Do you also experience strange problems when you eat certain foods? Let's talk about (Histamine Intolerance)!

Have you ever wondered why you only get stomach upset, red, itchy skin, or a runny nose after eating certain foods? Sometimes you might think, "Oh my, why does this happen to me only?" There may actually be a reason for this. Today we are going to talk about one such condition. It is called `(Histamine Intolerance)`.

What is `(Histamine Intolerance)`? Let's understand it simply!

Okay, first let's look at what `(Histamine)` is. `(Histamine)` is a chemical that occurs naturally in our bodies. And some of the foods we eat also contain `(Histamine)`. It plays a very important role in our bodies. For example, it helps our immune system, fights infections, and helps our digestive system function.

Now, what is `(Histamine Intolerance)`? Simply put, it is a condition that occurs when your body cannot properly digest `(Histamine)` from food, or when it cannot control the amount of `(Histamine)` in the body. What happens in this case is that the `(Histamine)` level in the body increases, causing various symptoms.

But here's the thing. Leading medical organizations around the world, such as the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, have not officially recognized histamine intolerance as a disease. It's a controversial topic. Some experts say that it can be caused by a decrease in the activity of an enzyme called Diamine Oxidase (DAO), which helps break down histamine in the body. But new research suggests that many people with these symptoms may not actually have histamine intolerance, but rather other health problems. So if you have any doubts about this, it's best to talk to a doctor.

Is `(Histamine Intolerance)` a food allergy? Or is `(Histamine)` a reaction?

No, `(Histamine Intolerance)` is not a food allergy. However, some people may confuse it because the symptoms are somewhat similar. This is also called `(Pseudoallergy)`. That is, although it looks like an allergy, the cause is different. In an allergy, our immune system reacts against something (e.g. food). But in `(Histamine Intolerance)`, that does not happen.

Is this the same as `(Histamine Intoxication)` or `(Histamine Poisoning)`? Neither is it. `(Histamine Intoxication)` usually occurs when a large number of people eat a food with a high `(Histamine)` content, such as spoiled fish, and suddenly develop a food allergy. This has been well documented. However, in `(Histamine Intolerance)`, the symptoms occur due to the `(Histamine)` that gradually accumulates in the body.

What are the symptoms of `(Histamine Intolerance)`?

This is the most important thing. The symptoms of `(Histamine Intolerance)` can vary from person to person. Some people may have only one symptom, while others may have several symptoms at once. Let's see what these symptoms are:

• Diarrhea: Frequent diarrhea.
• Bloating: A feeling of fullness in the stomach.
• Nausea or vomiting: An inability to eat or feel like vomiting.
• Headache: Sometimes, a severe headache like a migraine can occur.
• Runny or stuffy nose: Like a cold.
• Shortness of breath (Dyspnea): Difficulty breathing.
• Itching: The skin itches, sometimes causing eczema.
• Rash or hives: A red, raised rash on the skin.
• Flushing: Sudden redness of the face.
• Low blood pressure: This can cause dizziness and weakness.
• Irregular or fast heart rate (Arrhythmia): A change in the rate of the heart beat.
• Women experience severe pain during menstruation (Painful menstruation).
• Swelling of your lips, tongue or throat: This is a slightly more alarming symptom.

You see, right? These symptoms are often similar to those of other illnesses. That's why it's important to see a doctor to find out exactly what's wrong.

Why does this `(Histamine Intolerance)` occur?

There are various theories about the cause of this. One main theory is that the amount of the enzyme called Diamine Oxidase (DAO) in our body, which helps break down histamine, decreases or its activity decreases. Imagine, our body gets histamine from food, and it also produces it inside the body. When the amount of histamine increases, the enzyme DAO needs to work to control it. So if the enzyme DAO does not work properly, histamine builds up in the body and the symptoms mentioned earlier begin to appear.

However, it is not yet scientifically proven why the level of this ``(DAO)`` enzyme decreases, or why its activity decreases. Therefore, experts are still researching this. It is believed that genetic factors, certain medications, or other intestinal diseases may affect this.

What foods increase histamine?

Some foods are naturally high in histamine. In particular, foods that have been aged and fermented for preservation are high in histamine. Also, there are some foods that, when eaten, increase the release of histamine from cells called mast cells in our bodies. These are called histamine liberators. Both of these types of foods can increase histamine levels in the body.

Let's look at some examples:

• Alcohol: especially wine, beer, champagne.
• Processed meat: Things like sausage, ham, bacon.
• Cheeses: Especially aged, hard cheeses.
• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage.
• Vegetables: Some vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, spinach.
• Tropical fruit: Citrus fruits such as pineapple, bananas, papaya, and oranges.
• Fish and shellfish: Especially fish like mackerel, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Preserved and canned fish are also high in histamine.
• Strawberries.
• Nuts and peanuts.
• Licorice.
• Chocolate.
• Pork.
• Egg white.
• Food additives: Some colorings and preservatives added to foods.

