Histamine is an important molecule in our bodies that helps with many functions. Most people know it for causing allergies, but it does much more. Histamine plays a role in digestion, helps our brains work, and controls blood flow. However, having too much histamine can cause problems, especially in the gut.
An expert explains that imbalances in histamine levels can lead to various health issues. If you want to learn more about how histamine affects your body and find tips on managing it, keep reading. Understanding histamine can help you feel better and improve your overall health.
How Histamine Affects Gut Health?
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Histamine is a biogenic amine, a type of molecule derived from the amino acid histidine. Dr Kalpana Gupta Shekhawat, Chairperson - Functional & Metabolic Medicine Academy, Gurugram, explained its role in gut health as she said, “Histamine isn't only released during allergies. It's actually present in many common foods, including fermented items, aged cheeses, and processed meat.”
Histamine intolerance (HIT) is a condition where the body accumulates excessive histamine due to an imbalance between histamine intake and the body's ability to degrade it. “When you consume histamine-rich foods, or if your body produces excess histamine, it can cause inflammation in your gut lining,” added Dr Shekhawat.
The condition may lead to the following:
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
According to the expert, people with histamine intolerance have trouble breaking down histamine in their bodies. When this happens, too much histamine can build up, which can make gut health problems worse. Normally, an enzyme called diamine oxidase helps break down histamine in the gut. But if you have low levels of this enzyme, histamine can accumulate. This buildup can lead to issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and food sensitivities.
When there is too much histamine, it can also harm the lining of the gut. This damage may cause a condition known as a leaky gut, which can lead to even more serious digestive problems. It’s important to pay attention to these signs and seek help if you think you have histamine intolerance.
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Management Tips
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Managing histamine intolerance involves reducing histamine levels in the body and supporting the gut's ability to process histamine effectively. The expert suggested a few tips to manage the condition.
- Limit Histamine-Rich Foods
- Incorporate Probiotics
- Boost Diamine Oxidase (DAO)
- Listen to Your Body
- Stay Hydrated
When To See A Doctor?
If you think you have histamine intolerance, it's important to see a doctor. They can check your DAO levels, assess your gut health, or test for mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) to find out what's wrong. Doctors may use skin prick tests or blood tests to diagnose the issue. If you often feel bloated, have headaches, or get skin rashes after eating certain foods, don’t ignore these signs. Getting the right diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Always consult a healthcare professional if you're concerned about your health.
Conclusion
If you suspect you have histamine intolerance, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. They can test your DAO levels, check your gut health, or look for mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Symptoms like bloating, headaches, or skin rashes after eating certain foods shouldn't be ignored. Getting the right diagnosis can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life, so don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.