Histamine intolerance during cold season
With the arrival of the colder months comes the dreaded cold and flu season. Unfortunately, low temperatures are as much a part of winter as coughs, runny noses, and hoarseness.
But to what extent does histamine play a role in colds and their associated symptoms?
That's exactly what you'll learn here: From histamine-related symptoms during cold season to cold prevention and natural immune support - you'll find all of that in this blog article.
But first: What is the connection between histamine intolerance and the immune system?
The link between histamine intolerance and the immune system
Histamine is involved in reactions of our immune system and plays a central role in the defense against foreign substances.
In cases of histamine intolerance, the body cannot break down enough histamine. This leads to histamine-related symptoms, and the immune system is already in a state of alert.
When viruses or bacteria attack our bodies, the immune system immediately works to combat them. This reaction involves the body's own mast cells, which release histamine and thus help to ward off pathogens.
Since histamine receptors are often already active in people with histamine intolerance, a cold can further aggravate them. This increases the release of histamine in the body and leads to a persistent cycle that can be particularly challenging for those affected.
Symptoms of histamine intolerance during cold season
Many symptoms of histamine intolerance can be exacerbated by the additional strain of a cold. However, some symptoms are also very similar to those of a cold.
This includes:
- Sniffles
- Cough or breathing difficulties
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Red eyes
- Circulatory problems
- fatigue
- Exhaustion
Low-histamine diet to strengthen the immune system
The increased histamine level in the body during a cold can also negatively affect the tolerance threshold for various foods.
Therefore, those suffering from a cold should pay particular attention to a low-histamine diet . Low-histamine foods are also ideal for preventing colds, as many of them are anti-inflammatory and support the immune system. Thus, a low-histamine diet can help relieve the burden on the body.
Natural methods for immune support in cases of histamine intolerance
Besides diet, there are other methods for natural immune support.
Here are a few more tips for you:
- Adequate hydration: Still water is ideal for supporting your body. Not only because histamine is water-soluble, but also because water supports metabolism and the mucous membranes, which act as a natural barrier against pathogens. If you often forget to drink, you can aim to fill a large water bottle in the morning and finish it by evening, or you can use apps to remind you to drink.
- Herbal teas: In addition to water, you can of course also use low-histamine herbal teas such as cistus or ginger tea. These help prevent colds by lowering your histamine levels, but also directly combat a cold. Anti-inflammatory teas such as sage or chamomile are also suitable.
- Inhalation: To support your immune system during a cold in a way that is gentle on histamine levels, you can also take a chamomile steam bath or inhale steam with chamomile or sea salt. This moisturizes the airways and helps to loosen mucus.
Practical tips for preventing colds in cases of histamine intolerance
To sustainably prevent colds, it is also worth taking a closer look at your own lifestyle.
Are you wondering how you can become less susceptible to colds in the long run?
Here are a few of our tips:
- Reduce stress: You've probably heard it before, but stress has a negative impact on your body in many ways. Numerous studies have shown that persistent stress weakens the immune system. This is evident, for example, in a decreasing number of immune cells in the blood and reduced activity of natural killer cells. Therefore, your body is particularly susceptible to colds during stressful periods. Breathing exercises and meditation are especially effective in reducing your stress levels. Feel free to check out our other blog post for more information on stress and histamine.
- Exercise: Physical activity can also reduce stress. Exercise relaxes the body and breaks down stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. The fresh air provides you with oxygen and improves your blood circulation.
- Sufficient sleep: Stress hormones are also broken down during sleep, the body slows down and can regenerate. Ideally, you should sleep 7-9 hours. To prevent your body from being busy digesting food during the night, you shouldn't eat too late or right before bed. You can also ensure a healthy indoor climate and a suitable room temperature by ventilating regularly.
- Gut health: Most of our immune cells reside in the gut. Therefore, gut health is a fundamental requirement for a well-functioning immune system. To support your gut, a balanced diet is essential.
The role of medications and dietary supplements
If you already have a cold and suffer from histamine intolerance, try to avoid medications that lead to the additional release of histamine.
To best support your immune system in case of histamine intolerance, an optimal supply of micronutrients is also important. Here you can rely on nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and selenium. These are essential for the normal function of your immune system and can help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Summary and key takeaways
If you are in a particular hurry, here is an overview of the most important points:
- A cold combined with histamine intolerance means a double burden on your immune system.
- Histamine-related symptoms are sometimes similar to those of a cold and can be worsened by the infection.
- A low-histamine diet is suitable both during a cold and as a preventative measure to support and relieve your immune system. Once a cold has broken out, drinking plenty of fluids, such as low-histamine herbal teas, is particularly helpful.
- A healthy lifestyle, supporting the gut, and reducing stress also help to relieve your immune system and prevent infections.
- For an extra boost, use dietary supplements to strengthen your immune system.