Natural Antihistamine Foods List (17 Foods to Combat Histamine Intolerance)

[@DeathCab4Cutie]

It's not only histamines you have to watch out for... There are lectins, carbs, most grains, high fodmap foods, dairy, oxolates and many more... Then what is left to eat, you may ask ? I was wondering that myself !

[@judymiller5154]

I'm pretty happy eating a 95% carnivore diet, obviously with proper handling, preparation, and storage of my proteins. By keeping my overall histamine intake low, I can enjoy 1 coffee in the morning and a TB of stevia-sweetened chocolate chips in the evening with no symptoms. I eat some plant items as seasonings and sides, and no more than 1 slice of a keto bread daily. I have found ways to eat out pretty easily and take DAO when eating anything "suspect".

[@lowhistamine]

That's definitely a rabbit hole you can fall down, and that I've been down myself, especially when even eating low histamine wasn't making enough difference (around the end of 2022). I ended up cutting out all grains (and for several months, all refined oils and sugar), and 1 1/2 years later, it's still one of the best food decisions I've made for my own body. This may not be the key for you - and I certainly looked into going carnivore, and for some it seems to really help - but finding out what's causing you to have reactions to seemingly everything is THE key to getting back to your own version of normal. It took me years of trial and error and dozens of ineffective doctors to get a solid team around me, and I hope it takes you much less time, but getting ot the root cause will by far make the most difference for any individual who's struggling.

[@pas_du_tout]

​@@judymiller5154 Meat has an aminoacid called histidine which the body converts into histamine. I don't do well on meat.

[@mareebrocklehurst9370]

Your right doctors don't listen until it ruins your life

[@Akasanaesp]

High oxalates and high histamine foods don't sit well with me These are my reactions as a highly sensitive individual: Almonds are extremely high in oxalates and will trigger a poor response in me. I'll get bloated and I feel my teeth get hurt by them. Apples are good Asparagus are good Basil are good when fresh but body reacts poorly to the dried version. I had allergy or histamine response several times to the dried version. Neutral with blueberries. I don't like sour ones and those are the store bought ones. I grow my own and eat a few per year. Broccoli is good when cooked but creates too much gas in my system when eaten raw. I cook with ginger and it sits well. Carrots are awesome. I love the anti estrogen balancing shredded raw version with acv and sea salt. Chamomile tea sets well with me and a sense of zen comes Cilantro is amazing and adds a nice layer of flavor to the cooking Garlic to be used sparingly and when eaten too much over stimulates my nervous system. I only use half to 1 clove per day. It only makes me stinky. Hibiscus tea isn't friendly with my tooth enamel and it strips away its protective layer. Mangoes are amazing in the warmer months but exacerbates my eczema symptoms in cold months Onions are good but must be thoroughly cooked. It also creates lots of gas when eaten raw since its thin plastic skin between layers irritates my gut lining. I'm neutral with pomegranate. Pumpkin seeds are so-so when soaked but the oxalates are not good and will trigger a negative response when eaten too often Chlorella is amazing, used as a binder and aids in digestion Sweet potato is a snack and is also medium-high in oxalates. I would eat one every couple days as a treat

[@lowhistamine]

wow, you seem to have gotten a really solid handle on how you react to specific foods! That's a very thorough overview, and I'm happy for you, that you've been able to pay such close attention to what you body is telling you. Keep on listening!

[@marylouchris457]

Pickled onions! It is my understanding that anything fermented/pickled is high in histamine

[@lowhistamine]

Definitely something to avoid!

[@lbar9720]

Yes, I agree, my Nutritionist said No pickled anything.

[@fionamcdonagh655]

DEFINITELY AVOID THE PICKLE ONION, anything pickled is a definite no no for people.with histamine problems, even ONION, white are the best. Even some apple 🍎! Fresh food is a most, don't eat food that's been left over night always eat fresh or from frozen.

