Histamine is a bioactive compound derived from the amino acid histidine and plays key roles in immune defence, stomach acid secretion, and inflammatory responses. In the bloodstream, histamine reflects both mast cell activity and the body’s ability to break down histamine via enzymes such as DAO and HNMT. Elevated histamine levels may indicate immune activation, allergic response, or reduced capacity to degrade histamine. Low or balanced histamine concentrations suggest normal regulation of histamine metabolism and immune function.
High histamine levels can be associated with symptoms such as headaches, nasal congestion, skin flushing, hives, digestive discomfort, or anxiety. In some individuals, excess histamine may resemble allergic reactions even without an allergen being present.
Testing histamine can be beneficial for individuals experiencing unexplained allergy-like symptoms, chronic inflammation, migraines, digestive problems, or fatigue. It can also assist in evaluating histamine intolerance or mast cell activation when symptoms are persistent and triggers are unclear.
Histamine levels are influenced by immune activation, gut health, DAO (diamine oxidase) enzyme activity, and overall methylation capacity. Certain foods, alcohol, stress, or gut dysbiosis can also lead to histamine accumulation.
In many cases, yes. Supporting gut and liver health, reducing inflammation, and limiting high-histamine foods can help maintain healthy histamine metabolism. Adequate intake of nutrients such as vitamin C, B6, copper, and folate supports the enzymes that break down histamine.