Histamine is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is also present in some foods. According to an article published in 2007 in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" (AJCN) people who lack the enzyme diamine oxidase are unable to metabolize histamine which can lead to diarrhea, headache, asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), hives, pruritis (itchy skin) and flushing. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can be minimized by avoiding foods with histamine.
Processed Meats
The Michigan Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialist (MASAS) list processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage and salami as a source of histamines. According to the International Chronic Urticaria Society (ICUS), an organization that supports people with chronic hives, aged proteins have increased histamine levels. Chicken, dried pork sausage, beef sausage and ham should be avoided on a histamine-restricted diet.
Fish
Fish such as mackerel, sardines, tuna and herring not only contain histamines, but have also been associated with scombrotoxin, a histamine poisoning that occurs when fish is not properly refrigerated soon after being caught. According to the Seafood Network Information Center, scombrotoxin occurs when natural bacteria in fish grow rapidly and produce histamine when time and temperature abuse occurs. Freezing and cooking can inactivate bacteria but histamine cannot be eliminated once it is produced. Symptoms of histamine poisoning as listed by Queensland Health include burning around the mouth, flushing and diarrhea. Other fish commonly affected by scombrotoxin are bonito, marlin and butterfly kingfish.
Fermented and Aged Cheese
Fermented and aged cheeses such as Camembert, brie, Gruyere, cheddar, Roquefort, Parmesan and blue cheese contain the most histamine. The ICUS lists fresh cheeses such as ricotta as permissable on a histamine-restricted diet.
Vegetables
Spinach, eggplant, pumpkin, avocado, mushrooms, tomato and tomato products such as ketchup, chili sauce and canned tomatoes are all high in histamine. Fermented vegetables, especially those containing vinegar such as sauerkraut, pickles, olives, pickled beets and relishes, also contain histamine.
Fruits
Many fruits are eliminated on a histamine-restricted diet, according to the ICUS. These include apricots, cherries, cranberries, currants, dates, loganberries, nectarines, peaches, pineapples, prunes, plums, raisins and raspberries. The MASAS says dried fruits may be OK to eat with a histamine intolerance if the fruits are thoroughly washed.
Alcohol
Alcohol, especially fermented beverages such as beer and wine, are high in histamine. It is best to refrain from all alcoholic and fermented beverages on a histamine-restricted diet.
Other Foods
Other foods that contain histamine include fermented milk products such as buttermilk, sour cream and yogurt, soured bread and foods made with a lot of yeast, vinegar-containing foods such as mayonnaise and salad dressings, cider, home-made root beer and smoked fish.
References
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Histamine and Histamine Intolerance; L. Maintz, N. Novak; 2007
- International Chronic Urticaria Society: Histamine-restricted Diet
- Michigan Allergy, Sinus & Asthma Specialists: Foods That Contain Histamine
- Seafood Network Information Center: Scombrotoxin (histamine) formation
- Queensland Health