[@_October_15_202_]

I had a broken molar and root canal infection, which caused a histamine overgrowth and triggered arrythmias soon after eating (bacteria got on blood stream upon chewing). Upon tooth extraction and canal cleaning, my arrythmias stopped. Good read: "Hidden Epidemic - Silent Oral Infections Cause Most Heart Attacks and Breast Cancers," by Thomas E. Levy, MD, JD. My histamine trigger foods: Fresh spinach, tomatoes, yogurt, cheese, sourdough bread, chocolate, coffee.

[@lowhistamine]

Wow, that much have been really scary to go through - thank you for sharing your experience! It's always surprising to learn more about connections between our various bodily systems (like oral care and heart attacks!), but everything is indeed connected.

[@lyndawilliams6866]

Great list! I have been intolerant of citrus fruits since I was a child, but my intolerance of most other fruits increased with age, including an intolerance of all vinegars except ACV. Probiotics helped for a bit, but they no longer help. Looking for health substances or other cures has been a dead end. I also eat all the foods you've mentioned but will try to increase these and see what happens. Thanks!

[@lowhistamine]

Thanks for the comment, Lynda! It sounds like you're on the right path, then, and I'm sorry you've had such a long road to get here! Seems like it's been tough, but I'm glad you're still seeking the right answers.

[@aaasss-lv6nl]

Try fasting, sometimes autophagy can help heal the gut

[@ItsMichaelBernal]

When you have this condition you need to see a functional medicine doctor. Test for Candida, SIBO, Leaky Gut and Mold Toxicity.

[@lowhistamine]

These are all good ideas! Unfortunately, I've been tested for all of those things and have none of them, so sometimes the answer isn't that straightforward, either.

[@ItsMichaelBernal]

@@lowhistamine I tested positive for all except candida.

[@lowhistamine]

I'm sorry to hear that! Hopefully now that you have some things to direct your resources at, you'll be able to make progress with your symptoms!@@ItsMichaelBernal

[@Markuzzza]

How can I accurately test for Mold toxicity in Germany? Please, really need help! Thanks!

[@henki5996]

Inorder DAO to work, it need Vitami C, B6 and Zinc.

[@lowhistamine]

It does indeed! Those are important co-factors for your body to be able to produce DAO and break down histamine. :)

[@carolecoleman6014]

Thanks. I have had an intolerance to carrots and cilantro for many years

[@lowhistamine]

Oh wow! That's good information to have, but I'm sure it's been frustrating to navigate. Thank you for your comment!

[@josephrusso7069]

I eat many of these foods daily. I have histamine intolerance. These foods may be low in histamine. But, I would not call them antihistamine. They do NOT help with my histamine issues.

[@lowhistamine]

That's a fair comment, and at this point in my Master's degree studies, I'd agree that some of these foods could be swapped for ones higher in antioxidants and DAO cofactors - but I also didn't want to make a list of just essentially herbs and supplements people can take or use, but rather whole foods to add/keep in their diet. None of these foods will work for every single person; every body is different. But there's something to be said for eating low histamine AND focusing what you choose to eat on nutrient-dense foods that help support a balanced immune system, even if they're not the most potent options.

[@Borneotek]

good food for post healing diet, but not for healing the main cause of histamine overload caused by SIBO...most of the food above need to be removed for the SIBO healing diet..

[@lowhistamine]

totally depends on your SIBO! Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth can be a result of too much of one or more bacteria, or a dearth of one or more others having a cascading affect in your microbiome. But all of the 'bad' bacteria pretty much thrive on sugar, while 'good' bacteria are fed by fiber, so it's very important to work with your physician to sort out your root cause of Histamine Intolerance before just cutting out healthy foods because someone on the internet (myself included!) told you it might help.

[@Borneotek]

@@lowhistamine Leaky Gut is the root cause of all histamine intolerances, Sibo and gut problem due to all the similar toxic diet we consume. you dont have to cut out healthy food but everyone has their own idea of healthy food...even a carnivore diet alone can heal Leaky gut if ones know how to prepare food properly...nobody needs to consult bogus physicians if people were more honest and kind...

[@cecilialind9474]

Great list, I am in the process of changing my diet now since I do have many histamine reactions. As a Scandinavian I wonder about cranberries and lingonberries? They are closely related to blueberries and we use them a lot.

