Histamine is a chemical produced by white blood cells in the body when you have an allergic reaction or infection. However, if this substance is produced in excess, its effects can cause health problems and interfere with several body functions.
When you are allergic to a certain substance, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, or food, your immune system perceives the substance as a threat.
To protect the body, the immune system reacts by making some cells to release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. These cells are called basophils and mast cells.
Effects of Histamine in the Body
In addition to helping the immune system fight infection, histamine also plays a role in supporting several body functions, namely as a component of stomach acid to help the digestive process as well as being a chemical substance that functions to carry out brain functions.neurotransmitter).
Despite its important function, histamine production should not be excessive. When your body produces too much histamine, you can experience an allergic reaction that can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Skin redness, rash, and itching
- Swollen lips
- Red, swollen, itchy and watery eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Headache or migraine
In severe cases, symptoms can include stomach cramps, high blood pressure, dizziness, anxiety, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), or even an anaphylactic reaction.
In certain cases, histamine can also trigger the recurrence of symptoms of certain diseases, such as asthma, atopic eczema, atopic rhinitis, and psoriasis.
In addition to being triggered by allergies and infections, increased histamine levels can be affected by certain foods and drinks, such as shellfish, processed meats, tomatoes, eggplant, avocados, seeds, nuts, and alcoholic beverages.
Types of Natural Antihistamines
To return histamine levels to normal levels as well as relieve symptoms that appear due to histamine reactions, you can take antihistamines, either over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. This drug works by blocking the effects of histamine and preventing its production.
In addition to drugs, you can also get antihistamines naturally from the following foods:
1. Foods that contain vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine that is easily found in various fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation naturally.
2. 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, such as asthma.
3. Onion, apple and okra
All three contain quercetin, which is a type of antioxidant. Quercetin can reduce the effects of shortness of breath due to allergies by reducing the inflammatory response in the respiratory tract.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin compounds which have natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Various studies say that this compound can help reduce inflammation and prevent allergies, as well as inhibit the release of histamine substances.
If you experience symptoms of the effects of histamine, such as an allergic reaction, asthma or eczema, especially if these symptoms occur frequently, you need to find out what the triggers are and avoid them as much as possible.
If necessary, you can take antihistamines, but these drugs are not recommended for long-term consumption.
If you do not know what triggers the allergy that appears, or if the effects of the histamine reaction are felt to be very disturbing, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.