DAO (Histamine Intolerance) Test
Histamine intolerance is when people have poor intestinal breakdown of histamine when they ingest histamine rich foods such as; fermented foods, aged cheeses and alcohol. When they consume histamine rich foods it sets off a profound inflammatory response and can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Migraine, headache
- Dizziness
- Menstrual problems – histamine and oestrogen are highly linked
- Gastrointestinal complaints, soft stools
- Tachycardia, arrhythmia
- Hypotension
- Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Depression
- Itching of the skin, red skin
Often alcohol and fermented foods trigger and/or worsen symptoms.
By testing your blood serum levels of the enzyme DAO (Diamine Oxidase) you can determine if you have a histamine intolerance. This enzyme is responsible for the degradation of histamine in the body. Histamine is found in all human tissues within the body with the highest concentrations in the lungs, skin and colon. It is the main transmitter substance for nervous reactions, so when there is a DAO deficiency or an inability to break down histamine symptoms are experienced.
Foods that are considered high in histamines include:
- Fermented Foods (sauerkraut, kimchi)
- Fermented Soy (tofu, tempeh)
- Aged Cheeses
- Alcohol (wine, beer)
- Cured Meats
- Shellfish and Tinned Fish
- Coffee and Tea
- Berries and Citrus Fruits
- Cocoa
- Eggs
- Bread
- Shellfish and Tinned Fish
- Avocados, Spinach, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Picked Vegies
- Additives and Preservatives
Various gastrointestinal conditions, pharmaceutical medications and vitamin deficiencies can result in a decrease in DAO activity.
This test is easy to do and will require a blood test. Please let me know if you require more information.