Itching and redness

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. 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.

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] A deficiency in the DAO enzyme can lead to histamine intolerance.
 
Histamine plays a key role in regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and cognitive function, but it is best known for triggering allergy symptoms. When the body encounters an allergen, it responds by trying to eliminate it. As histamines work to remove the allergen from the body or skin, symptoms like sneezing or itching may occur. While the body sends a surge of histamines to protect you, this overreaction is what leads to the uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

Understanding the Symptoms

Common symptoms include headache, migraine, dizziness, redness, itching, swelling, stomach and intestinal issues, cough, asthma, a runny nose, difficulty swallowing, changes in blood pressure and palpitations. Symptoms can vary from mild, like a recurring headache, to more severe reactions.
The effects of histamine on the body depend on which histamine receptors it binds to. There are four types of histamine receptors:

H1 receptors are found throughout the body and are responsible for common allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and sneezing.
H2 receptors are mainly located in the stomach and trigger symptoms like increased stomach acid production and headaches. The excess stomach acid is produced to help combat the perceived threat in the body.
H3 receptors are located in the central nervous system, where they help regulate the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters.
H4 receptors are involved in blood cell formation and are found in bone marrow and immature blood cells (hematopoietic cells).

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. You can purchase H1 antihistamines as 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 typically aged foods. Alcohol is also particularly high in histamine. Among low-histamine foods, you can find many fruits such as apples, mangoes, peaches, and blueberries, as well as vegetables like onions, broccoli, cucumbers, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. Fresh meat and fish are also recommended, but note that spoiled fish can accumulate high levels of histamine, so ensure the fish has been stored at safe temperatures.
Supplements: DAO supplements can also be beneficial. Studies have shown that vitamin C and vitamin B6 may help lower histamine levels. Consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.

Other Tests That May Be of Interest

Allergy Test: Measures both foods, pollen and pet dander. Can give similar reaction as histamine intolerance.
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.

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.

GetTested's Allergy & Food Intolerance Test
GetTested's Allergy & Food Intolerance Test is an extensive tool for identifying potential allergies and food intolerances. This dual test covers 78 substances, including various foods, pollen, mold, pets, and mites. Therefore, it provides a comprehensive view of your allergy and tolerance levels.
IgE vs. IgG: Distinguishing Allergy from Food Intolerance
Importantly, the test differentiates between IgE antibodies (indicating allergies) and IgG4 antibodies (signifying food intolerances). Allergies involve immune system reactions, whereas food intolerances affect the gastrointestinal system. Thus, one can have an allergy to a food without being intolerant to it, or vice versa.
Allergic reactions typically appear quickly, with symptoms ranging from mild, like a runny nose, to severe and potentially life-threatening. On the other hand, food intolerances often show delayed symptoms, including fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems.
Histamine Intolerance and Allergy Symptoms
If symptoms like headaches or skin rashes seem familiar, consider histamine intolerance. This condition, often confused with allergic reactions, results from the body's inability to break down histamine effectively.
Allergy vs. Gluten Intolerance
It's also vital to distinguish between allergies, immediate immune responses, and gluten intolerance (celiac disease), which affects the digestive system over time. While both can share symptoms, their causes and treatments differ.
While GetTested's Allergy & Food Intolerance Test identifies allergies and intolerances to wheat, celiac disease is a separate condition that necessitates a different test. You can conveniently check for celiac disease with our specialized rapid test.
Understanding the ELISA Method
Furthermore, the food intolerance aspect of the test employs the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method. This technique detects and quantifies substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, and hormones. Specifically, it involves immobilizing the antigen on a solid surface (microplate) and then linking it to an antibody connected to a reporter enzyme. Finally, we detect the interaction by measuring the enzyme's activity, ensuring precise results through specific antibody-antigen interactions.

GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test XL
GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test XL is our most detailed test for assessing gut health. It checks for leaky gut, yeast overgrowths like Candida, and beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Additionally, this test evaluates your digestion, inflammation markers, and more.
Why "Gut Test for Stressed People"?
At GetTested, we often refer to this test as perfect for those experiencing stress. Stress affects energy, mood, and notably, digestion. It triggers the sympathetic nervous system and dampens the parasympathetic system, disrupting digestive functions. An unbalanced gut can significantly affect overall body health, highlighting the 'Gut-Brain connection'. Studies link gut health with mental conditions, including depression, autism, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
Understanding Leaky Gut
The term 'leaky gut' refers to a condition where the intestinal lining becomes overly permeable. This allows particles like undigested food and bacteria to seep into the bloodstream. The immune system reacts to these foreign substances, potentially leading to conditions like hypothyroidism, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, allergies, IBS, and various autoimmune diseases. Symptoms range from food intolerances and fatigue to brain fog, skin problems, and depression. Testing for leaky gut is essential in identifying and managing these health issues.
Who Should Take GetTested's Gut Microbiome Test XL?
Anyone looking for a thorough analysis of their gut health will find this test beneficial. It's especially useful for those with digestive issues like IBS, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, weight challenges, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, or those just wanting to optimize their overall health.
This test is not suitable for babies or children below the age of 6 years old.
How to Take the Test
All of GetTested's health tests, including this stool test, are designed for easy at-home use. The test kit includes everything needed. After completing the test, send it to our ISO-certified lab. Your digital results will be promptly sent to you.