In a previous post, we addressed the question: “do allergies cause neurotransmitter imbalance?” In addressing that question, I eluded to the fact that although allergies do not necessarily cause neurotransmitter imbalance, excessive histamine release (due to allergies) could theoretically cause neurotransmitter imbalances over time, which could lead to any number of symptoms. Conversely, we have found a link between allergies and neurotransmitter balance: that increasing dopamine levels can have a powerful antihistamine effect, substantially decreasing seasonal allergies.
The reason for this effect is two-fold: L-dopa (the precursor to dopamine) exhibits an antihistamine effect via two mechanisms: (1) increasing epinephrine levels and (2) decreasing histamine production through competitive inhibition.
Epinephrine (adrenaline) is a histamine antagonist (i.e., antihistamine). It is the standard of care in emergency rooms to administer injections of epinephrine when there is an overwhelming histamine raising event such as severe hives, anaphylactic shock or severe asthma. Epinephrine is made from dopamine, which in turn is made from either tyrosine or L-dopa:
Other than injections the only way to substantially increase epinephrine levels is with L-dopa (Mucuna Pruriens) administration.
The second antihistamine effect occurs because the same enzyme (aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase) catalyzes the conversion of L-dopa to dopamine and histidine to histamine. Therefore, administration of L-dopa (mucuna pruriens) induces a decrease in histamine synthesis by dominating the enzyme through competitive inhibition. Said differently, giving more L-dopa ties up more of this enzyme to make dopamine, leaving less enzyme available to make histamine.
Therefore, giving L-dopa (mucuna pruriens) increases epinephrine levels and decreases histamine synthesis. This provides a very powerful method of addressing the underlying biochemical cause of allergies without overwhelming the body with antihistamines or steroids. Using the proper administration of amino acid therapy, antihistamines and steroids are only necessary if an acute and severe collapse occurs. The key to success using this method is administering the proper balance of amino acids to restore optimal neurotransmitter function.
