Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Foods That Are The Best Hay Fever Cures You Must Have For Allergy Season

(Credit-Canva)

Seasonal allergies have been on the rise, affecting many people and their quality of life. The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology explains that seasonal allergies, similar to other allergies, causes our immune system to overreact to something that is present in the environment, especially during spring season like pollen. Hay Fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. One of the causes of hay fever happens to be pollen producing plants, which when it comes in contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat can cause a reaction. 

As hay fever season gets worse, lots of people are dealing with annoying symptoms. The pollen floating around from trees, grasses, and weeds can make you feel miserable. However, experts say that just by changing what you eat, you can find a lot of relief from sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses. This is because some foods can affect how much histamine your body makes, and histamine is the chemical that triggers your allergy symptoms. 

<h2>Boost Your <span rel="noindex">Diet with Allergy-Fighting Nutrients</span> </h2>

According to Push Doctor, a prominent UK-based digital healthcare platform, certain natural compounds can help manage hay fever symptoms. They have also given a smoothie recipe that are effective "allergy-busting" smoothie recipe designed to be rich in beneficial compounds 

This powerful flavanol has been shown to suppress histamine release. Incorporate foods rich in quercetin like green vegetables, apples, berries, and beans into your daily diet to potentially soothe symptoms and reduce allergic reactions. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Vitamins</span> and Healthy Fats </h2>

Boosting your intake of <span>Vitamin C</span>, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids can strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. Consider adding more carrots, spinach, oily fish, and citrus fruits to your meals to help calm your hay fever. 

Two bananas, two clementines, five dates, half an avocado, 120ml of almond milk, and a squeeze of lemon juice. 

This quick and tasty smoothie is packed with quercetin and Vitamin C, both known to support immune health. 

While some foods can help your hay fever, others might actually make it worse. This is because they either contain histamine (the chemical that causes allergy symptoms) or they can make your body release more of it. It's best to limit or avoid things like alcohol, cured or smoked meats, cheese, nuts, and pickles. Also, be aware that some fruits might make your mouth tingle or swell if you have hay fever. This is a sign that your body is reacting to hidden allergens. 

You might find some relief by drinking chamomile or nettle tea. These herbal teas have natural properties that can act like antihistamines and reduce swelling, helping to calm your body's allergic reaction. 

<h2>Holistic Approach to Hay Fever Management </h2>

Changing what you eat is a great step, but it works even better when you combine it with other practical actions. To cut down on how much pollen you're exposed to and ease your symptoms, remember these tips: keep your windows closed, especially when pollen counts are high. Try to avoid gardening if you can. Rinse your hair often to get rid of any pollen caught in it. Don't forget to use regular hay fever treatments like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops when you need them. Finally, it's a good idea to wash your clothes and shower right away when you get home to remove any pollen that might have stuck to you throughout the day. 

