Histamine is present in a large number of cells in the body. It has a regulatory function in the intestine, plays a role in the production of stomach acid and acts as a neurotransmitter. Histamine is involved in inflammatory reactions and allergies. Contact with foreign substances causes mast cells to release histamine. An increase in histamine causes allergic symptoms such as itching, a runny nose, diarrhoea and insomnia. This is therefore referred to as a pseudo-allergy.<\/p>\n
There are various causes that can increase the histamine level in the body. One of the main reasons is an allergy. An allergic reaction occurs when antibodies come into contact with mast cells that contain histamine, after which histamine is released.
\nThe histamine level in the intestine can rise due to foods that release histamine or contain a lot of histamine. Under normal circumstances, the histamine level in the intestine remains fairly low. This is because the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) breaks down histamine. Some people lack this enzyme. When you consume foods that cause the histamine level in the intestine to rise sharply, people with a deficiency of the DAO enzyme develop symptoms. This is called histamine intolerance.<\/p>\n
Package contents<\/strong> Please note:<\/strong><\/em> You take a stool sample on the day after eating or drinking something that causes the characteristic symptoms. For example, you should drink red wine in the evening or eat chocolate. If you have slept poorly or developed diarrhoea, take a stool sample the next morning. Keep the envelope in the refrigerator and post it (just before collection) on the same day.<\/p>\n Stop taking histamine-suppressing medication (Cetirizine, Tavergyl) four to five days before taking the sample.<\/p>\n Indications\/complaints Common complaints associated with an increase in histamine in the intestine are: The histamine level in the intestine rises with the consumption of certain foods such as chocolate, mature cheese, nuts and red wine. The enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) is present in the small intestine in most people and breaks down histamine. With a DAO deficiency, gastrointestinal complaints occur together with itching, a blocked nose, insomnia or headache after eating histamine-rich products. This test does not measure the DAO level, but the histamine concentration after deliberately provoking a reaction by eating histamine-rich products. A high histamine level in the stool may then indicate a DAO deficiency.<\/p>\n The HISTAMINE<\/strong> <\/span>module measures the concentration in the stool after provocation of:<\/p>\n
\nThe histamine level is measured in the stool. The sampling and shipping kit contains a special collection tube for the sample. The stool is collected in a preservation medium. This stabilises the substances in the stool for a reliable result.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>An increase in histamine makes you alert, making it difficult to fall asleep. A rise in histamine causes itching and accelerates the heart rate, resulting in palpitations. Another characteristic symptom of a deficiency of the DAO enzyme is that drinking red wine causes red cheeks or blotchy skin. You may then be unable to fall asleep. You do not need to drink much for such a reaction. One glass is often enough. Not only red wine, but also chocolate, mature cheese or nuts cause an increase in histamine. Itching, a blocked nose or headache can occur immediately or only the next day. Diarrhoea often occurs at night or the following day.<\/p>\n
\n\u2013 Gastrointestinal complaints, especially diarrhoea
\n\u2013 Itching or red, blotchy skin, hot flushes
\n\u2013 Insomnia
\n\u2013 Irregular heartbeat or rapid pulse
\n\u2013 Headache
\n\u2013 Runny nose
\n\u2013 Shortness of breath
\n\u2013 Dizziness
\n\u2013 Muscle cramps<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n