Zinc is linked to histamine... I didn't know that! - Thyroid UK

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Zinc is linked to histamine... I didn't know that!

TiggerMe profile image
42 Replies

Does zinc lower histamine?

Zinc has shown to play an important role in histamine intolerance, as it impacts how your body stores histamine. Zinc deficiency has shown to allow a higher release of histamine. Concentrated zinc has actually shown the capacity to prevent histamine release from mast cells and normalize immune responses.

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TiggerMe
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42 Replies
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

Interesting! Link for that quote please Eeyore100?

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to RedApple

Soz... ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe

Found all this from blogfrog too... healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to TiggerMe

Oh flaming Nora! Have just been reading up on blogfrog and find that she recommends we don't take selenium and zinc at the same time which I have been doing as per advice (Westin-Childs). So much conflicting information!

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Delgor

Yep, it's yet another juggling act which needs to avoid iron, wholegrains, magnesium, dairy, calcium but I thought it was OK with selenium?? 😧 Another reading day ahead!

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to TiggerMe

Have been doing some more reading and feel utterly confused as google suggests that selenium and zinc support each other and therefore can be taken together but this is contradicted by somebody else. 😕

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Delgor

I think you are right that zinc and selenium are ok together and in some cases better!

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/347...

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to TiggerMe

Thanks so much for your input - it's much appreciated! I feel like I'm on the biggest learning curve of my life right now 🤗

Kazania profile image
Kazania in reply to Delgor

One of my nutritional supplements comes as Selenium+Zinc (Phoenix Nutrition). Surely the company wouldn’t put them together if they should or am I being Naive.

Jaydee1507 profile image
Jaydee1507Administrator in reply to Kazania

You would think so but iron gets put in many multivitamins and it can prevent absorption of some of the other nutrients in the multivitamin.

Delgor profile image
Delgor in reply to Kazania

Jaydee1507 has taken the words right out of my mouth😁 I now feel happier that both can be taken together although had a momentary concern but as always I get answers from this wonderful forum!

Delgor profile image
Delgor

Thanks so much Eeyore as although I've been reading up on zinc deficiency knowing that I now am, I hadn't seen this connection. It's all very interesting!

Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012

I have to say I take 50mcg Zinc at night, but histamine is still my lover. That said Eeyore, I do find I sleep better on nights I take it, than on nights I don't take it and that's pretty consistent. Perhaps I am not absorbing well and need more. A test would be good. I alternate with a zinc/copper supplement combo for balance, but have no real clue what my actual levels are.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Alanna012

Oh... which form of zinc are you using? Can you not get your GP to test? Mine were quite happy to when I said the dentist suggested it...

Though blogfrog stated this...

"Levels of zinc either in plasma or serum are not reliable indicators for establishing a diagnosis of zinc deficiency. Normal values may be obtained in the presence of subclinical zinc deficiency. Therapeutic response in suspected cases remains the gold standard of diagnosis."

Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012 in reply to TiggerMe

I am taking Zinc Gluconate. So one should take till relieving of symptoms if I read Bullfrog correct? Good to know. Perhaps I should combine with a different form. I find with magnesium it's more effective for me to take several forms, so mag glycinate and taurate with a bit of citrate not just one form for e.g. and maybe it's similar with zinc.

Given me something to think about, thank you!

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Alanna012

It looks like gluconate is on a par with picolinate for absorption but like you say a varied approach can't hurt?

Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012 in reply to TiggerMe

It certainly can't can it? Thanks Eeyore for your helpful posts!

