Nutrient deficiencies

Several co factors, in the form of: compounds, vitamins, minerals, are necessary to support regular histamine levels in the body.

Histamine symptoms can present in a variety of ways, and this can be due to the overproductions or inability to break it down.

Symptoms can be:

• nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, SIBO, constipation/diarrhea

• difficulty breathing

• asthma

• flushing, hives

• reactions to foods

• migraines

• fatigue

• anxiety

• heart palpitations

• difficulty regulating body temp

• urinary tract symptoms

And the list can go on.

So what do we do when suspecting this? We need to look first at what is stressing the body and reduce this, to lower that histamine load.

We can’t resolve histamine issues without first taking the “weight off”.

DAO & HNMT

Diamine oxidase (DAO) is an enzyme produced in the gut that specifically breaks down histamine in the digestive tract. Unlike histamine, which can travel throughout the body, DAO remains localized in the gut and doesn’t circulate systemically.

When the body struggles to produce enough DAO—either due to a lack of essential nutrients or a genetic predisposition—it can significantly impair your ability to break down dietary histamine, especially after meals.

Poor DAO activity can be driven by several underlying factors. The enzyme relies on specific nutrient cofactors for its synthesis and function, including:

• riboflavin (Vitamin B2),

• folinic acid (a bioavailable form of Vitamin B9)

• copper (Cu²⁺)

• molybdenum (Mo²⁺)

Outside the digestive tract—including in the central nervous system and throughout the rest of the body—histamine is primarily broken down through a process called methylation, facilitated by the enzyme Histamine-N-Methyltransferase (HNMT).

Effective methylation depends on the optimal metabolism of

• Vitamin B12

• folate

• Vitamin B6

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin D and A. These are very useful at stabilizing mast cells and when deficient, can contribute to histamine intolerance.

These vitamins are also important for immune system modulation and gut support, so identifying if this is deficient and supporting here can be very helpful.

B Vitamins

The following B vitamins are necessary to support histamine:

Always look to the cells!

Cellular support

Due to inflammation whether from excess histamine, mold toxicity, etc… Cells get damaged and need repair. When the cell membrane has been damaged, that will result in less nutrients getting into the cell, which can exacerbate histamine issues.

• Omega 3/6

• Phosphatidylcholine

Two great options to support cellular repair. And often, people are deficient in these with histamine issues.

What’s new on the pod?

Learn how essential oils can help with chronic illness, histamine and detox!

My latest episode with Jodi Cohen, found of Vibrant Blue Oils, was amazing.

Jodi Cohen is a bestselling author, award-winning journalist, functional practitioner, and founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, where she combined her training in nutritional therapy and aromatherapy to create unique proprietary blends of organic and wild-crafted essential oils.

She has helped over 100,000 clients heal from brain-related challenges, including anxiety, insomnia, autoimmunity, and calming the fires of inflammation.

What’s new

Regenerative farm experience

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of joining our friends on a beautfiul regenerative farm experience local to us here in Southern California. We ate beautfiul, plant based foods, learned about regenerative agriculture and just immersed ourselves in community.

It’s a great reminder that health is all encompassing: being part of community, eating whole rich plant foods, creating relationships with local farmers, laughing, slowing down when eating and focusing on that vagal tone.

Here’s a picture with some wonderful people I have gotten to know over the years and work alongside in the community.

If you are looking to work 1:1 with me, you can add yourself to the waitlist or email us here at [email protected].

Until next time,

Happiness and health

Dr. Steph