The Gut-Histamine Connection
Your gut health plays a crucial role in histamine intolerance. The intestinal lining produces DAO enzyme, and gut bacteria can either produce or degrade histamine. Healing the gut is often key to managing histamine issues.
How Gut Issues Contribute
- SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): Bacteria produce histamine
- Leaky Gut: Allows more histamine to enter bloodstream
- Dysbiosis: Imbalanced gut bacteria favor histamine production
- Inflammation: Damaged intestinal lining produces less DAO
Healing Your Gut
Strategies to support gut healing:
- Remove Triggers: Eliminate problematic foods
- Support Digestion: Consider digestive enzymes
- Repair: L-glutamine, bone broth, collagen
- Restore: Low-histamine probiotics (choose carefully)
- Rebalance: Address underlying infections or SIBO
Probiotics: Choose Wisely
Not all probiotics are suitable for histamine intolerance. Avoid strains that produce histamine. Look for these beneficial strains:
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Working with Healthcare Providers
Consider working with a functional medicine doctor or gastroenterologist who understands histamine intolerance. Testing for SIBO, parasites, and gut infections can be helpful.