Letzte Aktualisierung am 11. December 2023 von Dr. Michael Zechmann-Khreis

The symptoms of histamine intolerance are varied. Treatment also depends on a number of factors. In the following, we will look at these two topics and clarify whether histamine intolerance can be cured.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance

The symptoms of histamine intolerance are very varied (see below) and sometimes difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of other diseases. Allergy symptoms in particular are similar to those of histamine intolerance. The symptoms usually become noticeable a few minutes to a few hours after consuming histamine-rich or histamine-releasing foods or foods that block the DAO enzyme. According to a study of 141 sufferers, 41% of those affected experienced symptoms just a few minutes after eating the food in question and 47% a few hours later. Only about 12% reported symptoms on subsequent days.

The difficulty in diagnosing histamine intolerance is the variety of symptoms. There are certain groups of symptoms: Cardiovascular system, Skin / mucous membranes and digestion. There are often several symptoms of of these categories. Several symptoms often occur together, However, only individual symptoms may become noticeable. This varies from person to person and also depends on the foods or additional intolerances!

Several areas can be affected by histamine intolerance:

• Cardiovascular system
• Skin
• Gastrointestinal tract (digestive tract)
• Genital tract*

*The symptom group “genital tract” was not included in our survey. confirmed, as not a single respondent reported this symptom group. mentioned. Jarisch describes in his book that a connection between cramp-like menstrual pain and histamine intolerance plausible could be.

In our study with 141 participants, we have the following distribution of symptoms were found: The most common were headaches (38%) and Flushing (36%; reddening of the skin on the face and neck), followed by Abdominal pain (31%), diarrhea (26%), runny nose or Nasal mucosal swelling (19%). Flatulence and nausea recorded We are followed by palpitations with only around 12%. Less often, but still in more than 5% of cases, rashes occur, itchy skin, fatigue, dizziness and circulatory problems.

The most common symptoms of the various symptom groups are

Cardiovascular system / CNS

• Headache (up to and including migraine)
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Circulatory problems

Skin

• Flushing (reddening of the neck and face)
• Rash
• Itching
• Wheals and swelling

Digestive tract

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain (also cramping)
• Flatulence
• Diarrhea

In the case of histamine intolerance, it is generally warned that in very rare cases could lead to life-threatening conditions. However, no such case has been documented to date!

The following symptoms are also reported by some of those affected:

• Hives (urticaria)
• Problems urinating
• Sweating
• Tingling in fingers, legs
• Muscle/joint pain
• Sleep disorders
• Asthma/breathlessness
• Sneeze
• Itchy eyes
• Heartburn
• Visual disturbances
• Hot flushes
• Sneezing fits
• Tinnitus, ringing in the ears
• Tooth and jaw pain
• rough, furry tongue
• Oral aphthae or other inflammations in the mouth
• Increased acne
• Lack of drive
• Concentration difficulties
• Mood swings/whining/aggressiveness
• Increased temperature or flu-like feeling
• Vomiting
• …

Treatment of histamine intolerance

Can histamine intolerance be cured? This is a question that concerns many of those affected. Unfortunately, the answer here is not simple.

The best thing to do is to follow a low-biogenic diet, i.e. to consume only fresh produce and avoid processed foods or foods that have been stored for a long time.

That means roughly:

• Avoid long matured cheese (hard cheese). Use cream cheese, butter cheese, cottage cheese instead
• Avoid alcohol and fermented drinks
• Avoid raw sausage products such as salami. Cooked ham instead
• No fish products. Freshly caught fish instead (white fish is better than red fish)
• Avoid tomatoes, strawberries, papaya, sauerkraut and citrus fruits. Use other fresh fruit instead
• Giving up chocolate
• Avoid nuts
• No yeast extracts
• Avoid soy sauces and fermented soy products
• Avoid black and green tea
• Avoid energy drinks, coffee

Precise consultation with the attending physician and dietary support is very important! If you observe a period of abstinence (elimination diet) and then listen to your body well during the permanent diet, eat a balanced diet and have other factors such as stress or other intolerances under control, histamine intolerance can actually improve or even heal. It is therefore very possible to cure histamine intolerance, especially if you have a temporary form. Unfortunately, you can’t force this or know it in advance.

Antihistamine

The symptoms can be alleviated by administering antihistamines. You should always consult your doctor and have an emergency kit with you in case of need! Your doctor will advise you on this.

Vitamin C

• promotes histamine degradation
• Substitution makes sense – test individually

Vitamin B6

• important for synthesis of DAO
• Substitution only makes sense if there is a proven deficiency

Food supplements for histamine intolerance

For the treatment of histamine intolerance, there are enzyme preparations which contain the missing enzyme DAO. Directly before a histamine-rich 1-2 tablets are taken after each meal. Depending on the individual Tolerance and under consideration of e.g. histamine liberators or DAO-blocking foods or medications have this effect. preparations work very well for most people. Such enzyme products should be seen as a plan B for a vacation or a dinner invitation. and are not recommended for long-term medication.

Note: DAOSiN should be taken immediately before a histamine-rich meal!

How DAO preparations work

The diamine oxidase (DAO) contained in the product DAOSiN, for example corresponds to the body’s own enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of histamine. is. “By consuming the DAOSiN capsules before meals, the DAO quantity in the small intestine and thus the willingness to break down histamine increased. DAOSiN thus facilitates the processing of the irritant histamine from food in the digestive tract in a natural way. The Occurrence of the […] symptoms can occur with existing histamine intolerance can be prevented by DAOSiN – you can eat more easily and enjoy your meal.” (Quote from the manufacturer’s website)

Sources include:

1) Jarisch, R. “Histaminunverträglichkeit”, Thieme Verlag TB 2nd edition
2) Buchart, K. “Gut leben mit Nahrungsmittelallergien”, Löwenzahn Verlag, 2008
3) Komericki P, Klein G, Raider N, et.al.“Histamine intolerance: lack of reproducibility of single symptoms by oral provocation with histamine; A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study“, Wiener klinische Wochenschr., 2011, 123: 15-20
4) Zechmann, M. “Weinkonsum und Histaminintoleranz”, study at the NMI portal, Gesellschaft für Öffentliche Gesundheit, 2012;
5) Schmutz Helmut (author); Abbot, G.; Lieners C.; Mayer, I.; et.al; “Nahrungsmittelunverträglichkeit (Histamin Intoleranz)”, non-fiction book, Vienna 2006
6) Jarisch, R. “Food intolerance”, medmix 4/2008, pp 49-52
7) Maintz, L; Bieber, T; Novak, N;“Histamine Intolerance in Clinical Practice“, Dtsch Arztebl 2006; 103(51-52): A-3477