[@lowhistamine]

I'm so glad you've found it helpful!Thus far, other than strawberries, it seems that the benefits of all berries exceed any potential for histamine issues, fresh or well-frozen, though this is ideal to confirm with your doctor!~

[@cecilialind9474]

@@lowhistamine Thank you for your swift reply!

[@CalmVibesVee]

I’m very reactive but don’t react to frozen blueberries or cranberries. Edit: frozen cherries are not reactive too.

[@lowhistamine]

that's very helpful to know! It certianly opens up the possibilities for what recipes you can make!@@CalmVibesVee

[@FootballSailent]

Thanks

[@lifeat40begins]

My dermatologist told mec to avoid mangoes it triggers alkergies.... hives for me particularly🤔

[@lowhistamine]

Then definitely something to avoid for you! But generally it's pesticides on the skin of the mangoes that can cause allergic issues for some people, which is why it's best to buy organic when possible and always peel your mangoes before eating. If worried about the peel, people can also buy frozen chucked mango, but it IS an incredibly antihistamine and anti-inflammatory food.

[@WhipzByBlue]

Thank you so much!

[@lowhistamine]

No worries, I hope it helps! :)

[@vaska1999]

Great to know! Thanks.

[@lowhistamine]

My pleasure, Vaska!

[@jrman413]

I thought that almonds was high in histamine?

[@lowhistamine]

No, they're not high histamine. I responded to another comment in-depth below, but basically they can be aged heavily and cause cross-reactivity due to tyramine content in some small populations, but they're not directly high histamine.

[@AG-kp4sh]

They trigger a release of histamines in the body and should indeed be avoided. SAme with citrus fruits.

[@js8971]

Oragano apparently...

[@jekalambert9412]

According to numerous other videos I've watched regarding foods that trigger histamine responses, they all say to avoid nuts and seeds, therefore, I don't understand your recommendations.

[@lowhistamine]

Aged nuts and seeds can definitely start to build up biogenic amines, some of which may be histamine, but they're overall low in histamine and contain innumerable antioxidants and nutrients which are essential for preventing or managing histamine responses. I wouldn't and don't recommend them in the first week of a low histamine elimination diet, but they are overall a histamine-fighting food group. Unfortunately, a lot of the resources out there are generic and based off of limited or no scientific evidence, though if nuts and seeds bother you personally, you should always listen to your body and work directly with your doctor to manage those reactions.

[@martinarcher1503]

so what is it with almonds? Histamine, or antihistamine.? This video says histamine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZmqZJatjsl_jdU

[@lowhistamine]

That's a good question! I'm not a doctor, but a Master's of Nutrition student & longtime patient, and this answer is based on years of research specifically into histamine. I watched the beginning of her video as well as the section on nuts, and while she generally writes off all tree nuts in about 10 seconds and doesn't actually say why, I'll explain a bit here (as I also cover in the video): tree nuts have more tendency to be aged and to be roasted than other nuts/seeds by the time they reach consumers, both of which can lead to slightly higher histamine levels, which is why I emphasize that fresher is always better in any food's case. Tree nuts are also naturally higher in biogenic amines OTHER than histamine (particularly tyramine), and can potentially irritate you if they're older, have been processed (roasted), AND you already have high histamine levels as well as issues clearing histamine. But most people aren't in this boat, and will benefit from the many nutrients in fresh raw almonds and most other tree nuts (they actually help your body regulate histamine-clearing pathways). So while I wouldn't recommend reintroducing nuts in the first two weeks of a low histamine elimination diet, fresh low histamine nuts are a nutrient-dense, safe addition to one's diet as long as there are no underlying intolerances. Also, just a pet peeve of mine as a longtime patient, but she keeps mentioning in the intro how she measures patients' blood histamine levels, yet mine have NEVER been high in the 3+ years and 10+ times they've been measured, as blood histamine doesn't necessarily reflect gut histamine or brain histamine levels (where they can really wreak havoc), yet I've found MCAS meds, and in a pinch benadryl, to give almost complete relief from symptoms. Unfortunately right now there aren't really any reliable tests for whether histamine is causing someone's symptoms or not, so while she does have a naturopathic degree, I'd take the tests and services she sells with a grain of salt. I hope that wasn't too detailed on an answer, but when trying to understand the diet, I'd look for some more histamine-specialist docs, as she seems to work primarily with cancer patients.

