The home apothecary: how to get out of a histaminergic crisis

For those starting the path to histamine rebalancing and not yet using enzyme supplementation.

The first step when facing a histaminergic crisis (postprandial pseudo-allergic reaction), such as early signs of migraine, intestinal transit imbalance, tachycardia or itchy skin, is to focus on elimination. The best mechanical tool to release excess histamine from the body is strategic hydration.

The mechanics of water, electrolytes and temperature.

According to studies on gastrointestinal and exercise physiology, as a review in the journal Gut ^[1] points out, metabolic stress and the increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) aggravate inflammation and increase the permeability of the intestinal barrier. Proper hydration helps to cool the body quickly and minimises this thermal stress on the mucosa. Furthermore, according to functional support publications, intelligent electrolyte replacement, especially potassium, is crucial to stabilise cells and calm the immune system. With the body cooled and cells hydrated, renal flow works to excrete toxic histamine by-products through urine.

Among the foods to avoid: citrus fruits.

A common initiative when a person feels they need to improve their hydration is to drink juices of fruits like lemon or orange. However, citrus fruits are potent histamine "releasers" which, instead of helping, can increase histaminergic reactions. These juices force mast cells (defence cells) to dump even more histamine into the bloodstream, which aggravates the crisis ^[2].

Your immediate home apothecary.

It is necessary to understand the role of essential cofactors for the effective functioning of the natural Diamine Oxidase (DAO) enzyme:

• Vitamin C: essential cofactor in the degradation of dietary histamine (that is, in the metabolism of exogenous histamine).

• Quercetin: acts as a natural stabiliser.

• Copper: works in synergy with vitamin C to enhance the activity of the DAO enzyme.

• Vitamin B6: fundamental in supporting enzymatic reactions throughout the body.

Suggestions for a home apothecary:

Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine compound:

• herbs and roots: fresh ginger, elderflower and moringa.

• fruits and vegetables rich in quercetin: apple and onion.

Sources of Vitamin C: 

• vegetables: rocket, broccoli, celery leaves, lettuce and cucumber.

Sources of copper:

• radish sprouts, sesame seeds and chia.

Sources of vitamin B6:

• ultra-fresh chicken or turkey cuts, sweet potato or yam.

It is important to remember that, as with everything, moderation must be applied with common sense. Water consumption is one of these points, and moderation is crucial to avoid the imbalance of essential electrolytes. Furthermore, people with known pathologies should observe in the list of foods for the selective diet those that are counterproductive such as excess broccoli in cases of thyroiditis, or foods that should be avoided due to interaction with medicines, according to evidence on the inhibition of the DAO enzyme published in the journal Clinical and Translational Allergy ^[2].

---

References:

[1] Revista Gut, 2019.

[2] Clinical and Translational Allergy, 2014.

---

>> Next, read:  Muscle as a shield.