Mast cells produce Histamine. They are white blood cells found in all tissues, especially where the body meets the environment, like the gut and skin. Mast cells are the guards of the immune system, on the lookout for threats to the body, and they respond by releasing molecules including histamine that influence the immune system. Sometimes the Mast cells become hypersensitive and start producing too much histamine, giving you red itchy skin, hives, headaches, sneezing or sinusitis. Can you see the little antennas on the cells in the picture? They are receptors waiting for signal molecules like histamine to dock & influence them.
Causes of excess Histamine production
Treatment for excess Histamine production
Causes of excess Histamine production
- Food Intolerance
- Parasites
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Candida overgrowth
- Stress
Treatment for excess Histamine production
- Eat a low Histamine diet to naturally reduce levels
- Increase the enzyme that breaks down histamine (diamine oxidase)
- Consider nutrients that stabilize mast cells including quercetin, & turmeric
- Reduce stress – stress hormones make mast cells hyperactive
- Remove heavy metals from your system
- Treat overgrowth of parasites, bacteria or candida
- Heal your gut – remove inflammatory foods & build up good gut bacteria Call Sunshine Coast Nutritionist and Kinesiologist Karen Emans on 0408748532 to discuss your needs