GUT HEALTH CENTER

ZONULIN
DAO
HISTAMINE

ZONULIN, DAO, and HISTAMINE

Building a healthy gut garden bed.

These compounds have a big effect on your gut garden. Get them right, and your garden will flourish.

WHAT IS ZONULIN?

Zonulin is a protein that regulates intestinal permeability. Zonulin modulates the permeability of tight junctions between cells of the wall of the digestive tract.

Our bodies need some zonulin, but too much leads to problems.

WHAT IS DAO?

DAO, diamine oxidase, is an enzyme produced in your kidneys, thymus, and intestinal lining, that helps to break down histamine.

Without enough DAO, histamine can being to accumulate in the body.

WHAT IS HISTAMINE?

Histamine is a chemical that helps to communicate messages to your brain, triggers the release of stomach acid for digestion, and releases after injury or allergies as a part of your bodies immune response.

Some histamine is a good thing, too much can lead to problems.

Too much histamine can cause a number of unpleasant effects such as headaches, nausea, congestion, and water eyes. It can lead to more serious conditions, such as ulcers.

Excess histamine also causes a number of gut health issues and can make certain conditions, such as IBS, much worse.

Some people have a disorder called histamine intolerance. This condition can affect the ability to metabolize histamine, and often there is overproduction of histamine. People with this disorder tend to have much lower levels of DAO in the body.

DAO plays a big role in regulating the amount of histamine in the body.

A HEALTHY GUT LINING

Having a healthy gut lining is an important key to a happier gut garden.

DAO, histamines, and zonulin all have an effect on or are affected by the health of our gut lining.

"LEAKY GUT"

"Leaky Gut" is often thought to be an actual condition. What it really is, is a symptom of a larger problem in the gut.

It happens when the tight junctions in the gut lining start to come apart, allowing things to leak into the bloodstream that should not be there.

We think a better term for this is tight junction dysfunction.

Zonulin plays a huge role in this process.

INTESTINAL VILLI

The small intestinal villi help to increase absorption of nutrients, and provide digestive secretions. They play an important role in the health of your gut garden.

If there are problems with your gut lining, the villi will be negatively affected.

Zonulin plays an important role in the health of your villi.

DAO SUPPORT

In order to ensure optimal DAO levels, the following nutrients are especially beneficial:

Vitamin C

Copper

Vitamin B6

Phosphorous

Magnesium

Zinc

Iron

B12

Eating lots of whole foods rich in these nutrients is a great way to support healthy DAO levels.

LIVER

Liver is an incredibly nutrient-dense food and is rich in so many nutrients that support healthy DAO levels, including:

B-12

Zinc

Iron

Copper

Phosphorous

Make sure to get grass-fed liver that was processed and frozen soon after harvest. Here is a great source.

If eating liver is not for you, grass-fed liver capsules are another great option.

VITAMIN C RICH, LOW HISTAMINE FOODS

Vitamin C rich foods are very important for healthy DAO levels, however a lot vitamin C rich foods are high in histamine which causes problems for many people with low DAO levels.

These foods are rich in vitamin C, while being low in histamine:

Mangos

Broccoli

Apples

Bell Peppers

Blueberries

Apricots

Cranberries

Peaches

If you are not getting enough vitamin C rich foods in your diet, a good, low histamine, whole food vitamin C supplement is a great option.

MAGNESIUM RICH, LOW HISTAMINE FOODS

Magnesium is very important for healthy DAO function in the body.

Most people do not get enough

magnesium in their diet.

Here are some low histamine, magnesium rich foods:

Dry roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Sprouted Almonds

Macadamia Nuts

Cooked Kale

Wild Caught Salmon (buy frozen, not from the seafood counter

B12 RICH, LOW HISTAMINE FOODS

Having adequate b12 levels helps to support healthy DAO activity.

These foods are rich in b12, while being low in histamine:

Chicken

Pork

Eggs

Milk

Beef

Lamb

Buffalo

Kidney

Make sure meats are quickly frozen after butchering and not aged.

White Oak Pastures a great source of low-histamine meats.

