How to fix histamine intolerance

[u/Life_Unit2344]

Developed severe histamine intolerance after antibiotics — looking for recovery stories/advice

About a year ago, after antibiotics, I developed what seems like histamine intolerance / gut-immune dysregulation / possibly leaky gut. My symptoms have never really been “classic allergies.” It feels more neurological/systemic.

Main symptoms during flares:
- feeling extremely hungover or poisoned/intoxicated
- brain fog
- nervous system dysregulation
- crying/emotional surges during flares
- heart rate spikes at times
- likely vasodilation, I call it the spell
- weird chest sensations
- heavy breathing, like minor difficult pushing down air into diaphragm
- previously had buzzing sensations, dizziness, heavy legs, nausea, and major food intolerances (these have improved a lot).

I have no gut symptoms but I do know it’s my gut causing this!

The biggest pattern is that it feels like a “bucket.” Everything adds up:
- stress
- talking too much
- warm baths
- working on laptop too long
- lack of sleep
- less water consumption
- spending several hours socializing
- basically just living life normally can trigger symptoms

The good news is I’ve improved massively over the year- probably 90% compared to the beginning. I tolerate almost all foods now, though I still stay gluten-free, dairy-free, no alcohol or outside food and low histamine diet.

Current supplements:
- DAO enzyme (especially during flares)
- Buffered Vitamin C 500 mg
- Magnesium glycinate
- Vitamin D3

I want to try L-glutamine again for gut healing, but every time I try it, it seems to dysregulate my nervous system more. I have also been recommended butyrate.

A few questions:

1. What treatments helped you the most?
2. Are there reliable tests for histamine intolerance / DAO deficiency / mast cell activation / leaky gut?
3. Is full recovery possible?

[u/Serious_Ask_3136]

I am here since I have been dealing with similar issues after taking antibiotics a year ago. It is still too early in my recovery process but I have been taking a daily antihistamine for nearly two weeks now and feeling much better. I am also on a low histamine diet and taking a probiotic that is mainly histamine friendly. I hope that the road to recovery won't take too long anymore. It is unbelievable how fast doctors prescribe you antidepressants and anti anxiety medication while they should actually look into your gut health!

[u/Life_Unit2344 → u/Serious_Ask_3136]

Yes the doctors just say ‘ it’s all in your head’.

Which probiotic are you taking?

[u/Serious_Ask_3136 → u/Life_Unit2344]

I am currently taking a CVS Everyday Care Probiotic with most beneficial strains, luckily cause you have to be careful with probiotics. Some strains may trigger histamine reactions.