Histamine diet

Understanding the antihistamine diet

An antihistamine diet, also called a histamine diet, is designed to help individuals manage histamine intolerance—a condition where the body struggles to break down histamine, a naturally occurring compound in certain foods. Symptoms such as headaches, skin irritation, and digestive discomfort are common signs of histamine intolerance. Following a histamine intolerance diet can reduce these symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Foods to include and avoid

Key to a histamine-free diet is avoiding foods high in histamine, including:

• Aged cheeses
• Fermented products
• Processed meats

Instead, focus on fresh, unprocessed foods like:

• Vegetables
• Fresh meats
• Low-histamine fruits

Building a personalized histamine diet list can help ensure safe and enjoyable meal options tailored to your needs.

Using an elimination approach

For those experiencing severe symptoms, a histamine elimination diet may be necessary. This involves temporarily removing all histamine-rich foods to identify personal triggers. Once these triggers are determined, transitioning to a no-histamine diet provides a sustainable way to enjoy meals while managing symptoms effectively.

If you don’t want to exclude all the histamine from your diet you can try to supplement Diamine Oxidase (DAO). DAO helps to manage histamine levels and can help reduce associated symptoms.*

Seeking professional guidance

A dietitian or healthcare professional can provide valuable insights when creating your histamine diet. They can ensure you maintain balanced nutrition while managing histamine levels.

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.