Probiotics For Histamine Intolerance: Definition, Strains And Causes

Some probiotics are good for histamine intolerance whilst others are bad. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host by promoting a balanced gut microbiota and supporting various aspects of digestive and immune function.

Histamine intolerance is a condition characterized by an impaired ability to properly break down and metabolize histamine, resulting in a range of symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, skin reactions, and respiratory problems. Below are 9 of the best probiotic strains for histamine intolerance and some common causes.

What Is Histamine?

Histamine is a chemical released by the immune system that plays a role in causing allergy symptoms. It is involved in inflammatory responses, itching, muscle constriction, and other bodily functions. High levels of histamine can lead to health problems, and histamine intolerance can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, headaches, and skin irritation. 

Histamine is found in certain foods and can be triggered by factors such as allergies, infection, or injury. Histamines act as chemicals produced by the immune system and are involved in allergic reactions. They are soluble in water and have a melting point of 83.5C or 182.3F. Histamine intolerance occurs when the body cannot break down histamine properly.

What Is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine intolerance refers to a condition where the body has a high level of histamine that it cannot break down properly. It can result in various symptoms such as diarrhea, headaches, bloating, abdominal pain, and nasal congestion. The intolerance is often caused by a deficiency in the gastrointestinal enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) according to a 2021 study authored by WJ Schnedl.

Certain foods high in histamine can exacerbate the symptoms, and there are suggestions for a low-histamine diet. Diagnosis of histamine intolerance can involve medical tests, and treatment options include avoiding trigger foods and taking natural antihistamines. Histamine intolerance is recognized as a condition involving the accumulation of histamine in the body that cannot be adequately metabolized.

Are Probiotics Good For Histamine Intolerance?

Some but not all Probiotics are good for histamine intolerance. A 2022 study authored by G Stuivenberg, found that a 24-strain synbiotic, a combination of Lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium probiotic and prebiotic fibers, did not significantly produce histamine and had comparable d-lactate production to a commercially available probiotic with no associated health risks.

What Probiotics Are Bad For Histamine Intolerance?

The following probiotic strains are considered bad for histamine intolerance: Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, and Lactobacillus helveticus. These strains are known to produce or contribute to the production of histamine, which can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with histamine intolerance.

Best Probiotics For Histamine Intolerance?

The following 9 probiotic strains below do not produce histamine and are best for individuals with histamine intolerance. These strains shown in the graphic above can help regulate gut microbiota, reduce histamine levels, and improve gut health, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with histamine intolerance.

Can Leaky Gut Cause Histamine Intolerance?

Yes, Leaky Gut syndrome may cause Histamine Intolerance since DAO is mostly produced in the intestines. Leaky gut refers to increased permeability of the intestinal lining, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation and damage to the intestines.

Can Gut Dysbiosis Cause Histamine Intolerance?

Yes, Gut Dysbiosis can cause Histamine Intolerance in some people according to research. A 2022 study authored by S Sánchez-Pérez found that patients with histamine intolerance exhibited an imbalance in their gut microbiota compared to healthy individuals.

The histamine intolerance group had a lower abundance of bacteria associated with gut health and a higher abundance of histamine-secreting bacteria. Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance or disruption in the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota, potentially leading to adverse effects on gut health and overall well-being.

Can SIBO Cause Histamine Intolerance?

Yes, SIBO, can contribute to histamine intolerance by increasing histamine load and damaging the intestinal lining according to a 2022 study authored by AC Dukowicz. The increase in bacterial overgrowth and subsequent inflammation in the gut may trigger the loss of tolerance to dietary histamine.

SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the population of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms and nutrient malabsorption.

Can H Pylori Cause Histamine Intolerance?

Yes, there is a connection between H. pylori infection and histamine intolerance according to a 1991 study authored by DM Queiroz. H. pylori is associated with lower gastric histamine concentration, potentially due to increased histamine release, which could induce symptoms of histamine intolerance.

H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori, is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis and peptic ulcers.