Is acquired histamine intolerance curable?

When the question arises whether histamine intolerance is curable , many sufferers are asked by those who don't have it: "Isn't there any kind of immunization against it?" We all know that only allergies can be immunized against. Are the symptoms and chances of recovery from histamine intolerance similar to those of an allergy? In this blog post, we'll explain whether there are chances of a cure and, if so, how you can achieve this goal .

Histamine intolerance: Allergy or pseudo-allergy?

According to some sources, food intolerances like histamine intolerance are incurable. But is that true? Food allergies arise from a malfunction of the immune system, which develops antibodies against certain food components, such as proteins. Even the smallest amounts can lead to anaphylactic shock.

If you suffer from a food intolerance, your body is unable to digest certain food components. This impaired digestion results from a lack of transport substances and enzymes in the intestines . The tolerance threshold varies from person to person. Some people can consume a larger quantity of an incompatible food than others. Histamine intolerance is a special case .

The term "intolerance" mistakenly suggests an intolerance in the true sense, such as lactose intolerance. However, if you suffer from what is so nicely termed in the literature as food-induced histaminophenosis, anaphylaxis can occur, just as with allergies.

Histamine and healing: Do they go together?

Histamine and its functions

If your body no longer breaks down histamine properly or produces too much histamine, you have a disrupted histamine metabolism .

How does histamine breakdown work in the body?

Two enzymes regulate histamine breakdown : diamine oxidase (DAO) and N-methyltransferase . DAO is produced, among other places, in the intestinal mucosa, while N-methyltransferase is produced in the liver. Insufficient histamine-degrading enzymes can be produced if there is inadequate liver or intestinal function, or if you are deficient in essential micronutrients.

The result is a disruption in the regulation of your body's own histamine. If you then consume histamine-rich foods, the so-called "histamine barrel" is quickly filled.

5 steps to greater freedom from discomfort

The basis for the entire treatment process is always the underlying cause of the histamine intolerance, which is unique to each patient . Only in this way can histamine intolerance be effectively addressed. Often, those affected suffer from nutrient deficiencies and an imbalance in their gut flora. We have helpful tips for you that will make your everyday life with histamine intolerance less uncomfortable and more pleasant.

TIP: Your mental health plays a crucial role in your recovery. We recommend relaxation and breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation to reduce stress. All these techniques can be easily combined.

Step 1: Make a diagnosis

The first step should be self-explanatory. Only those who know their diagnosis and its causes can effectively treat the condition. However, many sufferers often only realize what they are suffering from years later, after their histamine intolerance has worsened.

This is due to the rather nonspecific symptoms such as skin rash, gastrointestinal problems, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or depressive moods , which are associated with other illnesses. Histamine intolerance is also, in some cases, a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS ). A completely reliable diagnostic method does not yet exist, as measuring DAO levels in blood, urine, or stool only provides a snapshot in time.

Step 2: Eat a low-histamine diet

• certain types of yeast
• seafood
• cocoa
• caffeine
• citrus fruits
• spinach
• Arugula
  

Step 3: Drink enough water

It is essential to drink plenty of water , especially if you have a histamine intolerance. This regulates histamine function and promotes histamine breakdown. Conversely, dehydration stimulates the body's own histamine production.

Still mineral water is best, as carbonated water is often not tolerated by people with histamine intolerance. If you drink tap water, you should use a filter to remove limescale, heavy metals, microplastics, and pesticides.

Step 4: Combat chronic inflammation

Inflammation is almost inevitable in cases of intestinal dysfunction or other causes of histamine intolerance. Chronic inflammation, in turn, leads to increased histamine release. To support the immune system, micronutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, folate, selenium, and vitamin D are recommended.

Step 5: Building up the gut microbiome and mucosa

A healthy microbiome supplies your intestinal lining with all the necessary nutrients for optimal function. A strengthened intestinal lining, in turn, produces a sufficient amount of DAO and supports the breakdown of histamine from food.

WARNING: Antihistamines are not a solution and do not address the underlying cause of histamine intolerance. They can provide temporary relief, but long-term use can damage your intestinal lining and strain your liver. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking antihistamines.

Is histamine intolerance curable? ─ Our conclusion

We at HistaFood believe that no one has to accept a histamine intolerance diagnosis. Treatment approaches like a permanent low-histamine diet and lifelong abstinence are not the solution. If you don't eat a balanced and varied diet, perhaps have other intolerances, and are also vegan, a pronounced nutrient deficiency can quickly develop, and you can get caught in an undesirable cycle of histamine-promoting factors.

Because: Many nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin B6 support your metabolism and contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Healing begins at the root cause: If you manage to strengthen, rebuild, and detoxify your gut and liver, and specifically address any nutrient deficiencies, you have a good chance of getting your histamine intolerance under control and becoming more symptom-free .

Some people with acquired histamine intolerance, unlike those with genetic histamine intolerance, even manage to achieve complete symptom relief despite a histamine-rich diet . Patience is key, however, because remember: the longer your body has been out of balance, the longer it will take to recover.

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