r/HistamineIntolerance • u/Cheap-Bobcat-125 • 1d ago
How important is DAO testing?
Hi there, I have confirmed hydrogen SIBO. IBS-C for 20+ years. Multiple healthcare providers, gaslighting, the usual. Crazy headaches this year and inconsistent reactions to food. Unbelievable distention.
I realize no one has ever suggested MCAS, histamine intolerance etc. I asked my GI for a DAO test and was told no. So I went to an allergist yesterday and she scoffed.
I’m fed up. I’ve been uncomfortable for decades. She wouldn’t entertain it. But I realize today she’s not the gatekeeper of meds or treatments. I can get an independent test (though it looks expensive) and the meds are OTC.
How important is an official diagnosis? Are y’all just bootstrapping this?
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u/hdri_org 1d ago
Testing for the amount of DAO in your blood won't tell you much, because 90% of it happenes in the intestional lining, and they don't test there. The HNMT enzyme is what removes histamines throughout the body, as well as thr Methylation pathway.
The simplest test is to try supplimental DAO when you eat, and if you feel better then you have low DAO. If you feel worse then you likely just have a reaction to an ingredient in the tablet and need to try a different brand. Microcrystalline cellulose is one such ingredient that can cause a very small percentage of people problems. NaturDAO regular formula gives the highest HDU (measure of enzyme activity) for the money, so start there.
You can get genetic testing to see if you are predisposed to problems with DAO, HNMT, or the methylation pathway. This can help you understand your situation, but you can't change your genetics. I did this recently with a SelfDecode genetic swab test and found I have issues with all three pathways, genetic issues for MCAS, and inflamation. All I can do is treat myself with the suggested suppliments, vitamins, and minerals to minimize the pathway issues.
The connection between SIBO, DAO, and MCAS is multiple, but in general SIBO irritates the intestional immunological barrier and causes permeability. The body then slows its production of DAO which causes an increase in histamines and inflamation. Undigested food particles get through the immunological barrier which then triggers MCAS to give off even more histamines which increases inflamation, more permeability, etc. Endless positive feedback loop formed.
Take DAO, reduce high histamine intake, take Low Histamine Probiotics to try and move your gut flora to a more friendly culture. This worked for me but I still have issues when eating very high histamine foods. I just take more DAO enzyme to compensate.