How histamine works in our body

Histamine is a substance produced by the body. It helps transmit signals between cells and also plays an important role in the immune system. Histamine is stored in special cells called mast cells. These cells are found throughout the body, including in the skin, airways and intestines.. 

The body’s own production of histamine

The body can produce histamine from histidine, a building block of proteins. This production takes place in specific cells in the intestines, stomach and skin, among other places. Auxiliary substances, such as vitamin B6, are needed for the conversion to histamine.

Histamine in Food

Histamine is also found in various foods. It is particularly prevalent in matured and fermented products, such as red wine, mature cheese and certain types of fish. During the maturing or fermentation process, bacteria convert histidine into histamine. In general, products that mature or ferment for longer periods of time contain more histamine. Fresh products therefore often contain less histamine. Finally, there are foods that do not contain large amounts of histamine themselves, but can stimulate its release. These so-called histamine releasers include strawberries, tomatoes, chocolate and shellfish.

The role of histamine in allergies 

Histamine is involved in the body’s immune response. It is released when the body recognises a substance as a potential threat. However, the body sometimes reacts to harmless substances, such as pollen, dust mites or certain foods. We call these substances allergens. We recognise this, for example, in an allergic reaction or hay fever.

When an allergen enters the body, it can bind to mast cells. This works according to a lock-and-key principle. The mast cell then releases histamine and other antibodies. This release causes an allergic reaction. Because mast cells are often found in the skin, airways and mucous membranes, symptoms often occur in these areas. These symptoms include eczema, shortness of breath or a blocked nose.

Histamine hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity to histamine does not involve an allergic reaction. In the case of hypersensitivity, the problem lies in the breakdown of histamine in the intestine. When histamine is not broken down properly in the intestine, it can accumulate in the body. An important enzyme in the breakdown of histamine from food is Diamine Oxidase (DAO). This enzyme helps to process histamine from food and thus supports the breakdown of histamine in the intestines.

In short, histamine fulfils various functions and causes different reactions throughout the body. For example, histamine can be released in the event of an allergy, leading to skin complaints, among other things. In addition, there may be reduced breakdown of histamine in the intestine, for example due to a deficiency of the DAO enzyme.