Description
Histamine is a biological amine, transmitter, and tissue hormone important for essential physiological functions, such as cell proliferation/differentiation, haematopoiesis, and regeneration.
Histamine influences a number of immune responses associated with allergies and inflammation. In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) high histamine levels lead to increased gastrointestinal (GI) motility, increased mucosal permeability and more GI hypersensitivity, which may be associated with the pathogenesis of IBS.
Diets that reduce histamine levels, or decrease histamine synthesis, or increase histamine degradation have been shown to improve symptoms in IBS patients.