Too much or not enough heparin and histamine intolerance
A connection between heparin and histamine intolerance (HIT) does indeed exist, because heparin influences the activity of diamine oxidase (DAO), the enzyme that breaks down histamine in the intestines and blood. In short : Both too much and too little heparin can cause problems in histamine intolerance, because heparin is a natural regulator of histamine breakdown. 1. Too much heparin (e.g., from heparin injections) If you receive high-dose heparin (e.g., injections to prevent thrombosis after surgery), this can temporarily worsen histamine intolerance dramatically. • DAO blockade: Heparin releases the enzyme DAO from tissues. In the short term, this leads to an apparent increase, but with chronic use or high doses, DAO is consumed, excreted, or blocked more rapidly. • Consequence: The body can no longer properly break down histamine from food. Typical HIT symptoms occur, such as headaches, flushing, gastrointestinal problems, or a racing heart, even when following a low-histamine d...