If you are not getting enough b12 rich foods in your diet, a good low histamine, whole food b-12 supplement is a great option.

COPPER RICH, LOW HISTAMINE FOODS.

Copper is incredibly important for healthy DAO function.

Here are some great low histamine copper rich foods:

Liver

Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Sweet Potatoes

If you are not getting enough copper rich foods in your diet, then a

a good low histamine, whole food copper supplement is a great option.

ZINC RICH, LOW HISTAMINE FOODS.

Getting enough zinc in your diet will help a lot to improve DAO function in your body. It is also very important for a healthy gut lining.

Here are some great low histamine, zinc rich foods:

Dry Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Liver

Beef

Buffalo

Lamb

Pork

Make sure meats are quickly frozen after butchering and not aged.

If you are not getting enough zinc rich foods in your diet, then a

a good low histamine, whole food zinc supplement is a great option.

B6 RICH, LOW HISTAMINE FOODS

B6 helps to support the healthy production of DAO in the body.

Here are some great low histamine b6 rich foods:

Pork

Chicken

Oats

Milk

Ricotta

Eggs

Liver

Kidney

Sweet Potato

If you are not getting enough b6 rich foods in your diet, then a good low histamine, whole food b6 supplement is a great option.

PEA SHOOTS OR SPROUTS

There are only a few foods that are actually rich in DAO enzyme.

Pea shoots are one of them. These little guys are a great way for those who are low in DAO, to get some from their diet.

You can grow your own pretty easily or buy them.

BEEF KIDNEY

Beef kidney is another food rich in DAO.

It is also rich in vitamin A, b12, b6 and selenium.

It has a rich taste and is great in stews.

Here is a great source for it.

If eating kidney is not for you, grass-fed kidney capsules are a great option.

DAO SUPPLEMENTS

DAO supplements are a great way to get more DAO.

As with other supplements, we recommend using a whole food DAO supplement.

Whole food DAO supplements are also rich in selenium and b6 which help with healthy DAO levels.

DAO supplements are best taken daily before meals.

Another great DAO supporting supplement is IGY's.

IGY's do not contain DAO, but help to support healthy DAO production in the body.

Taking IGY's daily is a great way to support healthy DAO function in the body.

FOODS THAT HELP TO REDUCE HISTAMINE LEVELS

Having excess levels of histamine in the body is a miserable experience, as anyone who has allergies can tell you.

There are some wonderful foods that can help to support healthy histamine degredation.

AllIUMS

Onions, garlic, shallots, and eeks not only make food taste delicious, they are wonderful for reducing histamine levels in the body. Onions, are especially rich in quercetin.

FAVA BEANS

While they may be famous for a not so great reason, fava beans are the richest food source of quercetin.

Quercetin is a great antihistamine, that does not cause drowsiness.

WATERCRESS

Watercress is a potent antioxidant, is rich in vitamin C and is a natural antihistamine.

This food is one of the most potent histamine fighting foods.

APPLES

Apples are rich in quercetin and other flavonoids that help to reduce histamine levels.

The peel is especially rich, so don't throw it away.

Red and golden delicious apples have lower levels, so it would be best to choose other varieties.

POMEGRANATE

Pomegranates help to reduce inflammation.

Eat the actual seeds, no the juice. You can buy the seeds frozen if you don't want to fight with the whole fruit.

GINGER AND TURMERIC

Ginger and Turmeric help to support healthy cytokine levels and help to reduce histamines.

Cook these with some fat for the best effect.

Avoid supplements of ginger and turmeric that have bioperine or black pepper extract (the black pepper you cook with is fine), as they can negatively impact the gut lining.

It's best to use fresh ginger and turmeric if possible. Grate them for maximum benefit.

As a base for sautes, cook onions, garlic, and the Hawaiian turmeric in ghee, for a potent histamine busting meal starter.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is a wonderful antihistamine herb that also can help to clear clogged sinuses.

Make a tea using fresh peppermint for the most potent effect.

SUPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT HEALTHY HISTAMINE LEVELS

There are many supplements that can help to support healthy histamine levels.

