OptiHealth Functional Wellness

03/28/2026

Lifespan vs Healthspan
I am sure you know what your “lifespan” is. Simply put, it is how long you will live; Healthspan, on the other hand, is how long you will live in a fairly healthy state. Both are important, so read on very carefully.
Let’s say your lifespan will be 80 years. I certainly hope it will be a lot longer but for simplicity, we will use 80. (The US life expectancy is around 80.7 years.) You make it through the first 50 years in a pretty healthy state leaving you 30 years to go. Around that age, there is a fork in the road. Some go on to live very healthy lives for the duration of their lifespan. Others start to develop chronic illnesses that cripple their health and start a very wearisome journey into those last 30 years.
Chronic illnesses come in all forms and affect the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and the mind. They include Coronary Artery Disease, Diabetes, Kidney Failure, Liver Cirrhosis, Cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other forms of dementia. No one would want to spend the last 25, 20, 10, even 5 years of their lives battling these conditions. But the truth is, millions do.
Approximately 129 to 194 million Americans—nearly 60% to over 75% of adults, live with at least one chronic illness, with 51.4% (about 130 million) having two or more, according to 2023-2024 CDC data. Approximately 93% of US adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, with nearly 80% having two or more, according to 2023-2025 data.
But the average lifespan has rebounded since Covid and continues to do so. Ideally, the healthspan would also be increasing. Unfortunately, statistics tell us otherwise. Basically, that means that people in the US are living longer and spending even more years battling debilitating chronic illnesses.
The US has the highest lifespan-healthspan gap in the world, with residents living an average of 12.4 years with sickness or disability, far exceeding the 9.6-year global average. While U.S. life expectancy has rebounded to roughly 78.4–80.7 years, healthspan—years spent in good health—has not kept pace, resulting in a growing burden of chronic illness.
So, What Is the Problem?
Modern diets and lifestyles, while convenient, often come at a steep cost to our health. Highly processed foods, loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium, dominate many people’s daily meals. These foods are typically low in essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies that can weaken the immune system, drain energy, and impair long-term bodily functions. Over time, such eating habits contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The problem is compounded by the fact that these foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable, making it easy to overeat without realizing it.
Lifestyle choices further amplify these risks. Sedentary routines—fueled by long hours at desks, minimal physical activity, and excessive screen time—reduce cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, while chronic stress and inadequate sleep disrupt hormonal balance and metabolism. The combination of poor diet, inactivity, and stress creates a cycle that accelerates the onset of lifestyle-related diseases, such as fatty liver disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline. While these patterns may feel “normal” in today’s fast-paced world, they quietly erode health over time, making prevention and mindful choices more important than ever.
So, What Is the Solution?
First of all, you have got to start and start NOW, working on your healthspan. AS with any endeavor, it is not easy to navigate this journey on your own. For starters, you should work with a professional to evaluate your current state, have thorough lab testing done, and develop a plan to support any areas in your health that need attention.
Functional Medicine is a great resource as it specializes in looking at the root causes of chronic illnesses and other health conditions. Did you know that most chronic illnesses and autoimmune conditions are caused by inflammation? Did you know that the intestinal is responsible for 80 – 90% of our inflammation and houses about 80% of our immune response?
Looking at the microbiome in the gut and inflammation markers in the bloodstream are among the first steps a functional medicine practitioner takes to get a good baseline on your health. Then a plan can be developed to help you get to your optimal state of wellness. Success will be in your hands; you are the driver on your health journey.
Your health is the foundation for everything you do, and every day you delay taking care of it is a day you can’t get back. Wellness isn’t something to “get around to” when life slows down — it’s the very thing that gives you the energy, clarity, and resilience to handle life’s demands. The earlier you start, the more you can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems. Waiting until symptoms appear often means you’re already behind; acting now means you’re protecting your future self from unnecessary pain, stress, and limitations.
Think of wellness like compounding interest — the benefits grow exponentially over time, but only if you start immediately. Whether it’s improving your diet, moving your body daily, managing stress, or getting enough rest, each healthy choice you make today builds a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow. The clock is ticking, and your body is listening to every choice you make. The best time to start was yesterday; the second-best time is right now.
Your health won’t wait — and neither should you. Every healthy choice you make today is an investment in a stronger, happier you tomorrow. Don’t wait for a “better time” — the best time is now.

Wishing you the best of health!

Allen Daugherty
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
OptiHealth Functional Wellness

04/09/2025

Histamine Intolerance: The Hidden Cause of Your Mystery Symptoms

If you’ve ever felt like your body is playing a cruel game of ‘guess what’s wrong now,’ you’re not alone. One day, it’s a pounding headache; the next, your skin is breaking out in hives, or your stomach is in knots after a meal you’ve eaten a hundred times before.
Maybe you’ve been told it’s stress, allergies, or even ‘just in your head.’ But what if there’s a deeper reason for these seemingly random symptoms? Histamine intolerance is often overlooked, yet it could be the missing link behind your body’s unexplained reactions. Let’s break it down and figure out what’s really going on.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to properly break down and regulate histamine, a compound involved in immune responses, digestion, and neurological function. Unlike a food allergy, which involves an immune system reaction, histamine intolerance occurs when histamine accumulates in the body due to an imbalance between its production and degradation. The enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) is responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut, and when DAO activity is insufficient, histamine builds up, leading to symptoms that mimic allergic reactions.

Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance presents a wide range of symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include:
● Skin Reactions: Flushing, hives, itching, and eczema-like rashes
● Digestive Issues: Bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and acid reflux
● Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, migraines, dizziness, and anxiety
● Cardiovascular Effects: Palpitations, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat
● Respiratory Symptoms: Nasal congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing
● Hormonal and Menstrual Irregularities: Worsened PMS, irregular cycles, and hot flashes

Because histamine affects multiple systems in the body, individuals with histamine intolerance often experience symptoms that fluctuate in severity and duration.

Why is Histamine Intolerance Often Misdiagnosed?

One of the biggest challenges with histamine intolerance is that it overlaps with many other conditions. It is frequently mistaken for allergies, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even anxiety disorders. Conventional testing often does not identify histamine intolerance because there is no single definitive test to diagnose it. Blood tests can measure histamine levels or DAO activity, but results may not always correlate with symptoms. This leads to a frustrating cycle where individuals may undergo numerous tests and treatments without finding relief.

Triggers and Contributing Factors

Several factors can contribute to histamine intolerance, including:
● Gut Health Imbalances: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper histamine metabolism. Dysbiosis, leaky gut, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can impair DAO production and lead to histamine buildup.
● Nutrient Deficiencies: DAO enzyme function depends on certain nutrients, particularly vitamin B6, copper, and vitamin C. Deficiencies in these nutrients can exacerbate histamine intolerance.
● Hormonal Fluctuations: Estrogen can promote histamine release, which is why some women notice worsening symptoms around ovulation or during PMS.
● High-Histamine Foods: Aged cheeses, fermented foods, alcohol, processed meats, and certain vegetables like tomatoes and spinach are naturally high in histamine and can contribute to symptoms.
● Medications: Some medications, including NSAIDs, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can interfere with DAO activity and histamine breakdown.

Testing for a Proper Diagnosis

Functional lab tests are used to measure histamine levels and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity. A high histamine to DAO ratio can indicate that a person is consuming too many histamine-rich foods and has insufficient enzymes to break down histamines.
Some practitioners may also use a histamine skin prick test to detect elevated levels.
While detecting high histamine levels is relatively straightforward, pinpointing the root cause of histamine intolerance is more complex. Practitioners may run additional tests, such as allergy tests, or investigate whether medication overuse is a contributing factor. It's also common to test for nutrient deficiencies or food intolerances. Conditions like leaky gut or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are often examined as well.

A Whole-Body Approach to Managing Histamine Intolerance

Managing histamine intolerance involves more than simply avoiding high-histamine foods. A whole-body approach focuses on supporting gut health, optimizing nutrient levels, and reducing inflammation.
1. Supporting Gut Health
Since DAO is produced in the gut, improving gut health is a crucial step. Strategies include:
● Healing the Gut Lining: Consuming bone broth, collagen, and glutamine can help repair intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which is often a contributor to histamine intolerance.
● Balancing the Microbiome: Introducing probiotics that do not produce histamine, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium infantis, can support gut balance without exacerbating symptoms.
● Addressing SIBO and Dysbiosis: If an overgrowth of bacteria is present, antimicrobial herbs, probiotics, and a temporary low-histamine diet may help rebalance the gut.
2. Optimizing DAO Activity and Nutrient Levels
Ensuring adequate levels of nutrients that support DAO function is essential. These include:
● Vitamin B6: Found in poultry, bananas, and potatoes, B6 is crucial for DAO production.
● Vitamin C: Acts as a natural antihistamine and supports immune function.
● Copper: Helps activate DAO and is found in nuts, seeds, and organ meats.
● Quercetin: A flavonoid with mast cell-stabilizing properties that can help reduce histamine release.
3. Adopting a Low-Histamine Diet Temporarily
While diet is not the root cause of histamine intolerance, temporarily reducing high-histamine foods can provide symptom relief while the body heals. Focus on fresh meats, non-citrus fruits, leafy greens, and freshly prepared meals rather than leftovers, which tend to accumulate histamine.
4. Reducing Stress and Supporting Detoxification
Chronic stress can contribute to histamine intolerance by increasing inflammation and impairing gut function. Practices such as deep breathing, gentle exercise, and sufficient sleep can help regulate histamine levels. Supporting liver detoxification through adequate hydration and cruciferous vegetables can also aid in breaking down histamine more efficiently.

Histamine intolerance is a complex condition that is often overlooked and misdiagnosed due to its wide-ranging symptoms. A whole-body approach that includes gut healing, nutrient optimization, stress management, and dietary adjustments can help restore balance and reduce symptoms. By addressing the root causes rather than just managing symptoms, individuals can achieve lasting relief and improve overall well-being.

References
https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-histamine-intolerance
Jochum C. Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond. Nutrients. 2024 Apr 19;16(8):1219. doi: 10.3390/nu16081219. PMID: 38674909; PMCID: PMC11054089.
Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1185-96. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1185. PMID: 17490952.
Comas-Basté O, Sánchez-Pérez S, Veciana-Nogués MT, Latorre-Moratalla M, Vidal-Carou MDC. Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art. Biomolecules. 2020 Aug 14;10(8):1181. doi: 10.3390/biom10081181. PMID: 32824107; PMCID: PMC7463562.

Histamine is a compound stored in specific immune cells, including mast cells and basophils. The body releases the histamine to protect the body during an inflammatory or immune response to allerge...