W. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2008; Vol. 18(4): 312-315. Histamine-receptor blockade reduces blood flow but not muscle glucose uptake during postexercise recovery in humans. Emhoff CA, Barrett-O’Keefe Z, Padgett RC, Hawn JA, Halliwill JR. Exp Physiol. 2011;96:664–73. Evidence of a broad histamine footprint on the human exercise transcriptome. Steven A. Romero, Austin D. Hocker, Joshua E. Mangum, Meredith J. Luttrell, Douglas W. Turnbull, Adam J. Struck, Matthew R. Ely, Dylan C. Sieck, Hans C. Dreyer, John R. Halliwill. The Journal of Physiology, 2016. Roles of histamine in exercise-induced fatigue: favouring endurance and protecting against exhaustion. Niijima-Yaoita F, Tsuchiya M, Ohtsu H, et al. Biol Pharm Bull. 2012;35:91–7.

Have you ever heard about the connection between H. pylori and histamine intolerance?Bacterial issues and histamine intolerance tend to go hand-in-hand. Most histamine intolerant individuals are working to rebalance their gut bacteria using histamine safe probiotics.But, did you know that there's a particular bacterium called H. pylori, which is carried by nearly half of the population, that has shown to play a role in histamine intolerance.Not only is there a strong connection between H. pylori and histamine intolerance - but, many individuals experiencing common issues such as reflux and inflammation, or even more serious issues such as esophageal cancer have discovered H. pylori to be present and play a role in pathogenesis.Let's dive in and take a closer look. What is Helicobacter pylori? Let’s start with the basics: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), is a strain of bacteria that infect the stomach lining and has been recorded as a major contributor and cause of ulcers in the stomach, distress on the small intestine and other gastroduodenal diseases (1).This nasty bacteria can be passed along through saliva from an infected individual and, is also readily available for infection via utensils, food and water (2)(3).Although not as prevalent in developed countries, H.Pylori is still a factor in many peoples lives and has a tendency of being brushed off very quickly by medical professionals as something less severe, which can lead to numerous misdiagnoses, as well as an increase in symptoms, such as acid reflux and heartburn, nausea and sometimes ulcers (4).This lack of recognition is due to the fact that, although approximately half of the population possesses H. pylori, many live with it asymptomatically. Or, the symptoms that are being promoted as a result of H. pylori are considered normal, everyday symptoms such as reflux and heartburn.Well, as we now know, these symptoms are not normal and can be indicators that something is going wrong. Additionally, these symptoms can develop into more severe disorders - so, it's best to put a stop to them early on.Let's continue on to the specific relationship between H. pylori and histamine. Histamine Intolerance Histamine is a key chemical involved in the immune system and proper digestion and is derived from histidine; a fundamental amino acid associated with the growth and repair of tissues in the body (4).Histamine is usually referred to when allergies and inflammatory reactions come up, as it sends out an alarm to the body that an invader has come in (ie. bacteria, infection, etc.) and it needs to be dealt with (5).This mechanism is necessary for a healthy body and immune system, as it protects you from unwanted, foreign aggressors that could cause potential health problems.But - what if that signal goes off while an invader isn’t actually present? This is where histamine intolerance comes in (2).Histamine also influences the secretion of gastric juices (2). This is especially significant if you are struggling with H. pylori, as your stomach and bowel symptoms may become much worse due to the influx of histamine production and, therefore, HCL (stomach acid) production (5). H. pylori and Histamine Intolerance H. pylori and histamine can be an extremely dangerous combination, especially when histamine intolerance builds up.Contrary to what many believe, histamine intolerance does not mean a lack of histamine production in the body (2). It actually means that your body is producing so much histamine, that the signals are constantly going off for invaders, even when there is absolutely no threat to your immune system, which could mean greater risk for the development of food allergies and sensitivities (2)(6). Not to mention, more stress put on your body, which could mean even more symptoms, including adrenal fatigue and danger of developing other issues and chronic illnesses (4).Histamine intolerance can be caused by leaky gut, bacterial overgrowth (including SIBO), allergies (IgE), IG bleeding (ulcers) and diets high in histamine-rich foods (7). Other than diet, all of these culprits can easily be linked back to the potential connection between H. pylori and histamine.The biggest issues surrounding H. pylori is that re-infection rates are getting larger and larger, antibiotic resistance is becoming more rampant, mis- and non-diagnosis is commonplace and, there is a massive lack of research and studies regarding effective alternative therapies (8).So, when it comes to H. pylori and histamine intolerance, where do we go from here? H. pylori: Tests and Diagnoses Healthcare professionals and the health and wellness industry as a whole currently have a tendency to approach both H. pylori and histamine intolerance with skepticism and a lack of recognition or underestimation of importance.But, with the available evidence, it's important to be more open-minded when it comes to strains of bacteria, especially ones as common and potentially harmful as H. pylori.Simply because H. pylori and histamine intolerance don't commonly appear to be immediately life threatening, it doesn't mean that