Histamine Intolerance/ MCAS
Histamine intolerance and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) can cause a wide variety of symptoms and be highly debilitating.
Symptoms of histamine intolerance or histamine overload can vary and sometimes it can be difficult to make the link. Tests for histamine intolerance are not very accurate but the gut is often the most common source of immune imbalance which triggers mast cell activation.
Key Facts
- Histamine intolerance can be mild while mast cell activation (MCAS) tends to be much more severe and difficult to treat
- Mast cell activation and histamine release can be induced, often by foods, by also by your environment, chemicals, heat, and even by touch or movement
- A low histamine diet is not a cure but can help greatly to lower overall histamine levels
- Promoting immune balance in the gut, improving beneficial bacteria and restoring leaky gut can help to reduce triggers of histamine release
- Specific supplements can support reduction of histamine and mast cell activity such as quercetin and luteolin. DAO enzymes help to breakdown histamine in the gut.
- MCAS often needs medical intervention, and we can work with your doctor to support this
Best Test Options
Gut Health & Microbiome – GI Ecologix
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth SIBO Breath test
Functional Nutritional Profile Blood Test
Advanced Immune Test
Patient Story
History
Jenny attended our clinic in relation to digestive issues, chronic daily headache and irritable skin. She had tried regular probiotics and some trigger avoidance like a gluten free diet but nothing was helping.
Tests
Jenny carried out a gut microbiome analysis which identified very low levels of key beneficial bacteria and high levels of unhelpful bacteria. Her markers of inflammation were elevated which may have all been triggering histamine release in the gut.
Plan
Jenny started a low histamine diet and took DAO enzyme support with each meal. She started on specific low histamine probiotics and anti-inflammatory supplements.
Jenny also looked at her exposure to chemicals and products that she was applying to her skin and made some switches to more natural/ organic products.
Repeat test
Jenny re-tested the inflammatory markers to ensure that they were improving. Then she commenced a herbal supplement to restore bacterial balance once this repeat test had shown it was safe to do so.
Outcome
Jenny began to slowly re-introduce a variety of moderate to higher histamine foods. Most of these were well tolerated in moderate quantities. Her daily headache had improved dramatically and only returned if she ate a high quantity of higher histamine foods in one sitting. Her skin had improved and was no longer as irritated by chemicals or personal hygiene products.
“My digestion and immune issues are much more manageable now. I’m really delighted with the progress and to be free of those awful reactions.”
Our expertise in this area includes:
