Histamine intolerance (HIT)
The inability of the body to properly break down histamine, which leads to its excessive accumulation and manifestations.
Histamine intolerance (HIT) is not a classic allergy, but a condition where the body cannot efficiently break down histamine from food or from its own sources. This leads to its excessive accumulation in the body and triggers various non-specific symptoms such as digestive problems, skin problems, headaches or breathing difficulties.
Related terms
An independent non-profit organization (Schweizerische Interessengemeinschaft Histamin-Intoleranz) that specializes in research, education and support for people suffering from histamine intolerance (HIT) and related disorders of mast cell metabolism.
Substances that release histamine from cells, worsening the symptoms of HIT.
The amount of histamine the body can still break down without issues. It is not fixed and changes from day to day depending on health, medications, hormones, and stress.
A build-up of histamine in the body from various sources that exceeds tolerance and triggers symptoms.
The process by which microorganisms convert substances. It is key in HIT because it increases the histamine content of food.