PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your body’s alert messengers

HISTAMINES

Histamines are like tiny alarm signals in your body. They help your immune system respond quickly to invaders, but when overactive, they can cause irritation and inflammation.

Think of histamines as the body’s internal flashing lights — great for warning of danger, but overwhelming if they’re constantly on.

Here’s what they help with:

  • Trigger inflammation in response to allergens or injury

  • Dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow to affected areas

  • Signal the stomach to produce acid for digestion

  • Help white blood cells detect and fight pathogens

  • Play a role in sleep, alertness, and neurotransmission

HISTAMINE BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for lymph node related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Histamine - Chemical messenger released by the body in response to allergens or injury

Mast Cells - Immune cells that store and release histamine

Allergic Reaction - Symptoms triggered by histamine release in response to allergens

Histamine Intolerance - Occurs when histamine builds up faster than it can be broken down

DAO (Diamine Oxidase) - Enzyme that helps break down histamine from foods

H1, H2, H3, H4 Receptors - Different “locks” in the body that histamine can attach to, causing varied effects (e.g., inflammation, stomach acid, sleep/wake signaling)

WHAT HISTAMINE WORKS WITH

HISTAMINE + OTHER SYSTEMS

  1. Immune System → Histamines alert and activate immune cells

  2. Mucosal Barriers → Cause swelling and mucus production to trap invaders

  3. Digestive System → Stimulate stomach acid for breaking down food

  4. Nervous System → Act as neurotransmitters affecting sleep, alertness, and itch sensations

  5. Allergies & Sensitivities → Release drives common allergy symptoms like hives, congestion, and digestive upset

a HealthY histamine system…

  • Histamines are essential for immune defense and digestion, but excess can lead to discomfort

  • Imbalance can cause allergy symptoms, digestive upset, headaches, and fatigue

  • Supporting gut health, enzymatic function, and reducing unnecessary exposures can help keep histamine in balance

    Your histamines are like bodywide alert lights — you want them on when needed, off when not, for smooth, balanced functioning.