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Morning Sickness Guide

By: Dr. Ben Lynch

Morning sickness is a typical condition faced by pregnant women, characterized by symptoms such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heartburn or Reflux
  • Food aversions
  • Motion sickness
  • Overall discomfort throughout the digestive system
Despite its misleading name, "morning sickness" can occur at any time of the day, not just in the morning. Affecting approximately 70% of pregnant women, it becomes particularly challenging during the first trimester. Symptoms generally begin around the 6th week, intensifying between the 8th and 10th weeks, leaving many women simply enduring the discomfort. Thankfully, relief is typically on the horizon as they near the end of the first trimester or transition into the second. While uncomfortable, morning sickness is generally not harmful to either the mother or the baby

What Causes Morning Sickness?

Morning Sickness results from an overproduction of histamine and a reduced ability to break it down. The sources of histamine come from a few different locations during pregnancy:

MOTHER BABY

Increased histamine production due to elevated hormones during pregnancy

The placenta produces 1000x more histamine than any other organ in the body.

Reduced clearance of histamine from the gut via the DAO enzyme

A hormone called GDF15 is also made by the placenta, which increases inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to higher histamine levels

As histamine is the problem here, it’s no surprise that doctors frequently turn to antihistamines as their go-to treatment for managing morning sickness during pregnancy.

What Causes Morning Sickness?

Morning Sickness results from an overproduction of histamine and a reduced ability to break it down. The sources of histamine come from a few different locations during pregnancy:

MOTHER

Increased histamine production due to elevated hormones during pregnancy

Reduced clearance of histamine from the gut via the DAO enzyme

BABY

The placenta produces 1000x more histamine than any other organ in the body.

A hormone called GDF15 is also made by the placenta, which increases inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to higher histamine levels

As histamine is the problem here, it’s no surprise that doctors frequently turn to antihistamines as their go-to treatment for managing morning sickness during pregnancy.

A Hidden Ancestral Benefit

Morning sickness might have given us an evolutionary edge by acting as a protective measure. This condition triggers aversions to specific foods, especially those potentially harboring harmful pathogens, including meat, eggs, dairy, and strong-flavored vegetables. Such aversions likely reduced the risk of foodborne illnesses during the crucial early stages of pregnancy, thereby enhancing survival rates.

What is Histamine’s Role During Pregnancy?

  • It acts as a messenger between the baby and the uterus assisting in the development of cells essential for the placenta to implant successfully and start growing.

  • Enhances blood flow crucial for nourishing and supporting the growing baby.
  • Helps keep the mother’s immune system in check balancing everything so that the mom's body can safely support both her health and the baby's.
  • Boosts hormonal production, important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
  • Influences uterine contractions which are really important when it's time for the baby to be born!

Histamine is very important during pregnancy. However, it is essential to maintain balanced histamine levels. If these levels get thrown off balance, it could lead to significant issues for both the mother and the baby.

What Are the Potential Dangers of High Histamine Levels During Pregnancy?

Excessive histamine levels during pregnancy can sometimes lead to serious complications, such as:

  • Extreme Pregnancy Sickness (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)
    A much more severe than typical morning sickness. Women experiencing this feel intense nausea and vomiting, affecting about 0.5 to 3% of pregnancies. It's not just an inconvenience—it can threaten the well-being of both mother and baby by causing dehydration and poor nutrition. Proper care is crucial to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

  • Pre-eclampsia
    Identified by high blood pressure and potential harm to organs, this condition often is linked to the maternal spiral arteries embedded in the placenta not developing well in early pregnancy. The poor development is probably due to high histamine and/or low DAO enzyme levels. 

  • Miscarriage and Early Birth
    High histamine levels may increase the chance of miscarriage and going into labor earlier than expected, mainly due to their effects on contracting blood vessels and the smooth muscles in the uterus

Key Enzymes Associated with Morning Sickness Severity

DAO
A very important enzyme during pregnancy and for supporting histamine levels is the DAO enzyme. The DAO enzyme’s job is to break down histamine that is found outside cells. The placenta produces its own DAO enzyme in high amounts. The problem is the placenta doesn’t really start making DAO in sufficient levels until the 2nd trimester - which is exactly when most women’s morning sickness abates. Another factor is the placenta also makes a tremendous amount of histamine itself!

