In case of histamine intolerance, the body can not break down the messenger histamine properly. We explain what symptoms arise and what helps.
What is histamine intolerance?
In case of histamine intolerance (histaminosis), various symptoms arise, such as abdominal pain or rashes, because the body can not sufficiently break down the messenger substance histamine, resulting in a surplus. Histamine intolerance can be chronic or transient and can be treated by medication and by avoiding foods high in histamine.
Histamine allergy and histamine intolerance
It is often synonymous with histamine intolerance or histamine allergy, but this is not entirely accurate – because it implies that an enzyme effect is responsible for the symptoms. But this assumption can not yet be proven. In addition, the disease itself is quite controversial – according to experts, many common complaints for which no cause can be found, a histamine intolerance attributed. According to estimates, the phenomenon affects a maximum of one percent of all Germans, especially middle-aged women.
What causes histamine in the body?
The messenger histamine is formed in the body by the so-called mast cells themselves and is involved in various body functions, such as the immune system. It plays a role especially in allergic reactions such as itching and pain. Exactly why allergies usually also so-called antihistamines are prescribed – they inhibit the messenger and reduce symptoms .
Histamine is also included in various foods. The histamine surplus in the body already described results from an enzyme deficiency: Normally the enzyme DiAminOxidase (DAO) degrades histamine. If the body can not provide enough DAO, eating histamine-rich foods like red wine or hard cheese can cause discomfort.
Symptoms: This tells you if you tolerate histamine
The complaint of histaminosis are classic allergy symptoms that are also known from hay fever and Co. The following symptoms occur:
- Redness on the face
- rashes
- itching
- dizziness
- nausea
- Vomit
- palpitations
- a headache
- fatigue
- Nose clogged / runny nose
- Hives (“urticaria”)
- Drop in blood pressure
- stomach pain
Diet change: What should I do if I have an intolerance?
Since these symptoms are very general, it is difficult to diagnose histamine intolerance as the causative agent. Experts recommend that patients abstain from histamine-containing foods for ten to 14 daysand have a nutrition and symptom diary. We have put together some histamine-poor recipes for you. After the time you can slowly put the appropriate food back on the menu and see if it still comes to complaints. Since the histamine intolerance can be temporary, so probably no one has to forgo red wine and Co. forever. For example, cortisone-based ointments help with acute complaints such as skin rashes.