Fibromyalgia and Histamine Intolerance
- SL
- Sep 8, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 13
There’s a direct connection between histamines, Fibro and chronic fatigue syndrome. Overactive Mast Cells (the underlying cause of Fibro pain) drive high levels of histamine which often drive symptoms including allergies and sensitivity to pollen.
We know that Mast Cell Activation (MSA) can cause postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). MCA causes orthostatic intolerance, particularly in sufferers who experience ‘flushing’. In addition to flushing, sufferers often experience shortness of breath, headache, skin rashes, light-headedness, excessive urination, and gastrointestinal symptoms (including vomiting). Histamines and MSA play a significant role in a subset of sufferers with Fibro, ME/CFS and POTS.
Histamines – A Quick Overview:
Histamine is a potent signalling molecule or biogenic amine made from the amino acid histidine. It is naturally found in plants and animals. Histamine helps regulate many bodily functions including digestion, sleep, sexual function, and blood pressure, and in the brain, it functions as a neurotransmitter, carrying chemical messages between nerve cells.
Under normal circumstances small amounts of histamine help to facilitate health and balance in many systems of the body. In response to foreign pathogens, wounds and allergies, however, large quantities of histamine are released in our bodies by Mast Cells and Basophils - two types of white blood cells that reside in blood and tissues respectively. Those with allergies often take antihistamine medications to provide relief of symptoms associated with this inflammatory response.
Histamine exerts its effects by binding to four different receptor sites on cells. Each site is able to produce different symptoms by impacting different tissues and organ systems.
If any of these concern you, we encourage you to discuss with your health practitioners.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your health.
