Demystifying Histamines: Everything You Need to Know, Part 1

What do you know about histamines? I’m sure you know that taking an antihistamine can relieve a variety of allergy symptoms from hay fever to hives. But have you ever wondered what a histamine really is, what it does and why it exists? Here's what you need to know:

What Are Histamines?

A natural substance produced in the body that is also naturally present in foods.They are a component of the stomach acid that helps break down food in your stomach and are located in specific blood cells called mast cells. When the histamine is released from those mast cells, it can cause the blood vessels to swell and triggers one or even several reactions.

The histamines trigger the symptoms that tell you something is wrong and your white blood cells then find the infection or problem in your body.

What Triggers Histamines?

Your body will release histamines when it detects stress. In addition, when you’re exposed to something that you’re sensitive to, the allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to the mast cells in your blood.

Histamines Are Involved With:

The Immune System: they alert you to injuries and sensitivities

Your Gastrointestinal System: they aid in the proper digestion and breakdown of your food

The Central Nervous System: they communicate important messages from your body to your brain

Common Symptoms Due to Histamines

When a histamine is released from the mast cells, it can cause one or even several reactions:

• Eyes: burning, watery or itchy
• Nose: sneezing, itching, mucus production
• Sinuses: congestions, pressure, headaches/migraines
• Skin: itching, rashes, hives, flushing
• Lungs: wheezing, spasms, breathing difficulties
• Stomach: pain, cramping, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, other GI problems
• Reproductive: menstrual issues, PMS
• Circulation: headaches/migraines, high blood pressure, swelling/edema
• Heart: arrhythmia, rapid heart rate, tissue swelling
• Brain: vertigo, dizziness, focus issues, body temperature regulation
• Emotions: anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue

Now What?

Ignoring your symptoms by taking medications to temporarily relieve them is asking for more health trouble in the future. We encourage people to get their allergies and sensitivities treated before they become overwhelming. Our treatments are the most gentle, painless and effective you can experience.

Remember: heed your histamines, heal your health

Call St. Louis Allergy Relief Centers to set up an appointment with Dr. Ian Wahl today! [phone]

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