Dysbiosis as a cause of histamine intolerance

Histamine intolerance is often considered a symptom of another "illness," which is why it's so important to find the cause and address it at its root. One of the most common causes of impaired histamine breakdown in the body is the gut, as this is where the histamine-degrading enzyme DAO is produced.

The function of DAO can be impaired by various factors, such as dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut bacteria. Learn more now about the causes of dysbiosis and the possible resulting health problems:

The small intestine

After the second stage of digestion in the stomach, our food enters the small intestine. There, digestive enzymes and the intestinal lining ensure nutrient absorption over several hours. During this process, approximately 80% of the liquid is extracted from the food pulp. From there, the food is transported further along the digestive tract by rhythmic movements of the intestinal villi and the intestinal wall.

Another important function of the small intestine is hormone production. This includes, for example, serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for the motility and function of the intestinal muscles. Furthermore, the small intestine is involved in defense mechanisms against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances, mediated by the gut-associated lymphoid tissue.

Image of intestine

The large intestine

The large intestine's main function is to further thicken the partially digested food bolus from the small intestine (hence the name) and to extract the remaining 20% ​​of water. The gut flora in the large intestine also plays a role in strengthening the immune system, warding off pathogens, and stimulating digestion.

symbiosis

The gut is a frequently underestimated organ, as it is not only responsible for digestion but also plays a crucial role in regulating our health. One of the gut's most important functions is immune defense. Approximately 80-90% of the immune system is produced in the gut. Among those responsible for this are around 100 trillion gut bacteria (according to the latest findings), which together form the gut flora. A healthy gut consists of approximately 85% beneficial bacteria and approximately 15% pathogenic (disease-promoting) bacteria. Under these conditions, the gut bacteria exist in a symbiotic relationship.


Dysbiosis

However, if dysbiosis (an imbalance of the intestinal flora) develops in the gut and disease-promoting bacteria become too numerous, this can lead to a variety of diseases and symptoms, such as:

  • chronic intestinal inflammation (e.g. Crohn's disease)
  • Leaky gut syndrome (increased intestinal permeability)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Celiac disease
  • Carbohydrate malabsorptions (fructose, lactose, sorbitol)
  • Histamine intolerance
  • Dysbiosis of the vaginal flora → cystitis/kidney infection
  • Allergies
  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Weakening of the immune system
  • other diseases with a partially chronic course (asthma, osteoporosis, type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus)

Possible causes of dysbiosis

The causes of dysbiosis can be of various origins and can also occur in combination:

  • frequent use of antibiotics
  • stress
  • unhealthy diet
  • other medications (e.g. painkillers)
  • Environmental toxins (e.g., air pollution)
  • physical inactivity

Dysbiosis and histamine intolerance

An imbalance in the gut flora can lead to increased histamine release. Particularly pathogenic strains of gut bacteria release large amounts of histamine. This dysbiosis is often accompanied by inflammatory processes in the gut and throughout the body, which further stimulates histamine release via mast cells.

Furthermore, the enzyme activity of the histamine-degrading enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) can be further reduced or even inhibited by dysbiosis of the gut flora. In summary, the gut flora has an enormous influence on the histamine levels in the body by affecting the release and breakdown of histamine.


Sources

Recently viewed