Histamine intolerance

Many consider histamine intolerance to be a food allergy. In fact, however, it belongs to the food intolerances, because it is not the immune system that reacts to an allergen, but rather the body's own messenger histamine cannot be broken down properly. Causes include impaired activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is normally responsible for histamine breakdown, or too much histamine is ingested through the diet. So if there is more histamine in the body than can be broken down, an imbalance occurs.

Although histamine intolerance is not allergy-related, symptoms similar to those of an allergy occur after eating certain foods. This is because the body overreacts to the neurotransmitter histamine, which is found in a whole range of foods that are commonly found in the diet.

The symptoms are very non-specific, which is why histamine intolerance is often not recognized as such. Shortly after the consumption of histamine-containing foods, but sometimes later, various complaints can occur:

• clogged nose
• running nose
• sneezing
• reddened eyes
• swollen eyes
• neck scratching
• breathing difficulties
• asthma
• dizziness
• headaches
• migraines
• heart palpitations
• sweating
• itching
• skin rash
• hives
• heartburn
• abdominal pain
• flatulence
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

The intensity of the symptoms ranges from very mild to severe. Often affected people suspect an allergic rhinitis or allergic conjunctivitis, as the symptoms are very similar to those of an allergy. It can sometimes take years to find the real cause behind the discomfort - especially since gastrointestinal symptoms can also indicate other food intolerances such as lactose intolerance.

According to the specialist portal for food intolerances and allergies nmi  1 to 3 percent of the population suffer from histamine intolerance, 80 percent of whom are women. However, it is estimated that the number of unreported cases is much higher, as it is very difficult to diagnose.

Enjoyers with histamine intolerance have it particularly difficult, because histamine is in many luxury foods of all things. Foods that are ripened, preserved and stored for a long time also produce increased histamine. Some foods, on the other hand, inhibit the breakdown of histamine or release histamine stored in the body. Here is a list of known culprits in intolerance:

aged cheese:

• Parmesan
• mold cheese
• old Gouda
• processed cheese
• Emmental

Fish and shellfish:

• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Hering
• Sardine
• Shellfish
• Crab

Meat:

• cured, marinated, or smoked meat
• raw ham
• smoked sausages
• nuts

fruit:

• Bananas
• Pineapples
• Papaya
• Pears
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Citrus
• Kiwi
• Canned fruit

Vegetables:

• Sauerkraut
• Pickled vegetables
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Aubergine
• Avocado
• Olives
• Sprouts
• Sprouts

Legumes:

• Lentils
• Beans
• Soy
• Tofu

Mushrooms:

• Campignons
• Stone mushrooms
• Morels

Nuts:

• Cashew nuts
• Walnuts
• Peanuts

Drinks:

• Red wine
• White wine
• Sparkling wine
• Beer
• Black tea
• Green tea
• Tomato juice
• Orange juice
• Energy drinks

Other:

• Cocoa
• Chocolate
• Finished products
• Spice blends
• Glutamate
• Yeast
• Canned goods
• Wine vinegar
• Balsamic

Important to know: Fruits and vegetables can also become histamine traps if you store them for too long and do not consume them directly. If you suspect a histamine intolerance, you should record your meals as precisely as possible in a food diary. This is the only way to gradually get to the bottom of the triggers.

The treatment of histamine intolerance is based primarily on a change in diet. Here, all foods that contain or release histamine should be consistently omitted. A nutritionist can help you create a suitable meal plan. Additional tips for dealing with intolerance:

• The intake of vitamin B6 as well as vitamin C supports the function of the enzyme DAO and thus the breakdown of histamine.
• If you also suffer from allergies and react, for example, to pollen, you should avoid the allergens as best as possible. Because in an allergic reaction, increased histamine is released, which can not be sufficiently broken down by the enzymes and triggers the symptoms.
• In the therapy of histamine intolerance, mast cell stabilizers can help alleviate the symptoms. For this, it is best to consult a doctor.
• If, despite great caution, histamine-containing foods have strayed onto your plate, you can treat the symptoms with antihistamines. However, this should remain the exception, because for permanent use, these drugs are not suitable.

If people with histamine intolerance take certain drugs, this can become a dangerous combination. This is because some painkillers with the active ingredients mefenamic acid or diclofenac release histamine, causing an excess in the body. Acetylcysteine and metamizole, on the other hand, block the enzyme DAO. The consequences can be severe or even fatal. They range from indigestion to headaches to a drop in blood pressure.