[@AG-kp4sh]

I learned a ton from this functional medicine doctor, if you are interested. Her name is Dr. Rajsree if you prefer to search for her KZbin channel. Here is the link to the video on Histamine Intolerance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZu0fWenpK93fZI

[@claudia5908]

I get terrible gas with broccoli. Can’t do it. I’m allergic to cows milk but I LOVE cheese & butter. I cannot live without. Help!

[@lowhistamine]

That absolutely sucks!! But if you can do cauliflower or kale, they have very similar benefits to thos eof broccoli! And I've absolutly been there-- I feel the same way about grains, which bother me terribly, and I've learned to really appreciate the one or two bites I have a week along with full meals, which sem to blunt any negative impact they have. This is not medical advice, but if it's not an anaphylactic reaction you have with your allergy, maybe talk t your doctor about trying to use small amounts of ghee, or figuring out which proteins in milk/dairy bother you (my sister is allergic to casein, for example). And then maybe try having a single bite of cheese at the end of your largest meal of the day, and see if you can have that tiny indulgence to stop you from potentially bingeing at a later date and causing serious gut damage. Just some thoughts, but sending big hugs & some serious empathy! Restrictions are really hard!!

[@sallieholgate9411]

Try goats or sheep's cheese. They don't contain lactose. Works for me!

[@starseedenergy996]

Ginger is also a natural antihistamine

[@lowhistamine]

Love me some ginger! It's a great option for everyday cooking, too.

[@juliaainley2889]

What about chlorella?🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

[@lowhistamine]

Personally I've only used chlorella as a heavy metal chelator many years ago, but I had a fried who swore by it to help her seasonal allergies - it may be of great benefit in small amounts, but as with anything in histamine inotlerance, please proceed with caution and consult with your doctor as to what, what brands, and how much might be right for your personal situation.

[@scottg429]

Is lemon juice good for leaky gut or will the acid damage gut lining?

[@lowhistamine]

Lemon juice is metabolized to be alkaline in the gut. This isn't medical advice, as I'm not a doctor, but from my research and personal experieince drinking lemon juice in water for a month, that it helped me fix my gut lining along with a cycle of l-glutamine an hour later, each morning. Again, definitely consult your doctor, but I've found *fresh* lemon juice in water to be very healing (but tough on already-damaged teeth! Proceed with caution if you have enamel damage/tenderness from reflux, like I do).

[@gionagrace6279]

It's EXCELLENT for you

[@scottg429]

@@lowhistamine much appreciated. Thank you!

[@AG-kp4sh]

You seem to mention a lot of foods that are listed as med-high histamines or will release histamines in your body, including nuts (almonds in this case) and citrus foods.@@lowhistamine

[@mrtubeyou77]

The unfortunate part is that most doctors know very little about natural medicine. The tendency of most of us is to run to the doctor when we get sick. I am hoping that true & factual AI will help to solve this problem.

[@lowhistamine]

That's very true about doctors! But I'm not sure about AI - we'll see how that plays out.

[@chrish8871]

Adding cheese? What?

[@lowhistamine]

What are you referring to?

[@paratrooper73]

Be careful people. Investigate first if you have a leaky gut! In this case you can not eat a lot of food which recommended in here!!!!

[@lowhistamine]

Leaky gut can definitely affect one's reaction to a lot of otherwise healthy foods in a very negative way - always work with a doctor to ascertain what the root cause of your issues are, and whether the presence of leaky gut will affect which foods are 'safe' for you to eat.

[@silviofontana5144]

many of these foods are fodmap heavy

[@lowhistamine]

That is true - but this focuses on low histamine, not low FODMAP.

[@silviofontana5144]

you miss the fundamentals that mast cell issues are often the drivers of many dysfunctional gut issues as is histamine and fodmap in foods. your suggestion only helps, if any, a very small % of people.@@lowhistamine

[@SS-qo3nt]

You got hibiscus wrong: it's a histamine-liberator all the way around.

