Histamine and Its Role in Health: Detecting Imbalances
Histamine is a biogenic amine and a putative neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the body’s neuro-immune regulation. It is involved in numerous cellular reactions, including allergic and inflammatory responses. Additionally, histamine stimulates stomach acid and saliva secretion, promotes tear production, and contributes to nasal excretions. As a potent vasodilator, histamine increases skin sensitivity to pain. It is also believed to act as a neurotransmitter in the brain, influencing human behavior.
The body synthesizes histamine from the amino acid histidine through a process called decarboxylation. The primary storage sites for histamine are mast cells in tissues and basophils in the blood. Excess histamine is detoxified mainly through methylation, which utilizes methionine.
When Should a Histamine Test Be Performed?
Measuring histamine levels in the blood can provide valuable insights into various health conditions. The renowned researcher Dr. Carl Pfeiffer identified histamine imbalances as significant markers in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia. Beyond mental health applications, a histamine test may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
- Alcoholism
- Allergies
- Drug use
- (Periodic) headaches
- Weight problems (inability to gain weight)
- Gastric acid secretion issues
- Saliva secretion problems
- Abnormal pain threshold
- Chronic stress
Histamine and Schizophrenia
Pfeiffer’s research categorized schizophrenia patients based on their histamine levels. This classification has been instrumental in understanding and treating schizophrenia through nutritional therapy.
Low Blood Histamine (Histapenia)
Histapenia is characterized by low blood histamine levels and is often associated with:
- Low zinc and serum folate levels
- High serum copper and iron levels
Schizophrenia patients with histapenia—approximately 50% of cases—frequently experience paranoia and hallucinations. High copper levels are thought to contribute to this condition by stimulating the brain while simultaneously depleting histamine.
Potential Treatments:
- Zinc and manganese: Help lower excess copper
- Folic acid and vitamin B12: Aid in raising histamine levels
High Blood Histamine (Histemia)
Histemia occurs when histamine levels are elevated, often due to:
- Low vitamin C levels: Vitamin C deficiency increases histamine synthesis and release
- Allergic reactions
- Substance abuse (e.g., heroin, methadone)
- Lead poisoning
- High tissue folate levels
Schizophrenia patients with histemia—about 20% of cases—commonly experience suicidal depression. Other symptoms may include allergies, headaches, and a low pain threshold. These individuals often have a high metabolic rate, preventing them from gaining weight despite high food consumption.
Potential Treatments:
- Vitamin C: Modulates histamine synthesis and release
- Calcium: Helps remove histamine from tissues
- Methionine: Assists in histamine detoxification via methylation
- Zinc and manganese: Support balanced histamine levels
- Allergy detection and treatment: Reduces histamine-related symptoms
Complementary Tests for Histamine Imbalances
A comprehensive assessment of histamine levels should include additional tests to identify underlying causes and guide effective treatment strategies. Recommended tests include:
- Kryptopyrrol in urine: Useful for diagnosing schizophrenia patients with normal histamine levels
- Vitamin analysis (blood test): Particularly for Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, which influence histamine metabolism
- Trace elements/toxic elements (blood test): Measures levels of zinc, copper, manganese, and lead, which impact histamine levels
- Amino acids (Urine): Evaluates methionine and histidine levels, which provide insight into methylation efficiency
- Food allergy IgG4/IgE panel: Identifies allergies that may elevate histamine levels
- Essential fatty acids (blood test): Frequently disturbed in schizophrenia, impacting overall brain function
Conclusion
Histamine plays a vital role in immune function, digestion, and neurological health. Abnormal histamine levels—either too high or too low—can be linked to various health conditions, including schizophrenia, allergies, and metabolic issues. Proper testing and targeted nutritional therapy can help manage histamine imbalances effectively. By incorporating dietary modifications and essential nutrients, individuals with histamine-related disorders can improve their health and overall well-being.
Literature
- Pfeiffer C.C., Braverman E.R: Folic acid and vitamin B12 therapy for the low-histamine, high-copper biotype of schizofrenia. Folic acid in psychiatry and internal medicine, p.43. Raven Press, New York 1979.
- Pfeiffer C.C. Blood histamine, basophil counts and trace elements in the schizophrenias. Rev. Can. Biol. vol 31 suppl. printemps 1972, p.73-76.
- Pfeiffer C.C., Mental and elemental nutrients. A Brain Bio Book. Keats Publishing, inc. New Canaan, connecticut, 1975.
- Reddy RD, Yao JK. Environmental factors and membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids in schizophrenia. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2003 Dec;69(6):385-91.