GESTATIONAL WEEKS TRIMESTER DAO ACTIVITY

1 - 7

1*

DAO levels not yet increasing yet histamine is

7 - 12

1*

DAO levels start to increase sharply.

12 - 24

1* and 2*

The peak activity of DAO is generally reached between 12 and 24 weeks. Levels can increase by 500 to 1000 times compared to non-pregnant states during this period.

24 and on

2* and 3*

Following the peak, DAO levels do not continue to rise significantly but instead enter a plateau phase.

Postpartum

-

After delivery, DAO levels decline rapidly to normal non-pregnancy levels within approximately 10 to 15 days.

GDF15
The developing placenta produces another enzyme called GDF15. This enzyme produces a particular hormone that may contribute to symptoms such as taste aversion, nausea, and vomiting during pregnancy. GDF15 can also be released by other organs that are under stress.

Dirty Genes and Morning Sickness

A significant factor is a Dirty DAO. If a woman has a dirty DAO gene, her ability to break down histamine is significantly reduced. This leads to higher histamine levels. These higher histamine levels increase the risk for morning sickness. Not only that, the higher histamine levels further increase inflammation and oxidative stress, which then increases GDF15 levels and, thus, further worsens her symptoms.

A Dirty DAO Gene is Caused by:

  • Common genetic variations which may significantly reduce its ability to function

  • Nutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin B1, B6, calcium, glutathione

  • Mental stress, as this increases mast cell activation


  • Physical stress and high-intensity exercise as this increases histamine production


  • Gut inflammation, parasites, infections, food allergies and food intolerances
  • Food and drinks that are high in histamines


  • Medications like metformin, antidepressants, ibuprofen and aspirin

  • Histamine-producing probiotics like L. fermentum, L. casei, L. bulgaricus, Streptococcus

  • Gallbladder issues are mainly caused by choline deficiency and hormone excesses. Choline is a nutrient needed for bile production and flow. When bile isn't functioning optimally, it can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, potentially leading to inflammation caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. These may produce more histamine.

  • Dirty ALDH gene.The DAO enzyme breaks down histamine into a toxic aldehyde. This toxic aldehyde must be eliminated by the ALDH enzyme. If it’s not functioning properly, symptoms of high histamine occur. The ALDH enzyme must also be supported by vitamins B1, B3, and zinc, avoiding low smoke point oils and using Ghee or avocado oil

Clean Your DAO Gene by:

  • Avoiding allergens which may significantly reduce its ability to function

  • Limiting high-histamine foods and drinks leftovers, fermented and aged foods such as aged cheeses, kefir, chocolate, kombucha, aged meats, condiments, and sauces are best avoided as they can exacerbate histamine issues.
  • Hydrating to support overall bodily functions, including the metabolism of histamine. Support potassium intake by incorporating coconut water, a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, and dairy products (when tolerated) into the diet for a well-rounded approach.
  • Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, walks, time in nature, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Stress can worsen histamine intolerance symptoms, so managing it effectively is crucial.

  • Moderating physical activity as excessive, especially intensive exercise, may trigger an overproduction of histamine. Balancing your exercise routine with adequate rest and incorporating other forms of physical activity, such as flexibility exercises, can help manage histamine responses more effectively.

  • Ensuring adequate sleep as poor sleep can exacerbate inflammation and histamine intolerance symptoms.

A Dirty Gene is Caused By:

  • High Blood Sugar
    Stimulates more GDF15 production


  • High Insulin

    Stimulates more GDF15 production


  • Fat Tissue
    Produces more GDF15 than other tissues.


  • High Histamine
    As this increases stimulates further inflammation and oxidative stress which further stimulates more GDF15 productionmast cell activation

Clean Your GDF15 Levels By:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
    which keeps adipose levels at a healthy level.