Imagine you went to a party and drank some wine with some cheese. If you get a stomach ache or start to itch a little later, it could be because you ate too much `(Histamine)`.

Don't be alarmed by this list. Not everyone will be allergic to all of these foods. The types of foods that are allergic to each person may vary.

How do you know if you have `(Histamine Intolerance)`?

This is the hardest part. Because, as mentioned before, most doctors don't accept `(Histamine Intolerance)` as an official diagnosis. Also, there is no specific test to diagnose it yet.

However, when you see a doctor, they will listen carefully to your symptoms and rule out other causes. They may also refer you to an allergist or a gastroenterologist.

Typically, a doctor might do things like:

• Keeping a food diary: This is where you write down everything you eat and drink each day, any symptoms you experience, and how long ago they started. This can help both you and your doctor identify patterns. It may be that the problem is not caused by one food, but by several foods together.
• Allergy skin tests or blood tests: These are done to find out if you actually have a food allergy, or to rule it out.
• Food challenge test: This involves, under the supervision of a doctor, giving you small amounts of a suspected food to eat and observing for any symptoms. This is often done in a hospital.

How to treat `(Histamine Intolerance)`?

Food intolerances are usually treated by identifying the foods that are causing you discomfort and avoiding them.

One way to do this is called an `Elimination Diet`. That is, you stop eating all the foods that you suspect are high in `(Histamine)` for a few weeks. If you don't experience any symptoms during that time, then you add those foods back into your diet one by one, every few days. Then you can see which foods cause symptoms. Those are the foods that are causing your symptoms. Then you can avoid those foods.

Is there any medicine for `(Histamine Intolerance)`?

Yes, there are some medications that can help reduce these symptoms. However , these medications alone are not enough; they should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet. A doctor may prescribe medications such as:

• `(H1 and H2 antihistamines)`: These work by blocking the `(receptors)` that respond to `(Histamine)` in the body. Then, even if `(Histamine)` is present, it cannot work. Medicines like `(Cetirizine)`, `(Loratadine)`, `(Fexofenadine)`, which are usually given for allergies, are `(H1 antihistamines)`. Medicines like `(Ranitidine)`, `(Famotidine)`, which are given for stomach problems, fall into the category of `(H2 antihistamines)`.
• `(Mast cell stabilizers)`: Medications like `(Cromolyn sodium)` stop the release of `(Histamine)` from `(Mast cells)`. Some natural substances, for example, `(Flavonoids)`, `(Luteolin)` and `(Quercetin)`, have also been found to have this property.

When should I go to the hospital immediately? (When to go to the ER)

Sometimes these symptoms can be very severe. In such cases , a severe allergic reaction called ``Anaphylaxis'' can occur, which can be life-threatening . If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, or call 1990:

• Sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling extremely short of breath.
• Sudden drop in blood pressure (this can cause extreme weakness, dizziness, fainting, and confusion).

Can certain medications increase histamine levels in the body?

Yes, there are some medications that can increase the level of `(Histamine)` in the body when taken. For example, some painkillers `(Opioids/Narcotics)` and some `(Contrast agents)` used in medical tests (especially those given before `(X-ray)`, `(CT scan)` etc.) are included in this.

What kind of future can someone with `(Histamine Intolerance)` expect?

Don't be alarmed by this. Many people with food sensitivities can manage their condition by making changes to their diet. In severe cases, they may need to take prescription medications.

The best part is that sometimes this intolerance can be temporary. Over time, you may be able to eat foods that were previously off-putting to you again, in small amounts.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have symptoms that you can't explain, or if you think you have an intolerance or sensitivity to a food, be sure to see your family doctor. He or she can determine if it's an allergy, an intolerance, or something else.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you see a doctor, it may be helpful to ask questions like these:

• "Doctor, is this an allergy or an intolerance?"
• "How do I know exactly what foods I'm allergic to?"
• "What should I do if I get a reaction like this?"

Sometimes our bodies are a bit mysterious. We just want to know what's bothering us. We all want to know what's going on in our bodies and find the right treatment. There are many other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of `(Histamine Intolerance)`. But often there is another explanation. Your doctor can test you for other conditions and help you find the cause of your symptoms. It can also be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms and when they occur. Together with your doctor, you can come up with tips to help you find relief.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

• Histamine intolerance is a controversial condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly digest histamine. It is not an officially recognized disease.
• Symptoms vary, and can include stomach upset, skin problems, and headaches.
• This is not a food allergy.
• Fermented and preserved foods are high in `(Histamine).` It can also be found in chocolate, tomatoes, and some fruits.
• There is no specific test. It is important to keep a food diary and talk to your doctor.
• The main treatment is to identify and avoid the offending foods. Some medications may also help.
• If you have these symptoms, definitely see a doctor and get advice. Do not self-diagnose and try to control your diet on your own. These symptoms can also be symptoms of another serious illness.

Wishing you good health!

` Histamine, Histamine Intolerance, Food Intolerance, DAO enzyme, Food digestion, Histamine, Histamine Intolerance, Food Intolerance, DAO enzyme, Food digestion