Month: October 2023

Could Heavy Metal Toxicity Be Contributing to Your Histamine Intolerance?

Heavy Metals and Their Potential Impact on Histamine Intolerance Symptoms

Have you ever considered your heavy metal exposure and how it may affect your health?

On a daily basis, various compounds make their way into our bodies from the environment. Many of these compounds we’re familiar with, like pollution, herbicides, pesticides, or hormones found in our meat. For the most part, we’re conscious of our exposure to these compounds and their impacts on our health.

Yet, there are other, less conspicuous compounds that we may not think about as much – heavy metals. These silent intruders can subtly seep into our lives, affecting our health without us even knowing it.

In this blog, we’ll look at some of the most prevalent heavy metals you might encounter, uncover where you are exposed to them, and review their potential effects on your health, especially if you’re dealing with histamine intolerance. Most importantly, we’ll review some practical ways to reduce your heavy metal levels.

 

What are heavy metals?

Heavy metals are a distinct group of elements known for their relatively high atomic weights, setting them apart from other elements on the periodic table.^[1] What makes them noteworthy is their capacity to be toxic to living organisms, including humans. While these elements occur naturally in our environment, in substances like soil and air, our exposure to them has increased significantly.

The reasons for the increased exposure are multifaceted.^[2] For instance, heavy metals like cadmium are used as fertilizers and pesticides and can make their way into soil and crops.

Electronic devices often contain heavy metals, like lead, in their components, and improper disposal can release them into the environment.

Many older homes have pipes and plumbing systems that contain lead, which can leach into our drinking water.

However, at the heart of the issue is the accumulation of these heavy metals within our bodies. When levels of heavy metals rise beyond the body’s capacity to manage them, it leads to what we call heavy metal toxicity.^[3] This accumulation can occur in two primary ways:  through acute, high-level exposures or continuous, lower-level exposure over an extended period.

So whether it’s a sudden influx of heavy metal or the gradual build-up of these elements over time, the result can be detrimental to your health, leading to a range of health issues and impacting conditions like histamine intolerance.

 

Common Toxic Metals

The most common types of metals harmful to humans are: ^{[4] [5] [6]}

• Lead exposure can lead to lead poisoning, affecting the nervous system, cognitive function, and various organs. It's often in old paint, water pipes, and contaminated soil.
• Mercury can damage the nervous system, leading to symptoms like tremors and memory problems. It's in certain fish, dental amalgam fillings, and industrial processes.
• Cadmium exposure can result from smoking, inhaling industrial fumes, or consuming contaminated foods. It can harm the kidneys, bones, and lungs.
• Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil and water. Prolonged exposure to high levels of arsenic can lead to skin, lung, and bladder cancer.
• Aluminum is generally considered safe in low levels; exposure to high levels is associated with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all heavy metals are harmful; some are essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. Elements like cobalt, copper, magnesium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc play vital roles in our health. Even chromium can contribute to our well-being when kept at safe levels.^[7]

Mild exposure to more toxic metals doesn’t pose an immediate health risk, as our bodies have mechanisms to eliminate toxins. However, the real concern arises when your cumulative exposure to toxic substances reaches a point where it becomes too much for your body to handle safely.

 

Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity

Heavy metal toxicity comes with its share of chronic symptoms and a heightened risk of certain diseases.

Commonly reported symptoms include:

• Stomach pain and digestive issues
• Brain fog, memory loss, and confusion
• Fatigue
• Fluctuations in blood pressure
• Changes in mood and behavior, including depression and anxiety
• Joint pain
• Autoimmune reactions
• Tremors

These are just a handful of the symptoms, and the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of metal responsible for the issue.