  • Eat protein, healthy fat and lower carbs
    to support healthy insulin and blood sugar levels.


  • Go for walks after eating
    to support healthy glucose and insulin levels. Just 10 minutes of walking supports healthy glucose and insulin levels after a meal.


  • Eat when you wake up
    and again before nausea sets in. Don’t wait too long to eat and make sure you’re eating enough with your meals. This tip has been shared with me by women. They said it makes a huge difference.


  • Do not fast or skip meals
    because this may increase your risk of nausea

References

  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23863575/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36207047/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18499706/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16860879/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22778495/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38092039/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308327/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7694173/
  • https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/14/5/485/812106?login=false
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8354490/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5910386/

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Key Benefits and Actions† Supports a healthy seasonal histamine response, outdoors and indoors Provides nutrients needed to support healthy histamine breakdown You will notice it works quite quickly Guidance from Dr.Lynch  Take Histamine Nutrients anytime of day or night, as needed. There may be times when you need to take it a few times a day and there may be other days you don’t need it at all. Only take it when you want to experience healthy histamine levels. If you currently have healthy histamine levels, do not take it. † You want healthy levels of histamine. You don’t want histamine to be too high or too low. By taking Histamine Nutrients when your histamine levels are high, you can support healthy histamine levels. By taking Histamine Nutrients when your histamine levels are currently healthy, they may dip down too low.† Too low of histamine is associated with drowsiness, constipation, difficulty learning, slower heart rate, possibly higher blood pressure and possibly cold hands and feet. To support Histamine Nutrients, it’s best to combine with HistaminX, ProBiota ™HistaminX™ and Optimal Electrolyte.† HistaminX supports the healthy storage of histamine inside your cells. This is important because if histamine is inside your cells, it cannot contribute to histamine intolerance. Histamine has to be released from your cells and bind to your histamine receptors in order to cause a histamine response. So, by taking HistaminX, you’re supporting healthy storage of histamine so it stays in your cell versus leaking out and activating a histamine response. Take a serving of HistaminX as needed anytime of day or night. For best results, it should be taken every day especially during troublesome seasons.† ProBiota™ HistaminX™ supports a healthy histamine level within your microbiome. If your probiotics or the bacteria in your digestive system produce histamine, the risk of histamine intolerance goes way up. ProBiota™ HistaminX™ contains strains of beneficial bacteria which are known to support healthy histamine levels. Take 1 capsule after dinner. For best results, it should be taken every night for a month, then rest a couple weeks and then use a few nights a week for maintenance.† Optimal Electrolyte supports healthy hydration. Hydration is paramount for a healthy histamine level. If dehydrated, your blood histamine levels are automatically higher than if you are hydrated. By having more water in your blood and inside your cells, you are effectively decreasing the concentration of histamine. Drink one serving each day and ideally first thing upon waking up in the morning - even before your morning coffee. You may find that you don’t even need your morning coffee after drinking a glass.† Who Needs Histamine Nutrients  Everyday you’re exposed to compounds which may trigger histamine release. How is it that you’re struggling with histamine intolerance while others, who are exposed to the same things, are not? The answer is you cannot break histamine down very well and they can. Histamine intolerance is primarily caused by your reduced ability to break histamine down and eliminate it from your body. In other words, your histamine genes are dirty. Clean your histamine genes. Histamine Nutrients cleans your histamine genes. It contains a synergistic collection of nutrients which support total body histamine breakdown.