Listen to the full episode here: The Daily Dose Podcast
This is a short clip from my longer interview with Dr. J Dunn, a geneticist I introduce in the full episode. In the clip she explains how the genes you inherit can affect the way your body breaks down histamine. You can hear the whole conversation in Uncover Your Happy Genes Redefine Disease With Dr. J Dunn on Spotify, or read my write-up in Disease And Illness Redefined With Genetics.
What is histamine intolerance, and how does the body break histamine down? That is the question we tackle in this episode of The Daily Dose Podcast. Histamine does a lot of important work in the body, but when it builds up faster than the body can break it down, people may notice a wide range of symptoms that are easy to confuse with other things.
This post is a plain-language guide built from the clip, Dr. Dunn’s longer interview and the write-up we published with the episode. It is educational and not medical advice.
Key Takeaways
- In the clip, Dr. J Dunn explains that an enzyme that breaks down histamine is genetically coded, and that a variant that works more slowly can let histamine build up.
- Histamine intolerance is described as an imbalance between histamine in the body and the body’s ability to break it down, primarily related to the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO).
- Symptoms are nonspecific and can include headaches, skin irritation, digestive issues, nasal congestion, and fatigue.
- Triggers discussed include genetics, certain medications, gastrointestinal conditions, and histamine-rich foods such as aged cheeses, alcohol, and fermented products.
- Research on low-histamine diets is still evolving, and a 2021 systematic review challenged some conventional food lists.
- Diagnosis is complex and often involves a process of elimination, so professional guidance matters.
- Always talk to a healthcare professional about symptoms, supplements, and diet changes.
Table of Contents
- What Dr. J Dunn Says in the Clip
- What Is Histamine and What Does It Do?
- What Is Histamine Intolerance?
- Symptoms Can Look Like Many Things
- Possible Triggers
- Food and Diet: A Changing Picture
- How Is It Diagnosed?
- Managing It and What We Still Do Not Know
- FAQ
- Educational Disclaimer
What Dr. J Dunn Says in the Clip
The clip comes from the part of the interview where I asked Dr. Dunn about pollen and other environmental triggers. Here is what she says, in plain terms:
- An enzyme that breaks down histamine is genetically coded. If you inherited the right code for it, she says, you are probably not going to be bothered much by allergies.
- If you inherited a variant that works a lot slower at breaking down histamine, your histamine levels can build up and you can react.
- Histamine does not only show up as sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. She says it can also affect the digestive system and the brain, causing symptoms such as brain fog.
- Hives or rashes are another symptom she mentions, linked to the body being unable to clear histamine.
- You get one set of genes from your mother and one from your father, and together they give the code for enzymes that break down histamine, adrenaline, neurotransmitters and toxins. A variant in the code can slow the enzyme down.
For her, the idea made the topic feel less like a “black box” and more logical: if an enzyme does not work as well, whatever it is supposed to break down can build up in the body.
A few notes so this stays in context. This is Dr. Dunn’s explanation of how she sees genetics and histamine, and a clip is only a small slice of a long conversation. In the full interview she names an enzyme called HNMT and explains that it relies on a methyl group. The general overview below talks about a different enzyme, DAO, and researchers describe more than one route for histamine breakdown. Genes are also only one possible factor, and the symptoms she mentions overlap with many other conditions, so a healthcare professional is the right person to sort out what is going on for you.
What Is Histamine and What Does It Do?
Histamine serves several important roles in the body. It acts as a messenger to the brain, helps with digestion by supporting the release of stomach acid, and takes part in immune responses after injury or an allergic reaction. Problems can arise when there is too much histamine, or when the body has trouble breaking it down.
What Is Histamine Intolerance?
According to the write-up, histamine intolerance is not a sensitivity but an accumulation of histamine. It happens when the amount of histamine in the body outpaces its capacity to break it down. A key part of that breakdown is the enzyme DAO, and low DAO activity is considered one factor. The condition is described as primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system.
Symptoms Can Look Like Many Things
Symptoms of histamine intolerance are nonspecific, which makes them tricky. They often resemble other conditions, including allergies and intolerances. The post lists:
- Digestive issues, abdominal pain, and nausea
- Headaches
- Skin irritation or reactions
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- In more severe cases, symptoms such as changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm
A 2019 study highlighted just how varied the symptoms experienced by participants were: read the study here. If you have severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, swelling, or fainting, seek emergency medical care.
Possible Triggers
The write-up covers a number of factors that may play a role:
- Genetics: genetic mutations that affect DAO production.
- Medications: certain medications can interfere with DAO function, leading to temporary histamine buildup. Do not change any prescription without asking your prescriber.
- Gastrointestinal conditions: conditions such as IBS, IBD, and malabsorption are mentioned as being associated with DAO issues.
- Foods and drinks: aged cheeses, alcohol, and fermented products are commonly named as histamine-rich or histamine-releasing.
- Bacterial overgrowth: the post notes that overgrowth due to improper digestion can raise histamine levels.
Food and Diet: A Changing Picture
Limiting histamine-rich foods is a common strategy people discuss. At the same time, the post stresses that the effectiveness of histamine-limiting diets is an evolving area that needs more research. A 2021 systematic review challenged conventional lists of high-histamine foods, noting that items often labeled high-histamine, such as citrus fruits and fish, showed low histamine levels in the review. Personal experience with foods can vary, which is why individualized advice is important.
Before making big changes to your diet, the post recommends talking to a healthcare professional, particularly a registered dietitian, to keep your eating balanced.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosing histamine intolerance is complex. The write-up describes approaches such as:
- Elimination diets followed by gradual reintroduction while monitoring reactions
- Blood tests that look at DAO levels
- Skin prick tests, noted as an alternative method
Because symptoms overlap with allergies, other disorders, or infections, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential.
Managing It and What We Still Do Not Know
The post mentions that antihistamines are used for short-term relief and that DAO supplements are being discussed, although more research is needed to understand how well they work. Please talk with a doctor before using either. Management is individual, and the outlook varies from person to person.
If you want to see how we cover other body-chemistry topics, read our episode on the bliss point.
FAQ
The timeframe varies from person to person and can range from minutes to hours. That is one reason careful observation, ideally with professional guidance, is so important.
According to the write-up, it can develop suddenly or gradually, depending on factors like genetics and diet.
It can affect people of all ages. Parents should consult a healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.
The outlook varies. Some people manage symptoms with dietary changes, while others may need ongoing management. It depends on the underlying cause and the individual.
Dietary adjustments and antihistamines are common conversation topics, while complementary approaches are still being researched. A healthcare professional can help you decide what is appropriate.
Dr. J Dunn is the guest in the longer interview this clip comes from. In the full episode I introduce her as a geneticist who has practiced for more than 30 years. You can read my write-up in our post Disease And Illness Redefined With Genetics.
In the clip, Dr. Dunn explains that an enzyme that breaks down histamine is coded by your genes. If you inherit a variant that works more slowly, histamine may build up. This is her explanation and not a diagnosis, so talk to a healthcare professional about any symptoms.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and summarizes a short podcast clip, the longer interview it comes from and the write-up published with the episode. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you think you may have histamine intolerance or any irregular symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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