Supplements for histamine interolance

Histamine intolerance is a condition characterized by the inability to break histamine down properly, causing a histamine buildup in the body. This is usually due to a lack of the diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme caused by genetics, certain medications, and even gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s and SIBO. This blog series walks you through everything you need to know about the histamine response, including supplements for histamine intolerance, and how to get back to optimal health!

In Part 1, I discussed the basics of histamine intolerance, its hallmark signs and symptoms, and some testing options to help histamine intolerance. Part 2 explained how to follow an elimination diet of high histamine foods. Now in the final part of this blog series, you’ll learn about helpful supplements for histamine intolerance and some of my favorite product picks!  

Supplements for Histamine Intolerance:

Certain nutrients can help mediate the histamine response in the body and can be used for those with histamine intolerance in addition to a low histamine diet. As always, check with a healthcare professional before beginning any supplement protocol.  

Supplement

What You Should Know

Product Pick

CopperCopper is known to produce mild increases in DAO levels in the blood, and deficiencies are linked to increased histamine intolerance.

This micronutrient is a metal and can cause toxicity if too much accumulates in the body. It’s best to assess your red blood cell (RBC) copper levels prior to supplementing.

Zinc and copper inhibit each other’s absorption, so if you have been taking a zinc supplement for a lengthy period of time, it might be worth checking your copper levels

Take copper separate from iron,vitamin C,and zinc to improve absorption

Pure Encapsulations Copper Glycinate

Why:

  • I like this form of copper because it is chelated (meaning it is bound to an amino acid, specifically glycine), entering the digestive tract more easily for absorption
Vitamin CImportant for immune health, Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that also helps clear histamine from the blood by increasing DAO production.

As too much Vitamin C may cause loose stools, it’s best to start at a lower dose and increase gradually with a goal of 1000-2000 mg per day

 

Douglas Labs C-1000

Why:

  • I like this Vitamin C because it’s corn free. Many Vitamin C supplements are derived from genetically modified corn.
Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 is a cofactor (a helper molecule) for the DAO enzyme.

Supplementation with B6 may help increase DAO levels naturally.

 

Pure Encapsulations P5P50

Why:

  • The Alternative Medicine Review indicates that some people do not have enough of the enzyme that body needs to convert Pyridoxine (inactive B6) to Pyridoxal-5’-Phosphate (active B6); therefore, it may be best to take the activated B6 form.
QuercetinThis is a bioflavonoid that helps calm inflammation in the body.  

Quercetin also blocks histamine release from mast cells, thereby reducing allergy symptoms.

 

Vital Nutrients Quercetin

Why:

  • This product is free of potentially harmful binding agents, fillers and common allergens and provides 500 mg of quercetin per two capsules
DAO enzymesTaking a DAO enzyme can be helpful for short term relief and improve histamine clearance 

HistamAid88

Why:

  • It is best to take this 15-20 minutes before eating a high histamine food or meal and take 1 capsule per approx. 350 calories consumed
Khella (Bishop’s Weed)Khella is plant-based mast cell stabilizer that may be useful in reducing respiratory symptoms associated with histamine intolerance 

Herb Pharm Khella Extract

Why:

  • Khella extract in tincture form absorbs best to improve respiratory symptoms
ResveratrolFound in the skin of red grapes as well as blueberries, resveratrol is an polyphenol antioxidant that helps quench free radicals and prevents cellular damage.

Although grapes and blueberries are high histamine foods, resveratrol intake has been linked to decreased incidence of mast cell disorders by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor and interleukins, proinflammatory compounds.

Resveratrol is often found in combination with other antioxidants, although it can be taken on its own.

High potency resveratrol is pretty pricey, so it’s not a bad idea to try other supplements before this one!

Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol

Why:

  • I like this product because of its purity and potency. Each capsule contains 200 mg of resveratrol derived from Japanese Knotweed, which is a plant naturally rich in resveratrol.
Milk ThistleMilk thistle contains silibinin, a compound which helps decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines like histamine from mast cells.

This product also stimulates the liver to more effectively detoxify the body.

 

Herb Pharm Milk Thistle

Why:

  • Herb Pharm has high purity standards and they double extract their milk thistle from a certifiable organically grown plant to create high potency remedies
ProbioticsWhile fermented foods are high in histamine, taking a good quality probiotic to help balance the gut microbiome may be helpful for histamine intolerance.

One study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus diminished mast cell release of histamine.

There are also some bacterial strains that should be avoided because they promote histamine release. The bacterial strains Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are found in fermented foods like yogurt that usually aren’t appropriate for those with histamine intolerance, so it is best to avoid probiotic supplements that contain these strands as well.

Klaire Labs Pro-5

Why:

  • This product contains 25+ billion colony forming units (CFU) and beneficial lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium and streptococcus strains
Combination ProductsCertain supplements combine beneficial nutrients into one product.

Sometimes it is better to see how you react to a single nutrient before trying them in conjunction with others.

 

Vital Nutrients Aller-C combines Vitamin C, quercetin and bromelain

BioGenesis Resveratrol plus Flavonoids combines resveratrol with other flavonoids like green tea extract, pine bark extract and bromelain

Complementary Prescriptions Histamine Balance combines Vitamin C, Quercetin, Bromelain and Magnesium

Protocol for Life Balance Aller-All combines B6, B5, Vitamin C, Zinc, Quercetin and Stinging Nettles

Conclusion:

While these supplements can certainly help with symptoms of histamine intolerance and improve quality of life, they are not magic. It’s important to discern the underlying cause of your symptoms and work to eliminate them with proper diet and lifestyle changes outlined in Part 1 and Part 2 of this blog series.

Are you still not sure where to begin? If you need help navigating your issues with histamine, let’s set up a free consultation today!

GUEST ARTICLE CONTRIBUTED BY: ELIZABETH HERBERT, MS CANDIDATE AT THE MARYLAND UNIVERSITY OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

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