The highest amount of histamine is produced during the ripening of cheeses, when proteins are degraded to free amino acids including histidine (6, 9, 24, 31). Cheeses are one of the most common products responsible for histamine poisoning in humans (11, 23).
There are some lower histamine options including mascarpone, mozzarella and cottage cheese, as well as some plain soft cheese – select those without additives like thickeners or stabilisers. Cheese made from pasteurised milk is considered lower risk than that made from raw milk.
Not all cheeses are high in histamine, though. The less aged a cheese, the lower it is in histamine. Soft cheeses, such as mozzarella or ricotta, are low in histamine and are better options if you have histamine intolerance.
Aged cheeses such as Parmesan, Gouda, Swiss and cheddar are generally considered to be higher in histamine, while mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese and cream cheese have lower amounts of histamine.
Drinking plenty of water every day is essential for all bodily functions, including the regulation of histamine levels. Water does aid in the removal of histamines from the body as more that 95% of excess histamines are removed from the body through the urine.
White Bread is likely suitable for a low histamine diet. White Bread is likely low in histamine and other amines and does not trigger release of the body's natural histamine.
A. Potatoes do not have a high histamine content and do not increase the body's histamine burden. Therefore, most people with histamine intolerance can eat them safely. You can also eat potatoes with additional food sensitivities, such as gluten sensitivity.
Eggs are low in histamines, this makes them ideal for the low-histamine diet. Chickpeas, peanuts, and lentils have been found to have low concentrations of histamines and may be safely consumed in a low-histamine diet.
There is currently no cure for histamine intolerance. The key to success is for the patient to learn to adjust to a low-histamine diet and manage the condition(s) until it either goes away, or for life.
Sourdough, a fermented bread, can be moderately high in histamine and other amines like tyramine.
Avocados are naturally very high in histamine and such high levels can be problematic for people with histamine intolerance. If you suspect that you may have histamine intolerance, it is best to avoid foods high in histamine, such as avocados.
Butter is low histamine. Every person has unique dietary triggers. Your reaction to butter may be different than someone else's. Test your individual tolerance to ingredients carefully and then keep track of them with the Fig app.
Chicken is low histamine only if it is fresh or frozen. Like all meat and poultry products, chicken is highly perishable and will form histamine rapidly. Avoid ground, marinated, smoked, aged and/or canned chicken.
Broccoli is likely suitable for a low histamine diet. Broccoli is likely low in histamine and other amines and does not trigger release of the body's natural histamine.
High Histamine Foods
Fruit: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, pears. Vegetables: Eggplant, avocado, tomatoes, olives, beans.
An intolerance to this chemical happens when the body cannot break down enough of it in the intestines, causing histamine levels in the blood to rise. This typically results from having low levels of an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is the primary agent that breaks down digested histamine.
Antihistamines block cells from seeing histamine and can treat common allergies. Medicines like steroids can calm the inflammatory effects of allergies.
Onions are rich in quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant that acts as a natural antihistamine. Quercetin works by blocking the production and release of histamines, compounds involved in the body's allergic response, and inhibiting other allergic and inflammatory compounds.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
Honey has been used for medicinal purposes around the world for thousands of years. It may help some people manage their allergy symptoms, but there isn't enough evidence to show that it can replace antihistamines and other standard allergy treatments.