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Introduction to Histamine Intolerance (HIT)
Histamine is a chemical in the body which is involved in the immune response, is a neurotransmitter and is also involved in the release of acid in the stomach.
Histamine Intolerance can be caused by a genetic condition resulting in Diamine Oxidase (DAO) or HNMT deficiency - these are enzymes that reduce histamine in the body.
Some foods and drinks contain particularly high levels of histamine. If the body is deficient in DAO or HNMT, the levels of histamine can become high and over the ‘toxic’ level for that individual. This can cause inflammation and a whole host of seemingly unrelated symptoms affecting all systems of the body.
80% of sufferers are female, 80% have hypermobility of the joints and 30% have interstitial cystitis. Any infections will make the symptoms worse, and need to be treated promptly, as the body responds to the infection by increasing histamine production and release.
Symptoms of HIT
IBS symptoms including bloating, wind, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
Migraine
Low blood pressure
Feeling faint, including when having blood samples taken
Total exhaustion (sometimes called M.E.)
Insomnia
Itchy scalp, itchy rashes on arms and legs or on the trunk
Severe reaction to insect bites
Flushing of the skin - especially the face and neck as well as dermatographia - where the skin is unstable due to high histamine levels in the skin and therefore flushes and blanches white on touch
Eczema, psoriasis or rosacea
Skin sensitivity to labels in clothes
Sinusitis, asthma, runny nose
Episodes of cystitis, interstitial cystitis
Painful joints, especially knees when climbing the stairs
Painful muscles, easy bruising
Pains in the jaw, neck and groin
Brain fog and forgetfulness
Anxiety and panic attacks
Period pains and cramps - even when not menstruating
Sensitivity to loud noises and bright lights
Progestogen sensitivity is often a feature in women and can cause difficulties settling on hormonal contraception and on HRT
Some patients wake with a swollen face, eyes and mouth
Patients often feel very unwell whenever they have a general anaesthetic
Aspirin, Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Codeine and Amitryptilline can all increase the symptoms
“My daughter Jessie literally had all of these symptoms - except the psoriasis and rosacea! Please do look at her story and see how well she is now.
Even though I am not an Immunologist, I obviously have a keen interest in this condition and I have diagnosed this enzyme deficiency in over 300 patients whom I have seen for other reasons in my clinics. Having a diagnosis, understanding their condition and having the treatment has helped improved the quality of their lives.”
Resources for those with HIT
For information, food lists, apps and research: www.histaminintoleranz.ch
There are various apps available which can help with identifying the histamine content of foods and drinks - these can help you make choices in the supermarket and when eating out. Search Histamine Intolerance on your app store.
A dietitian who understands this condition is Nigel Denby, BSc RD. He can help you to eliminate foods from your diet and then re-introduce some foods in a measured way. Ask about Nigel’s package for advice and support for HIT patients: www.NigelDenbydietitian.co.uk
A short explainer video on Histamine Intolerance
A doctor’s approach to treating Histamine Intolerance
Women and Histamine Intolerance