Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme that helps break down histamine, a compound involved in immune function, digestion, and nervous system activity. Healthy DAO levels are important for regulating histamine balance and reducing the risk of histamine intolerance.
Testing DAO levels is beneficial for individuals experiencing symptoms of histamine intolerance, such as headaches, skin irritation, or digestive issues. It’s also useful for those with allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, or those seeking to understand unexplained symptoms related to histamine activity.
Histamine intolerance arises from the body’s inability to break down histamine efficiently, leading to an accumulation of histamine. Allergy is an immune response to a foreign substance. Both can share similar symptoms like hives, sneezing, or itching, but the underlying causes differ.
To improve histamine intolerance: