Histamines: What they are, why we have them and how to control reactions

Understanding Histamines: Their Role in Inflammation and How to Regulate Them

00:08 Histamines are released by mast cells during the inflammatory process

- Histamines cause endothelial cells to shrink, creating space

- Histamines are part of the immune system and can be released in response to antigens entering the body

00:59 Histamines cause swelling as a normal physiological response.

- Histamines create space for plasma to leak into the interstitial space, causing swelling.

- The body produces histamines during the healing process, leading to pain, swelling, and immobility in the affected joint.

01:52 Histamine is an amino acid that acts as a signaling molecule

- Histamine is produced from an amino acid called histidine and is destroyed by an enzyme called diamine oxidase (Dao)

- In a person without a histamine problem, histamine is released and then cleaned up by Dao

02:47 Histamines are produced when bacteria feed on proteins in plants or animals.

- Insufficient enzyme leads to the accumulation of histamines in the body.

- Eating foods with histamines can also contribute to histamine levels.

03:37 Histamines can cause problems for some people, especially in aged beef and cured meat.

- Aged beef and cured meat can have high histamine content, causing intolerance for some individuals.

- Supplementing with Dao enzyme may help resolve histamine issues.

04:32 Deficiency of DAO enzyme can result in gastrointestinal damage and histamine intolerance.

- Histamine intolerance often coexists with SIBO and gut dysbiosis due to the dependence of the cleanup operation on the intestinal tract.

- Antibiotics and chemotherapy can further contribute to DAO deficiency and damage to the intestinal lining, leading to histamine intolerance.

05:23 Histamine problem can be controlled by managing histamine levels in your body.

- Get blood tests to check for low histamine levels.

- Avoid histamine-containing foods, especially aged cheeses, and opt for fresh meat.

06:07 Control histamine intake to avoid intolerance.

- Avoid exposing food to bacteria, such as leaving it out during a picnic.

- Even a carnivore diet can be a problem if you choose the wrong foods.

References Inhibition of human and canine diamine oxidase by drugs used in an intensive care unit: relevance for clinical side effects? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3925736/

Digestive issues study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26574488/

Migraine relief https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29475774/

Skin Rash Study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29698966/

Medications, like NSAID and ADVIL can inhibit DAO for weeks after taking it. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3925736/