“Are you allergic to any foods?” The response to this question may be tricky for those with food intolerances. Food intolerance, also called food insensitivity, is not an allergy. However, one must avoid food triggers to prevent symptoms. This cannot be easy to explain or for others to understand.
Food Intolerances
A recent survey conducted within the United States found that food tolerances affected 25% of the 2133 survey participants. Worldwide research estimates that 1 out of every five individuals have food intolerances.
Food intolerance is the negative reaction that occurs in an individual when eating a specific food or a certain substance contained within the food. Since food intolerance is not a food allergy, the reaction does not involve the immune system, and the severity of the reaction should not cause harm. However, the symptoms of food intolerance can vary, ranging from mild discomfort to significantly impacting one’s life. Food intolerance can cause many symptoms that can affect the gastrointestinal system and the entire body.
• Difficulty with digesting:
- Lactose Intolerance - lack of a digestive enzyme causing an inability to digest dairy properly
- Gluten intolerance – also called non-celiac gluten sensitivity with an inability to tolerate wheat, barley, rye, and other grains
• Sensitivity to food chemicals:
- Sulfites
- MSG
- Dyes
• Cross-reactivity – the body mistakes a food that is similar in composition to another food to which the person may have an allergy
• Histamine intolerance – the rate of accumulation of histamine in the body exceeds the body’s ability to eliminate it
What is histamine intolerance?
Histamine is a chemical the body makes and is naturally found in some foods. Appropriate histamine levels are important for our immune system, but high levels can cause reactions. Patients with histamine intolerance have high levels of histamine in the intestines that are absorbed in the systemic circulation. Histamine receptors are found throughout the entire body so histamine can bind to different organ systems and cause a variety of symptoms including:
• Gastrointestinal system:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Diarrhea or constipation
• Respiratory system:
- Shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
• Heart and blood vessels:
- Fast heart rate
- Palpitations
- Low blood pressure
• Nervous System
- Migraine headaches
• Skin
- Itching
- Flushing
- Swelling
- Hives
- Dermatitis/rashes
• Reproductive system:
- Menstrual cramps
Foods that contain high levels of histamine include aged cheeses, wine, fermented food, spinach, some fish, and processed meats, among other foods. In healthy individuals, the intestinal enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) helps eliminate the histamine ingested in food. DAO activity can be inhibited due to genetic mutations and by certain medications (such as verapamil, clavulanic acid, isoniazid, and others). Alcohol can increase the release of one’s endogenous histamine, and vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin C and copper) can perpetuate histamine intolerance.
Below is a review article on histamine intolerance, which states, “The presence of diverse, unexpected, and random symptoms, particularly after food consumption, suggest a strong possibility of histamine intolerance.”
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11054089/
Jochum C. Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond. Nutrients. 2024 Apr 19;16(8):1219. doi: 10.3390/nu16081219. PMID: 38674909; PMCID: PMC11054089.
It is important to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to diagnose the exact condition causing the symptoms and to eliminate the possibility of food allergies or other medical conditions. Food sensitivities, including histamine intolerance, are manageable. Your healthcare providers and naturopath can help you navigate the complexity of food intolerance treatment options, including diet and supplements, to regain your quality of life.