Having histamine intolerance and using CBD for anxiety?

Histamine is produced by mast cells as a defence against external bodies. However, when the body releases too much histamine due to an overreaction, it causes histamine intolerance.

Histamine intolerance can cause depression, lower tolerance, stress and anxiety; and this may be the root cause of your anxiety. CBD hasn't been found to contain histamine and so taking CBD is not going to be a cause of histamine intolerance.

On the other hand, CBD can treat some of the symptoms of histamine intolerance. CBD activates CB1 and CB2 receptors to release the body's naturally occurring cannabinoids. This can help treat some symptoms of histamine intolerance like stress, anxiety, depression etc. CBD can also help reduce inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

While CBD might be able to treat some symptoms of histamine intolerance, it should not be used to replace prescribed medications except advised by a doctor. Also see a doctor before taking CBD products along with any prescribed medication as CBD might affect the rate of metabolism of certain drugs.

For thousands of years, humans have utilized CBD, a compound found within a cannabis plant, treating several health issues such as anxiety, histamine intolerance, to name a few. So what exactly is histamine intolerance? An individual may develop this condition when the body produces a large amount of histamine.

Histamine is an important compound involved in sending messages to your brain, triggering the production of acids for digestion and managing allergic reactions. If it's produced in large volumes, it may affect the normal functioning of your body system. Some of the signs of histamine intolerance include:

• Nasal congestion
• headaches, even migraines
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Hives
• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• High blood pressure

Some medications and food may lead to histamine intolerance.

Histamine intolerance and CBD

Studies have suggested that CBD may have the potential to manage this condition. CBD may have the ability to manage histamine release by the mast cells into the bloodstream. Mast cells are white body cells that store histamine agents. Any foreign intruder, such as stress, allergens, viruses, etc., will trigger histamine production into the bloodstream.

Inhibition of CB1 receptors by CBD will reduce inflammation and swelling, which allergens might cause. A study conducted showed that inhibition of CB1 might prevent mast cell degranulation. In other words, consumption of CBD may reduce antibodies responsible for triggering histamine production, reducing the levels of this compound in your body.

CBD and anxiety

Anxiety can lead to the production of a high volume of histamine. Managing your stress and anxiety can be effective in avoiding histamine intolerance. Dopamine receptors are involved in releasing the 'happy' hormone in your brain. CBD may bind to dopamine receptors leaving you with a calm relaxing feeling assisting in managing anxiety.