Could you ongoing problems post strict GF diet be caused by something non CD? We've had a number of recent questions on histamines and sulphites on the question board and there's been lots on our facebook page about:
- painful joints
- fatigue
- rashes (after wine)
- bloating
- wheezing (tight chest) or ongoing asthma
- hayfever
So we've done some speedy online research on Allergy UK's site allergyuk.org/allergy_predi... It seems that sulphites and histamine problems can mimic each other and both can occur in the same foods e.g. wines, processed foods, making them hard to pin down as the culprit.
However, we came across this link on Histaminosis and links showing that Coeliac Disease patients naturally produce higher gut and mast cell (body) histamines that other non-coeliacs. In addition B12 can cause higher histamines as can Thyroid problems. As we know that many Coeliacs often develop Pernicious Anemia and Thyroid problems we thought this was interesting.
'Cellular Histaminosis is also a possible cause of adverse reactions and/or dysfunction of the immune system, but is not well researched. Patients very often feel:
severe fatigued
flu-like symptoms
fibromyalgia/unidentified joint and muscle pain'
There is some debate that IBS or similar symptoms are actually severe histamine intolerance (aka Enteral Histaminosis and/or Cellular Histaminosis).
Has anyone discovered they have a histamine problem? Did they see a immunologist? Did your gastro or endocrinologist do tests for you?
These are some of the tests that can be done privately or via referrals on the NHS to an immunologist or via liaison with your Gastro consultant:
Diamine oxidase (DAO)
Monoamineoxidase (MAO-b)
N-methylhistamine (urine assay)
Tryptase Serum
Histamine plasma
ANA
IgA
Rheumatoid Factor
Quick test that many Immunologists do on patients to assess if their mast cells (body) are producing a lot of histamines:
1. Get a pen (ie a bic biro)
2. Using the lid (or any other non nib end) press down as if you are trying to write a big red cross on your inner forewarm
3. Do the same on a friend or Partner
4. Check both your arms in 5 - 10mins time....
5. Volia! Does your pal have nothing or just a white cross on their arm? Do you have a big red cross? Well the red indicates that the mast cells have produced histamines in response to the pressure. This can be indicative of someone who is sensitive to histamines - esp if you have the other symptoms.
We've yet to play this game with our GP though!
LINK: histrelief.com/
Pop across to our Q & As on Sulphites and Histamines as well and join in the comments.
