Histaminintoleranz ist eine häufige, aber oft übersehene Krankheit, die viele Menschen betrifft. Die Symptome der Histaminunverträglichkeit können sehr unterschiedlich sein und reichen von leichten Beschwerden wie Müdigkeit oder Reizbarkeit bis hin zu schwereren Beschwerden wie Migräne oder Atemnot. Die Folgen einer Histaminintoleranz können sich deutlich auf die Lebensqualität auswirken, insbesondere wenn sie unbehandelt bleibt. Daher ist es wichtig, bei sich darauf zu achten und gegebenenfalls ärztlichen Rat einzuholen.

Histaminintoleranz: Achten Sie bei sich darauf? Symptome der Histaminunverträglichkeit & die Folgen

Histamine Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips

The symptoms of histamine intolerance can range from mild to severe including skin rash, swelling of the eye or lip, stomach pain, or diarrhea. Normally, our body can handle large amounts of histamine, but when there is a histamine intolerance, or certain trigger factors such as alcohol come into play, even small amounts can cause symptoms like itching or swollen eyes. In some individuals, an increase in vitamin C intake can be helpful to alleviate these symptoms whereas in others it may not be effective.

Histamine is a biologically active substance and one of the many natural helpers in our body needed for vital functions. It regulates blood pressure, increases gastric acid secretion, and promotes digestion. Histamine also contributes to a balanced sleep-wake cycle. However, if too much histamine is produced or ingested, or if there are problems with the enzyme that breaks it down, it can lead to histamine intolerance, which can be difficult for some people to manage and live with.

It is estimated that histamine intolerance affects between 1-3% of the population, with dark figures potentially being much higher as many people may not realize they have it or have not been tested. Females are more prone to this condition, with up to 80% of reported cases being women.

Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

The severity and presentation of the symptoms of histamine intolerance can vary depending on the level of intolerance. Some of the most common symptoms of histamine intolerance include but are not limited to:

- Classical allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and asthma. - Itching, skin redness, and rashes. - Digestive issues such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramps, bloating, heartburn, and reflux. - Headaches, especially migraines. - Irregularities in the heart rate and blood pressure. - Anxiety, irritability, and fatigue.

Types of Histamine Intolerance

While there are different types of histamine intolerance that may present different symptoms, the most common type is due to a reduced activity of the enzyme DAO in the small intestine that breaks down histamine before it gets absorbed into the bloodstream. This type is usually treated via diet and supplements such as vitamin B6. A less common type exists, which is related to reduced activity of the histamine-methyl-transferase (HMT) enzyme. This enzyme breaks down histamine in the central nervous system and the liver.

Causes of Histamine Intolerance

Below are some of the causes of histamine intolerance:

- Consumption of foods high in histamine, such as aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented foods. - Histamine-releasing foods and drinks like alcohol, tea, and tomatoes. - Reduced activity of the enzymes DAO and HMT. - Intestinal bacterial overgrowth leading to increased histamine production. - Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some allergy drugs that inhibit DAO and HMT activity. - Hormonal fluctuations in women, such as those observed during menstruation. - Pregnancy, as the DAO enzyme is suppressed more readily by estrogen during this period. - Genetic factors that influence the activity of DAO and HMT enzymes.

Tips for Managing Histamine Intolerance

Here are some tips for managing histamine intolerance:

- Keep a food diary and identify trigger foods that exacerbate your symptoms. A low histamine diet or working with a nutritionist can help to eliminate problematic foods. - Incorporate foods that are low in histamine and high in DAO and other nutrients that support histamine breakdown. You may also benefit from supplements such as Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, copper, magnesium, and zinc. - Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other histamine-releasing compounds to prevent histamine buildup. - Avoid foods that have been processed, stored, or aged for prolonged periods of time. - Add bone broth or collagen to your diet to improve gut health and reduce inflammation. - Practice stress-reduction and relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to keep cortisol levels low and control histamine release.

In conclusion, histamine intolerance is a condition that can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe. By understanding the causes and implementing strategies to manage and control histamine levels in your daily life, you can alleviate your symptoms and enjoy a healthier, more comfortable life. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist can help you develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
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