Milkyway88 profile image
Milkyway88 in reply to TiggerMe

eeyore, do you mind if I ask why the dentist suggested it? ☺️

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Milkyway88

She actually didn't, I'd read it's tied in with mouth ulcers and the sort of thing a dentist might suggest... so I happened to suggest it to my GP and a test was forthcoming 😉

I'm seeing my dentist next month so I'll discuss it with her then 😏

Milkyway88 profile image
Milkyway88 in reply to TiggerMe

nice one 😀

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Milkyway88

It seems if another proper grownup suggests things my GP is more accepting 🙄🤣

Milkyway88 profile image
Milkyway88 in reply to TiggerMe

😂

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Milkyway88

She has no idea what to do with the result though... never tested zinc before

But that's what you lot are for 😉

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

bookish profile image
bookish in reply to TiggerMe

Hi, B12 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers too. Used to get heaps, now resolved. Just a thought. But of course so can gluten and now I'm grain free......

Leaney profile image
Leaney in reply to Milkyway88

My dentist did suggest a blood test for my, very sore, tongue. As soon as I mentioned it to my GP he knew what the dentist meant because he said "we all learn about this in med school but it is not common". He tested and I was very low. Been battling it for several years now.

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Leaney

Your GP is switched on.. do they test you regularly? Have you seen any improvement? Do you have albumin levels too?

I know we were discussing this a couple of weeks ago... I could go find that thread..

Leaney profile image
Leaney in reply to TiggerMe

He is not as switched on as I would like :( He put me on a very low dose of Zinc and left me to it. I asked for another blood test and the Zinc levels were still low. He upped the dose to two tablets and I had to wait and then ask for a retest. Still too low so he upped the dose to three - still too low. He then tells me that wholegrains might be contra indicated! Drop wholegrains and up the dose to four he says. We eventually get there! This took several years and I am not sure everything is sorted yet :( I was interested in the magnesium involvement because I am a very poor sleeper. I have started to take a multivitamin supplement aimed at older people to see if that helps?

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to Leaney

Hmm... far from ideal! Don't mention multivit here!... dirty word as they always mix in competing vits and mins. An epsom salts bath is a lovely inclusion of magnesium and then have a look at the various forms to see what suits you best 🤗

naturalnews.com/046401_magn...

bookish profile image
bookish in reply to Leaney

Just wondered if they tested your vit B12 too?

Leaney profile image
Leaney in reply to bookish

No, they only test for the things I ask about. One GP did test for Copper, which was high. I understand that this would be expected with low Zinc. It has dropped a bit as the Zinc has come up so I assume it is caused by the low Zinc? I must admit that I have been sleeping better since taking the multivitamins. I assume this might be because the magnesium is in there? I identify with the STRESS :)

bookish profile image
bookish in reply to Leaney

Could be the magnesium helping you sleep, but I'd ask them to check your serum B12 and folate. (That is only the beginning of the problem as these can be hard to diagnose as deficient. Can be easy, often isn't, so best get tests, get copy of results and ask again on forum where to go next. Your multi may have skewed results already so the sooner you can test the better.) Cheers

Blissful profile image
Blissful in reply to Alanna012

Zinc and Copper need to be in balanced ratio (some say 2:1) plus Vit A is an essential co-factor and hypos tend to have issues with conversion of beta carotene (e.g. orange coloured veggies).

I think another very important player is related to the various enzymes not being able to work efficiently. (I am open to correction) but I recall that when zinc is low/sub normal, then magnesium steps in to compensate....until magnesium also becomes depleted. Apart from the fact that pretty much globally soil has been "raped" of trace mineral balance, another major magnesium robber is STRESS (via the whole steroid hormone cascade).

Again I am open to correction, but I think I recall that serum tests for trace minerals is only meaningful in terms of electrolyte balance - the body has a very very tight band of tolerance (calcium etc) - to get a more meaningful result a red blood cell test is recommended (I think it's called that). With copper you also need to know ceruloplasmin (the major copper-carrying protein).

Another thing to bear in mind is that enzymes work in pretty tight temperature ranges - too low and they can't be active and ditto for too hot.

Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012 in reply to Blissful

Ahhhh. I learn new things here all the time and had no idea about internal body temperatures affecting enzymes. I am not always good with taking the magnesium as until fairly recently it used to make my gastric reflux worse, but that seems to have improved a lot so I need to be more consistent with it. I

Thanks for the tip regarding the vit A and ceruloplasmin test.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Alanna012

The reduced activity of enzymes at lower temperatures appears a very likely route from hypothyroidism itself to some of its symptoms.

