Histamine is a neurotransmitter that protects the body from foreign substances, but some people develop an intolerance or allergic reaction to it. Symptoms include stomach problems, hives, eczema, and hay fever. Histamine intolerance is caused by a lack of diamine oxidase (DAO), which breaks down histamine. To control the condition, sufferers should change their diet and use antihistamines. Histamine-rich foods include yeast, cheese, soy products, shellfish, spoiled fish, beans, fermented foods, deli meats, chocolate, wheat, and certain fruits. Supplements and antihistamines can also be used to treat patients.
Histamine is a neurotransmitter produced to protect the body from pathogens and other foreign substances. While histamine works to protect the body, some people develop an intolerance or allergic reaction to it. Signs of an allergic reaction to histamine include stomach problems, hives, eczema and hay fever. Severe intolerance can also lead to more serious conditions such as irregular heartbeat, anaphylactic shock and asthma. To treat this condition, sufferers are advised to change their diet and use an antihistamine to control their symptoms.
Sufferers of this condition must first understand the causes of an allergic reaction to histamine before understanding the condition itself. Such a reaction to histamine is usually due to a lack of diamine oxidase (DAO), which is an enzyme that helps in the breakdown of histamine. Created in the body, histamine is also found in many foods. When a person consumes these foods but is unable to process the histamine, it begins to build up in the body.
An overabundance of this substance can cause a person to develop an allergic reaction to histamine. The most common signs of an allergic reaction include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, congestion, fatigue, chills, trouble sleeping, runny nose, hives, and eczema. Some people also begin to experience sudden changes in mood or anxiety. Due to the wide range of symptoms, this condition is often mistaken for a cold, flu or other illness.
In severe cases, histamine intolerance can lead to more severe types of allergic reactions. An intolerance to histamine can cause asthma, heart palpitations, increased heart rate, hypotension and anaphylactic shock. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
To control an allergic reaction to histamine, many patients are told to change their diet. Eliminating histamine-containing foods from one’s diet will generally improve the condition. Histamine-rich foods include yeast, cheese, soy products, shellfish, spoiled fish, beans, fermented foods, deli meats, chocolate, wheat, and several types of fruit. Many microwaveable meals and other foods high in preservatives also contain this substance. Avoiding such foods will reduce a person’s chances of suffering an allergic reaction.
Supplements and antihistamines can also be used to treat patients. Some doctors recommend taking supplements containing DOA, vitamin B6 and vitamin C to increase the patient’s histamine tolerance. Antihistamines can be used if a person begins to notice symptoms or accidentally consumes a food containing histamine. Patients should also discuss any medications they are taking with their doctor, as some medications reduce the effectiveness of DAO.
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