Histamine intolerance: the forgotten trigger behind a variety of complaints

Histamine intolerance can lead to symptoms such as headaches, intestinal problems and itching. This blog explains how to test histamine load and breakdown via Bloodtesting.nl.co.uk. Discover the role of DAO, HNMT and the microbiome in histamine problems.

Do you suffer from headaches, itching, stomach cramps, palpitations or unexplained fatigue? And do your symptoms seem to worsen after eating certain foods such as aged cheese, wine, chocolate or tomato? Then histamine intolerance could just be the cause.

What is histamine anyway?

Histamine is a substance in the body that plays a key role in several processes:

• it regulates inflammatory responses,
• Stimulates stomach acid production,
• affects blood pressure,
• and acts as a neurotransmitter in your brain.

Histamine is produced by immune cells (mast cells), but also enters your body through food and intestinal bacteria.

Normally, excess histamine is quickly broken down. When that mechanism falters - due to overproduction, increased absorption or decreased breakdown - histamine can accumulate. The result? A wide range of symptoms that are often not immediately recognized as histamine-related.

Symptoms that may indicate a histamine intolerance

Symptoms vary from person to person, but often involve a combination of vague, recurring symptoms such as:

• Headache or migraine
• Itching, rash or hives
• Abdominal cramps, bloating or diarrhea
• Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Nasal congestion or runny nose without a cold
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Hot flashes or temperature fluctuations

How does histamine intolerance develop?

Histamine is broken down in the small intestine by the enzyme DAO (diamino-oxidase). When this enzyme is underactive - for example, due to intestinal inflammation, certain medications, alcohol or deficiencies in cofactors such as vitamin B6, copper or zinc - histamine can accumulate.

In addition, a disturbed gut flora (dysbiosis) may contribute because some bacteria produce histamine themselves. This explains why gut health plays a major role in histamine intolerance.

Foods high in histamine

Some foods are naturally high in histamine or stimulate its release. Examples are:

• Aged or aged cheeses
• Wine, beer and champagne
• Tomatoes and tomato products
• Fish (especially tuna, mackerel, sardines)
• Chocolate, nuts and vinegar
• Fermentation products such as sauerkraut or soy sauce

Avoiding these products may provide temporary relief, but it is important to also investigate why histamine breakdown is impaired.

Getting Histamine Tested

At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can gain insight into your histamine balance through targeted testing. Consider:

• DAO activity test: measures whether your body can adequately break down histamine.
• Histamine determination in blood: shows if there is accumulation.
• Intestinal flora analysis: provides insight into bacteria that produce histamine.

Blood collection can take place at more than 1,000 locations in the Netherlands. The results are analyzed in an ISO-certified laboratory. If something abnormal is found that requires medical follow-up, you will always be called first by a doctor or medical expert.

Conclusion

Histamine intolerance is often an underestimated cause of recurring, unclear symptoms. By measuring how your body processes histamine, you can work with a doctor or therapist to target recovery - through diet, gut health and lifestyle.