Trying to find supplements for histamine intolerance that actually work?
No worries. Today, I'll tell you about the 7 best supplements for histamine intolerance that are all-natural and scientifically proven to ease your symptoms.
Let's get started.
What the Histamine is Going on?
They are one of the good guys in the complex co*cktail that make up your body’s immune system – helping you gear up to fight a bad flu or infection. Yes, we’re talking about histamines – those ‘bonafide hustlers’ who make you itch, swell or even erupt in red patches, whatever it takes to get the bad boys out of your system asap.
Unfortunately, sometimes, an excessive amount of histamines can make your body react like a bouncer who keeps out even the invited guests to the party - causing your body to respond violently to what are otherwise harmless triggers. If you have ever wiped a bookshelf covered in dust only to start sneezing violently, or eaten high histamine foods that don't cooperate with your system and broken into a bout of rashes, you'll know what I'm talking about.
As you must know if you are a regular reader to this blog, I believe the right food choices can prevent a whole lot of health conditions and imbalances in the body, and histamine intolerance is no different. A balanced diet with low histamine foods can certainly help reduce symptoms of histamine intolerance. However, to kick start your maladjusted immune system, here are some tried and tested supplements for histamine intolerance that will help you bid goodbye to your histamine intolerance symptoms and say hello to an easier daily life.
Each of these supplements for histamine intolerance was carefully selected through research. They have been tried and tested for their efficacy in histamine intolerance, and are backed by numerous scientific studies which I've cited throughout.
Along with a nutritious, low histamine diet, the right supplements for histamine intolerance can go a long way in alleviating symptoms. Be sure to use a combination of my free low histamine diet, along with the supplement recommendations.
Get the low histamine diet!
As a histamine intolerance expert, here are my top supplement recommendations to help you say goodbye to the itches, sniffles and other body-wide symptoms that come along with with histamine intolerance.
7 Best Supplements for Histamine Intolerance
1. The Right Probiotic
It should be a more wide-spread word of caution that when selecting supplements for histamine intolerance, probiotics are one of the most important to pay attention to. It is absolutely essential that care is taken to choose the right strains, as the wrong combination of bacteria can actually aggravate symptoms!
This is because many “beneficial” bacteria actually produce histamine. This production is natural and, in a healthy, non-histamine-intolerant individual, the body will degrade this histamine easily.
However, in a histamine intolerant individual, it’s important to ensure you’re not adding any histamine-producing bacteria into your system and, instead, balancing your microbiome using histamine-friendly probiotics.
In order to avoid aggravating symptoms, using a tailored, low-histamine probiotic would be the best starting supplement for histamine intolerance, as it will help to balance your gut bacteria using particular strains of probiotics that are histamine-friendly.
I use a low histamine probiotic that combines six non-dairy, stomach acid resistant strains of beneficial bacteria that are, most importantly, low histamine. These probiotics have proven effective effective in numerous studies [1-4]. My clients using a low histamine probiotic have seen great results through both oral and rectal administration via probiotic enemas.
For a more detailed explanation on selecting the perfect, histamine-friendly probiotic, check out this article I wrote on probiotics for histamine intolerance.
2. Vitamin C
Here's something you've probably heard from your mother before: a daily dose of Vitamin C can really help boost the body’s immune system. This notion doesn’t simply come from the wisdom of old wives’ tales - it’s corroborated by science.
Numerous studies have shown that intake of Vitamin C as a supplement for histamine intolerance can reduce the symptoms of histamine intolerance itself [5]. Additionally, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and provides numerous additional benefits to the body, including preventing biological ageing which is associated with disease status later in life.
Keep in mind that citrus fruits, some of the highest common sources of vitamin C, are actually restricted on a low histamine diet, which may make meeting the daily requirement even harder. In this case, supplementation can be both practical and therapeutic.
3. Quercetin
Quercetin, a plant pigment found in many proclaimed superfoods, has been shown to be an effective supplement for histamine intolerance by directly blocking the release of histamine from mast cells. Mast cells contain molecules called mediators (histamine is one such mediator) which are secreted when the cells are triggered.
Studies have shown quercetin to display both anti-inflammatory and anti viral properties. It works more effectively with a supplement which contains bromelain (a compound found in pineapples) as well [6].