That is, imagine the sole direct effect low low thyroid hormone levels were to reduce core temperature.

That lowered temperature would itself then reduce the rates of rafts of enzyme activity. Including those required to generate healthy new cells. Hence (for one simple to see example) skin, nails and hair do not grow as they should. And we end up with skin, nail and hair issues.

Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012 in reply to helvella

Thank you Helvella. So even our ability to make new cells are affected by our core temperature. Amazing. It's logical. But I wouldn't have arrived at the conclusion myself! So this is why basal body temperature readings were emphasised so much by Doctors like Peatfield? I see.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Alanna012

Yes. BUT...

We have issues measuring the relevant temperatures accurately and consistently. Over many years, all sorts of temperatures have been observed, including deep inside during operations, outside on skin, under tongue,... Using electronic, mercury, geratherm, and many other approaches.

Each combination of where and how has its own characteristics. Then add on time of day, environmental temperature, etc.

And that temperature can be affected by other things such as many inflammatory/infectious processes.

While core temperature is vital, the practicalities can create difficulties.

(My Apple Watch even assesses wrist temperature while asleep! It wasn't why I got it, but it did influence which model I got. I wanted to see how it worked in reality. You can see that, over time, my sleep temperature is very consistent. I do have the odd ups and downs - but only modest even then.

Wrist temperature is a measurement related to your body's temperature taken by Apple Watch while you're sleeping.

Your data is shown as a change from baseline - an average of recent measurements taken during sleep. While everyone's wrist temperature baseline is different, tracking nightly changes in your wrist temperature can provide insight into your wellbeing.

Your body temperature naturally fluctuates, and can vary from night to night due to variables like diet, exercise and alcohol consumption, or physiological factors like menstrual cycles and illness.

Wrist temperature can also be impacted by external factors like your sleep environment. Values within 1°C (1.8°F) of your baseline are common.

Each wrist temperature value is an average of several measurements taken during sleep when Sleep Focus is turned on.)

Screenshot of wrist temperature from Apple Watch.
bookish profile image
bookish in reply to Alanna012

Hi, you could try bypassing the gut and use magnesium on the skin like I do, just to see if it suits. I like Better You sensitive mag oil spray.

Alanna012 profile image
Alanna012 in reply to bookish

Thank you bookish, I tried the spray but I don't like the stickyness. Well I find it sticky. But how do you use it? It's a shame as it does keep me calmer through the day. A solution to that would be good.

bookish profile image
bookish in reply to Alanna012

Hi, I must admit I don't find it sticky! Last thing in the evening I spray a few squirts on inside of forearms and rub them together until it goes in/dries. If somewhere is especially achy I might spray a bit elsewhere or during the day, also if it is windy/low pressure and histamine high I'll use extra during the day (not near eyes or broken skin). I found at the beginning that it did prickle a bit but you can wipe off the residue after 10-15 minutes if necessary. With the sensitive I don't get that, but also have been using it for 5 years so don't use very much of it. I do notice if I miss a night though. Cheers

janeroar profile image
janeroar

I have to take zinc because I get white spots on my nails without it. I’ve played around with different forms of zinc but just come across this company. It’s British with certification about the quality of its products which includes a vitamin D / K based in black seed oil which I’ve also just purchased. Ionic Zinc Sulphate Liquid Ultra Pure and Concentrated - 50ml (10 Drops = 15mg) Immune and Fertility Support, Skin, Hair and Nails. Vegan raw zinc. Superior to vimergy and eidon zinc (Made in The UK) amzn.eu/d/cjifckm

TiggerMe profile image
TiggerMe in reply to janeroar

Yes I have both of those and Pure Encapsulations Picolinate as I couldn't decide 😏

Regenallotment profile image
Regenallotment

well I never!

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