 

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Histamine Intolerance

The link between heavy metal toxicity and histamine intolerance hasn’t been extensively researched, but there are some ways heavy metal toxicity could interact with histamine intolerance:

• Gut Health: Heavy metals like lead and mercury can harm your gut, upsetting the balance of gut bacteria and the intestinal lining, leading to digestive issues. A healthy gut is essential for histamine metabolism because it’s where the DAO enzyme, responsible for breaking down histamine, is primarily produced. Any disturbances in gut health can also impact the body’s ability to efficiently process histamine, potentially compounding histamine intolerance symptoms.
• Immune System: Heavy metal toxicity can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to inflammation and immune reactions. A compromised immune system may worsen histamine-related symptoms since histamine intolerance involves an immune response to excess histamine.
• Oxidative Stress: Heavy metals can trigger oxidative stress in your body, leading to inflammation and immune system issues that can exacerbate histamine intolerance symptoms.
• Mast Cell Activation: Some research indicates that heavy metals can contribute to mast cell activation, which is closely linked to histamine intolerance. Mast cells release histamine and other inflammatory compounds when activated. If heavy metals stimulate mast cell activation, it could worsen histamine intolerance symptoms.

 

Natural Ways to Support Heavy Metal Levels for Histamine Intolerance

Exposure to toxic metals can stir up mast cells, increase the chances of mast cell activation troubles, and contribute to histamine intolerance symptoms.

Wondering how to look out for your health naturally? Here’s my advice:

Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Metals

Taking action to reduce your exposure to harmful metals is essential in preventing potential triggers and minimizing the risk of additional symptoms. While this can be tough, even small steps to reduce your exposure can be beneficial. Start by doing your best to ensure your home is free of lead-containing metals, whether in paint, dust, or plumbing. Opt for cleaner and safer drinking water by using a water purification system instead of tap water. If your job carries a risk of heavy metal exposure, use all available protective measures. Lastly, select organic foods to minimize exposure to heavy metals and other contaminants.

Support Detoxification

Ensuring your body’s natural detoxification processes are well-supported is crucial for managing health issues related to toxic metals. It starts with proper hydration, aiding the elimination of toxins through urine and sweat. Regular exercise and using an infrared sauna can promote detoxification by encouraging sweat production. Incorporating gentle practices such as castor oil packs over the liver, Epsom salt baths, dry brushing, or lymphatic massage can also support your body’s detoxification effort.

A diet rich in diverse green vegetables provides essential nutrients and enhances your liver’s detoxification capabilities. You can also consider using toxin binders like activated charcoal and chlorella or supplements such as na-acetyl cysteine or glutathione to support your liver.

Follow an Anti-Inflammatory, Low Histamine Diet

A low histamine diet is a dietary approach aimed at reducing the intake of foods that are high in histamine or that trigger the release of histamine in the body to help you find relief from histamine-related symptoms. Begin by eliminating sources of inflammation from your diet, such as refined sugar, carbohydrates, refined oils, gluten, allergenic foods, artificial additives, canned and processed meats, and overlay processed items. Instead, shift your focus towards a low-histamine, whole-foods approach, incorporating fresh greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits and opting for organic, grass-fed meat and pasture-raised poultry and eggs.

 

Your Path to Better Health Starts Now

The reality of heavy metal-induced histamine intolerance is clear: confronting heavy metal issues head-on is your ticket to effective symptom management.

While this journey might seem overwhelming, these practice strategies are here to empower you to reclaim your comfort and well-being.

And I say this with confidence because I’ve helped numerous patients conquer heavy metal-induced histamine intolerance challenges – relief from those perplexing and draining symptoms is well within your reach!

So, let’s get started on this transformative journey and uncover the mysteries behind your histamine symptoms. Whether you’re ready to schedule a consultation today or prefer to kickstart your healing journey with my Histamine Reset Online Program, it’s here, waiting for you.

Remember, your journey to improved health begins right here, right now! Don’t hesitate to take that first step toward a more vibrant and comfortable life.