[@lowhistamine]

that's simply not true, though large amounts of vitamin C can be bothersome for those with oxalate issues; this article does a great job at explaining it: mastcell360.com/low-histamine-sources-of-vitamin-c-to-know-about-if-you-have-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-or-histamine-intolerance/

[@gloria6396]

BE AWARE THE ALMOND ARE FAMOUS TO FLARE HISTAMINE

[@lowhistamine]

That can be the case for much older nuts - I responded to another comment in-depth below, but basically almonds CAN be aged heavily and cause cross-reactivity due to tyramine content in some small populations, but they're NOT directly high histamine & are a great source of micronutrients your body needs to clear histamine. Always buy fresh when possible!

[@EnnAye]

1. Almonds 2.Apple 3.Asparagus 4.Basil 5.Blue berries 6.Broccoli 7.Carrots 8.Camomile 9.Cilantro 10. Garlic 11. Hibiscus 12. Mangoes 13.Onion 14. Pomegranates 15.Pumpkin Seeds 16. Spirulina 17. Sweet Potatoes

[@fionaestherfortuin4185]

No garlic if u have Lupus

[@HisCreation-fm7bn2dl4u]

Where's the ginger and the turmeric? These are also among the natural antihistamines.

[@jonasbertilbellander]

I am allergic to Apples

[@ky6209]

Thanks

[@lowhistamine]

My pleasure!

[@louisethompson6762]

Thank You!! ❤ I have suffered all my life (66 yrs) with terrible migraines & terrible pain. My DAO & SIBO is not working in my gut. I have just found out recently that all my health issues is caused by Histamine Intolerance. Thank You, for this food list. It is very helpful!! ❤ There is (2) items I can't eat on the list almonds & pumpkin seeds. I sent the video & the list to everyone on my list. Thank You, again for helping me & everyone else to get well. I will do anything just to be able to live migraine & pain free. 😊😊😊😊

[@lowhistamine]

I am so sorry you've been dealing with all of that-- 65 years is a long time to be managing pain and migraines, but hopefully working with your doctor to ease your histamine burden & cleaning up the high histamine foods from your diet can get you to pain-free. We're all rooting for you, and thank you for the kind words! Definitely avoid any trigger foods, even if they're otherwise good for you, at least for the time being. I can definitely relate to doing anything to live pain-free! ❤

[@louisethompson6762]

​We don't have Dr's in Canada that knows what Histamine Intolerance means. I did my own research online. Watching Utube video's. I don't know if I will ever be well. As my gut is in one hell of a mess & I am doing it on my own. Finding a Dr in Canada is like finding a needle in a hay sack. It is not going to happen. All the good doctor's are in the States. And I stay away from MD as all they do prescribe a pill. 🤔🤔🤔😏

[@lowhistamine]

@@louisethompson6762 unfortunately even in th eStates we have that problem, and all the doctors who know anything about MCAS and HIT don't take new patients. Everyone is overwhelmed, and it just seems ot be getting worse. I hope you've found some resources which speak to your specific symptoms and are starting to lift yourself up. It sucks to realize nobody's going to 'save' you with a pill like we're told doctors are supposed to, but it can be empowering to start piecing together your own puzzle. Nobody will ever know your body better than you do, so in the end, you may even feel better-equipped to deal with your illness than if s doctor were to prescribe you the cure. I know this perspective doesn't click for everyone, but I hope it can make you feel a little less alone in your struggle.

[@annetteraghunanan5935]

Have you tried celery juice on an empty stomach..I find it to be very helpful…

[@Reaper_thecreaper]

Your migraine is down to grains. All grains. Down load no grain no pain. An excellent book. I suffer terrible. Since I've cut out wheat, rye, barley, rice, oats, and other grains my migraine have gone. ♥️Good luck......

[@fasou292]

Amandes Pommes Asperges Basilic Myrtilles Brocolis Carottes Chamomille Coriandre Ail Hibiscus Mangues Oignons Grenades Graines de courges Spiruline Patates douces 😉

[@lowhistamine]

Merci!

