TH2 Dominance & Histamine Intolerance

TH2 dominance is something I talk a lot about when explaining histamine intolerance and how one can develop it with clients.

First off, what is TH1 dominance and TH2 dominance?

TH1 and TH2 refers to the T helper cells within the immune system.

TH1 cells recognize antigens presented by tissues and work to kill intracellular pathogens including viruses and bacteria. TH1 dominance has been linked with delayed hypersensitivity which can cause chronic inflammation. This is associated with autoimmune diseases like MS or Lupus.

TH2 cells activate the humoral or antibody mediated immune response against extracellcular bacteria, parasites, allergens and toxins. They utilize cytokines such as interleukins 4, 5, 6... which produce antibodies, especially eosinophil activation. Eosinophils are known to produce allergy reactions and can also be elevated with parasite infections.

TH2 dominance can also be set off by viruses, especially c0v which is how long haulers can develop. If you've already had a pretty full toxin bucket and then get hit with a strong virus, this can keep your immune system in an overreactive state as it tries to compensate and heal. It will not be able to heal until you remove the other toxicities- the virus is more a symptom that you're immune system cannot function properly due to other causes, it is not the root cause.

Our immune system should be in balance between TH1 and TH2 states, but when we have prolonged emotional stress, gut dysbiosis, high toxic load, mold exposure and especially parasites, this triggers our body to move into a TH2 dominance state.

Running a cytokine test will show whether you are more TH1 or TH2 dominant, but often symptoms can tell us as well.

For TH2 dominance, we want to identify all potential triggers and running functional labs which may include

  • GIMAP to check for gut bacteria, inflammation, parasites, autoimmune markers and more

  • Mycotoxin test to check for mold toxins which are a top irritant of the immune system

  • Heavy metal test- especially looking at mercury, aluminum, lead, cadmium

  • DUTCH panel for hormones

  • GPL tox to show overall toxic load

  • Organic acid test to check for bacterial overgrowth, oxalates, neurotransmitters and more

Often starting with a low histamine and sometimes low oxalate diet can be helpful in reducing symptoms

Nervous system work which may include vagus nerve retraining or limbic work is essential

Mast cell support whether medications or herbal can be helpful especially in the beginning stages to bring inflammation down

Customized protocols to include targeted binders for toxins, gut support, sleep support as this is often negatively impacted by histamine, and supporting detox and drainage throughout to prevent herx reactions.

Heather Oricchio