 

Resources

1. "Heavy Metal - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics." https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/heavy-metal. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
2. "Heavy metal toxicity and the environment - PubMed." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22945569/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
3. "Heavy Metal Poisoning - Lead, Mercury, Arsenic and Cadmium." https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/heavy-metal-poisoning/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
4. "Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium ...." 13 Apr. 2021, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33927623/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
5. "The Health Effects of Aluminum Exposure - PMC - NCBI." 29 Sep. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5651828/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
6. "The Effects of Cadmium Toxicity - PMC - NCBI." 26 May. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312803/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
7. "Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26109881/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

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by Peter Saydak

Is Mold the Root Cause of Your Histamine Intolerance?

Exploring Histamine Intolerance and Its Link to Mold Exposure

If you’ve been dealing with histamine intolerance, you’re probably already familiar with the sneaky symptoms it can throw your way. But what you might not know is that there could be an unexpected cause: mold.

Mold isn’t just something you find in your bathroom. It can also mess with your health in ways you might not expect. The interesting part is how mold and histamine intolerance can intertwine.

You see, mold releases certain substances called mycotoxins, and these toxins can kick start a chain reaction in your body. When they come into play, your immune system responds by releasing histamine, which can trigger a host of familiar symptoms.

In this blog, I’ll break down the mold-histamine connection. We’ll explore how mold exposure can set off your histamine alarms and how it relates to histamine intolerance.

So, if you’ve ever wondered why your histamine intolerance symptoms seem to have a mind of their own or expect a mold exposure, stick around. I’m here to shed light on this intriguing connection and help you feel better.

 

Mold Allergies and Mold Toxicity

When it comes to mold exposure, it’s important to distinguish between mold allergies and mold toxicity because they can lead to very different sets of symptoms.^[1] Mold, in its common form, can trigger a strong IgE (Immunoglobulin E) reaction in some people, resulting in typical allergy symptoms that you might be familiar with:

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Watery, itchy, red eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy nose, roof of the mouth, or throat
• Swollen and puffy eyes
• Postnasal drip

These symptoms are the body’s way of reacting to the presence of mold spores that you have inhaled. However, mold toxicity is another side of mold exposure beyond these typical allergy symptoms.

Mold toxicity, often referred to as mold illness or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), shifts the focus to a group of biotoxins produced by specific molds, such as Stachybotrys or Aspergillus, which can be more sneaky.^{[2] [3]} These biotoxins can disrupt various bodily functions, including the immune, neurological, and hormonal systems, leading to many symptoms that often overlap with other chronic conditions. Mold toxicity can manifest as: ^[4]

• Profound fatigue
• Cognitive impairment
• Muscle pain
• Gastrointestinal issues

Mold toxicity isn’t an allergy; it represents a complex connection between the body and the toxic compounds released by certain molds, making it a more distinct and challenging health concern.

 

Identifying Mold Exposure

Mold can be tricky, often lurking in places we least expect it. In our homes, mold can sneak into damp basements, crawl spaces, or even hide behind the walls where a small leak went unnoticed. Workplaces aren’t immune either; office buildings with poor ventilation or areas prone to water leaks can become breeding grounds for mold. Plus, let’s not forget about other environments like gyms, schools, or stores – mold will likely grow wherever moisture hangs around.

Spotting mold isn’t always easy, but there are some telltale signs to watch out for.

• Visible Mold Growth: Obvious patches of mold on walls, ceilings, or floors, often appearing as discolored, fuzzy, or slimy spots.
• Musty Odor: A persistent, earthy, or damp smell, even if you can’t see visible mold.
• Water Stains: Discoloration or water stains on walls or ceilings.
• Humidity and Condensation: High indoor humidity levels or excessive condensation on windows can create conditions favorable for mold growth.
• Leaky Pipes or Roof: Any history of leaks can lead to mold if not addressed.
• Peeling Caulk or Grout: Mold can thrive in the moist environment of bathrooms and kitchens, causing caulk or grout to deteriorate and become discolored.
• Bubbling or Buckling of Flooring: Irregularities in flooring can indicate moisture issues that mold thrives on.
• Bubbling of Wallpaper or Paint: Unusual bubbling or warping of wallpaper or paint can be a sign of underlying moisture and potential mold growth.

