9225 Katy Fwy, Suite 404, Houston, TX 77024

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LOW HISTAMINE DIET

Histamine is a chemical, known as a biogenic amine. It plays a role in several of the body’s major systems, including the immune, digestive, and neurological systems. The body gets all the histamine it needs from its own cells, but histamine is also found in certain foods and medications; therefore, your doctor may recommend a low histamine diet.

It is also important to remember that histamine tolerance varies significantly from one person to the next.

The primary benefit of a low-histamine diet is that it can serve as a diagnostic tool. After you eliminate or reduce histamine in your diet for 2 to 4 weeks, you can begin slowly introducing histamine-rich foods back into your meal plan, one at a time.

When you add histamine back into your diet, you can carefully evaluate which foods trigger uncomfortable symptoms, if any.

If you experience dizziness, headaches, or any other complications, you should stop this diet immediately and consult with your doctor.

Certain medical conditions may increase the risk of histamine intolerance. These include:

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders Or Injuries
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd)
  • Liver Conditions
  • Chronic Or Extreme Stress
  • Injury
  • Trauma
  • An Imbalance In The Gut Microbiome

Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with the enzyme that breaks down histamine, such as:

  • Theophylline
  • Heart Medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Diuretics
  • Muscle Relaxers
  • Pain Medications (Aspirin, Naproxen, Indomethacin, Diclofenac)
  • Gastrointestinal Medications
  • Alcohol
  • Malaria And Tb Drugs

Foods to avoid on a low-histamine diet

Even in the same food product, like a piece of cheddar cheese, the histamine level can vary significantly depending on how long it’s been aged, its storage time, and whether it has any additives. Many foods that have been fermented have the highest level of histamine and most fresh, unprocessed foods have the lowest levels.

The following foods contain higher levels of histamine:

  • Fermented Dairy Products, Such As Cheese (Especially Aged), Yogurt, Sour Cream, Buttermilk, And Kefir
  • Fermented Vegetables, Such As Sauerkraut And Kimchi
  • Pickles Or Pickled Veggies
  • Kombucha
  • Cured Or Fermented Meats, Such As Sausages, Salami, And Fermented Ham
  • Wine, Beer, Alcohol, And Champagne
  • Fermented Soy Products Such As Tempeh, Miso, Soy Sauce, And Natto
  • Fermented Grains, Such As Sourdough Bread
  • Tomatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Spinach
  • Frozen, Salted, Or Canned Fish, Such As Sardines And Tuna
  • Vinegar
  • Tomato Ketchup

Ways to help eliminate histamine-rich foods and practice a lower histamine diet:

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