Histamine Intolerance Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

Do you often experience unexplained skin rashes, digestive discomfort, headaches, or a constantly stuffy nose? 

Why do some people react so strongly to everyday foods and environmental triggers while others don’t?

Have you ever noticed that weather changes, intake of certain foods, and exposure to pollen, or even dust make your symptoms worse? 

Could it be allergies, or is something else at play? 

While most people and consultants associate these reactions with common allergies, another possible culprit often goes unnoticed – Histamine Intolerance.

What is Histamine?

A compound that is naturally occurring in the body, plays a vital role in immune responses, neurotransmission, and digestion. Histamine is a biogenic amine that is primarily stored in the mast cells, and basophils and is derived from amino acid histidine. These mast cells and basophils release this histamine in response to allergens, infections, and injury.

What are the Functions of Histamine?

Histamine is a key player in allergies as when it is released when any allergen detects various symptoms like inflammation, swelling, etc. occurs. Along with this histamine stimulates the production of gastric acid, acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, regulates vasodilation, etc.

When Does Histamine Become the Culprit?

As it is essential for many physiological processes, problems arise when it is overproduced or not broken down properly which leads to various issues like allergies, histamine intolerance, migraines, digestive problems, etc.

How is Histamine Intolerance Different from Other Allergic Reactions?

True allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks harmless substances, whereas histamine intolerance is caused by an imbalance between histamine production and its breakdown. 

What Causes this Impaired Histamine Breakdown?

This occurs primarily due to deficiencies in enzymes like DAO (diamine oxidase) and HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase). When the body struggles with the breakdown of histamine efficiently, it accumulates, which results in a variety of symptoms that mimic allergies, digestive disorders, and even anxiety. 

Today throughout the world lots of individuals are suffering from chronic issues like sinus congestion, itching, irregular heartbeats, and anxiety, without realizing that histamine intolerance could be the underlying reason.  As its symptoms mimic allergies, IBS, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even asthma, so histamine intolerance is easily misdiagnosed or overlooked. 

To answer all the questions mentioned above, diving into its root causes, identifying potential triggers, and exploring effective management strategies are required. If you’ve been searching for answers to your unexplained symptoms, could histamine intolerance be the missing piece of the puzzle? Let’s explore the Ayurvedic science behind it and discover how to regain control over your histamine at IAFA.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

When the body is unable to get regular histamine and properly breakdown then this leads to excessive accumulation of this compound in the system and this is known as histamine intolerance which results in various kinds of symptoms in the body.

What is Histamine Intolerance – As Per Ayurveda?

As per Ayurveda histamine intolerance will be better understood through the lens of imbalance of fundamental energies (Dosha) mainly Vata and Pitta, metabolic dysfunction (Poor or weakened Agni), and toxin accumulation (Ama Uttpati).

If we talk about symptoms of histamine intolerance, then they are better correlated with symptoms of various disorders mentioned in Ayurveda like acidic disorder (Urdhwaga Amlapitta), Udard, Kotha, Tmaka Shwasa, Vata-Pitta Prakopa, etc.

Who Gets Affected by Histamine Intolerance?

Certain individuals are more susceptible to histamine intolerance otherwise it can affect anyone. As you know, histamine intolerance is not a true allergy and occurs when an imbalance occurs between breakdown and production of histamine, so individuals with DAO enzyme deficiency, HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase) deficiency.

Individuals suffering from various gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, SIBO, IBD, etc., or those who take a high histamine diet, and certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, etc. are more prone to have histamine intolerance.

How Common is Histamine Intolerance?

Exact data on current incidence is not available but globally around 1-3% of the population is affected by histamine intolerance and approximately 80% of them are middle-aged. As per the survey women above 40 years are more affected by histamine intolerance which is 80% higher than others. As per survey cases, children remain undiagnosed as they eat less rich food. Research revealed that fish, smoked meat products and cheeses contain large amounts of histamine and may trigger symptoms of histamine intolerance in most cases.

What is the Difference Between Histamine Intolerance and Histamine Intoxication?

When there is decreased histamine degradation, resulting most commonly from low DAO activity and due to tissue HNMT being inhibited by histamine metabolites then this condition is known as histamine intolerance. This condition can occur even when food with low amounts of histamine is ingested.

On the other hand, when individuals with normal histamine degradation enzyme activity ingest large quantities of histamine-rich food like certain fish, smoked meat, cheese, etc., and develop histamine-induced symptoms, then this condition is known as histamine intoxication.

Types of Histamine Intolerance

1. Enzyme Deficiency Related to Histamine Intolerance: When the body is deficient in certain enzymes that are necessary for the breakdown of histamine. It is further of two types:-

I) Diamine oxidase (DAO) deficiency

II) Histamine- N- methyltransferase (HNMT) deficiency

I) Diamine Oxidase (DAO) Deficiency: The primary enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut is DAO. When DAO is deficient due to genetic causes, gastrointestinal issues, use of certain medications, etc. excessive histamine accumulation occurs which results in various digestive issues, skin reactions, and headaches.

II) Histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT) Deficiency: For breaking of histamine in the nervous system, liver, and other tissues, HNMT is responsible, and its deficiency may result in various neurological issues like migraines, brain fog, anxiety, etc.

2. Mast Cell-Related Histamine Intolerance: Due to overactive cells the body produces too much histamine. This may be the result of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) where mast cells release excessive histamine in response to non-threatening triggers and results in various symptoms like hives, asthma-like symptoms, flushes, anaphylaxis, etc.

3. Gut-Related Histamine Intolerance: Due to poor gut health histamine breakdown and metabolism are affected which results in histamine intolerance. The main digestive system-related issues that result in histamine tolerance are Leaky Gut Syndrome, SIBO, dysbiosis, etc.

4. Hormone-Related Histamine Intolerance: When a hormonal imbalance occurs in the body mainly of estrogen then it increases histamine levels in the body and worsens symptoms this is known as Hormone-Related Histamine Intolerance. This occurs mainly at times of menstruation, pregnancy, hormonal therapy, perimenopause, menopause, use of birth control pills, etc.

5. Food-Induced Histamine Intolerance: When a high histamine diet is taken by the individual then it triggers histamine release and digestive system issues, enzyme deficiencies reduce the ability of the body to break down the histamine and result in histamine intolerance. Fermented foods, processed meat, cheese, spinach, tomatoes, etc. are foods rich in histamine, and citrus food, nuts, and chocolate even not high in histamine but trigger histamine intolerance.

6. Environmental & Stress-Induced Histamine Intolerance: Many external factors when resulting in histamine release or breakdown then this is known as Environmental & Stress-Induced Histamine Intolerance. External factors are pollen, dust, animal dander, extreme heat, extreme cold, mold, anxiety, chronic stress, etc.