What is Histamine Intolerance?
Releasing histamine is part of the body’s normal immune response and healthy individuals are able to break down any excess histamine using a specific enzyme, diamine oxidase (DAO). However some people develop an inability to break down excess histamine, sometimes due to a deficiency in the enzyme DAO and this can lead to symptoms of an allergic reaction. When this break-down of histamine is problematic, levels build up; often the analogy is used that it is like a bucket filling up with water – eventually the bucket is full and overflows. At this stage these individuals can develop allergic reactions to many foods, they can feel like they are reacting to everything and their diet inevitably becomes extremely limited leading to other health issues.
Managing Histamine Intolerance with Nutrition.
Histamine intolerance is dose-related, meaning that there is a threshold of histamine or histamine-releasing foods that can be tolerated by those who are histamine-sensitive before experiencing symptoms. Medication can be effective in managing histamine release or the reactions to histamine in your body, but diet can try to keep the overall level as low as possible; using the analogy, it can be used to stop the bucket from overflowing.
LOW HISTAMINE DIET
The dietary objective is to reduce the intake of high histamine foods whilst trying to avoid a diet that is too restrictive. Some foods are high in histamine themselves, and other foods lead to the release of histamine in the body; the diet can be used to manage histamine intake and release.
SUPPLEMENTATION
Numerous supplements can be useful for histamine intolerance: specific strains of beneficial bacteria can be used to try to populate the gut with non-histamine releasing bacteria; DAO can be supplemented to help with the break-down of histamine in food; supplements like bentonite clay and zeolite can be used to help the body detoxify and eliminate histamine. There are other supplements which can be useful depending on the individual.
REDUCE TRIGGERS
It is important to reduce histamine triggers, such as fermented drinks and alcohol, fermented foods and dairy products, amongt others.
The good news is that there is help available!
I have worked with many clients with this condition and I can help you formulate healthy meal-plans and menus that are manageable. I can help you decide which supplements are the best for you.
I can help you understand the triggers, and try to get to the bottom of the underlying cause. Sometimes by working on correcting underlying cause, the histamine intolerance is reduced and becomes easier to manage; underlying causes could be for instance mould exposure – in which case we would need to focus on detoxification.
As your nutritionist, I will guide you through the following phases:
Personal Assessment
At your first consultation we will discuss your health history and any current issues, your food preferences and eating patterns, as well as your challenges and goals. We will discuss your schedules and anything else that might impact your eating habits.
Customised Dietary and Lifestyle plan
Together we will construct your individualised health and nutrition plan that will provide you with structure and guidance to help you reach your goals. You will get recipe ideas, restaurant guidance and other helpful resources to empower you.
Ongoing Support
Follow-up appointments are a valuable opportunity to check-in, to assess your plan, make any adjustments, answer questions and set new goals. The follow-up appointment are for you to get the guidance and motivation you need to succeed.
