VI.d. Thyroid / Histamine Interactions

Chronic elevated histamine is one of the chief means of diagnosing histadelia, the most common biotype in bipolar disorder. Histamine interactions with the thyroid are complex, and not well-explored. Here is some food for thought:

The thyroid can either increase or decrease histamine:

— The thyroid may suppress the brain's histamine release and decrease its histamine-containing mast cells.
— Or increase body sensitivity to histamine and block its degradation.
 Sabria 1987, Uhpadhyaya, 1993,  Mariano 2009

Histamine may alter thyroid function

Histamine is known to strongly influence hypothalamus regulation of cellular metabolism, energy production and food intake. The thyroid is a major target gland in hypothalamic governance of  metabolism and energy production.
 Elmhar 2006,  Sakata 1997, Masaki 2001

Allergies and associated histamine release may be hard on the thyroid

Allergic reactions, which cause the profuse mast cells of the thyroid to dump histamine, and perhaps iodine, may thereby interfere with thyroid function. (Elmhar, Do low thyroids suffer more with allergies?)

Histamine may contribute to thyroid autoimmunity

Histamine-releasing antibodies are often found during increased thyroid autoimmunity, suggesting histamine may contribute to the immune attack on the thyroid (Mariano, 2009) -- perhaps via inflammation and increased permeability. (Melander 1975)


For a more comprehensive view of thyroid, histamine, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.

Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.