Is histamine overload driving your bloating, loose stools, PMS, migraines and eczema flares?
Histamine overload is a dynamic we are seeing more common in our clients but it is hard to spot on its own. This is because there isn’t a set test for histamine overload or sometimes called histamine intolerance and it isn’t actually a root cause in itself but identifying histamines as a symptom trigger helps to better manage symptoms and get clearer on how to identify and solve the deeper root cause.
Let’s dive into more on histamines…
What are histamines?
Histamines are chemicals that play a role in the body's inflammatory and immune system responses. They are most abundantly found in the cells lining the gut, key immune cells as well as in the central nervous system but they are also present in smaller amounts in almost all body tissues. Histamine regulates a variety of roles especially related to inflammatory responses of the body. Most known for their role in allergies, histamines actually play a significant role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, supporting cognitive function, stimulating appetite and regulating pain relief among others. Histamines are necessary to the function of the body; however, histamines become an issue when they are either produced in excessive levels and/or they are not being broken down properly leading to histamine overload.
Histamine Overload
Identifying histamine overload as the driver of symptoms is a process of elimination. There is no one set test to determine if you are struggling with histamine overload. That is why it is important to work with a provider who is continuously reassessing your progress in healing, your symptoms, test findings and digging for the deeper reason for why you are struggling with symptoms because for many people histamine overload can go overlooked for a longtime. That being said, histamine overload is not a root cause and identifying histamine overload leads us to a next series of steps to better support the client to reduce symptoms and address the root causes.
Assessing for symptoms is the first step in assessing if histamines may be responsible for driving your symptoms.
Top symptoms that can be associated with histamine overload
Bloating
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting after eating
Constipation or Diarrhea
PMS symptoms
Migraines or headaches
Eczema
Rashes, hives or flushing
Acne or breakouts
Swelling or edema
Blood pressure fluctuations with foods
Anxiety or heart palpitations
Insomnia
If you suspect histamines are your major symptom drivers the next step is to get curious about what the deeper root cause is that is driving the histamine overload.
Common root causes of Histamine Overload
Histamine overload is a condition that drives a laundry list of symptoms in clients; however, there is a deeper root cause that is responsible for the dynamic and that is what needs to be addressed in order to fully eliminate and heal.
There are two main areas that drive histamine overload. One are root causes that lead to the overproduction of histamines from the cells that make and store histamines which are largely located in the small intestine, lungs and central nervous system. The second is an inability to breakdown the histamine chemicals once they are released leading to an over population that causes symptoms. These deeper root causes of histamine overload include:
Gut dysbiosis or infection
SIBO
Leaky gut or breakdown in the gut barrier
Mold toxicity
Nutrient deficiencies B6, vitamin C, copper
Congested detox pathways
Poor methylation
The good news is that when we are able to identify the unique root cause at play we are not only able to provide immediate symptoms relief to the histamine overload dynamic but are able to address the root cause that is driving the entire dynamic.
PMS & Histamine Connection
A unique pattern we see in many of our female clients helps to further identify histamine overload dynamics are symptoms that align with estrogen fluctuations throughout the monthly menstrual cycle. Histamines can drive PMS symptoms and for some women can even contribute to PMDD which is an extreme form of PMS.
Estrogen fluctuates throughout the monthly cycle and has two key point of elevation, one right before ovulation which is mid-day through the monthly cycle and the second is in the luteal phase a week or so before the menstrual bleed. When estrogen rises in these windows and it is not properly balanced with progesterone or broken down properly through the detoxification systems it can lead to an increase in histamine release in the gut. This release of histamines can exacerbating PMS as well as drive bloating, headaches, pain and other histamine related symptoms. Histamine can also increase the release of estrogen from the ovaries creating an even greater estrogen dominance dynamic that further can drive PMS and heavy, painful periods.
If this is a symptom pattern your experience monthly it is helpful to be assessed by a histamine proficient provider to rule it in or out and work on addressing the deeper root causes.
Jump Start Managing Histamine Symptoms
If you resonate with this article, remember there are deeper root causes as to why you struggle with histamine overload but know there are some immediate strategies you can employ to reduce your symptoms starting today!
Our favorite is Nettle Tea Infusions
This tea blend contains nettle which helps to stabilize the cells that release histamine and reduce the over production of histamine release. That combined with dandelion tea helps to support detoxification pathways that are often involved in the hormone fluctuations of histamines and help to promote more efficient estrogen and waste clearance through the liver detox pathways. Option to add in other additions for flavor or additional symptom benefits based on what you are experiencing.
Dandelion and nettles tea in this luteal phase tea blend gently support healthy estrogen detox and reduces release of histamine in the gut to reduce symptoms of PMS, bloating and headaches in the luteal phase
Nettle Tea Infusion Recipe: Per 8oz
1 tsp nettles leaf tea
1 tsp dandelion root
1 tsp peppermint
Directions: I use a glass pitcher with a metal sieve that holds the loose leaf tea and then fill the pitcher with filtered water and let it steep overnight in my fridge so its ready to go for the next couple days.
Enjoy this herbal tea blend anytime or time during the windows in your cycle you are most symptomatic to combat histamine related hormone symptoms.
Other gut-hormone supportive herbs you can add:
Chamomile for more PMS relief
Ginger for more anti-inflammatory actions, soothes digestion and helps with migraines - Slippery elm for constipation and slow motility
Spearmint for supporting high testosterone and reducing hair growth and skin breakouts
Looking to get support to understand if histamines are driving your chronic symptoms and finally address your unique root causes so you can feel vibrant and symptom free in your body?
Book a 30 min complementary strategy call today to talk through your symptoms, health history and understand how we can help you eliminate your symptoms, reclaim your health and step into your most vibrant self!