4. Bromelain
Bromelain is a phytochemical compound found in high concentration in the stem of pineapples. In other words, it’s a common mistake that eating pineapple chunks will provide a sufficient source of this beneficial compound!
Bromelain has been used in traditional medicine systems across the world for centuries and, recently, science has begun to dive into the evidence behind this "miracle compound".
According to studies, bromelain has shown to be effective in the treatment of numerous histamine-associated symptoms, while simultaneously improving absorption of certain compounds in the gut [6,7].
5. Stinging nettles
Stinging nettles, or Urtica dioica, has been shown to work better in blind tests than a placebo to reduce symptoms of histamine intolerance [8]. Let us see what happens behind the screen when the body ingests Urtica dioica…
Interestingly, the stinging hairs on the leaves of the species are rich in serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and acetylcholine. Through the process of freeze-drying, Urtica dioica is able to preserve its anti-allergen properties and work similar to existing antihistamines in the market.
A randomized, double-blind study using 300 mg freeze-dried Urtica dioica to treat patients with allergic rhinitis found that 69 of patients who participated in the study rated it as more effective than a placebo [9]. Another 58 percent felt it was effective in relieving their symptoms.
It's interesting that this treatment has been effective, despite the fact that the stinging hairs themselves contain histamine. The reason for this, is because histamine has the ability to work as a local regulator to modulate immune response, therefore resulting in reduced symptoms!
6. N-acetyl cysteine
N-acetyl cysteine is an important supplement for histamine intolerance, as it has shown to be responsible for potentiating inhibitory effects of mast cells on histamine release. In other words, N-acetyl cysteine acts as an assistant for maximizing the effect of other supplements that are used to reduce histamine release [10].
This assistance can produce profound effects, as an increased release of histamine from mast cells is one of the primary causes of histamine intolerance, thus indicating that N-acetyl cysteine can relieve symptoms by targeting the root cause of histamine intolerance, rather than the symptom itself.
7. Natural D-Hist
Natural D-Hist is a true superhero when it comes to supplements for histamine intolerance, as its compounds have all shown promising results in testing.
The all-natural supplement contains stinging nettles leaf, N-acetyl cysteine, quercetin, bromelain and vitamin C, all of which have been demonstrated to be top superpowers for reducing histamine-associated symptoms [1-10].
In other words, Natural D-Hist combines all of the best histamine-healing remedies into one single supplement of perfectly proportioned dosages for maximum symptom relief.
The compounds in D-Hist have been shown to be very effective in treating sinus allergies and common symptoms of histamine intolerance. Unlike over-the-counter medications, this natural supplement does not cause drowsiness and, has been reported by clients to start seeing noticeable improvements in as little as 10 days.
Natural D-Hist is by far my #1 recommended supplement for histamine intolerant clients because they can actually feel the difference, rather than being unsure if it’s working or not. It has even been referred to by my clients as a “miracle in a bottle” and a “wonder-drug!”
References
- Yang, P., Yang, G. and Liu, Z. (2013). Treatment of allergic rhinitis with probiotics: An alternative approach. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 5(8), p.465. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3784923/
- Ishida, Y., Nakamura, F., Kanzato, H., Sawada, D., Hirata, H., Nishimura, A., Kajimoto, O. and Fujiwara, S. (2005). Clinical Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus Strain L-92 on Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Dairy Science, 88(2), pp.527-533. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15653517/
- Kawase, M., He, F., Kubota, A., Hiramatsu, M., Saito, H., Ishii, T., Yasueda, H. and Akiyama, K. (2009). Effect of fermented milk prepared with two probiotic strains on Japanese cedar pollinosis in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 128(3), pp.429-434. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18977549
- Ouwehand, A., Nermes, M., Collado, M., Rautonen, N., Salminen, S. and Isolauri, E. (2009). Specific probiotics alleviate allergic rhinitis during the birch pollen season. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 15(26), p.3261. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19598302
- Hemilä, H. (2014). The effect of vitamin C on bronchoconstriction and respiratory symptoms caused by exercise: a review and statistical analysis. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 10(1), p.58. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4363347/
- Pavan, R., Jain, S., Shraddha and Kumar, A. (2012). Properties and Therapeutic Application of Bromelain: A Review. Biotechnology Research International, 2012, pp.1-6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23304525
- Heinicke, R., Van der Wal, L. and Yokoyama, M. (1992). Effect of bromelain (Ananase) on human platelet aggregation. Experientia, 28(7), pp.844-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4658882
- Li, Y., Yao, J., Han, C., Yang, J., Chaudhry, M., Wang, S., Liu, H. and Yin, Y. (2016). Quercetin, Inflammation and Immunity. Nutrients, 8(3), p.167. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4808895/
- Thornhill, S. and Kelly, A. (2000). Natural Treatment of Perennial Allergic Rhinitis. Alternative Medicine Review, 5(5), pp.448-454. https://www.altmedrev.com/publications/5/5/448.pdf
- Masini, E., Di Bello, M., Pistelli, A., Raspanti, S., Gambassi, F., Mugnai, L., Lupini, M. and Mannaioni, P. (1994). Generation of nitric oxide from nitrovasodilators modulates the release of histamine from mast cells. J Physiol Pharmacol., 45(1), pp.41-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7519083
FAQs
Vitamin C can help you produce more of the DAO enzyme to break down histamine. Plus, it's a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation throughout the body.
