Diarrhea and constipation in histamine intolerance

Intestinal problems such as diarrhea and/or constipation are typical and frequently occurring symptoms of histamine intolerance.
In this article, we want to break the taboo surrounding bowel movements and digestion, because the gut plays a key role when it comes to health – and not just in the case of histamine intolerance.

Diarrhea in histamine intolerance

Diarrhea is one of the typical symptoms of histamine intolerance. It can occur on its own or alternate with constipation. This is usually the case when the intestinal lining is damaged and there is too much histamine in some areas and too little in others.

Diarrhea occurs, among other things, when our digestive system becomes unbalanced due to an excess of histamine or acute stress reactions. This causes the food pulp to be transported through the digestive tract too quickly, resulting in insufficient water absorption. Here, the autonomic nervous system (the part we cannot consciously control) contributes to this rapid intestinal transit.

Diarrhea is often accompanied by abdominal cramps, fatigue, headaches, low blood pressure, or nutrient deficiencies.

Tips for dealing with histamine-related diarrhea

1. Avoid stress and thus lower your histamine levels.

The following may help you:

  • Abdominal breathing
  • meditation
  • Walking in nature
  • yoga
  • Muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen

2. Eat foods containing pectin, as these can thicken the digestive tract.

  • apples
  • peaches and apricots
  • grapes
  • Quinces
  • Cherries

3. Eat rice porridge

  • Bring rice to a boil with salt.
  • Rice porridge binds water in the intestines, and the salt replenishes your body with electrolytes, which are excreted in increased amounts through diarrhea.

4. Drink plenty of water and mild, easily digestible teas.

  • fennel
  • chamomile
  • rosemary

5. Avoid fatty and heavily spiced foods.

  • These can make digestion difficult.


Constipation in histamine intolerance

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms of histamine intolerance and is nothing to be ashamed of – however, it should be treated promptly.

In contrast to diarrhea, constipation occurs when the food pulp moves too slowly through the intestines, resulting in too much fluid being extracted from it.

It is important to also keep an eye on factors such as bowel movements in order to address the underlying cause of histamine intolerance. Inconsistent bowel movements can have other causes besides elevated histamine levels, such as gut flora dysbiosis or intestinal inflammation.

Constipation can be accompanied by exhaustion, fatigue, headaches, as well as intestinal cramps and bloating. If constipation persists for several days, you should definitely see a doctor.

However, there are a few things you can try beforehand to clear the blockages.

Tips for dealing with histamine-related constipation

Things you should be aware of:

  • high-fiber diet
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Almonds & Pistachios
  • linseed
  • oatmeal
  • Drink plenty of still water
  • Take 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily
  • Get enough exercise (walking, hiking, swimming, cycling)

What you should absolutely avoid:

  • lots of meat
  • white rice
  • White flour products
  • eggs
  • Sitting all day


Sources

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