Histidine

Why You Need It

• Brain Fog Fighter: Histidine is converted into histamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter that promotes alertness, focus, and a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
• Digestive Aid: It is essential for producing stomach acid (HCL). Without enough histidine, you may struggle to break down proteins properly.
• Heavy Metal Shield: Histidine acts as a chelator, helping to bind and remove toxic heavy metals like copper and lead from the body.
• Tissue Repair: It plays a structural role in myelin (which protects nerves) and hemoglobin (which carries oxygen).

Deep Dive

Histidine is often overlooked, but it is critical for maintaining the 'barrier' of your body. It strengthens the myelin sheath surrounding your nerves, ensuring fast communication between your brain and body. Furthermore, because it is the direct precursor to histamine, it dictates your body’s ability to mount an immune response. However, balance is key—too much histidine can lead to high histamine levels, which some people with 'histamine intolerance' may struggle to break down.

Natural Food Sources

Histidine is abundant in animal products, but vegetarians can find plenty in specific plant sources and fermented foods.

Supplementation

Dosage: The standard therapeutic dose typically ranges from 500mg to 1,500mg daily.

Who should take it?

• Vegetarians/Vegans: If you aren't eating enough legumes or seeds.
• High-Stress Individuals: Stress depletes amino acids rapidly.
• Eczema Sufferers: Some studies suggest histidine supplementation helps repair the skin barrier.

When to take it: Always take amino acid supplements on an empty stomach (30 mins before meals) for best absorption.