Oh the Potato! Shows Promise for Histamine Intolerance
Could it be? But I thought white carbs were the enemy! Look out, Paleo crew, the white potato is making a comeback!
A new study in the Journal of Functional Foods offers a fresh perspective on managing histamine intolerance. This study highlights the power of resistant starch, a prebiotic fiber that, when fermented by gut bacteria, produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Butyrate is crucial for gut health because it fuels the cells lining the colon, strengthening the gut barrier and has potent anti-inflammatory effects. By promoting butyrate production, resistant starch helps to reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut lining.
The study involved 48 healthy adults who consumed either resistant potato starch (RPS) or a placebo for four weeks. Scientists measured factors related to histamine and gut health.
Key Findings
The key finding is that RPS significantly lowered serum histamine levels. This reduction wasn't due to increased breakdown of histamine, but rather linked to improved gut barrier function. RPS also reduced markers of poor gut barrier function and beneficially shifted gut bacteria.
Why This Matters
These results suggest that RPS may help manage histamine intolerance by strengthening the gut lining. This is a different approach than typical treatments that focus on reducing histamine in the diet or using DAO supplements.
The Gut-Estrogen Connection
It's important to note that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in estrogen metabolism. A healthy gut, supported by dietary factors like resistant starch, helps regulate the balance and elimination of estrogens. Estrogen balance is crucial because imbalances can contribute to various health issues, including histamine intolerance symptoms in some individuals. Specific gut bacteria, known as the 'estrobolome', influence how estrogen is processed in the body, and disruptions to this delicate system can lead to increased histamine production and sensitivity.
The study showed a 13-18% reduction in histamine levels, which could be meaningful for people with histamine sensitivity. It points to a new way to address histamine intolerance, and potentially broader hormonal imbalances linked to gut health.
This study is the first to show that RPS can lower histamine levels in humans. It suggests that RPS may be a new, well-tolerated option for managing histamine intolerance by improving gut barrier function, with potential implications for estrogen metabolism and related health issues.
