About Our Histamine Intolerance Test
Histamine intolerance can be elusive and difficult to pin down. Common symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and itching often resemble an allergic reaction, making it challenging to discern without specific testing. If you are wondering how to test for histamine intolerance, you are at the right place.
Our Histamine Intolerance Test, carried out in a UK-based ISO 13485 certified lab, provides answers by analysing your blood for DAO enzyme concentration. DAO, or Diamine oxidase, is vital for breaking down histamine in the body.
Learn More about Histamine
Below we will go deeper into the following sections:
- DAO and Histamine
- Understanding the Symptoms
- Histamine Intolerance Treatment
- FAQ – Histamine Intolerance Test UK
- Other Tests That May Be of Interest
- Not Sure This Test is for You?
1. DAO and Histamine
Diamine oxidase (DAO) is a digestive enzyme responsible for breaking down excess histamine in the body. DAO deficiency, which can present when DAO enzyme activity is low, leads to alterations in histamine metabolism. [source] When you don’t have enough DAO enzyme, you can get histamine intolerance.
The role of histamine in the body is to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function, but it is most known for the fact that it causes allergy symptoms. When your body receives an allergy trigger, it will respond by getting rid of it. When the histamines start the process of removing the unwanted trigger out of your body or skin, this can cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing or itching. The body works hard by sending loads of histamines to keep you safe, but its overreaction causes the unpleasant allergy symptoms.
The type of effect histamine has on your body is dependent on which histamine receptors it binds to. There exist four types of histamine receptors.
H1 receptors are present throughout the body. They cause the most well-known allergy symptoms such as: itchy skin, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
H2 receptors reside mostly in the stomach and cause allergy symptoms such as: Stomach acid secretion, headache. The excess stomach acid is created to battle the trigger that has invaded the body.
H3 receptors are found in the central nervous system, where they help regulate the release of histamine and neurotransmitters.
H4 receptors play. A role in blood-cell formations and are present in the bone marrow and immature cells (hematopoietic cells).
2. Understanding the Symptoms
Common symptoms include headache, migraine, dizziness, redness, itching, swelling, stomach and intestinal issues, cough, asthma, runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in blood pressure and palpitations. Symptoms can vary from mild, like a recurring headache, to more severe reactions.
The symptoms are heavily dependent on the histamine receptors, as previously mentioned. H1 receptors are linked to symptoms associated with having a cold, such as runny nose and coughing, but also itchiness. On the other hand, H2 receptors are the ones causing stomach and intestinal issues, as well as headaches.
3. Histamine Intolerance Treatment
To get rid of the symptoms, you must clear histamine from your body. There are several ways you can treat the symptoms:
H1 Antihistamines: These antihistamines will block the H1 receptors responsible for allergic symptoms caused by a pollen allergy or pet allergy. This will reduce symptoms. H1 antihistamines can be purchased in the form of tablets, liquids, creams and eye drops.
H2 Antihistamines: These antihistamines block the H2 receptors and by doing so help treat several digestive issues.
Low histamine diet: avoiding histamine-rich foods and drinks can help reduce symptoms. High histamine foods are foods that are aged. Alcohol as well is particularly high in histamine. In the list of low histamine foods, you can find many fruits such as apples, mangos, peaches and blueberries, and vegetables such as onions, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus and sweet potatoes. Fresh meat and fish are also recommended, but note that spoiled fish can build up high levels of histamine as well, so make sure to eat fish that has been kept at safe temperatures.
Supplements: DAO supplements can also be beneficial. Studies have shown, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 may also be beneficial in lowering histamine levels. Consult with a doctor, before taking any supplements.
4. FAQ – Histamine Intolerance Test UK
- How is the Histamine Intolerance Test carried out?
Our Histamine Intolerance Test is a home test kit. After ordering, we will send you a kit with everything you need to collect a small blood sample. Then, simply return your sample to us in the pre-paid envelope. - Who should get a Histamine intolerance test?
- The test is suitable to anyone suffering from the allergy symptoms caused by histamine.
- How quickly will I receive my results?
Once we receive your sample, you can expect to get your results within a few business days. - When should I take the test?
- It is recommended to take the test on an empty stomach in the morning. At this time, the body is relatively stable and the blood is relatively purest.
- Can histamine intolerance be treated?
Yes, histamine intolerance can often be managed by taking DAO supplements and by avoiding foods rich in histamines, as well by taking antihistamines. - What is DAO?
DAO, or Diamine oxidase, is an enzyme that breaks down histamine in the body. - Can children take the Histamine Intolerance Test?
Our test is suitable for individuals of all ages, however, for children under 18, parental consent is required.
5. Other Tests That May Be of Interest
- Allergy Test: Uncover your body’s reaction to common allergens.
- Food Intolerance Test: Understand your body’s reaction to more than 240 different foods.
- Stress Hormone Test: Measure your body’s response to stress.
- Nutrient Test: Find out if you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
6. Not Sure This Test is for You?
If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Dry your hands. Doing a blood test without stimulating blood circulation might prove difficult, so please do not skip this step.