 

The Mold-Histamine Connection

Now, let’s dive into how mold and histamine intolerance are connected.

Think of your immune system as your body’s defense mechanism. It goes into action mode when it senses a potential threat, like mold spores in the air. Mold spores can be inhaled, and your immune system recognizes them as invaders. In response, it releases histamine as part of its defense strategy.

Histamine’s job is to trigger responses that help your body fight off threats. For some people, the histamine response can become overwhelming. It’s not just the typical allergy symptoms; it can also lead to symptoms that extend far beyond the runny nose and itchy eyes – also known as histamine intolerance.

When I talk about the mold-histamine connection, I’m essentially saying that mold exposure can kickstart this histamine cascade in your body.^[5] It can trigger histamine release just like an allergen would. The twist is that it doesn’t necessarily involve a typical allergic reaction; instead, it’s more about how your body handles histamine. For some people, this can lead to histamine intolerance, which shares similarities with mold-related allergies but operates on a different level.

 

Histamine Intolerance Symptoms Caused by Mold

Yes, histamine intolerance symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated by mold exposure!

Mold, especially certain types, can release mycotoxins into your environment, stimulating the release of histamine in the body, leading to a range of histamine intolerance symptoms.

Common histamine intolerance symptoms caused or worsened by mold exposure might include:

• Headaches
• Nasal Congestion and Sneezing
• Skin Issues
• Digestive Problems
• Respiratory Symptoms
• Fatigue
• Brain Fog
• Mood Swings
• Sleep Disturbances
• Dizziness and Vertigo
• Neurological symptoms
• Bladder Irritation (Interstitial Cystitis)

 

Strategies for Managing Mold-Induced Histamine Intolerance

To manage mold-induced histamine intolerance, you need to tackle both the mold issue and how your body reacts to histamine. Here are some practical strategies for managing mold-included histamine intolerance. ^[6]

1. Identify and Address Mold Sources

Start by checking for visible mold in your home or workplace, especially in damp areas like basements or bathrooms. If you can’t find the source, you may want to consider bringing in a professional mold inspector to help locate any hidden mold behind walls or in your HVAC system. If mold is present, it’s important to address it right away by removing any affected materials, fixing leaks, and improving ventilation.

2. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Following these simple steps can help you create a healthier indoor environment and reduce the risk of mold-related issues in the future.

• Ventilate Regularly: Ensure proper ventilation in your home by opening windows or using exhaust fans, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Good airflow helps prevent moisture buildup.
• Use Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. These devices can help capture mold spores and allergens, improving air quality.
• Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. Using a dehumidifier can be helpful in damp areas.
• Maintain HVAC Systems: Regularly inspect and maintain your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Clean or replace filters as recommended to prevent the circulation of mold spores.

3. Detoxify Your Body from Mold

If you’ve been dealing with the effects of chronic mold exposure and mold toxicity, it’s crucial to detoxify your body from mold. Here are some simple steps to get you started:

• Test for Mold Toxicity: Start by getting your body tested for mold toxicity to understand the impact of mold exposure on your health and quantify the level of toxins in your body.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from your system by supporting your kidneys, liver, and overall bodily functions. Plus, staying hydrated can ease common symptoms of mold-induced histamine intolerance. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces of water per day.
• Support Detoxification: Sweating, whether through exercise, traditional saunas, or infrared saunas, is a powerful way to eliminate toxins from your body. When you sweat, you release various waste products, including heavy metals, environmental pollutants, and excess histamine from your system.

Depending on a person's history and supplement tolerance, I use various other products to address mold, but these steps are a great place to start.

