Histamine is a chemical that is released by your body to help fight off infection. But, sometimes too much histamine is released and this can cause unpleasant symptoms. Find out what causes high histamine levels and how they can be treated in this article.
Histamine’s Role in the Body
Histamine is a natural chemical that plays an important role in the body. It is released by immune cells and other cells in response to injury or allergens. Histamine acts as a local vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels, and also increases blood flow and permeability. This allows immune cells to reach the site of an infection or injury more quickly.
Histamine levels can become elevated due to a number of reasons. Allergies are one common cause, as histamine is released in response to foreign substances such as pollen or pet dander. Infections and inflammation can also lead to high histamine levels, as can certain medications, including some anti-histamines.
High histamine levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including itching, hives, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out a more serious condition and determine the best course of treatment.
Environmental Factors That Cause High Histamine Levels
There are a number of environmental factors that can cause high histamine levels. One of the most common is exposure to pollen or other airborne allergens. These can trigger an immune response, causing the release of histamine. Other potential triggers include dust, mould, and pet dander. Foods and medications can also cause high histamine levels. Certain foods, such as aged cheeses, smoked meats, and fermented foods, contain high levels of histamine. Medications that can cause histamine Release include beta blockers and certain painkillers.
Food Allergies And Intolerances
If you have high histamine levels, it could be due to a food allergy or intolerance. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Food intolerances are more common than allergies, and can cause similar symptoms.
There are many possible causes of food intolerances, including sensitivity to certain chemicals in food, reactions to additives or preservatives, or difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates. If you think you may have a food intolerance, it’s important to see a doctor or allergist to get testing and a diagnosis.
Eliminating potential allergens from your diet is the best way to treat high histamine levels caused by food allergies or intolerances. This can be difficult, as many common foods contain allergens. However, there are some tips that can help you avoid potential allergens:
– Read labels carefully when shopping for food.
– Avoid processed foods as much as possible.
– When eating out, ask about ingredients and how dishes are prepared.
– If you have severe allergies or intolerances, carry emergency medication with you at all times.
Medications
There are a number of medications that can cause high histamine levels. These include:
– Antihistamines: These drugs are designed to block the action of histamine, but can sometimes have the opposite effect and actually increase histamine levels.
– H₂ blockers: These drugs block the action of histamine on stomach cells, but can also increase histamine levels in the blood.
– Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: These drugs are used to treat depression, but can also inhibit the enzyme that breaks down histamine, leading to increased levels.
How to Lower Histamine Level
If you are someone who suffers from high histamine levels, you know how uncomfortable and even dangerous it can be. Symptoms of high histamine levels include hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
There are a number of things that can cause your histamine levels to spike. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, stress, and even weather changes. If you’re not sure what’s causing your high histamine levels, your doctor can order a test to find out.
Once the cause of your high histamine levels has been determined, there are a few things you can do to help lower them. Avoiding triggers is the first step. If certain foods trigger your symptoms, eliminate them from your diet. If stress is a trigger, find ways to manage it better. You may also need to take medication to help lower your histamine levels.
If you suffer from high histamine levels, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower them and avoid triggering symptoms.
Conclusion
There are many possible causes of high histamine levels, and it is important to work with a healthcare professional to determine the root cause in each individual case. With the right treatment plan, however, it is possible to bring histamine levels back into balance and improve symptoms. If you think you may have high histamine levels, talk to your doctor about getting tested and starting on a treatment plan.