both H. pylori and histamine don't have the potential to develop into more harmful symptoms and chronic disorders.For this reason, the presence of H. pylori is important to check for and should not be taken lightly, especially as it can wreak severe havoc on the whole body, and not just the gut.Our body works as a whole - with no system functioning in complete isolation. So, if there is a bacteria that can weed its way into the lining of your stomach, you had best believe it will affect your entire being – which, many people observe as skin issues, inflammation, allergies, sensitivities and other symptoms of histamine intolerance.More often than not, if you haven’t developed an ulcer yet, your healthcare professional will not test you for H. pylori, therefore, making this bacteria that much easier to spread to others and much more difficult to heal (8).Knowledge is power, so knowing your options and requesting tests and/or examinations that will put your mind at ease and give you the information you need in order to make an informed decision regarding your health is key.The best place to start the healing process is to find out if there's a link between H. pylori and histamine intolerance in your personal case. If so, eliminating H. pylori from your system, which can be done once you are diagnosed, is the next step to eradicate this bacterium that may be perpetually worsening symptoms. A urea breath test, blood test and stool test are all potential testing options for diagnosis.Once diagnosed, removal of H. pylori comes next. Removal can be done in multiple ways, through proper supplementation and either via herbal or pharmaceutical antibiotics, depending on your personal case.Depending on how long you’ve been dealing with this bacteria and how severe the infection is, antibiotics may be the only way to truly rid yourself of H. pylori - however, in some severe cases, H. pylori has begun to become more resistant to antibiotics (3).I typically recommend trying natural options first - and, as a last resort, you can turn to pharmaceutical options which may have more side-effects and wipe out more of the good bacteria - but, then you can move on to a more aggressive pre- and probiotic routine for re-establishing bacterial balance. H. pylori and Histamine Symptoms: Top 7 Natural Interventions When it comes to H. pylori and histamine intolerance, if you opt for natural interventions, it's notable that numerous alternative therapies have shown success in regaining control over H. pylori while also healing the gut and body (8) Probiotics have shown great success in possible prevention of H. Pylori and healing the stomach. Bifidobacterium is one strain that has been recommended (4,8). However, it's essential to ensure you're using probiotics that are histamine-safe. Many probiotics will naturally produce histamine and actually make histamine intolerance symptoms worse. Ensure you check this list I've compiled of high histamine bacteria, and ensure none of these common strains are contained in your probiotic. Berberine has not only shown direct activity against H. pylori itself - but, may even possess the potential to improve histidine metabolism. As histidine is a precursor for histamine, this offers potential benefits for individuals with histamine intolerance, giving it a double-effect against both the underlying pathogen and histamine issues themselves (9). Zinc carnosine has shown to reduce inflammation associated with H. pylori, as well as potential symptoms and complications associated with H. pylori such as gastritis (10, 11). Additionally, the use of zinc Carnosine in combination with antibiotics has shown to significantly improve the H. pylori eradication rate, without increasing toxicity (12). These results demonstrate that adding zinc into your H. pylori elimination routine can have the overall effect of improving symptoms, reducing inflammation and getting rid of H. pylori faster and more effectively. Mastic gum is an especially interesting, as it has been studied to possess bacterialcidal activity against numerous H. pylori strains, including drug-resistant H. pylori (13) . Additionally, mastic gum has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant and even anti-cancer activity, making it an all-around beneficial treatment which is well-tolerated by individuals (14). Bismuth-based therapy has shown in studies to be a natural remedy which is as effective as current first-line therapies for H. pylori in clinical practice, with a good safety profile compared to current pharmaceutical drugs (15,16,17). These studies even demonstrated bismuth to work against antibiotic-resistant H. pylori (18). Pyloricil is my top recommendation for a natural supplement for eliminating H. pylori. Pyloricil is one of the few supplements available that contains a combination of all top evidence-based natural treatments for H. pylori listed above (9-18). As H. pylori is present in approximately half of the population and is a common underlying cause or contributor for histamine intolerance, I currently use it with the majority of my clinical clients and recommend it to those trying to re-establish bacterial balance and eliminate underlying pathogens. Additionally, H. pylori testing can have a high false negative rate, therefore I even use it with many clients who appear to have symptoms of H. pylori, even if they have not been tested or have tested negative. The ingredients also act against numerous other underlying pathogens while supporting beneficial bacteria, making pyloricil a great comprehensive supplement to use as a first-line intervention for bacterial issues associated with histamine intolerance. Whole foods diet should absolutely be a main focus for anyone, especially when you’re dealing with H. Pylori and histamine intolerance. In particular, broccoli has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer