Allergy Alert: 6 Foods High in Histamine That Worsen Allergies
If you are a sensitive individual that suffers from allergies, you know just how unpleasant the side effects can be. There are certain foods that can actually trigger allergy-like symptoms if consumed excessively. That is because these foods contain histamine, a natural compound that is involved in the body’s immune responses. Some foods are naturally rich in histamine and if consumed excessively by a sensitive individual, they can cause unpleasant reactions. If you notice that some of your symptoms worsen after a meal, that could be the explanation. In this article, we will explore six foods that are naturally high in histamine, so they might worsen your allergies and allergic reactions. So, be aware of the following foods:
Let’s explore some of the foods high in histamine that might be affecting your allergies
In this article
Allergy Alert: 6 Foods High in Histamine That Worsen Allergies
#Avocado
Avocados are one of the best nutrient-packed foods that you can eat, but they are also high in histamine. The histamine is what helps avocados ripen, actually! Nevertheless, they are still rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. So, do not omit them completely from your menu if you do not want to, just be aware of the amount you are consuming. For some individuals, consuming too much avocado can lead to symptoms such as headaches, rashes, and digestive discomfort. Here are some avocado substitutes that are just as good!
Avocados are packed with valuable nutrients, but they are also high in histamine
#Eggplant
Eggplant is a delicious and versatile vegetables that many of us eat regularly. However, just like avocados, eggplants are also rich in histamine, which can cause discomfort for some people. If you notice allergic reaction after consuming eggplant, you might be experiencing histamine sensitivity.
Be aware that eggplants are rich in histamine
#Aged Cheese
There are two interesting facts about aged cheese and histamine that you need to know. First of all, aged cheese such as cheddar, Parmesan and Gouda has higher levels of histamine than fresher cheese like mozzarella and cottage cheese. If you are sensitive to histamine, consider this the next time you are enjoying a cheese board. The other fact is that the temperature at which the cheese is stored also affects the levels of histamine. Cheese stored at a lower temperature had lower levels of histamine!
Aged cheese like Parmesan and cheddar have higher levels of histamine
#Legumes
Did you know that legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and peanuts are actually high in histamine? In fact, it has been found that these legumes are a big allergic trigger for people suffering from asthma. The individuals can experience swelling of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose, which can be alarming and stressful. If you suffer from asthma and allergies, consider taking a closer look of your diet and be mindful about the food you are consuming regularly.
Legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and peanuts are major allergic triggers
#Fermented Foods
Another group of foods that should be avoided or limited by allergic individuals are fermented foods. These include sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir. These foods are richer in histamine because of the fermentation process itself. While they offer amazing benefits for the digestive health and microbiome, they can still trigger a variety of symptoms for some individuals. It is important to consider that the levels of histamine in fermented foods fluctuate because of the differences in the fermentation process. So, there is a possibility of you reacting good to one kimchi, and then terribly bad to another.
Fermented foods can increase allergic reactions in sensitive people
#Citrus Fruits
Although citrus fruits are not necessarily rich in histamine, they actually trigger the release of histamine in the body. SO, fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits should usually be limited or avoided by sensitive individuals on a low histamine diet. Some side effects can include itching, digestive problems, and hives, so it is important to be educated and mindful of the food you are consuming.
Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits trigger the release of histamine in the body
Now you know which foods are actually high in histamine!
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