4. Maintain a Low-Histamine, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Maintaining a low-histamine diet involves consciously choosing foods low in histamine content and avoiding those known to trigger histamine release or intolerance symptoms. Minimizing histamine intake through your diet can reduce the burden on your histamine-processing systems, allowing your body to manage mold-related histamine spikes better.

In addition, an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean proteins can help mitigate overall inflammation, improving tolerance and better symptom control.

5. Support Your Gut Health

Chronic mold exposure and mold-related illnesses can contribute to gut infections and GI trouble. Prioritizing your gut health is crucial in such cases. To support your gut, opt for a nourishing diet that includes greens, vegetables, sprouts, low-glycemic index fruits, herbs, spices, grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry, wild-caught fish, and game meat.

6. Consider Histamine Supporting Supplements

Considering histamine-supporting supplements is a great strategy for managing mold-included histamine intolerance. These supplements, such as quercetin and nettle extract found in my HistoRelief supplement, can help stabilize histamine levels in your body and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, certain supplements, like DAO enzymes, may enhance your body’s ability to metabolize and process histamine efficiently.

 

Your Path to Better Health Starts Now

Here’s the truth about mold-induced histamine intolerance: tackling mold issues head-on allows you to manage your histamine intolerance effectively!

So, while navigating mold and histamine intolerance can be complex, you can actively work towards alleviating your discomfort with these practical strategies.

I know it’s possible because I conquered mold-induced histamine intolerance issues myself!

Finding relief from those puzzling and debilitating histamine intolerance symptoms is possible, and I’m excited to share how I did it!

So, join me on this journey. Find out what’s behind your histamine symptoms and how to support your body. Schedule a consultation today, or if you’re not quite ready, try my Histamine Reset Online Program – the same plan I’ve used to transform my patients’ lives, and it’s waiting for you to kickstart your healing journey.

Your path to better health starts right here, right now!

 

Resources

1. "Mold Toxicity: Pathways, Diseases, & Interventions." https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/mold-toxicity-pathways-diseases-interventions/. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.
2. "Is Mold Toxicity Really a Problem for Our Patients? Part I ... - NCBI." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4898283/. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.
3. "Molds and mycotoxins: beyond allergies and asthma - PubMed." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17405693/. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.
4. "save - Sci-Hub." https://sci-hub.se/https:/www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0092656680900173. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.
5. "Impact of mold on mast cell-cytokine immune response - PubMed." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30043558/. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.
6. "A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for ...." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654247/. Accessed 13 Sep. 2023.

 

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by Peter Saydak

DAO and Histamine: How to Naturally Increase DAO Enzymes

Natural Ways to Boost Your DAO Levels to Fight Histamine

Histamine – a word that might not have crossed your mind unless you’ve reached for an antihistamine during a hayfever fit. For many, it’s responsible for the occasional sneezes and runny nose during springtime.

But if histamine has been more than an occasional annoyance in your life, if you’ve battled severe allergies, histamine intolerance, or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), you’re probably familiar with the role histamine can play in your daily life.

In my practice, I’ve witnessed a rising tide of chronic illness, bringing with it an increase in cases of histamine intolerance and MCAS. The symptoms of these conditions can be overwhelming, but the good news is that we can do plenty to regain some control.

Before diving into the solutions that can help you regain control over your histamine intolerance, let’s first understand the pivotal role of the DAO enzyme in influencing histamine levels.

 

The Powerful DAO Enzyme

Diamine Oxidase (DAO) is an important enzyme responsible for the breakdown of histamine in the body.^[1] While another enzyme called histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMH) also plays a role in histamine metabolism, DAO stands out for its remarkable efficiency.

DAO is primarily located in the kidneys and thymus, where it works to convert histamine into a form that can be easily excreted through the kidneys and urine. DAO is also found in the small intestine, where it works to break down histamine to prevent it from entering the body.

