H3R functions were identified in the central nervous system and peripheral and presynaptic receptors to control the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters.
Histamine is released from cells in response to an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody may be secreted in response to an invading pathogen such as a virus, bacteria, or an allergenic substance such as pollen.
An intolerance to this chemical happens when the body cannot break down enough of it in the intestines, causing histamine levels in the blood to rise. This typically results from having low levels of an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is the primary agent that breaks down digested histamine.
Estrogen stimulates mast cells to release histamine and down-regulates the DAO enzyme that clears histamine.
When your estrogen levels rise, you release more of your own histamine. Histamine then stimulates your ovaries to release more estrogen - thus setting off a vicious cycle. In addition, estrogen stops your DAO from working well. If you are intolerant to histamine, you will not tolerate your own estrogen very well.
Foods and Histamines
When you accidentally eat or drink something you shouldn't, they'll work in your gut to trigger your allergic reaction. Some foods are also naturally high in histamines. These include aged and fermented foods and alcohol (especially red wine). Some people may be sensitive to that.
Drinking plenty of water every day is essential for all bodily functions, including the regulation of histamine levels. Water does aid in the removal of histamines from the body as more that 95% of excess histamines are removed from the body through the urine.
What is the most powerful natural antihistamine? Researchers haven't yet established any natural product as the “best” or “most powerful.” Natural antihistamines with the most research backing their use include stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, which means it can lower histamine levels and mitigate allergic reactions and symptoms. Consume plenty of Vitamin C rich foods, like tropical fruits, citrus fruits, broccoli and cauliflower, and berries.
Food triggers (histamine liberators) are foods rich in biogenic amines (canned food, wine, beer, and cheeses), as well as alcohol.
The first and most powerful line of defense against ingested histamine is diamine oxidase (DAO), a histamine neutralizing enzyme secreted by intestinal epithelial cells into the gut lumen.
Histamine is synthesized in all tissues, but is particularly abundant in skin, lung and gastrointestinal tract. Mast cells, which are present in many tissues, are a prominent source of histamine, but histamine is also secreted by a number of other immune cells.
Severe deficiency can lead to irreversible brain and nerve damage. However, excess vitamin B12 in the body can cause histamine intolerance symptoms. Studies suggest that vitamin B12 can trigger histamine release in the body.
Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.
Coffee contains histamines in low amounts, but for people who are sensitive to them, it contains plenty to get a reaction out of them. While the natural histamine content in coffee is low, some coffee processes can increase histamine levels.
Bananas are not directly high in histamine, but many people have reported that bananas are still a trigger for their histamine intolerance symptoms. Such a food is known as a “histamine liberator,” and should therefore be treated like a high histamine food.
Learn More About Histamine Intolerance Treatment
Research indicates that readjusting your gut flora with low-histamine probiotics can reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the effects of seasonal allergies.
Vitamin B6 levels in those with histamine intolerance is typically quite low. Not only does this have implications on histamine intolerance itself, which we'll get to in a moment, but it has major implications on other essential pathways that your body needs as a means to detoxify histamine in the liver.
High histamine symptoms
Think hives, rashes, itching and congestion. It's notable that, what many people don't realize, is that histamine intolerance can produce a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms. These symptoms include digestive distress (particularly diarrhea), mood issues and fatigue.
Some people can also be “histamine intolerant” (about 1% of the population) and react to its release with physical (rash, itch, cough, etc) and psychological symptoms (eg, anxiety, depression, panic). Diet, digestive competence, and the gut microflora are crucial to eliminating histamine-related health problems.