Since the mid forties, we have been told we need an
antihistamine for allergies. Before we were sold that bill of goods, Dr.
Horton of Mayo Clinic had remarkable results against allergies, including MS
and others suffering demyelination, by infusing histamine. So, I suggest
that you allow the body to produce its histamine naturally by supplementing
L-histidine (see warnings elsewhere in this paper). Take it with a
supplement of vitamin C. Since autism is often thought to have much in
common, it is of interest to note that high histamine levels define one type
of schizophrenia (the histadelic, who is over stimulated), and low levels
define another type (the histapenic, who is often suicidally depressed).
Excess copper, common in autism, is a contributing cause of histapenia, and
overloads of mercury, aluminum, lead, cadmium, and bismuth all contribute to
histapenia. The amino acid methionine (along with calcium lactate, zinc, and
manganese) detoxifies histamine, epinephrine, and nicotinic acid, and that
would be helpful in regulating histamine in the histadelic. Water is the
very best antihistamine known. Drink lots of water (1/2 your body weight in
ounces), and take a small amount of salt on the tongue after each glass of
water. Recent research shows that giving thanks for each glass of water
changes its structore so it is better utilized and loses its negative
signatures. Researchers at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Histamine acts on the H2 receptors of stomach cells increasing production of HCl. It also promotes production of the “intrinsic factor”, allowing digestion and assimilation of vitamin B12. However, excessive histamine, acting as a neurotransmitter, may have an inhibitory effect on the speech and social action centers of the brain; so, if there is regression in eye contact, social interaction, or speech, cut back or discontinue the L-histidine—or perhaps supplement GABA? In larger amounts (over 2 grams per day), histidine can reduce zinc levels and this is readily recognizable because the client develops a stuffy nose. A zinc lozenge or capsule quickly remedies the situation. Too much histidine will actually cause constipation, and this is overcome by taking zinc and GLA (in the form of Evening Primrose Oil). Histidine is an excellent chelator of copper and heavy metals as well, so when using this amino acid, you must supplement all the known minerals, particularly zinc and copper—unless suffering a high copper condition already. To reduce the excess copper, if not using histidine, supplement the diet with vitamin C, zinc, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum; however, this may make you feel worse, more depressed, as the copper is dumped from bone and tissue into the blood. Do not cease taking these supplements, but reduce the amount to slow the process of cleansing. When you begin to feel better, you can increase the amount again. About three months of supplementing will be necessary for maximum improvement. If you are severely depressed, this effort to lower copper levels should be attempted only under a doctor’s care. It is vital that you have your doctor monitor the zinc-copper-iron ratios in particular.
The amino acid methionine serves to decrease histamine. It methylates, and thus detoxifies, histamine and many heavy metals. It should offer some of the same benefits as the H2 blockers. Therapeutic doses for adults run from 200 mg to 1000 mg per day. Methionine is a sulfur-bearing amino, and may be contraindicated for those unable to oxidize sulfur efficiently. In “The Chemistry of Success”, Dr. Susan M. Lark writes: “Magnesium helps relax muscles and stabilize mast cells, preventing them from bursting and releasing a flood of histamine, thereby triggering an allergic reaction. In contrast, calcium stimulates mast cells to release histamines...in individuals with inflammatory conditions, the normal calcium to magnesium ratio of 2:1 can be modified to 1:1, or even 1:2.” It should be noted that most antihistamines have a significant anticholinergic action (interferes with the action of the parasympathetic nervous system) which accounts for certain undesired side effects, but which can be used to advantage in a variety of conditions.
Antihistamines are, by the very nature of their pharmacological activity, immunosuppressant. An allergic reaction occurs when a foreign antigen activates T-cells passing through the site of the allergic response. These activated T-cells stimulate B-cells to produce high levels of IgE antibodies. At the same time, the T-cells release chemotactic factors that attract basophils into the affected tissue. The basophils bind with the newly produced IgE and, when these cells come in contact with the allergen, they release stores of histamine, heparin, and other mediators amplifying the allergic response. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine on blood vessels and smooth muscle, thus they help to suppress the body’s reaction to a foreign antigen. The doctor prescribes epinephrine to curb the release of histamine from mast cells, but vitamin B6 and magnesium work well without the side effects. Ascorbic acid has also been found to have the same kind of an antihistaminic effect. Lots of pure water is the best-known antihistamine! Drink more water, and increase intake of vitamins C and B6, and zinc and magnesium.
High histamine levels can interfere with the proper functioning of the intestines, including arresting the small intestine’s housekeeper wave. High intestinal histamine can be caused by a reaction to viruses or parasites, or by food that contains a lot of histamines, or by food that causes the body to release histamines. A reduction in the ability to remove histamine can also be the reason for high histamine levels and sensitivities. For example, the antibiotics Augmentin and Doxycyline and some other medications inhibit or deplete an enzyme that the body uses to remove histamine. A low histamine diet is one without aged cheeses, cured meat, yeast products, and fermented foods. Pre-packaged, prepared food should be avoided (check the espiration dates) because microbes may have created histamine and related amines in this older food. Fresh food should be emphasized. High histadine containing foods, like spinach and tomatoes, need to be avoided. Citrus fruit and oxalates are avoided because these may cause the release of histamine.
A supplement of an enzyme called Diamine oxidase (DAO) might turn out to be useful in the treatment of autism’s intestinal problems. This enzyme breaks down histamine found outside of cells in the intestines, nasal passages, and other parts of the body. There are several reasons to suspect that DAO is particularly important in autism. There is a genetic variation of the DAO gene associated with autism. Mercury can lower DAO levels. Histamine receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors. (G protein weaknesses are suspected as contributors to some cases of autism.)
Presently, Dirk Budka is conducting clinical trials of DAO’s effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal problems. The medication he uses is called Histrelief DAO. It contains the enzyme DAO along with a little B6 and quercetin. There is another DAO product available over-the-counter called Histame, but it is not as strong as Histrelief. Prudence is always warranted in the use of this enzyme or any other supplement. Dirk Budka measures levels of DAO before and after starting treatment. You don’t want histamine levels to drop too low too quickly.
There is another enzyme used to control histamine levels, but this one works inside of cells. This method of getting rid of histamine requires methylation. William Walsh, PhD, suggests that certain methylating agents may help you feel better if you are a “high histamine” person. These are methionine, TMG, DMG, and SAMe.