When you have a sufficient supply of DAO, nearly all of the histamine passing through your digestive tract is effectively broken down, and as a result, it doesn’t lead to any adverse reactions. However, if your DAO levels are insufficient, histamine can accumulate, potentially causing histamine sensitivity, chronic inflammation, or even mast cell activation syndrome if the problem persists.

 

Understanding DAO and Histamine

Histamine Intolerance occurs when the body produces an excess of histamine and struggles to effectively break it down, leading to its accumulation. This buildup can result in various persistent symptoms, such as allergy-like reactions, gastrointestinal problems, nasal congestion, and even asthma.

While diagnosing histamine intolerance often requires consulting a healthcare professional and recognizing common symptoms, digging deeper to identify the underlying root cause is crucial for effective symptom management.

One prevalent root cause of histamine intolerance is a deficiency in DAO enzymes. Research even suggests that DAO deficiency accounts for more than 70% of all histamine intolerance cases.^[2]

 

Common Causes of DAO Deficiency

Two naturally occurring enzymes, DAO and HNMT, are required to maintain balanced histamine levels. However, when these enzymes are in short supply, or your body struggles to produce them adequately, it can accumulate histamine.

Several common causes can contribute to histamine accumulation and DAO deficiency, including: ^{[3] [4]}

• Genetics: Some people may inherit a genetic mutation that results in a deficiency of the DAO enzyme, making them more susceptible to histamine intolerance.
• Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can disrupt DAO enzyme levels.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations or hormonal imbalances, such as estrogen and progesterone, can disrupt DAO enzyme production and function, reducing histamine breakdown efficiency, increasing inflammation, gut disturbances, and mast cell activation.
• GI Disorders: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Celiac disease, and SIBO may trigger inflammation in the body, mimicking histamine intolerance symptoms and impeding the production of sufficient DAO enzyme.
• Nutrient Deficiencies: A deficiency in essential nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, zinc, or copper can increase the risk of or contribute to DAO deficiency.
• Eating Histamine-Rich Foods: Certain foods can hinder the DAO enzyme’s functioning by inundating the body with excessive histamine, overwhelming your enzyme’s capacity to break it down.
• Alcohol: Besides being high in histamine, alcohol acts as an inhibitor of the DAO enzymes, intensifying histamine-related symptoms.
• Green tea, black tea, and mate tea: contain catechins, which can act as DAO inhibitors, potentially impacting histamine breakdown.

 

7 Ways to Boost Your DAO Levels to Fight Histamine

In recent years, extensive research has focused on preventing DAO deficiency and understanding its connection to histamine intolerance. Promising strategies have emerged, offering hope for preventing and, in some cases, reversing histamine intolerance, marking significant progress in managing this condition.

 

1. Vitamin-Rich Foods and Supplements

Scientists have identified various nutrients that effectively boost DAO Enzymes levels. These nutrients include Omega-3 fatty acids, saturated fats, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12.^[5] Foods rich in these nutrients can help enhance DAO production.

For instance, Omega-3-rich foods like wild-caught salmon and mackerel stimulate DAO release, while healthy saturated fats found in grass-fed butter aid in this process. Walnuts and avocados are also rich in Omega-3, but they are also high in histamine. Additionally, when consuming fish for this purpose, it must be extremely fresh to reap the full benefits.

Other nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and zinc can be obtained from almonds, broccoli, and grass-fed meat, all contributing to increased DAO levels. Deficiencies in zinc, copper, vitamin B6, and vitamin C have also been linked to inflammation and reduced DAO activity, meaning that supplementing with these nutrients can be valuable for improving histamine intolerance symptoms. Consider taking a low histamine multivitamin with minerals to meet these essential nutrient needs.

 

2. Adopt a Low Histamine Diet

In a recent study, they found that changing your diet is the first step in easing histamine intolerance symptoms.^[6] Avoiding foods high in histamine allows your body to catch up and deal with the histamine already there. This study also showed that these dietary changes help DAO enzymes move better in your body.

