DAO foods to support histamine management

Diet plays a critical role in managing histamine intolerance, a condition often linked to low diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme activity. While foods themselves do not directly provide DAO, consuming low-histamine foods and avoiding DAO-blocking substances can support better histamine balance.

DAO-blocking foods
Certain foods and substances, such as alcohol, aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products, can inhibit DAO activity or release stored histamine in the body. Reducing or avoiding these can help minimize histamine-related symptoms like headaches, digestive discomfort, or skin irritation.

Low-histamine foods to support DAO
While no foods significantly boost DAO levels, fresh, minimally processed foods that are naturally low in histamine can ease the burden on the body’s DAO activity. Examples include fresh meat, fish, eggs, and non-citrus fruits like pears and apples. These foods create a favorable environment for managing histamine levels.

The role of DAO supplements
For individuals with histamine intolerance, DAO enzyme supplements may offer additional support.* These supplements help break down dietary histamine and can help reduce symptom severity when consumed before meals. An example of a DAO enzyme supplement is DAO Plus. DAO Plus can help you enjoy histamine-rich favorites like red wine, dark chocolate, and cheese—with less discomfort!

Intoleran DAO Plus is a highly effective option for managing food-derived histamine intolerance. This powerful supplement combines the digestive enzyme Diamine Oxidase (DAO) with antioxidants vitamin C and Quercetin to help reduce occasional symptoms like headaches, nausea, rashes, and digestive issues.*

The DAO enzyme supports the digestion of histamine in foods like sauerkraut, aged meats, cheese, and red wine. The antioxidants vitamin C and Quercetin provide additional support, with vitamin C having a positive effect on the immune system.

Next steps

You can read more about the topic in our knowledge bank or you can contact one of our dieticians for personalized advice. If you’re facing symptoms and don’t know where they come from, you can take the intolerance test for more information:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.