Spices Histamine Information

Spices, while adding flavor and depth to our cuisine, can significantly impact the histamine levels in our bodies. Some spices are high in histamine; some encourage the release of histamines (histamine liberators); and a few are found to suppress histamine activity. For instance, nutmeg is known to delay histamine breakdown leading to an amplified reaction in people with decreased histamine tolerance. Similarly, other nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts rightly classified as histamine liberators, trigger the release of histamines in the body (1). Mushrooms, including the blue mold on cheese, contain high levels of histamine. They are also considered histamine liberators, promoting histamine release in the body. The same holds true for tomatoes and tomato-based products like ketchup and pizza; these are high in histamine and can cause an adverse reaction in those with histamine intolerance (2). The process of fermentation increases histamine content to a great extent, making foods like long-ripened cheese and yogurt high in histamines. Similarly, yeast present in baked goods promotes histamine formation. Also witnessing a surge in histamine through fermentation are red wine, especially French champagne made from red grapes, and vinegar-rich products (3). Smoked, processed meats, offal, and fish products, specifically smoked fish and canned fish, have significant histamine content. Similarly, alcohol, cocoa products, and certain energy drinks also delay histamine breakdown, having a potential adverse impact on histamine levels. While green and black tea are not directly high in histamine, they can interfere with the DAO enzyme that breaks down histamine, causing an increase in histamine levels (4). Meanwhile, certain fruits like pineapple, strawberries, plums, citrus fruits, kiwi, and papaya have been observed to act both as histamine liberators and substances that delay histamine breakdown (5). In conclusion, various foods and spices can significantly impact the body’s histamine levels. Knowing their role in histamine activity allows us to manage our diets better, particularly if one is dealing with histamine intolerance. References: 1. https://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk/about/the-food-diary/the-food-list/ 2. http://www.mastzellaktivierung.info/downloads/foodlist/21_FoodList_EN_alphabetic_withCateg.pdf 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839887/ 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390332/ 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352198/