If you’re not sure how the right diet can effectively lower your histamine levels and promote healthy DAO enzyme production, check out my “The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan” book to get a comprehensive plan that encompasses a low-histamine diet, liver care, gut support, and recipes and tips to help you experience life long results.

 

3. Avoid DAO-Blocking Foods

DAO-blocking foods can inhibit DAO enzymes' activity, impairing histamine breakdown and potentially triggering histamine intolerance symptoms. Here are some examples of DAO-blocking foods.

• Alcohol
• Aged and Fermented Foods
• Processed and Cured Meats
• Vinegar and Vinegar-Containing Foods
• Canned or Smoked Fish
• Artificial Food additives
• Leftovers

Individual tolerance to these foods can vary; some people with histamine intolerance may react more strongly than others.

 

4. Support Your Gut Health

Since a significant portion of DAO is generated in the digestive system, nurturing your gut health and bolstering beneficial bacteria with the help of a low-histamine probiotic can help mitigate histamine-related symptoms.

Probiotics work much like a supplement by boosting DAO production by reinforcing your digestive tract and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.

 

5. Balance Your Fat Intake

When making dietary changes to support DAO, one of the most interesting findings pertains to the consumption of fats.^[7] Notably, monounsaturated fats rich in Omega-9 fatty acids, such as oleic acid found in olive oil. The research indicates that Omega-9 fatty acids can significantly boost DAO enzyme release into the bloodstream, potentially alleviating histamine intolerance symptoms. On the other hand, Omega-6 fatty acids from sources like offal, fatty red meat, and certain dairy products have been linked to heightened histamine levels.

Balancing your fat intake involves reducing Omega-6 rich processed foods and vegetable oils while increasing Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood. Try heat-stable oils like ghee and pressed coconut oil for high-temperature cooking, and include olive oil for lighter cooking.

 

6. Reduce Histamine Release

Reducing histamine release is a method I frequently use with my patients, using my HistoReliefe. While it doesn’t directly boost the DAO enzyme, it does provide your body with a respite from inflammation and damage, allowing the DAO enzyme to catch up and alleviate your symptoms.

By regulating the body’s natural histamine release, many of my patients find an increased tolerance for dietary histamine that they previously struggled with. This means that they have fewer dietary restrictions and a reduction in symptoms!

 

7. Try a DAO Supplement

One of the easiest ways to bolster your DAO enzyme levels involves using a natural DAO supplement, typically available in capsule form. These supplements provide a convenient way to alleviate histamine intolerance symptoms by facilitating the breakdown of incoming histamine.

It’s important to note that DAO supplements primarily work within your digestive tract, enhancing histamine breakdown from the foods you just ate. DAO supplements don’t directly increase internal DAO levels in your bloodstream, meaning they won’t break down histamine created by mast cells, nor will they cure histamine intolerance.

 

Find Relieve and Improve Histamine Intolerance Symptoms

These 7 ways to boost your DAO levels naturally are straightforward and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. So, kickstart the process and start finding relief from your histamine intolerance symptoms.

Are you ready for an even deeper look at what’s behind your histamine intolerance symptoms? Do you want to provide your body with even more support?

Schedule a consultation today to get started.

And if you're not quite ready for a consultation, don’t worry. You can begin your healing journey at your own pace with our Histamine Reset Online Program.

 

Resources

1. "Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art - PMC - NCBI." 14 Aug. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7463562/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
2. "Prevalence of Genetic Diamine Oxidase (DAO) Deficiency in Female ...." 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10044988/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
3. "Histamine and histamine intolerance - PubMed." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17490952/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
4. "Alcohol-histamine interactions - PubMed." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10344773/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
5. "Effect of dietary fatty acid and micronutrient intake/energy ratio on ...." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28606572/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
6. "Nutrients regulate diamine oxidase release from intestinal mucosa." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9756524/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
7. "Nutrient-induced inflammation in the intestine - PMC - NCBI." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520304/. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.

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by Peter Saydak