Individuals with high-histamine levels may be due to a metabolic imbalance that results from under-methylation. As a consequence, these individuals overproduce and retain excessive levels of histamine. Histamine is a substance in the body that has wide ranging effects. There are receptors for histamine in the brain, stomach, skin, lungs, mucus membranes, blood vessels, etc. For some individuals, high levels of blood histamine (called histadelia) have psychological, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms.
Many patients with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, "oppositional-defiant disorder," or seasonal depression are under-methylated, which is associated with low serotonin levels. Often with inhalant allergies, frequent headaches, perfectionism, competitiveness and other distinctive symptoms and traits. Tend to be very low in calcium, magnesium, methionine, and vitamin B-6 with excessive levels of folic acid. People with histadelia often have a positive effect from SSRIs and other serotonin-enhancing medications (Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor, etc.) because methylation is a step in the manufacture of mood stabilizing neurotransmitters. Unfortunately, histadelics often have nasty side effects with these medications.
Histamine excess can be manifest as asthma, vasomotor rhinitis, allergic skin disorders with pruritis, excess stomach acid production (acts as a gastric hormone to stimulate flow of stomach acid), saliva, tears, and thin nasal and bronchial secretions, and certain types of vascular headaches. This is the basis of anti-histamine medications. Excessive histamine results because of the inadequate methylation in liver detoxification. Histamine opposes adrenalin in its effects and as expected fatigue occurs just as it occurs in adrenal exhaustion.
Biochemical treatment revolves around anti-folates, especially calcium and methionine. Certain forms of buffered vitamin C can help by providing calcium and ascorbic acid. Three to six months of nutrient therapy are usually needed to correct this chemical imbalance. As in most biochemical therapies, the symptoms usually return if treatment is stopped.
Methylation is involved in DNA synthesis, masking and unmasking of DNA, detoxification, heavy metal detoxification, nerve myelination, carnitine and coenzyme Q 10 synthesis. The relationship of mood and behavior to Histadelia is due to the fact that methylation is involved in neurotransmitter synthesis.
The following is a composite description of the HISTADELIC CHILD:
Tend to be self-motivated and achievement oriented. Their natural energy and drive to succeed will give them a competitive edge when histadelia not too severe. Can be problem if they are unwilling to give up control to parent or teacher or become disruptive in class or at home. May have trouble making friends with peers, preferring younger children or adults. Oppositional-Defiant Disorder may be diagnosed when extreme. Can be obsessively hooked on an activity, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the activity (sports vs video games, sexual conquests). High levels of histamine can be associated with suicidal ideations, impulsive sexual action or addiction (very high sex drive), or uncontrolled obsessions. Drug use is much more likely. Codeine and other opiates reduce histamine levels and may seem to help depression as well as pain. Continued use further imbalances their nervous system to the point of suicide. They may feel better using calcium and magnesium after a period of time.