What vitamin reduces histamine? ›
Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine by reducing the amount of histamine your body produces in response to an allergen. It might help reduce mild symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and watery eyes due to allergic rhinitis.
What is the fastest way to get histamine out of your system? ›
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, which means it can lower histamine levels and mitigate allergic reactions and symptoms. Consume plenty of Vitamin C rich foods, like tropical fruits, citrus fruits, broccoli and cauliflower, and berries.
What is the strongest natural antihistamine? ›
Nettles. Nettle leaf is a natural antihistamine that naturally blocks histamine production. It can be made in to a tincture or tea, but for allergy relief, capsules made from dried nettle leaves are the most effective option.
Does magnesium decrease histamine? ›
Magnesium is key mineral that can help with histamine intolerance and mast cell activation and most people find that upping their magnesium intake can help with oral and gastric tolerance and reduce symptoms.
Does zinc lower histamine? ›
The zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) inhibits the release of histamine, the production of cytokines, and the secretion of lipid mediators in mast cells, and zinc supplementation rescues these inhibitory effects.
Does B12 raise histamine levels? ›
A vitamin B12 injection also releases (a lot of) histamine from the mast cells. When there is a lot of free histamine in our body, there is an elevated histamine level.
How can I increase my DAO enzyme naturally? ›
Balance your fat intake
Olive oil in particular was shown to increase the the release of the DAO enzyme into the bloodstream by up to 500%! Oleic acid has been shown to have other health benefits, too, such as reduced blood pressure, especially when consumed as part of a Mediterranean-style diet.
What deficiency causes histamine intolerance? ›
Histamine intolerance (HIT) is assumed to be due to a deficiency of the gastrointestinal (GI) enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) and, therefore, the food component histamine not being degraded and/or absorbed properly within the GI tract.
How do you stop histamine intolerance? ›
However, one or more of the following approaches may help:
- taking antihistamines.
- taking DAO enzyme supplements.
- avoiding medicines associated with histamine intolerance, which may involve switching medications.
- taking corticosteroids.
Summary. Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
What enzyme breaks down histamine? ›
The enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) is considered for the gastrointestinal degradation of histamine.
What helps histamine intolerance naturally? ›
- Stinging nettle. A common herb in natural medicine, stinging nettle, may also be a natural antihistamine. ...
- Quercetin. Quercetin is an antioxidant found naturally in onions, apples, and other produce. ...
- Bromelain. Bromelain is a compound most commonly found in pineapples, but you can also find it in supplement form. ...
- Butterbur.
The most frequent symptoms derived from DAO deficiency are: Migraine, headache and tinnitus. Gastrointestinal disorders, especially those associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as constipation, diarrhea, satiety, flatulence or bloating. Dermatological disorders such as dry skin, atopy and dermatitis.
Why is my body producing so much histamine? ›
Histamine is a chemical created in the body that is released by white blood cells into the bloodstream when the immune system is defending against a potential allergen. This release can result in an allergic reaction from allergy triggers such as pollen, mold, and certain foods.
