Histamine Intolerance Test

About Our Histamine Intolerance Test

Histamine intolerance can be elusive and difficult to pin down. Common symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and itching often resemble an allergic reaction, making it challenging to discern without specific testing. Our Histamine Intolerance Test, carried out in a UK-based ISO 13485 certified lab, provides answers by analysing your blood for DAO enzyme concentration. DAO, or Diamine oxidase, is vital for breaking down histamine in the body.

DAO and Histamine

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down excess histamine in the body. DAO deficiency, which can present when DAO enzyme activity is low, leads to alterations in histamine metabolism. [source] When you don’t have enough DAO enzyme, you can get histamine intolerance. 

The role of histamine in the body is to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function, but it is most known for the fact that it causes allergy symptoms. When your body receives an allergy trigger, it will respond by getting rid of it. When the histamines start the process of removing the unwanted trigger out of your body or skin, this can cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing or itching. The body works hard by sending loads of histamines to keep you safe, but its overreaction causes the unpleasant allergy symptoms.

The type of effect histamine has on your body is dependent on which histamine receptors it binds to. There exist four types of histamine receptors:

• H1 receptors are present throughout the body. They cause the most well-known allergy symptoms such as: itchy skin, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. 
• H2 receptors reside mostly in the stomach and cause allergy symptoms such as: Stomach acid secretion, headache. The excess stomach acid is created to battle the trigger that has invaded the body. 
• H3 receptors are found in the central nervous system, where they help regulate the release of histamine and neurotransmitters.
• H4 receptors play a role in blood-cell formations and are present in the bone marrow and immature cells (hematopoietic cells). 

Understanding the Symptoms

Common symptoms include headache, migraine, dizziness, redness, itching, swelling, stomach and intestinal issues, cough, asthma, runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in blood pressure and palpitations. Symptoms can vary from mild, like a recurring headache, to more severe reactions.

The symptoms are heavily dependent on the histamine receptors, as previously mentioned. H1 receptors are linked to symptoms associated with having a cold, such as runny nose and coughing, but also itchiness. On the other hand, H2 receptors are the ones causing stomach and intestinal issues, as well as headaches. 

Histamine Intolerance Treatment

To get rid of the symptoms, you must clear histamine from your body. There are several ways you can treat the symptoms:

H1 Antihistamines: These antihistamines will block the H1 receptors responsible for allergic symptoms caused by a pollen allergy or pet allergy. This will reduce symptoms. You can purchase H1 antihistamines as tablets, liquids, creams, and eye drops.

H2 Antihistamines: These antihistamines block the H2 receptors and by doing so help treat several digestive issues. 

Low histamine diet: Avoiding histamine-rich foods and drinks can help reduce symptoms. High histamine foods are foods that are aged. Alcohol as well is particularly high in histamine. In the list of low histamine foods, you can find many fruits such as apples, mangos, peaches and blueberries, and vegetables such as onions, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus and sweet potatoes. Fresh meat and fish are also recommended, but note that spoiled fish can build up high levels of histamine as well, so make sure to eat fish that has been kept at safe temperatures.

Supplements: DAO supplements can also be beneficial. Studies have shown, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 may also be beneficial in lowering histamine levels. Consult with a dietist/practitioner, before taking any supplements. 

 Other Tests That May Be of Interest

• Allergy Test: Measures both foods, pollen and pet dander. Can give similar reaction as histamine intolerance.
• Food Intolerance Test: Understand your body’s reaction to more than 240 different foods.
• Stress Hormone Test: Measure your body’s response to stress.
• Nutrient Test: Find out if you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Not Sure This Test is for You?

If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.