Allergies can be a real pain in the neck. Establishing the underlying causes can be tricky to say the least. Overproduction of histamine, one of the body’s natural defence barriers, can lead to an onslaught of symptoms. Signs of runny nose, itchy skin, watery eyes or sneezing. This is just the short list of symptoms.

What is an allergy?

Allergies tend to occur as a result of something you may be reacting to in the environment. These substances are commonly referred to as allergens. They can be found in foods, insects, pollen, dust mites, pets, ticks and some forms of medications. With ongoing exposure to these types of allergens, an immune reaction develops that leads to allergic inflammation.

What happens during an allergic reaction?

As an allergen enters the body, it triggers an antibody response. These antibodies then attach themselves to mast cells. Mast cells play many complex and critical roles in keeping us healthy. Typically located between the tissues and our external environment, they represent key players in the inflammatory response. Once activated, they release a wide variety of inflammatory mediators.
Mast cells are responsible for the release of histamine. Histamine is healthy in small amounts and helps your body to recover from a small allergic reaction. It initiates the movement of allergens out of your body or away from your skin. Some people can have a problem with breaking down larger amounts of histamine.

Histamine Intolerance

Decreased ability to break down histamine is often referred to as histamine intolerance. It is not only produced by our mast cells, but also is present in many foods. If it is being obtained through the diet, it compounds the quantity the body has to deal with. Problems arise when there is a deficiency in the enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO).
DAO’s role is to break down the onslaught of histamine and drive it out from the body. If the clearance is unsuccessful, histamine builds up and forges the allergy symptoms further.

Treatment for Allergies

• To follow a low histamine diet – tailored to a person’s individual needs
• Identify problematic toxins – functional testing will address this
• Use a DAO Enzyme Supplement – assisting histamine clearance
• Heal the gut and restore microbiome – healthy immune systems require healthy microbiome
• Get plenty of sleep – crucial for good immunity

Herbal medicines and nutritional support can offer sufferers quality relief in minimising symptoms. Testing can be arranged to determine allergens, moulds, bacteria and toxins present. Low histamine diets can also be devised to provide guidance with foods.