Natural Remedies for Histamine Reactions

Histamine is a chemical produced by cells in the body when experiencing an allergic reaction or infection. But if it is over-produced, histamine can cause problems and interfere with some bodily functions.

When you are allergic to certain substances such as dust, pollen, pet dander, or food, the immune system considers these substances harmful to the body. In order to protect the body, the immune system starts a chain reaction that makes some of the body's cells release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream.

Effects of Histamine in the Body

In addition to helping the immune system fight infections and allergies, histamine also plays a role in supporting several body functions, including as a component of stomach acid which helps destroy food in the digestive process, and becomes a neurotransmitter that forwards messages from the body to the brain. Although its function is important, histamine production should not be excessive.

Too much histamine production is known as histamine intolerance. If you are unable to control the production of histamine in the body, you may experience some symptoms that are similar to allergies, such as hives, rashes, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose, shortness of breath, skin redness, and feel like fainting.

In addition to being triggered by allergies and infections, histamine levels can increase due to the influence of food and drinks you consume. Several types of foods or drinks containing histamine include cheese, shellfish, processed meat, grains, tomatoes, eggplants, avocados, oranges, and dairy products such as yogurt.

In addition, there are several types of foods that can trigger histamine reactions in the body, such as bananas, papaya, chocolate, wheat, nuts, oranges, tomatoes, food coloring ingredients, energy drinks, black tea, and green tea.

Various types of natural antihistamines

To restore histamine levels to normal levels as well as relieve symptoms that arise due to histamine reactions, you can take antihistamine drugs, either over-the-counter or given through a doctor's prescription. This drug works by blocking the effects of histamine.

In addition to using drugs, you can also get natural antihistamines in some foods below.

Foods that contain vitamin C

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that is easily found in various fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is considered safe to treat nasal congestion and other allergic symptoms, because it is free of side effects and non-toxic.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain which can also be found in supplement form. Bromelain is believed to be effective for treating respiratory disorders and airway inflammation associated with allergies.

Onions, apples and okra

All three contain quercetin, which is one type of antioxidant. Quercetin can reduce the effects of shortness of breath due to allergies by reducing the inflammatory response in the respiratory tract.

Pulus or nettle

Besides being able to treat osteoarthritis, research reveals that pulus or nettles can also be natural antihistamines. In one study, 58% of participants were free of allergies after consuming this plant.

If you feel symptoms of histamine intolerance, immediately avoid the trigger. Take several types of antihistamine foods, if possible. However, if the symptoms experienced do not immediately subside, do not hesitate to consult a doctor to get the right treatment