We have been asked many times why these histamine levels do not correspond to those levels on other websites. The answer is pretty simple: The histamine levels are – contrary to levels shown, for example, for lactose - subject to fluctuation (depending on storage, age,...). This means that the levels given in the tables can only serve as points of reference.
Example:
Fresh fish – low in histamine The same fish, not stored in a cool place, an hour later: higher histamine levels The same fish, not stored in a cool place, four hours later: very high histamine levels
Foods which contain high levels of histamine
Pickled, tinned, canned, preserved foods
Cheese: especially matured and hard cheese – the more matured the more histamine
Smoked, cured meat, cured ham, salami
Most fish products (all shell fish), especially preserved fish products
Beans and pulses/legumes (especially chickpeas and soy beans, also peanuts))
Some fruit varieties (banana, pears, aubergines, oranges, kiwi, strawberries)
Alcohol, especially wine and beer
Yeast (better: products produced with yeast)
Black and green tea
Chocolate, cocoa, savoury snacks/biscuits, sweets with preservatives and/or food colourings
Wine vinegar
Nuts, walnuts, cashew
Foods which have a histamine liberating effect (histamine liberators):
Pulses/legumes
Strawberries
Citrus fruits (new studies show that they are sometimes tolerated)
Tomatoes
Kiwi
Nuts
Pineapple
Papaya (new studies show that they are sometimes tolerated)
Cocoa and chocolate
Foods that block the DAO:
Alcohol
Cocoa
Black tea
Green tea
Mate tea
Energy drinks
You are advised to always consult with a registered dietician and work out a detailed dietary plan with them!
Foods that have lower histamine levels:
Please be aware that, because of any other food intolerances or cross-allergies that may also be present, the low-histamine level of a particular foodstuff alone says nothing definite about whether or not the patient can tolerate it.
Cream cheese
Fresh meat (fresh, cooled, frozen)
Freshly caught fish and seafood
Fresh fruit: melon, blueberry, cranberries (lingonberries), litchi, mango, khaki, rhubarb, cherries red currants, apricot, apple
The information provided on the Food Intolerance Network website is no substitute for a visit to a registered dietician, nutritionist or a doctor. The information that you will find here may not be used as a substitute for professional advice and treatment by a medical professional or approved and registered dieticians. The content of the Food Intolerance Network website may not be used as a basis or means for any form of self-diagnosis.