One of the best is nettle leaf. It is rich in quercetin, caffeic acid, and a number of other beneficial compounds.

We recommend using the tincture form, 2-3 times a day between meals for the best effect.

Quercetin is a supplement with great antihistamine properties.

The key to getting good effectiveness with quercetin is to take it several times during the day, and taking it for a period of time as the effects build over time.

IGY's are another great supplement for supporting healthy histamine levels.

While it is not an antihistamine itself, it helps to support healthy DAO and zonulin levels.

LOW HISTAMINE FOODS THAT SUPPORT HEALTHY ZONULIN LEVELS

Keeping zonulin levels in a healthy range is incredibly important for keeping your gut healthy.

There are many foods that can help you in your quest.

REAL BONE BROTH

Bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and a host of other beneficial compounds that help support a healthy gut lining.

Check out our blog, warm and wonderful broth, to make your own or buy a low histamine bone broth powder.

Making your own in an instapot and cook for a shorter period of time, to yield a broth that is lower in histamine.

Freeze it in single serving glass containers, for a warm nourishing broth whenever you need it.

BONE MARROW

Bone marrow is rich gelatin, collagen, healthy fats, and much more.

This is one of the most nourishing foods for your gut lining.

Make sure to use bones from grass-fed animals. If you are having trouble finding them near you, here is a great source.

This incredibly delicious food and nourishing food is fast and easy to make.

If eating bone marrow is not for you, then grass-fed bone marrow capsules are a great option.

TRIPE AND INTESTINES

Tripe and intestines are rich in protein, collagen, the amino acid glutamine, and many other important nutrients for gut health.

Some of these cooked in some bone broth is the most incredible nourishing foods your gut will ever have.

If you cannot find grass-fed tripe and intestines near you, here is a great source.

If eating tripe and intestines is not for you, grass-fed intestines and tripe capsules are a great option.

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Homemade applesauce is rich in pectin. This pectin helps to soothe and hydrate an irritated gut lining.

Here is an easy recipe:

Slice apples, leave the peel on.
Just cover with water and simmer until the apple peels get very shiny.
Strain the apples and remove the peels.
Mash or puree until it reaches the desired consistency.
Place in single serving jars and freeze.

Just two tablespoons per day is all you need, but of course having some more is great too!

This simple food is actually one of the best for supporting a healthy gut lining.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALHY ZONULIN LEVELS

There are a number of supplements that can help to support healthy zonulin levels and a healthy gut lining.

Keep in mind that gut issues can take some time to start getting better.

Just like with other supplements, make sure to take these daily and at the correct dosage in order to yield the best results.

Concistency is key.

IGY

IGY is by far the most beneficial supplement to take for supporting healthy zonulin levels.

It also helps to support healthy DAO production, and healthy histamine levels.

It checks all the boxes.

IGY comes in powder and capsules. Avoid taking it with hot foods or beverages.

INTESTINES WITH TRIPE

Rich in collagens, proteins, amino acids, and nutrients that help to build a healthy gut. You cannot beat this incredible combination for its ability to nourish your gut lining.

It is rich in the types of collagen that support a healthy gut.

BONE MARROW

Rich in amino acids, fats, as well as many vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin A, zinc, omega-3 and many others that help to support a healthy gut lining.

Bone marrow nourishes the gut in a way few other foods can.

RATFISH OIL

Unrefined Ratfish oil is rich in natural vitamins A and D, which are important for a healthy gut lining. It is also rich in EPA, DHA, DPA, and resolvins.

This amazing unrefined oil is also rich in alkylglycerols.

These bioactive compounds help to support healthy immune function.

This is not your average fish oil.

HISTAMINE AND IMMUNE

Made with grass-fed thymus, lung, spleen, liver, and kidney, this formula contains a unique blend of nutrients and compounds to help support healthy immune function.

It is also a rich source of DAO.

While it may seem like a daunting task, you can get histamine issues under control and be able to live your life again. Making simple, small, sustainable changes, will snowball into lasting improvements in your health, quality of life, and a flourishing gut garden.