Histidine is transformed into histamine in the body, and histamine is a neurotransmitter and stimulates the autonomic nervous system. It increases the production of gastric acid, dilates the capillaries, and promotes certain allergic reactions. For this reason, antihistamines are used for controlling allergies of the hay fever type. Histidine requires copper, manganese, zinc, and vitamin E in order to function.
One of the most thoroughly researched areas of amino acid therapy is the relation between arthritis and histidine deficiency. A very large amount of clinical studies confirm that this relation is so extensive that some scientists have used histidine analyses of the tissue to determine the intensity of the disease and the degree of degeneration.
A daily treatment with 1 mg. of histidine or more can help maintain flexible joints. Severely afflicted rheumatic patients have been successfully treated with up to 5 g. of histidine a day.
The content of histamine in the blood is an important factor in the analysis of rheumatic, allergic, neurological, and some psychiatric illnesses. High levels of histamine have been found in patients who suffer from depression, obsessive compulsion and phobias, and certain types of schizophrenia.
Rheumatic patients and people who suffer from Parkinson's disease have low histamine values. This is also seen in patients with paranoia, hyperactivity, and hallucinations.
Histidine supplements for patients with a low level of histamine will not necessarily improve their condition. The transformation of histidine into histamine is often too complicated a process to give immediate results
Stress increases the need for histidine more than any other amino acid. Experimental animals on a diet low in histidine develop a tendency to form cataract. A diet without any histidine will cause cataract within 3 weeks.
Attempts have been made to promote sexual drive and orgasm with histidine supplements, but the results have been unclear.
It protects against radiation damages and removes heavy metals from the body. Protects promotes nervous health, makes one less sensitive to stress, and promotes the sense of hearing. It binds minerals such as copper and zinc. It is effective iron loss and it promotes the supports the immune system.
Therapeutic dosage
1 to 6 g. a day as required for rheumatism and arthritis. Must be taken with vitamin C.
Caution!
Reports stating that histidine either lowers or increases the blood pressure are conflicting, and the question remains unanswered.
Histidine must not be given to schizophrenic people or people with schizoid tendencies. Should not be taken by individuals who already have a high level of histidine or by patients who suffer from depression or PMS.
