Understanding Histamine Intolerance: It’s More Than Hay Fever

When we hear the word “histamine,” most people think of seasonal allergies or hay fever. But histamine intolerance can impact far more than sneezing and itchy eyes, and many people experience symptoms without realising histamine is the root cause.

At The Heart of the Matter Nutrition, we often work with clients who struggle with recurring headaches, digestive issues, flushing, skin flares, or unexplained fatigue, only to discover that histamine intolerance plays a key role. Understanding how histamine works in the body is the first step toward feeling better.

What Is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine is a natural chemical produced by your immune system. It plays a role in digestion, mood, and inflammatory response. Your body also gets histamine from foods. In a balanced system, enzymes break down excess histamine, particularly the DAO (diamine oxidase) and HNMT enzymes.

Histamine intolerance occurs when there’s a build-up of histamine in the body due to:

• Reduced enzymatic breakdown

• Overproduction (often due to stress or infections)

• High-histamine foods or alcohol consumption

• Gut dysbiosis or poor digestion

The result? Symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

Signs of Histamine Intolerance

Symptoms of histamine intolerance vary from person to person, but common ones include:

• Bloating, cramping, or nausea after meals

• Flushing, hives, or itchy skin

• Migraine-like headaches

• Sinus congestion or sneezing (without allergens)

• Anxiety, dizziness, or heart palpitations

• Worsening PMS or menstrual cramps

• Disturbed sleep

If these symptoms appear frequently, especially after eating, it’s worth exploring histamine load and tolerance.

The Role of Gut Health

Histamine is produced and broken down in the gut, making digestion and microbiome balance central to addressing histamine intolerance. An inflamed or leaky gut can impair enzyme production, increasing histamine sensitivity.

Through one-to-one consultations and functional testing, we assess how well your gut is managing histamine and identify any imbalances that may be contributing to symptoms.

Functional Testing for Histamine Intolerance

Symptoms are only part of the picture. To gain clarity, we may explore:

• DAO activity levels

• Histamine levels in blood or urine

• Gut microbiome diversity and inflammation markers

• Food reaction profiles

• Nutritional status related to enzyme function

You can read more about our functional testing options for histamine intolerance here. With the right information, you can stop guessing and start understanding your body’s unique responses.

Everyday Habits That Can Help

While personalised strategies are most effective, some general habits that support histamine balance include:

• Eating freshly prepared foods

• Avoiding leftovers and aged products (like fermented foods, cured meats, and wine)

• Managing stress to reduce histamine release

• Supporting gut health through high-fibre meals and consistent digestion-friendly routines

• Prioritising sleep and nervous system rest

These are the types of sustainable lifestyle changes we support through our online nutrition programmes.

Why Personalised Care Matters

Not everyone with histamine intolerance will react to the same triggers, and no two people need the same plan. That’s why we offer personalised care, guided by clinical insight and functional testing, to help you find calm, balance, and relief.

Book Your Discovery Call Today

If you’re dealing with persistent skin issues, digestive discomfort, or fatigue that doesn’t seem to add up, histamine intolerance might be the missing link.

Let’s investigate the root causes, and create a strategy that works for you.

Book Your Discovery Call