Living in Low Histamine Harmony

As we step into the season of summer allergies, it’s critical to understand the role of histamines. Many of us turn to antihistamines and call it a day without truly comprehending what histamines are and why they can be problematic. With this knowledge however, you will be taking a step towards managing your health more effectively. 

Histamines are chemicals in our immune system, a part of our body’s defence system that do whatever they can to help keep you safe in the face of allergy triggers. How do they work exactly? When your immune system comes across an allergy trigger, like pollen, dust, or certain foods, a chemical signal is launched to release histamines, which prompts allergy-like symptoms so that the rest of the chemicals from our immune system can take the reins and start the repair work. Symptoms like a runny nose or itching could just be the workings of histamines in your body, and not the external factors, which may be a good sign that your body is setting up a great defensive play. 

What’s the big deal? 

Our bodies are already equipped to produce the histamines we need. The real issue lies in certain foods that are histamine-rich, which can lead to histamine intolerance. This condition, where the body can’t break down histamine, can cause a buildup. While a low-histamine diet is often recommended for those with histamine intolerance, it’s a diet that can benefit everyone. By eliminating processed foods and focusing on a more generally healthy diet, including fruits, veggies, protein, and healthy fats, we can all reap the rewards of a low-histamine diet.

What are some of the “rules” that this specific diet sets in place?

1.   Eat foods as soon as possible after purchase 

Freshness is a crucial indicator of the levels of histamine a food contains. Therefore, the amount of time that food is left sitting before consumption can dictate the amount of histamine you consume. Likewise, storing leftovers could be problematic because histamine-producing bacteria can grow, making your food susceptible to triggering allergy-like symptoms. This type of bacteria also develops in various conditions and a wide range of temperatures. 

2.   More fresh food and more shopping

You can directly lower your intake of histamines by selecting foods in their whole, unprocessed form and fresh foods rather than preserved ones. Foods reported to have lower histamine levels include fresh produce, meats, eggs, and fresh herbs. Also, by shopping more often, you maximise the freshness of the foods you cook and consume, leading to a healthier household.

Proceed with caution

It’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks of low-histamine diets, one being the possibility of malnourishment. This is why medical professionals and nutritionists encourage those on this diet not to see it as a long-term treatment plan. However, they can be a valuable tool for identifying food intolerances. Many people use them as a diagnostic tool, gradually reintroducing histamine-rich foods to pinpoint the cause of their symptoms. It’s a diet that requires caution, but it can also significantly impact various individuals positively. With any diet, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional and proceed with caution. Nonetheless, happy healthy living!

(Photo from Histamined)