Disinfect your “test finger” with the supplied disinfectant paper. Wait a few seconds until the finger is completely dry.
Rotate the protective cover on the blood lancet to remove it. Use the extra lancet if you need to do another finger prick.
Place your hand on a flat surface. Put the lancet diagonally toward the test finger and press down the button. Make sure the lancet is pressed against the finger the whole time.
We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Help the blood drops come out by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.
Drip the blood onto the circles on the paper. Standing up will help. It is important to fill all the circles completely, otherwise the lab will not be able to complete the test.
Place the sticker with your unique test-ID onto the paper. Wait 2 hours for the blood to dry.
When the blood has dried for 2 hours, put the paper in the plastic cover it arrived in.
Put the plastic cover in the enclosed envelope and send it the same day (preferably a Monday or Tuesday).
Emma –
I believed I had food mild allergies. Then I got recommended to test for both allergies and histamine intolerance and it turned it wasn’t allergy but histamine intolerance. Happy to now know.
Luisa –
I’d been battling with sporadic skin flare-ups and digestive issues without any clear understanding of the cause. I chanced upon the Histamine Intolerance Test and thought, “Why not?” The kit arrived promptly, and I was pleased with the ease of sample collection.
Receiving the results was a watershed moment. Understanding that histamine was playing havoc with my system allowed me to realign my diet. Gradually, the flare-ups diminished, and my gut felt more settled than it had in years. For anyone in the dark about recurring health issues, this test can be a beacon of enlightenment. 🙂
Garret –
easy and convenient
Clara –
For years, I faced inexplicable rashes and bouts of fatigue. I couldn’t pinpoint the cause, leading to increasing frustration. That’s when I stumbled upon the Histamine Intolerance Test. Out of desperation, I decided to give it a go. The kit’s delivery was punctual, with every step neatly laid out in the instructions. The sample collection process was seamless, making me feel at ease.
The results? Enlightening. I discovered that I did indeed have a histamine intolerance. It felt like a puzzle piece fitting perfectly into place. With this newfound knowledge, I started making informed dietary changes, avoiding certain triggers and integrating more beneficial foods. The difference was palpable. The persistent rashes began to fade, and my energy levels surged. This test proved to be a pivotal tool in my health journey, shedding light on a problem I hadn’t even fully understood.
Camilla Albright –
My longstanding symptoms finally make sense. Histamine intolerance was an aspect I’d never considered. The test was simple to conduct and the results, enlightening.
Melinda –
Clear instructions, quick delivery, and enlightening results. Thanks, GetTested!
Isadore Marsh –
Living with strange and unexplained symptoms can be daunting. Thanks to the Histamine Intolerance Test, I finally got the answers I needed. The test was hassle-free and straightforward, and the report I received was comprehensive and easy to understand. Not to mention the exceptional customer service and quick results. I highly recommend GetTested for anyone looking for answers.
Nathanial –
For as long as I could remember, I had been haunted by this eclectic mix of symptoms: from spontaneous flushes that would make a tomato jealous, to unexpected sneezes at the most inopportune moments, and of course, those incredibly unpredictable stomach upsets. It felt like my body was in a perpetual state of mutiny, with me clueless at the helm. Enter the Histamine Intolerance Test. On the recommendation of a friend who’d experienced similar health mysteries, I decided to play detective. The process started smoothly. The kit arrived in eco-friendly packaging that won brownie points in my book. Opening it up, I was greeted with clear instructions that were a breeze to follow. Honestly, considering my apprehensions about medical tests, this felt more like conducting a cool, albeit important, science experiment at home. The wait for the results was filled with a cocktail of anticipation and anxiety. But when they finally arrived, it was a eureka moment. Turned out, histamine was the sneaky culprit behind my bewildering array of symptoms. The report not only confirmed my suspicions but provided an in-depth insight into my body’s unique relationship with histamine. With this newfound knowledge, I was no longer shooting in the dark. A consultation with a dietician and a revamped dietary plan later, I felt like I was regaining control. Over the subsequent weeks, the changes were monumental. My skin cleared, sneezes became rare occurrences, and my gut started acting like a reliable friend rather than a moody teenager. In a nutshell, the Histamine Intolerance Test was more than just a test for me; it was a key to unlocking better health and understanding. If you’re plagued by inexplicable symptoms, I’d say, give this one a shot. It’s truly a game-changer!!!!!
Rajiv –
Being an avid fan of wine and aged cheeses, I was taken aback when I started experiencing migraines and digestive discomfort. A friend mentioned histamine intolerance, so I sought out the Histamine Intolerance Test. The kit was straightforward and user-friendly, and I appreciated the hassle-free process.
The comprehensive results provided clarity I desperately needed. Realizing that some of my favourite foods were contributing to my ailments was a tough pill to swallow. Armed with this information, however, I revamped my diet. The improvement was swift and significant. I am now more mindful of my choices and enjoy a symptom-free life, all thanks to this test.
Drew –
nice! 🙂