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Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

Histamine. You might know it as the reason you’re suddenly scratching like crazy after petting a cat or why your nose turns into a leaky faucet during allergy season. But did you ever stop to think that histamine has a life of its own, beyond just causing those symptoms? In this blog, we’ll delve into the intriguing world of histamine, from its essential role in the body to the puzzling phenomenon of histamine intolerance.

What is Histamine and Why Does Your Body Need It?

Histamine is a neurotransmitter and a vital component of the immune system. It plays a key role in regulating physiological functions such as digestion, sleep-wake cycles, and wound healing. When you encounter an allergen or an injury, histamine is released as part of your body’s defense mechanism, triggering inflammation to protect against foreign invaders.

Understanding Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance occurs when your body has difficulty metabolizing histamine, and research is exploring potential connections to imbalances in markers like galectin-3 (which may need lowering) and adiponectin (which may need boosting). Unlike allergies where the immune system overreacts to histamine, intolerance stems from an imbalance between histamine levels and the body’s ability to break it down. Factors like genetics, gut health, and enzyme deficiencies can contribute to histamine intolerance, leaving individuals susceptible to a range of symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

  • Digestive Issues: Including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as histamine can disrupt the gut lining.
  • Skin Reactions: Such as itching, hives, eczema, or redness, indicating histamine’s role in skin inflammation.
  • Headaches or Migraines: Histamine can dilate blood vessels, triggering headaches in susceptible individuals.
  • Respiratory Problems: Such as nasal congestion, sneezing, or difficulty breathing, mimicking allergic reactions.
  • Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: Histamine can affect neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation, leading to insomnia or daytime fatigue.

The Link Between Estrogen and Histamine

Ladies – ever noticed how your histamine intolerance goes haywire at certain times of the month? Blame it on estrogen – that sneaky hormone that loves to mess with our bodies. When estrogen levels spike, histamine production follows suit, leading to annoying symptoms like headaches and itching. So next time you’re battling PMS or dealing with pregnancy woes, just know it’s not just you – it’s estrogen and histamine teaming up for a not-so-fun party in your body.

Testing For and Treating Histamine Intolerance

Diagnosing histamine intolerance can be challenging due to its varied symptoms and overlap with other conditions. If you’re experiencing symptoms that you suspect might be related to histamine intolerance, consulting with a gut health doctor near me can be a crucial step in getting an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Elimination diets, where histamine-rich foods are temporarily removed, can help identify triggers. Additionally, blood tests measuring diamine oxidase (DAO) levels, the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine, may provide insight into histamine metabolism.

Treatment typically involves avoiding high-histamine foods and incorporating supplements like DAO or vitamin C to support histamine breakdown. Probiotics and gut-healing protocols may also be beneficial in addressing underlying gut issues contributing to histamine intolerance.

Still curious about histamine intolerance? Tune in to our podcast episode featuring Dr. Meg Mill, where we dive deeper into the intricacies of histamine, its impact on health, and the importance of managing histamine intolerance for overall well-being. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of histamine and empower ourselves with the knowledge to take control of our health!

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

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Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act
Decoding Histamine Intolerance: Your Body’s Balancing Act

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted