Introduction
Did you know the bacteria in your gut could be fueling your histamine intolerance symptoms? A groundbreaking 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition explored how a low-histamine diet and DAO supplementation impact gut microbiota in women with histamine intolerance, offering new hope for symptom relief. This article breaks down the study’s findings, reveals how gut bacteria influence histamine metabolism, and shares practical ways to manage histamine intolerance naturally.
A 2022 pilot study, The Dietary Treatment of Histamine Intolerance Reduces the Abundance of Some Histamine-Secreting Bacteria of the Gut Microbiota in Histamine Intolerant Women (Frontiers in Nutrition), explores how a low-histamine diet and DAO supplementation impact gut bacteria in individuals with histamine intolerance.
This article breaks down the study’s findings, how gut bacteria influence histamine metabolism, and what this means for managing histamine intolerance.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Histamine Intolerance
The gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria, some of which produce, degrade, or modify histamine. The balance of these bacteria affects histamine levels in the body, influencing symptoms of histamine intolerance.
Key Bacterial Groups Involved in Histamine Metabolism
Histamine-Producing Bacteria (Bad for HIT):
Morganella morganii
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Enterobacter cloacae
Lactobacillus reuteri (certain strains)
Histamine-Producing Bacteria (Bad for HIT):
Bifidobacterium species
Lactobacillus plantarum
Bacteroides fragilis
An imbalance in histamine-producing vs. histamine-degrading bacteria can worsen or alleviate HIT symptoms. This study examines whether dietary interventions can shift this balance in favor of histamine clearance.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study focused on women diagnosed with histamine intolerance and evaluated:
Effects of a Low-Histamine Diet – Participants followed a strict low-histamine diet to reduce
histamine intake.
Effects of DAO Supplementation – Some participants took DAO supplements to assist in
histamine breakdown.
Changes in Gut Microbiota – Researchers analyzed bacterial composition before and after
dietary intervention.
Study Design:
Conducted over several weeks with microbiome sampling at different time points.
Gut bacteria were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, a method to identify microbial species.
Key Findings on the Relationship Between Low-Histamine Diet and Gut Microbiome:
The study found that:
✅ Histamine-Producing Bacteria Decreased – Levels of Morganella morganii and Enterobacter species dropped significantly in participants on a low-histamine diet.
✅ Histamine-Degrading Bacteria Increased – Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus plantarum became more abundant, improving histamine metabolism.
✅ Symptoms Improved in Most Participants – Those who followed both a low-histamine diet and DAO supplementation reported fewer symptoms and better tolerance to foods.
DAO Supplementation Alone Had Limited Impact on Gut Bacteria – While DAO helped reduce symptoms, it did not significantly alter microbiome composition. The dietary intervention had a stronger impact.
What This Means for Managing Histamine Intolerance
This study suggests that managing histamine intolerance isn’t just about avoiding high-histamine foods—it’s also about supporting a healthier gut microbiome.
Key Takeaways for Histamine Intolerance Management
1️⃣ Dietary Changes Can Reduce Histamine-Producing Bacteria
A low-histamine diet may help rebalance gut bacteria, reducing overall histamine burden.
Avoiding fermented foods, aged cheeses, and processed meats remains important.
2️⃣ DAO Supplements Help but Do Not Fix Gut Bacteria
DAO enzymes help break down histamine but do not address bacterial imbalances.
For long-term benefits, dietary interventions are needed alongside supplementation.
3️⃣ Probiotics May Play a Role
Certain probiotics (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum) may support histamine metabolism.
More research is needed to determine which probiotic strains are most effective.
4️⃣ Gut Health Is Critical for Histamine Metabolism
Improving gut barrier function and reducing inflammation may enhance histamine tolerance.
A diverse microbiome with balanced histamine-degrading bacteria may be key to long-term symptom relief.
Study Limitations
While this study provides valuable insights, it has some limitations:
Small Sample Size – The study focused on a small group of women, limiting generalizability.
No Long-Term Data – Microbiome changes were measured over a short period, making it unclear if these effects are lasting.
Individual Differences in Microbiome Response – Not all participants showed the same bacterial shifts, suggesting personalized gut health strategies may be needed.
Despite these limitations, the study supports the role of gut bacteria in histamine intolerance and highlights diet as a key factor in symptom management.
Final Thoughts
This 2022 study reinforces that histamine intolerance is not just about food—it’s also about gut bacteria. A low-histamine diet can reduce histamine-producing bacteria while increasing beneficial microbes, potentially leading to symptom improvement.
For those struggling with histamine intolerance, focusing on gut health, dietary interventions, and strategic supplementation may provide the best long-term relief.
Further Reading
Want to Learn More?
💡 Stay informed! Explore more research-backed insights on histamine intolerance, gut health, and nutrition.
📩 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
🔗 Spread the word! If you found this post helpful, share it with others who might benefit.
📚 Looking for more? Check out our latest articles and resources on histamine metabolism, diet strategies, and enzyme function.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and presents findings from recent research on histamine intolerance and gut microbiota. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you suspect histamine intolerance or have concerns about your health, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Comments