What fruit is a natural antihistamine? ›
Citrus Fruits – Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress in the body and is also a natural antihistamine. Consuming adequate amounts of Vitamin C from citrus fruits such grapefruits, oranges, lemons and kiwis can also help fight infections.
Is turmeric Good for histamine intolerance? ›
"The active component of turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and its anti-allergic properties are due to inhibition of histamine release from mast cells," Dr. Galowitz says.
How do I stop nighttime histamine release? ›
Block and reduce nighttime histamine release
You can block nighttime histamine release and get a better night's sleep by taking 0.25 -1 mg of ketotifen or zaditen at night.
What foods are DAO blockers? ›
Foods that block DAO production include: alcohol. black tea.
...
Histamine-rich foods are:
- alcohol and other fermented beverages.
- fermented foods and dairy products, such as yogurt and sauerkraut.
- dried fruits.
- avocados.
- eggplant.
- spinach.
- processed or smoked meats.
- shellfish.
Histamine levels are another potent downstream target. Allergic symptoms exacerbate during nighttime and plasma histamine levels exhibit nocturnal peaks. In mastocytosis patients, peak levels of plasma histamine were observed in the early morning with the lowest in the afternoon (19).
DAO is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine from food sources. Some people may have an impaired ability to break down histamine due to a genetic polymorphism in the DAO gene. This means that your DAO gene may not effectively breakdown histamine as compared to individuals without the genetic mutation.
Is coq10 good for histamine intolerance? ›
Therefore, Co-Q10 can control inflammation in airway and allergic reactions in upper and lower airways and modulate immune response in lung. This treatment significantly controls IgE, histamine, Cyc-LT and LTB4 as main allergic bio-factors and allergic response mediators.
Does Ashwagandha lower histamine? ›
Ashwagandha – an Ayurvedic remedy known as an adaptogenic herb that modulates the body's response to stress. Withaferin A is a compound found in ashwagandha that has been shown to prevent mast cells from releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
Is calcium good for histamine intolerance? ›
Vitamin C can help to inhibit the histamine level. Calcium can help release histamine from (brain) tissues and thus lower the level in the tissues. Methionine can help to detoxify the body of histamine through methylation.
How do you check histamine levels in blood? ›
A blood histamine test must be collected rapidly, as soon as symptoms develop. Instead of a blood test, a histamine test performed on urine collected over a 24-hour period may be ordered instead to evaluate histamine production over a longer time frame.
Does quercetin help with histamine intolerance? ›
In test tubes, quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions. As a result, researchers think that quercetin may help reduce symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of the face and lips.
How long does it take for DAO supplement to work? ›
Migraines and headaches.
The supplement significantly lowered the length of migraine attacks by almost 90 minutes.
Are blueberries high in histamine? ›
Low Histamine Foods
Fruit: blueberries, apricots, cranberries, apples, mango, peaches. Vegetables: Onion, sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, squash, cucumbers, beets. Fats and Oils: animal fats.
Is Ginger high in histamine? ›
1) Ginger - Although sticking to a low histamine diet can help to prevent histamine reactions in the first place (8,9), consuming antihistamine foods can actually help to calm a histamine reaction while it's happening. One of the strongest known antihistamine foods is ginger.
Is oatmeal high in histamine? ›
Oatmeal (or Porridge)
Oats are both low in histamine and great if you have high cholesterol or acid reflux issues, and they're very versatile for making low histamine breakfasts in a snap.
NAC causes dose-dependent vasodilatation associated with histamine release in vivo. Release of other mediators, known to be associated with anaphylaxis, does not occur during anaphylactoid reactions to NAC. Paracetamol has a protective role against NAC adverse reactions.
Does Honey lower histamine? ›
They reported that pretreatment of honey (0.5, 1, and 2%) was able to inhibit the release of histamine in a concentration-dependent manner.
How do you stabilize mast cells naturally? ›
How to Stabilize Mast Cells
- Reduce Triggers of Mast Cell Activation. Start by reducing your exposure to anything that may trigger your mast cells. ...
- Detoxify Your Body. ...
- Follow a Low-Histamine Diet. ...
- Try Mast Call-Stabilizing Foods and Supplements.
Histamine blood levels are increased in polycythemia vera and chronic myelogenous leukemia, which could be related to a hematologic form of hypereosinophilia (1,2). A pruritic papule eruption, but not urticaria, has also been reported with chronic myelogenous leukemia and eosinophilia (3).
Do probiotics make histamine intolerance worse? ›
Almost all probiotics will contain strains of bacteria that produce histamine and, therefore, they possess the ability to throw off your bacterial balance and worsen symptoms.
How do you beat mast cell activation syndrome? ›
There is no cure for the condition. You will need to avoid triggers and use medications. If you have anaphylactic reactions, your doctor might also give you an auto-injector epinephrine pen to use in emergencies.
Is there a test for histamine intolerance? ›
A blood histamine test must be collected rapidly, as soon as symptoms develop. Instead of a blood test, a histamine test performed on urine collected over a 24-hour period may be ordered instead to evaluate histamine production over a longer time frame.
Does zinc lower histamine? ›
The zinc chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) inhibits the release of histamine, the production of cytokines, and the secretion of lipid mediators in mast cells, and zinc supplementation rescues these inhibitory effects.
Does quercetin help with histamine intolerance? ›
In test tubes, quercetin prevents immune cells from releasing histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions. As a result, researchers think that quercetin may help reduce symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, hives, and swelling of the face and lips.
Is B12 high in histamine? ›
A vitamin B12 injection also releases (a lot of) histamine from the mast cells. When there is a lot of free histamine in our body, there is an elevated histamine level.
L-glutamine is also known to improve leaky gut and mucosal barrier function, so it's a great addition to your overall routine to reduce your histamine levels and improve your gut health 13. L-glutamine has shown such significant results to improve the status of leaky gut in as little as 10 days.
Why is my body not breaking down histamine? ›
DAO is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine from food sources. Some people may have an impaired ability to break down histamine due to a genetic polymorphism in the DAO gene. This means that your DAO gene may not effectively breakdown histamine as compared to individuals without the genetic mutation.
How do you treat a gut with histamine intolerance? ›
Treating Histamine Intolerance: Diet, Probiotics, & Supplements. A low histamine diet, coupled with a DAO enzyme and gut health support is the best option available to help you reduce your histamine burden and resolve histamine intolerance symptoms.
Is coq10 good for histamine intolerance? ›
Therefore, Co-Q10 can control inflammation in airway and allergic reactions in upper and lower airways and modulate immune response in lung. This treatment significantly controls IgE, histamine, Cyc-LT and LTB4 as main allergic bio-factors and allergic response mediators.
What is a natural histamine blocker? ›
Summary. Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
What enzymes break down histamine? ›
The enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) is considered for the gastrointestinal degradation of histamine.
Who should not take quercetin? ›
If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use quercetin supplements without first talking to your health care provider. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) -- Quercetin may enhance the effect of these drugs, increasing your risk for bleeding: Warfarin (Coumadin) Clopidogrel (Plavix)
What deficiency causes histamine intolerance? ›
Histamine intolerance (HIT) is assumed to be due to a deficiency of the gastrointestinal (GI) enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) and, therefore, the food component histamine not being degraded and/or absorbed properly within the GI tract.
How can I increase my DAO enzyme naturally? ›
Enhancing DAO Function
- fresh meat and fish.
- eggs.
- most fresh vegetables — except spinach, tomatoes, avocado, and eggplant.
- most fresh fruit — except citrus and some berries.
- oils like coconut and olive oil.
- grains, including rice, quinoa, corn, teff, and millet.
Vitamin C can help to inhibit the histamine level. Calcium can help release histamine from (brain) tissues and thus lower the level in the tissues. Methionine can help to detoxify the body of histamine through methylation.
Murine and human mast cells treated with omeprazole exhibited diminished degranulation and release of cytokines and histamine in response to allergen.
What causes over production of histamine? ›
Seasonal allergies are often the cause of histamine production in the body, but foods can also contain this chemical.
What does it mean when your body produces too much histamine? ›
Flushing is common. may develop because too much histamine is produced, stimulating secretion of excess stomach acid. Ulcers can cause stomach pain. Nausea, vomiting, and chronic diarrhea may also occur.