[@sandragill714]

I can only eat half of this list

[@lowhistamine]

I'm sure that's very frustrating! But it's also always helpful to know what you can & cannot eat-- sometimes the not knowing is more frustrating than the restrictive lists, for the moment!

[@GillCapocciama-uj3su]

Thank you ❤. I’ve only recently discovered this after suffering for 30 years and your video has been the most helpful. Histamine intolerance is so debilitating and negatively affects all areas of your life

[@lowhistamine]

I'm SO sorry that you're struggling, and have been for so long, but I'm glad to have played any role in your start to recovering - you've got this!

[@helenndow1101]

Almonds and asparagus are very high oxalate

[@lowhistamine]

yes, this can be true, though blanched almonds are much lower in oxalate.

[@lululove6175]

Almond milk is pure garbage

[@sheeshodadial1082]

Thanks❤

[@martinarcher1503]

thank you! I will try as many of these foods as I can!

[@lowhistamine]

No problem, Martin! I hope they help you with whatever symptoms you're dealing with!

[@stevenaustin-jq2qy]

I have a itch that has turned to a rash it's driving me crazy what can I do??

[@lowhistamine]

That sounds like something to talk to your doctor about; it may or may NOT be a histamine reaction.

[@robertstane5823]

The liver is our filter for toxins like pesticides, chlorine and nitrates. When the liver filter is clogged, our body becomes hypersensitive to pollens, cat hair and certain foods causing an allergic reaction. Milk thistle is a great liver cleanser.

[@lowhistamine]

Milk thistle is fantastic! I tried to stay away from just naming a ton of helpful herbs, although there are a lot of those, since they can feel difficult for osme poeple to work into their diets - I'll have to work on a video about some of these fantastic herbs to add into a diet fighting histamine intolerance and other histamine issues!

[@jackics6540]

Almonds are both high in istamines and also istamine-liberator.... what are you saying??....

[@lowhistamine]

That's simply not true - I'm not a doctor, but a Master's of Nutrition student & longtime patient, and this answer is based on years of research specifically into histamine. Tree nuts do have more tendency to be aged and to be roasted than other nuts/seeds by the time they reach consumers, both of which can lead to SLIGHTLY higher histamine levels than they had previously, which is why I emphasize that fresher is always better in any food's case. Tree nuts are also naturally higher in biogenic amines OTHER than histamine (particularly tyramine), and can potentially irritate you if they're older, have been processed (roasted), AND you already have high histamine levels as well as issues clearing histamine. But most people aren't in this boat, and will benefit from the many nutrients in fresh raw almonds and most other tree nuts (they actually help your body regulate histamine-clearing pathways). So while I wouldn't recommend reintroducing nuts in the first two weeks of a low histamine elimination diet, fresh low histamine nuts are a nutrient-dense, safe addition to one's diet as long as there are no underlying intolerances. If you can also point me to a single scientific paper directly discussing what in the world constitutes a 'histamine liberator' - not just a paper which refers to the term - I would be really grateful, as the most recent paper I've found looking into so-called 'histamine liberators' is from the 1960's.

[@missiris1234]

thanks!!!!!

[@lowhistamine]

My pleasure! ❤

[@JoséPérez-x3i4y]

Sí lo pudieran traducir al español

[@lowhistamine]

Ese es algo en que necesitaria pensar; no tengo mucho tiempo en estes dias.

[@TheRexona1986]

I have some problem with chamomile and bloating.. dont know why?

[@lowhistamine]

I'm not a doctor, but from my research I've learned that chamomile can cause cross-reactvity from existing allergies, and I've gotten several comments about it on the site over the years, though they usually have more typical allergic symptoms. You may want to read more about allergies & FODMAP in regards to chamomile flowers (and probably avoid them in the future): www.allergyresources.co.uk/Camomile.php

[@ChristisKing117]

Most veggies we get in the store are lacking nutrients as they are grown in nutrient depleted soils. Vitamin D deficiency plays a huge role in histamine responses too.

[@lowhistamine]

Almost universally!!