Histamine is a chemical that occurs naturally in the human body and in certain foods. The body releases this chemical when it encounters a substance it identifies as an allergen, and also during times of stress. Many foods contain histamine or cause the body to release histamine after they are eaten. These reactions are food intolerances, and although they cause the same symptoms as a food allergy, they are technically different, explains Michigan Allergy, Sinus and Asthma. If you have an intolerance to histamine in foods, you may need to restrict these foods in your diet.
Problem Identification
The enzyme diamine oxidase breaks down histamine that is absorbed into the body from foods that contain histamine, notes Allergy UK, so eating food that contains histamine does not affect most people. Some individuals, however, have low levels of diamine oxidase, which can lead to allergy-like effects when they eat foods with high concentrations of histamine.
Symptoms
Histamine in the body causes symptoms such as itching, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, eye irritation and wheezing. When people with low levels of diamine oxidase eat too many foods containing histamine, they may develop these symptoms or headaches, rashes, diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. The condition, known as histamine intolerance, also may cause hives, asthma, eczema and anxiety, according to Allergy UK. Histamine can cause a wide range of symptoms because it is located in nearly all body tissues.
Diagnosis
Although the symptoms are the same as those indicating an allergy, an individual having symptoms due to histamine intolerance will test negative for food allergies, according to Allergy UK. Doctors usually diagnose the condition by having the patient eat a low-histamine diet for a set time frame to see if this improves the symptoms. Diamine oxidase deficiency cannot be treated with supplements, as noted by a study published in the December 1993 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Allergy," with lead author F. Wantke.
Foods to Avoid
Cheese is high in histamine, especially fermented cheeses such as brie, cheddar, Roquefort and Parmesan, and any type of processed cheese, according to Allergy UK. Eggs, chicken, shellfish and most fish also have high concentrations of histamine, as do ham, beef and pork sausage, and other processed meats. To decrease histamine in your diet, you'll need to avoid beer and red wine, and other fermented foods such as soy sauce and sauerkraut. Tomatoes, especially canned tomato products and ketchup, are high in histamine, and so is spinach. Many fruits need to be avoided, including all berries and citrus fruits. Several natural seasonings and synthetic additives also can cause problems.
Solution
To determine your tolerance level for histamine, eliminate all the foods high in histamine for two to four weeks, advises Allergy UK. If your symptoms improve, gradually reintroduce the foods one by one. This process should indicate your tolerance level and identify any particular problem foods.
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