† If you relate to one or more of the following statements, then Histamine Nutrients may be helpful for you in supporting healthy histamine levels:† I want to walk outside and breathe freely through my nose. I desire feeling comfortable around pets. When mosquitos bite me, I get big, itchy bumps that I scratch profusely. If my skin gets scratched, red lines stay on my skin for quite some time. I want to fall asleep like a healthy person. As a man, I tend to orgasm too quickly. I tend to get irritable or headaches around fragrances. I tend to be more sensitive to EMF and WiFi than others. I have a dirty histamine pathway (DAO, HNMT, NAT2, ALDH, MAOA, MAOB). I have tried, or currently use, Histamine Digest and still experience histamine symptoms. When exercising, I sweat profusely, often getting a red face or ringing in my ears. The synergistic blend of nutrients found in Histamine Nutrients supports healthy histamine metabolism. It also supports the body’s normal breakdown of histamine’s toxic byproducts.† Key Ingredients In Histamine Nutrients DAO2TM (Diamine oxidase): A patented, porcine-derived enzyme. DAO is the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the digestive tract† Zinc, Vitamins B1 & B3: Nutrient cofactors for aldehyde metabolism and the ALDH enzyme† SAMe: A cofactor for the HNMT enzyme that breaks down histamine throughout the body† Alpha Keto-Glutarate: Supports the normal breakdown of ammonia, a toxic byproduct of histamine metabolism† PQQ: supports normal breakdown of hydrogen peroxide and aldehydes † Vitamin C: stabilizes mast cells to support healthy histamine release † Vitamin B6: a cofactor for the DAO enzyme and supports healthy ammonia levels† Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): a cofactor for the NAT2 enzyme, which metabolizes histamine to acetyl histamine and eliminates it in the urine † Albion® is a registered trademark of Balchem Corporation or its subsidiaries. LifePQQ® is a trademark of Nutraland USA, Inc. DAO2™ is a licensed trademark of Diem Direct, LLC used with permission. Suggested Use As needed, take 1-2 capsules with food. Use during the day to support healthy histamine breakdown. Use during the evening to support a healthy onset of sleep.† Use as directed by your healthcare professional.Note: For additional histamine support, consider adding HistaminX to stabilize histamine. To support healthy levels in the digestive system, consider ProBiota™ HistaminX™and/or DAO Enzyme.† Warnings Consult with your healthcare practitioner prior to use. Do not use if inner tamper seal is damaged Suitable for Bariatric, methyl sensitive, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ages 4 and up Delivery Method Capsules How to Store Keep closed in a cool, dry place out of reach by children. Dr. Lynch’s Tips Take Histamine Nutrients anytime of day or night, as needed. There may be times when you need to take it a few times a day and there may be other days you don’t need it at all. Only take it when you want to experience healthy histamine levels. If you currently have healthy histamine levels, do not take it.† You want healthy levels of histamine. You don’t want histamine to be too high or too low. By taking Histamine Nutrients when your histamine levels are high, you can support healthy histamine levels. By taking Histamine Nutrients when your histamine levels are currently healthy, they may dip down too low. Too low of histamine is associated with drowsiness, constipation, difficulty learning, slower heart rate, possibly higher blood pressure and possibly cold hands and feet. To support Histamine Nutrients, it’s best to combine with HistaminX, ProBiota™ HistaminX™ and Optimal Electrolyte.† HistaminX supports the healthy storage of histamine inside your cells. This is important because if histamine is inside your cells, it cannot contribute to histamine intolerance. Histamine has to be released from your cells and bind to your histamine receptors in order to cause a histamine response. So, by taking HistaminX, you’re supporting healthy storage of histamine so it stays in your cell versus leaking out and activating a histamine response. Take a serving of HistaminX as needed anytime of day or night. For best results, it should be taken every day especially during troublesome seasons.† ProBiota™ HistaminX™ supports a healthy histamine level within your microbiome. If your probiotics or the bacteria in your digestive system produce histamine, the risk of histamine intolerance goes way up. ProBiota™ HistaminX™ contains strains of beneficial bacteria which are known to support healthy histamine levels. Take 1 capsule after dinner. For best results, it should be taken every night for a month, then rest a couple weeks and then use a few nights a week for maintenance.† Optimal Electrolyte supports healthy hydration. Hydration is paramount for a healthy histamine level. If dehydrated, your blood histamine levels are automatically higher than if you are hydrated. By having more water in your blood and inside your cells, you are effectively decreasing the concentration of histamine. Drink one serving each day and ideally first thing upon waking up in the morning - even before your morning coffee. You may find that you don’t even need your morning coffee after drinking a glass.†      

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