Histamine Intolerance

Definition

Histamine intolerance occurs when the body cannot break down histamine properly, leading to various symptoms such as headaches, hives, and digestive issues.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Histamine intolerance is a condition in which the degradation of histamine is impaired, often due to a deficiency or reduced activity of the enzymes diamine oxidase (DAO) and histamine-N-methyltransferase (HNMT), resulting in excess histamine that causes various adverse reactions.

Benefits

• Understanding histamine intolerance can help tailor dietary choices to avoid symptoms.
• Managing histamine intake might improve quality of life for those affected.

Examples

• Aged cheeses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Fermented foods
• Cured meats
• Certain fruits such as avocados and bananas

Additional Information

• Side effects: Common side effects of histamine intolerance include headaches, skin rashes, bloating, diarrhea, and flushing.

Related Terms

• Food Allergies
• DAO Deficiency
• Histamine
• Leaky Gut Syndrome

References

• Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art
• Histamine and Histamine Intolerance