What are the signs of histamine intolerance?

If your child frequently experiences unexplained rashes, hives (urticaria) digestive issues, congestion, or even mood swings, histamine intolerance could be the culprit. While histamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body, an overload can lead to a range of frustrating symptoms that often go unrecognized.

So, what exactly is histamine intolerance, and why does it happen? Let’s dive into the key causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how you can help your child feel better.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine is a compound involved in immune responses, digestion, and neurotransmitter signaling. It’s found in certain foods and is also produced by bacteria in the gut. The body typically breaks down excess histamine using enzymes like diamine oxidase (DAO). However, when the body struggles to clear histamine efficiently, it can accumulate and cause a wide range of symptoms—this is what we call histamine intolerance.

What causes histamine intolerance in kids?

There are several factors that can contribute to intolerance to histamine, including diet, gut health, enzyme function, and immune system imbalances. Here are the main drivers:

1. Eating Too Many High-Histamine Foods

Some foods naturally contain high levels of histamine, while others trigger histamine release in the body. If a child consumes too many of these foods, their histamine bucket can overflow, leading to symptoms. Common high-histamine foods include:

• Aged cheeses
• Fermented foods (yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha)
• Processed meats (salami, ham, bacon)
• Vinegar-containing foods (pickles, ketchup, soy sauce)
• Certain fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, eggplant, avocado, strawberries, bananas)
• Chocolate and cocoa products
• Nuts, especially walnuts and cashews

Some children may also react to histamine-liberating foods like citrus fruits and artificial food additives, even if they don’t contain histamine themselves.

2. Overgrowth of Histamine-Producing Gut Bacteria

A well-balanced gut microbiome plays a crucial role in histamine regulation. However, certain bacteria—such as Morganella, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter—produce histamine as a byproduct of digestion. If these bacteria overgrow, histamine levels in the gut can rise significantly.

Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut bacteria, can be triggered by:

• Frequent antibiotic use
• Poor diet high in processed foods and sugar
• Chronic stress
• Digestive disorders such as IBS or SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

When the gut isn’t functioning properly, histamine clearance slows down, increasing the risk of intolerance symptoms.

3. DAO Enzyme Deficiency

The DAO (diamine oxidase) enzyme is responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut. If DAO activity is low, histamine builds up faster than the body can eliminate it. Some reasons for DAO deficiency include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin B6, copper, zinc, vitamin C)
• Gut inflammation, which can impair enzyme function
• Certain medications that block DAO (such as NSAIDs and some antidepressants)

4. Leaky Gut and Inflammation

When the gut lining is damaged (a condition known as leaky gut), histamine and other inflammatory compounds can pass into the bloodstream more easily, leading to widespread symptoms. Leaky gut can be caused by food sensitivities, gluten intolerance, frequent infections, or an imbalanced gut microbiome.

5. Mast Cell Activation

Mast cells store and release histamine as part of an immune response. In some children, these cells become overly sensitive and release too much histamine in response to stress, allergens, or infections. This condition, called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), can contribute to histamine intolerance symptoms.

Symptoms of histamine intolerance in Children

Histamine intolerance can manifest in various ways, making it tricky to pinpoint. Common symptoms include:

• Skin reactions: Rashes, hives, eczema flares, itching, flushing
• Respiratory issues: Runny nose, congestion, sneezing, asthma-like symptoms
• Digestive problems: Stomach pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, reflux
• Neurological symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, anxiety
• Behavioral issues: Hyperactivity, mood swings, sleep disturbances

If your child has multiple symptoms that seem to come and go without a clear pattern, histamine intolerance might be worth investigating.

What is the treatment of histamine intolerance in kids

The good news? With the right dietary and lifestyle changes, histamine intolerance can be managed effectively. Here’s what you can do:

1. Modify Their Diet

• Reduce high-histamine foods for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve. This is how to test for histamine intolerance. If things improve, histamine was an issue.
• Focus on fresh, whole foods that are naturally low in histamine (e.g., fresh meats, leafy greens, apples, pears, carrots, rice).
• Cook and freeze meals quickly, as histamine builds up in leftovers.

2. Support Gut Health

• Identify and address gut imbalances through stool testing if necessary. We always run a microbiome test for these kids, rather than guessing.
• Include probiotic-rich foods cautiously—some strains, like Lactobacillus reuteri, can produce histamine, while others, like Bifidobacterium, can help break it down.
• Add prebiotic foods like oats, asparagus, and apples to support beneficial bacteria.

3. Boost DAO Enzyme Activity

• Ensure adequate intake of DAO-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, B6, copper, and magnesium. Always try to do a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis first.
• Some children benefit from DAO supplements, which can help break down histamine before it enters the bloodstream.

4. Reduce Inflammation and Heal the Gut

• Address any food sensitivities or intolerances.
• Incorporate gut-healing nutrients like bone broth, collagen, and omega-3s.
• Support the gut lining with L-glutamine and quercetin, which help reduce histamine-related inflammation.

5. Calm Mast Cells

• Quercetin, vitamin C, and magnesium can help stabilize mast cells and prevent excessive histamine release.
• Encourage stress management techniques, as stress can trigger mast cell activation.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child’s symptoms are persistent or worsening despite dietary changes, working with a practitioner experienced in gut health and histamine intolerance can help uncover the root cause and provide targeted support.

Final Thoughts

Histamine intolerance in children can be complex, but with the right approach, symptoms can improve significantly. By addressing diet, gut health, and enzyme function, you can help your child feel better and thrive. If you suspect histamine intolerance, book an appointment today to get to the root cause and develop a personalized plan for your child’s health.