It is almost 50 degrees outside as I write this, and I can’t help but think that allergy season is coming. Many times, allergies in West Bend are caused by histamine intolerance and that is the culprit for asthma, sinus problems and many other issues.

Histamine intolerance happens when there is a build-up of histamines in the body and your body is unable to get rid of.

Histamines are a chemical that send messages to the brain. They signal the release of stomach acid for digestion and is released as part of the immune system’s response to an injury or allergic reaction.

Many times, the build-up can happen from having low levels of an enzyme called Diamine Oxidase (DAO), which helps break down histamines.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance in West Bend can include:

• Headaches or Migraines
• Fatigue
• Hives
• Digestive Issues
• Irregular Menstrual Cycles
• Nausea/ Vomiting
• Tissue Swelling
• High Blood Pressure
• Anxiety
• Dizziness

You can have altered DAO levels due to the small intestine, bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s, IBS, colitis, celiac disease, and gluten intolerance. It can also stem from certain drugs like NSAIDS, acid blocking medications, anti-depressants, and immune suppressants.

We have started carrying supplements that have DAO, but I will do another blog next week talking about what you can do yourself to help with DAO levels. This will include foods to eat and not to eat and other minerals and vitamins that help with DAO production.