Wissenswertes

Fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance - The connection

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread body pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive problems. The literal translation of the disease is "fiber-muscle pain."

It describes a complex illness whose exact causes are not yet fully understood. However, it is striking that those affected often have a problem with histamine. In the following blog article, you will learn more about fibromyalgia and its connection to histamine issues.

Fibromyalgia: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition primarily characterized by persistent chronic pain. Approximately 2 out of 100 people are affected by fibromyalgia – women six to seven times more often than men. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 40 and 60, less frequently in children, adolescents, or the elderly. The causes are not yet fully understood, but it is suspected that a genetic predisposition, stressful life events, poorly managed stress, and overexertion all play a role.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person, but the most common complaints are persistent pain in various parts of the body, often described as dull, throbbing, or burning. Exhaustion and fatigue are also among the most frequent symptoms, even after sufficient sleep. Sleep disturbances such as restless sleep or insomnia are also common. Many people with fibromyalgia also experience cognitive problems such as memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and the so-called "fibro fog."

Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include

Inner restlessness, feelings of anxiety or despondency, even to the point of depression
Sensory disturbances in hands and feet
Increased menstrual cramps
Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
Stomach and intestinal problems

It often takes a long time to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Many sufferers are not taken seriously at the beginning because the cause of their symptoms is difficult to pinpoint. However, in order to make a diagnosis, the treating physician must carefully inquire about the patient's medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia cannot be diagnosed through blood tests alone, but these tests can help rule out other conditions. One significant indicator of fibromyalgia is painful pressure sores at the tendon insertions.

Since the symptoms vary from person to person, therapy is usually tailored to the individual. According to current conventional medical understanding, fibromyalgia is not curable; however, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms through therapy. For example, light endurance training has proven effective. It is important, however, that those affected start slowly and do not overexert themselves. The movement itself during training can also cause pain. If those affected accept this and overcome their inner resistance, they usually feel better afterward.

The following therapy options are recommended in addition to exercise.

Relaxation exercises to combat stress, such as breathing therapy or yoga
Heat therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Drug treatment in consultation with the treating physician

Fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance: A look at the overlapping symptoms

Fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance are two distinct medical conditions that nevertheless share a number of symptoms. This can complicate diagnosis and treatment, as the symptoms are often confused. Overlapping symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, both conditions can lead to increased pain sensitivity and gastrointestinal issues.

It is important to note that the causes and treatments for fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance differ. Conventional medicine typically treats fibromyalgia with medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, while histamine intolerance is usually treated with a low-histamine diet and, if necessary, antihistamines.

Good to know:
Of course, histamine problems can also be treated using natural, alternative medicine methods.

If you experience symptoms that could potentially point to either diagnosis, it is advisable to consult your doctor. An accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and can significantly improve your quality of life.

Potential interactions between fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance

One possible interaction is that people with fibromyalgia are more frequently affected by histamine intolerance than the general population. This is because fibromyalgia influences, among other things, the immune system and inflammatory processes in the body, which are important for a normal histamine response.

Conversely, a histamine intolerance can worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia, as histamine is a messenger substance that triggers inflammatory reactions in the body and can intensify pain perception. Therefore, if individuals with a histamine intolerance consume histamine-rich foods, this can lead to increased inflammation and pain sensitivity, which in turn can exacerbate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The role of diet in fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance

It is becoming increasingly clear that an anti-inflammatory and low-histamine diet is not only recommended for histamine intolerance. It can also be beneficial in cases of fibromyalgia to counteract inflammation with a tailored diet and stabilize mast cells.

Below you will find some low-histamine and anti-inflammatory foods:

High-quality fats such as flaxseed or olive oil, salmon (omega-3 fatty acids)
Low-histamine fruits such as blackberries, red currants, blueberries, peaches, apricots
Antioxidants in herbs, vegetables and spices
B vitamins (especially B1 and B6): whole grain products, oatmeal, asparagus, broccoli, potatoes, carrots, parsley
Vitamin E : Rosehips, kale, leeks, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, black currants, flaxseeds, almonds
Magnesium : Nuts and seeds , oatmeal, whole grain products
Selenium : Brazil nuts, broccoli, mushrooms, kale, white cabbage, oats, brown rice, sesame seeds, chia seeds, pistachios
Copper : Whole grains, salmon, sweet potatoes, artichokes, black salsify, garlic, parsley

Conclusion: Common symptoms and hope

In conclusion, many symptoms of fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance overlap. However, it is important to have these symptoms examined by a doctor, as fibromyalgia and histamine intolerance are treated differently, and an accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. For both conditions, however, a low-histamine and anti-inflammatory diet is recommended to counteract inflammation in the body and stabilize mast cells.