What is histamine?
According to Dr. Kalpana Gupta Shekhawat, President - Academy of Functional & Metabolic Medicine, Gurugram (India), histamine is a natural chemical in the body, produced mainly by mast cells and basophils, which plays an important role in the immune system and physiological responses. Histamine is involved in many processes in the body, including:
Immune response: Histamine helps the body respond to harmful agents such as bacteria, viruses, or allergens. When the body encounters a foreign agent (such as pollen or bacteria), histamine is released from mast cells and increases blood flow to the affected area, allowing immune cells to function.
Sleep regulation: Histamine is also involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, helping the body stay alert.
Gastric acid secretion: Histamine stimulates the production of stomach acid, aiding in digestion.
Allergy: In allergic reactions, histamine can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, runny nose, or inflammation.
The impact of histamine on gut health
Histamine is a natural chemical in the body that plays an important role in the immune system and digestion. However, when the body cannot break down histamine effectively, it can cause problems with gut health, says Dr. Kalpana Gupta Shekhawat.
Inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa: Histamine increases blood vessel permeability, causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Digestive disorders: Excess histamine can increase stomach acid production, causing heartburn, acid reflux, and feelings of indigestion.
Food allergies and histamine intolerance: People who don't have enough enzymes to break down histamine may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and rashes when they eat foods high in histamine.
Gut microflora imbalance: Excess histamine can reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, causing digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How to manage histamine intolerance
Limit histamine-rich foods: Avoid foods like cheese, processed foods, fermented foods, and beer, as they contain high levels of histamine.
Incorporate probiotics: Foods or supplements containing probiotics may help improve gut microbiome health, aid digestion, and reduce histamine-related symptoms.
Increase diamine oxidase (DAO): DAO is an enzyme that helps break down histamine. Supplementing with foods or pills that support this enzyme can help reduce the buildup of histamine in the body.
Listen to your body: Monitor your body's reactions to foods and health conditions to detect early signs of histamine intolerance.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps the body eliminate histamine more effectively and maintain healthy digestive function.
