Throat swelling

Post by **tex** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 3:28 pm

Martha,

The problem may not be so much that you are producing above normal levels of histamine, but rather that you are not able to get rid of unused histamine that remains in circulation. When that happens it builds up to troublesome levels.

A lot of people in this area are having allergy symptoms of congestion mostly, and I have no idea what the antigen might be, because it doesn't show up on all the allergy monitors hosted by hospitals and allergy centers. They only show traditional, common allergen levels. During the past few weeks, I have noticed myself clearing my throat very often, and it sometimes causes breathing problems. Obviously something is going on, but no one seems to know what it might be.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:14 pm

Tex's info about DAO is very much on target, and answers the question AND explain why anti-histamines have not worked for you....

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11175/ev ... rance.html

What Causes High Histamine Levels?

Allergies (IgE reactions)
Bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Leaky gut
GI bleeding
Fermented alcohol like wine, champagne, and beer
Diamine Oxidase (DAO) deficiency
Histamine-rich foods

How do I break down histamine?

Once formed, histamine is either stored or broken down by an enzyme. Histamine in the central nervous system is broken down primarily by histamine N-methyltransferase (HMT), while histamine in the digestive tract is broken down primarily by diamine oxidase (DAO). Though both enzymes play an important role in histamine break down, the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found that DAO is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down ingested histamine. So if you’re deficient in DAO, you likely have symptoms of histamine intolerance.

Causes of Low DAO

Gluten intolerance
Leaky gut
SIBO
DAO-blocking foods: alcohol, energy drinks, and tea
Genetic mutations (common in people of Asian-descent)
Inflammation from Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Medications:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
Antidepressants (Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft)
Immune modulators (Humira, Enbrel, Plaquenil)
Antiarrhythmics (propanolol, metaprolol, Cardizem, Norvasc)
Antihistamines (Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl)
Histamine (H2) blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac)

Although histamine blockers, a class of acid-reducing drugs, seem like they would help prevent histamine intolerance, these medications can actually deplete DAO levels in your body.

if you have a combo of issues ie leaky gut, inflammation from the MC, taking the anti-histamines, and histamine triggers, your body is struggling to clear the excess histamine

info about DAO, methylation cycle
http://secondopinionphysician.com/treat ... histamine/

Diamine Oxidase DAO
This is an important enzyme that naturally lowers histamine levels in the body. DAO can be provided as a supplement to lower histamine levels. Symptoms of low DAO includes:
· Skin irritations – hives, itching, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and acne
· Headaches
· Painful menstrual periods
· Gastrointestinal symptoms
· Intolerance to fermented foods and alcohol
· Mucous in sinuses
· Asthma

Supplements and OTC meds that increase DAO levels include:
· Vitamin C
· Vitamin B6
· Pancreatic enzymes
· Benadryl

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:18 pm

I have had great outcomes with Methionine. to the extent that if i miss taking methionine for a few days, mild histamine issues return...

some further info that may help you understand what is happening and figure out a way forward

http://barbfeick.com/healing_autism/sol ... amine.html

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.

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:32 pm

Thank you Tex, I understand.

Thank you Gabes, so you still take Methionine daily? Good information! I looked into histame earlier.

Crazy, Tex talked about a swollen tongue, mine has felt that way for about a week now. This disease is so bizarre. Different day, different problem.

I'm going to try the methionine! Thank you so much Gabes, you all are an inspiration to me!

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:47 pm

Iherb has L-methionine by Now, 500 mg, it comes with vitamin b-6. It looks to avoid allergens.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 4:55 pm

Yes Martha
i use the now foods L-Methionine 1 capsule, 2 times a day 30 mins before meals.

due to my pyrrole issues i also take high doses of the active form of B6,

crervin · Post by **crervin** » Sat Nov 21, 2015 5:24 pm

Thank you Gabes for all your help, I also ordered L-glutamine. I have been reading about it too.

Jimbo1968 · Post by **Jimbo1968** » Mon Nov 23, 2015 5:34 pm

tex wrote:Jim,

MC goes farther than the adam's apple — it also includes the mouth. The mucosal lining of the mouth can be inflamed the same way as the intestines if the mouth is involved with the disease, and many of us have mouth sores and other markers of problems with mast cell issues.

The runny nose you experience when eating is a symptom of a mast cell reaction. You might be interested in the information in the short articles at the following links:

What are mast cells?

How are mast cells associated with microscopic colitis?

How do I know if mast cells are causing problems for me?

How are mast cell issues treated?

Tex

Tex this is fascinating . strangely enough In a short period of time I had serious depression for which I'm taking citalopram which is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). Chronic diarrhea and high blood pressure . Having read the article it seems that at least two if not all of these could be down to mast cells.
I'd like to try H2 blockers as I get a lot of gurgling as mentioned before however I'm scared as I feel my problem started with PPI which I stopped taking and makes me reluctant to try H2 blockers . What do you think.
Incidentally I've get several of the reactions listed even though the runny nose is the most obvious .
Is there any tests I can do or experts I can see that could guide me as to what would help and what wouldn't or is it just trial and error

Post by **tex** » Mon Nov 23, 2015 7:25 pm

Jim,

H2 blockers can be a problem for some of us, but the percentage is much lower than the percentage of people who are adversely affected by PPIs. And the effects of H2 blockers typically last for only a few hours, whereas PPIs are effective for about 3 days. That makes H2 blocker much less risky to try.

If I had the symptoms, I wouldn't bother with tests, because GI specialists typically don't associate these symptoms with MC, and allergists do not associate them with digestive system issues. The treatment is to take an H1 type antihistamine, and if that doesn't help, then an H2 blocker might help. Some members here have used both types, when one type helped, but was only partially effective.

We have to figure out what will work in our particular case by trial and error, because we are all affected differently.

Tex

Jimbo1968 · Post by **Jimbo1968** » Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:50 am

I will try H1's and see how get on. I'm a bit scared to not make a delicate situation any worse but nothing ventured nothing gained I suppose. Thanks Tex