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Studies show that certain forms of zeolite can help bind and remove excess histamine — a byproduct of the body’s stress response — by adsorbing it directly in the gut.
Zeolites have also been shown to reduce oxidative stress, strengthen the gut barrier and help lower levels of ammonia and heavy metals, all of which lessen the body’s overall stress burden.
I’ve had such amazing results with zeolite that it ranks as my favorite supplement ever. I love that it’s addressing current imbalances and helping to prevent disease — delivering both short and long-term benefits.
What is histamine and why is it a problem
Histamine is a natural messenger substance in the body involved in immune responses, digestion and inflammation.
In healthy individuals, the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) breaks down excess histamine in the gut. People with histamine intolerance often have a DAO deficiency, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, skin rashes, headaches, migraines, fatigue and dizziness.
Other times, histamine intolerance develops as a result of unseen toxicity.
How does zeolite physically bind histamine
Natural zeolites are microporous crystalline aluminosilicates with well-ordered open pores in the form of regular channels and cages of molecular dimensions, which give them excellent binding capacities for toxins and other harmful substances.
This structure allows them to physically trap and adsorb histamine molecules in the gut before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Studies on how to reduce histamines with zeolite
One peer-reviewed study compared two natural zeolites — one from Cuba, one from Mexico — both already in use as dietary supplements.
Both zeolites adsorb significant amounts of histamine. The histamine-binding capacity of the Cuban zeolite was higher than the Mexican one, and the smaller the particle size of the zeolite, the higher the histamine-binding capacity.
The higher binding capacity of the Cuban zeolite appears to be due at least partly to the presence of large-pore zeolite mordenite, which provides high total pore volumes. The mineralogical compositions of natural zeolites and their particle sizes play a key role in binding histamine.
The histamine-binding capacity correlates better with pore volume than with surface area, suggesting pore volume is the most important parameter for effective histamine binding.
I use Zeolite Labs’ zeolite for this reason: They’ve specifically formulated their product, ZeoCharge. It contains a particle size arrangement that provides the most effective and broad-spectrum zeolite detox available. They also offer a discount to my readers. Use code MEGANSTEVENS for 10% off with this link.
Anti-inflammatory effects beyond binding
A ScienceDirect study also found broader benefits: Natural zeolite shows in vivo anti-inflammatory properties — edema formation was reduced by 50% just after 24 hours. The anti-inflammatory activity was explained in part by the quantitative adsorption of histamine, while natural cell repair mechanisms appeared not to be influenced.
Clinical context
Important clinical trials have shown that zeolite clinoptilolite can reduce episodes of heartburn and decrease mucosa erosion. Symptoms of hangover caused by alcohol over-consumption can also be significantly reduced by zeolite — and all of these symptoms are strongly connected to elevated histamine levels, which are implicated in the development of gastritis, headache and nausea.
Conclusion: Zeolite works primarily as a physical adsorbent — its porous, cage-like structure traps excess histamine in the digestive tract and helps the body eliminate it naturally. The effectiveness depends on the mineral composition (clinoptilolite being more effective) and particle size (finer particles bind more).
How much zeolite to take to bind histamines
Here’s another way of looking at and understanding histamines: As the body is hard at work protecting us from a daily invasion of toxic stressors, inflammatory substances such as histamine are produced by the immune system.
Many people with overactive immune systems or conditions such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome produce a lot of histamine and often experience symptoms such as hives, itchy skin, flushing and headaches on a regular basis.
As the immune system is stimulated during the detox of present histamines, more histamine is often produced!
The key is to have enough available zeolite cages to help adsorb excess histamine that is already present along with histamine released during the detox process.
Avoid too low of a dose
Taking too low of a dose of zeolite could increase your total histamine levels, while taking a higher dose could lower the total histamine levels. In other words, if your symptoms are worsening, that could be a sign there’s more histamine in circulation than the current dose of zeolite can handle.
Put a little differently: If a low dose is taken which results in too many toxins in circulation for the body to handle on its own, the immune system will be overstimulated and histamine production will increase. If there are enough zeolite cages present to bind to all the toxins dumped into circulation, the immune system won’t have to jump into action and excess histamine won’t be produced.
In addition, the higher dose yields more available zeolite cages to bind to excess histamine already in the body.
This truth is specifically relevant for the most useful and effective clinoptilolite zeolite.
Conclusion: If you experience a detox reaction, you should take more, not less; experiencing detox reactions is a sign of an inefficient detox, not a reason to stop.
Which zeolite is best
I use and recommend Zeocharge as the most effective zeolite for the best value. Use code MEGANSTEVENS for 10% off with this link.
I buy it in bulk, which is pricey, but for the benefit, it’s worth the investment, in my opinion.
Short and long term benefits of zeolite
So, we’re not just overcoming histamine symptoms with the use of zeolite. The benefits are deeper and far reaching for long term health and healing:
- increased energy
- immune support
- mental clarity
- reduced inflammation
- gut healing
- overcoming all heavy metal toxicity
- detoxing of microplastics
- improved nutritional status
- weight loss — Your body holds onto fat in part as a way to safely store toxins away from vital systems. Once zeolite clears those toxins out, the body no longer needs to protect itself that way — making stubborn fat much easier to lose.
Learn how I fully recovered from histamine overload and MCAS here, through diet, supplements and more.
Pin How to Reduce Histamines with Zeolite here:
More related articles on zeolite:
- Gallbladder Health with Zeolite
- How to Increase Bone Mass with Zeolite! (for Osteoporosis and aging)
- How to Detox the Toxins in JOINTS to Reduce Joint Pain (with Zeolite, diet and exercise)
- How to Improve Regularity & Consistency of Poops with Zeolite (their completeness, texture & shape)
- How Nano-Particle Zeolite and Zinc Help Copper Toxicity
- Overall Zeolite Health Benefits, and Which One to Choose for Your Needs
Keith sheldon says
I’ve been taking zeolite for a while a noticed benefits. I have the habit of taking it at the same time that I take might time supplements like NAC and Magnesium or in the morning at the same time as my thyroid med.
Is that a good idea?
Megan says
Hi Keith, Good questions. I’d separate zeolite from all meds, but it’s okay to take it with nutrients (like Mg). NAC is an antioxidant (meaning anti-oxidation), so it would not partner well with zeolite (which traps nitrogen and allows oxygen to pass through). I would also separate NAC to its own time, and consider using it only short term for acute needs, but not on an ongoing basis.