Connection between SIBO and histamine intolerance

My post content

I want to discuss the connection between histamine intolerance and SIBO, as well as the potential reasons for the development of SIBO in our bodies.

In short, Histamine intolerance and SIBO are connected through increased histamine production, enzyme impairment, and overlapping symptoms. Histamine intolerance results from excessive histamine, causing headaches, hives, and GI issues. SIBO involves bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Managing these conditions involves dietary changes, supplements, medication, and consulting healthcare providers.

Connection between histamine intolerance and SIBO

Histamine Intolerance is a condition where the body accumulates too much histamine due to an imbalance between histamine intake/production and the body's ability to break it down. Symptoms include headaches, hives, fatigue, stomach pain, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) means that there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which is normally relatively free of bacteria compared to the large intestine. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue.

The connection

• Increased Histamine Production: In SIBO, excessive bacteria in the small intestine can produce histamine and other biogenic amines, leading to increased histamine levels in the gut.

• Enzyme Impairment: SIBO can impair the activity of enzymes like diamine oxidase (DAO), responsible for breaking down histamine, resulting in higher histamine levels.

• Overlap of Symptoms: Both conditions cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fatigue, making it difficult to distinguish between the two without specific tests.

Reasons for SIBO development

1. Motility Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or diabetes can slow down the movement of the small intestine, allowing bacteria to grow excessively.

2. Structural Abnormalities: Anatomical issues like diverticula (small pouches) in the small intestine can trap bacteria.

3. Medications: Long-term use of medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can reduce stomach acid, which normally helps to control bacterial growth. Antibiotics can also cause SIBO.

4. Immune System Dysfunction: A weakened immune system can fail to control bacterial populations effectively.

5. Previous Infections: Gastrointestinal infections can disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria.

6. Diet: High-carbohydrate diets and consuming a lot of sugar can provide excess fuel for bacteria, promoting overgrowth.

Possible solutions for health

Firstly, I recommend that you visit a registered dietitian who can address any potential underlying conditions. It is also highly encouraged to consult with your physician.

Managing Histamine Intolerance:

• Diet: Follow a low-histamine diet, avoiding foods like aged cheeses, fermented foods, and certain processed foods. Dairy and gluten are also quite inflammatory so I would leave them out, too.

• Supplements: Taking DAO supplements to help break down histamine. (a few popular DAO supplements can be found here: https://amzn.to/3y31zYe Histamine Digest capsules

  Let me also share probiotics that might be also useful for you, it's created for people suffering in histamine intolerance: https://amzn.to/3yc2a9U The reason I'm sharing this with you is that not every probiotics product out there is good for someone having histamine intolerance as they might cause more histamine in the body (e.g. lactobacillus casei).

• Medication: Antihistamines to manage symptoms.

Treating SIBO:

• Antibiotics - usually Rifaximin, an antibiotic that only targets the small and large intestine bacteria: Targeted antibiotics to reduce bacterial overgrowth.

• Prokinetics: Medications that improve gut motility.

• Dietary Changes: Low FODMAP diet to reduce fermentable carbohydrates that feed bacteria.

• Probiotics: To restore healthy gut flora.

By understanding the connections and underlying causes, you can take steps to manage symptoms and improve overall health effectively. Consulting with healthcare providers is crucial for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.