properties, which makes this an excellent vegetable to add into your whole foods diet (8). For a comprehensive low histamine diet which emphasizes gut-healing and anti-inflammatory foods, click below to download the low histamine food list! Download the Food List H. pylori and histamine intolerance can be a very rough combination and tend to work a little too well together, meaning they can cyclically perpetuate one-another and worsen your symptoms and disorder very quickly.Putting emphasis on a clean diet filled with low-histamine foods (fresh meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, gluten-free grains, eggs, etc.) will help to ensure you don’t exacerbate your histamine intolerance symptoms (4).Unfortunately, when it comes to pesky bacteria, like H.pylori, the risk can be quite high and it's almost impossible to avoid the potential for contamination. Knowing what symptoms to look out for, how the bacteria will effect your body and how you can heal it is much more important than trying to live your life in quarantine.If you suspect you have H. pylori and histamine intolerance, knowing your options and the dietary and supplementation modifications, such as beginning a low histamine diet and using antimicrobial supplements such as Pyloricil, can make a major impact in your healing process.References1. Ma ZF, Majid NA, Yamaoka Y, Lee YY. Food allergy and Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review. Front Microbiol. 2016;7(MAR):1–5.2. Alexander BJ, Ames BN, Baker SM, Bennet P. Textbook of Functional Medicine. Jones DS, Quinn S, editors. Washington: The Institute for Functional Medicine; 2010. 3-66 p.3. Malfertheiner P, Megraud F, O’Morain CA, Gisbert JP, Kuipers EJ, Axon AT, et al. Management of helicobacter pylori infection-the Maastricht V/Florence consensus report. Gut. 2016;66(1):6–30.4. Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 4th ed. Avery, editor. London: Penguin Group; 2006. 980 p.5. Haas EM, Levin B. Staying Healthy with Nutrition. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts; 2006. 925 p.6. Hurduc V, Bordei L, Buzoianu E, Plesca DA. P242 Helicobacter pylori infection and speci fi c immunoglobulin e antibodies to food allergens in symptomatic children admitted in a digestive endoscopy unit. BMJ [Internet]. 2017;102(November 2016). Available from: https://adc.bmj.com/content/102/Suppl_2/A128.27. Myers AM. The Autoimmune Solution: Prevent and Reverse the Full Spectrum of Inflammatory Symptoms and Diseases. Harper Collins; 2017. 400 p.8. Ayala G, Escobedo-Hinojosa WI, de La Cruz-Herrera CF, Romero I. Exploring alternative treatments for Helicobacter pylori infection. World J Gastroenterol. 2014;20(6):1450–69.9. Sun, H., Wang, H., Zhang, A., Yan, G., Zhang, Y., An, N. and Wang, X. (2015). Berberine Ameliorates Nonbacterial Prostatitis via Multi-Target Metabolic Network Regulation. OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology, 19(3), pp.186-195.10. Ishihara, R., Iishi, H., Sakai, N., Yano, H., Uedo, N., Narahara, H., Iseki, K., Mikuni, T., Ishiguro, S. and Tatsuta, M. (2002). Polaprezinc Attenuates Helicobacter pylori-Associated Gastritis in Mongolian Gerbils. Helicobacter, 7(6), pp.384-389. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1248512611. Suzuki, H., Mori, M., Seto, K., Miyazawa, M., Kai, A., Suematsu, M., Yoneta, T., Miura, S. and Ishii, H. (2001). Polaprezinc attenuates the Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric mucosal leucocyte activation in Mongolian gerbils-a study using intravital videomicroscopy. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 15(5), pp.715-725. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1246497212. Tan, B., Luo, H., Xu, H., Lv, N., Shi, R., Luo, H., Li, J., Ren, J., Zou, Y., Li, Y., Ji, F., Fang, J. and Qian, J. (2017). Polaprezinc combined with clarithromycin-based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis: A prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. PLOS ONE, 12(4), p.e0175625.13. Miyamoto, T., Okimoto, T. and Kuwano, M. (2014). Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil of Mastic Gum and their Antibacterial Activity Against Drug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori. Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 4(4), pp.227-231.14. S. Paraschos, S. Mitakou and A.-L. Skaltsounis (2012). Chios Gum Mastic: A Review of its Biological Activities. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 19(14), pp.2292-2302. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2241411015. Fiorini, G., Zullo, A., Saracino, I., Gatta, L., Pavoni, M. and Vaira, D. (2018). Pylera and sequential therapy for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, p.1.16. Tursi, A., Franceschi, M., Allegretta, L., Savarino, E., De Bastiani, R., Elisei, W., Baldassarre, G., Ferronato, A., Scida, S., Miraglia, C., Penna, A., Licci, C., Rizzo, G., Pranzo, G., Cassieri, C., Brandimarte, G., Picchio, M. and Di Mario, F. (2018). Effectiveness and Safety of Pylera® in Patients Infected by Helicobacter Pylori: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Real Life Study. Digestive Diseases, 36(4), pp.264-268.17. Gómez Rodríguez, B., Castro Laria, L., Argüelles Arias, F., Castro Márquez, C., Caunedo Álvarez, Á. and Romero Gómez, M. (2017). A real life study of Helicobacter pylori eradication with bismuth quadruple therapy in naïve and previously treated patients. Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas, 109.18. Tsay, F., Wu, D., Yu, H., Kao, S., Lin, K., Cheng, J., Wang, H., Chen, W., Sun, W., Tsai, K. and Hsu, P. (2017). A Randomized Controlled Trial Shows that both 14-Day Hybrid and Bismuth Quadruple Therapies Cure Most Patients with Helicobacter pylori Infection in Populations with Moderate Antibiotic Resistance. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 61(11).