Histamine in the central nervous system is implicated in learning and memory, and treatment with antihistamines impairs learning and memory. Because histamine H3 receptor inverse agonists upregulate histamine release, the inverse agonists may enhance learning and memory.
Histamine may contribute to brain diseases or disorders
Whether from neurons or mast cells, histamine may participate in these processes by contributing to vascular changes, alterations in the blood—brain barrier, changes in immune function or even cell death.
Levels of histamine in the brain can increase as a result of an overactive immune system and mast cell response as well as the intake of foods that contain histamine. Mast cell disorders and histamine intolerance are both known to cause brain fog [21, 15].
For these people, histamine builds up in the body and is not broken down correctly. This can trigger an immune system response resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, headaches, or skin irritation.
Histamine is an endogenous biogenic amine classically associated with peripheral allergic and inflammatory reactions but it can regulate both brain inflammation1 and neurogenesis2,3.
This medication is the antihistamine hydroxyzine. Overall, hydroxyzine may have the ability to curb inflammation in the brain and provide relief for some, if not all, of these issues.
How is histamine broken down? In the CNS (Central Nervous System) histamine is broken down by HMT (Histamine Methyltransferase) enzyme. This means that impaired methylation can contribute to high histamine levels. In some cases, methylated B vitamins and supplements such as DMG and TMG can help reduce histamine levels.
If you're experiencing a histamine reaction, try chewing on fresh ginger or pouring boiling hot water over sliced ginger to make fresh ginger tea. In general, you can also drink ginger tea before bed to act as a natural antihistamine and prevent histamine reactions.
Magnesium is a mineral that relieves the constriction of the airways in the lungs. It's been found that magnesium deficiency can cause an increase in histamine levels in the blood after being exposed to allergens.
These results suggest that histamine plays an important role in neuroinflammation-related diseases, including depression, via microglia. Interestingly, mast cells, which can promote inflammation and allergic reactions via the release of histamine, are also present in the brain.
Histamine does not only modulate the immune response and inflammation, but also acts as a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The histaminergic system plays a significant role in the maintenance of wakefulness, appetite regulation, cognition and arousal, which are severely affected in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Histamine intolerance (HIT) is assumed to be due to a deficiency of the gastrointestinal (GI) enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) and, therefore, the food component histamine not being degraded and/or absorbed properly within the GI tract.
Too much histamine frequently causes anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. There are many potential underlying causes for too much histamine and there is no universal treatment that works for everything. Taking activated charcoal at night, however, can be a great short-term solution for some.
Histamine is a signaling molecule, sending messages between cells. It tells stomach cells to make stomach acid. And it helps our brain stay awake.
Coffee contains histamines in low amounts, but for people who are sensitive to them, it contains plenty to get a reaction out of them. While the natural histamine content in coffee is low, some coffee processes can increase histamine levels.
Studies suggest that vitamin B12 can trigger histamine release in the body. Certain bacteria or yeasts can convert histidine into histamine in the body, triggering an allergic reaction. Fermented foods high in certain types of microorganisms can trigger a histamine allergy in the body.
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine, which means it can lower histamine levels and mitigate allergic reactions and symptoms. Consume plenty of Vitamin C rich foods, like tropical fruits, citrus fruits, broccoli and cauliflower, and berries.
Greg Panico, a spokesman for Janssen Pharmaceutica, which is owned by Johnson and Johnson, said that the withdrawal was a voluntary business decision. “The decision to voluntarily discontinue it recognises that the allergy marketplace is crowded with a number of other drugs,” Mr Panico said.
High Histamine Foods
Fruit: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, pears. Vegetables: Eggplant, avocado, tomatoes, olives, beans. Dairy: Cheese, yogurt, processed cheese.
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.
Histamine release in the hypothalamus and other target regions was highest during wakefulness. The histaminergic neurons displayed maximal activity during the state of vigilance, and cease their activity during NREM and REM sleep.
Exercise, specifically both strength training and cardiovascular training, decreases systemic inflammation. Stress reduction and quality sleep are essential for reducing brain inflammation, as chronic stress and too little sleep can increase your inflammatory burden.