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Seasonal allergies have been on the rise, affecting many people and their quality of life. The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology explains that seasonal allergies, similar to other allergies, causes our immune system to overreact to something that is present in the environment, especially during spring season like pollen. Hay Fever is a common allergy that causes sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. One of the causes of hay fever happens to be pollen producing plants, which when it comes in contact with your mouth, nose, eyes and throat can cause a reaction. As hay fever season gets worse, lots of people are dealing with annoying symptoms. The pollen floating around from trees, grasses, and weeds can make you feel miserable. However, experts say that just by changing what you eat, you can find a lot of relief from sneezing, itchy eyes, and stuffy noses. This is because some foods can affect how much histamine your body makes, and histamine is the chemical that triggers your allergy symptoms. Boost Your Diet with Allergy-Fighting Nutrients According to Push Doctor, a prominent UK-based digital healthcare platform, certain natural compounds can help manage hay fever symptoms. They have also given a smoothie recipe that are effective "allergy-busting" smoothie recipe designed to be rich in beneficial compounds QuercetinThis powerful flavanol has been shown to suppress histamine release. Incorporate foods rich in quercetin like green vegetables, apples, berries, and beans into your daily diet to potentially soothe symptoms and reduce allergic reactions. Vitamins and Healthy Fats Boosting your intake of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids can strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation. Consider adding more carrots, spinach, oily fish, and citrus fruits to your meals to help calm your hay fever. Ingredients for the smoothie Two bananas, two clementines, five dates, half an avocado, 120ml of almond milk, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Benefits of the smoothie This quick and tasty smoothie is packed with quercetin and Vitamin C, both known to support immune health. Foods to Avoid While some foods can help your hay fever, others might actually make it worse. This is because they either contain histamine (the chemical that causes allergy symptoms) or they can make your body release more of it. It's best to limit or avoid things like alcohol, cured or smoked meats, cheese, nuts, and pickles. Also, be aware that some fruits might make your mouth tingle or swell if you have hay fever. This is a sign that your body is reacting to hidden allergens. You might find some relief by drinking chamomile or nettle tea. These herbal teas have natural properties that can act like antihistamines and reduce swelling, helping to calm your body's allergic reaction. Holistic Approach to Hay Fever Management Changing what you eat is a great step, but it works even better when you combine it with other practical actions. To cut down on how much pollen you're exposed to and ease your symptoms, remember these tips: keep your windows closed, especially when pollen counts are high. Try to avoid gardening if you can. Rinse your hair often to get rid of any pollen caught in it. Don't forget to use regular hay fever treatments like antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops when you need them. Finally, it's a good idea to wash your clothes and shower right away when you get home to remove any pollen that might have stuck to you throughout the day. 

foods that are the best hay fever cures you must have for allergy season

Lower Dementia Risk By 25% By Making These Changes

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Eating healthy and protecting your body from processed chemicals has been the goal of many people for the past few years. As more and more people are becoming aware of how junk and processed foods affect our health, they are changing their diet and making healthier choices. However, a point of concern for many people lies in their age. Does it make a difference, changing your diet later in life? 

You can start protecting your brain health through your diet at any point in life, according to a new study. People who improved their healthy eating habits in middle age saw a 25% lower risk of developing <span>dementia</span>, compared to those whose diets got worse over time. These exciting findings were shared at a recent meeting of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN). 

Researchers stated that the study's results confirm that healthy eating patterns in mid to late life, and improving those patterns over time, can help prevent Alzheimer's and related forms of dementia. This clearly suggests that it's truly never too late to adopt a healthy diet as a way to guard against dementia. 

For this important study, researchers looked at information from almost 93,000 adults who were part of a long-term health study. These people were between 45 and 75 years old when the study began in the 1990s. Over the years, more than 21,000 of them developed Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Everyone in the study filled out food questionnaires, which helped researchers see how closely they followed the MIND diet. 

The MIND diet is a special eating plan that combines the best parts of two other healthy diets: the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (which helps lower blood pressure). Both of these diets are known to make people healthier. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the MIND diet focuses on eating more whole grains, vegetables, nuts, beans, berries, chicken, and fish. It also suggests eating less pastries, sweets, red meat, cheese, fried foods, and butter. 

<h2>Significant Drop In Risk And Visible Changes </h2>

The study found that people who followed the MIND diet from the start had a 9% lower chance of getting dementia. Even better, there was a 13% bigger drop in risk for Black, Hispanic, and white people. The researcher noted that healthy eating helped these groups more, but it wasn't as clear for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians. This suggests that advice about diet might need to be different for different groups of people. 

Perhaps the most encouraging discovery was that people whose diets got closer to the MIND diet over 10 years had a huge 25% lower chance of getting dementia. This was true even if they didn't follow the diet perfectly at first. This really shows that making positive changes to your diet later in life can still have a big positive impact on your brain health. 

<h2>Healthier Food Choices For Brain Health </h2>

Just like there's no magic pill for a sharp mind, no single food will keep your brain perfect as you age. Harvard Health Publishing says the best approach is to eat a generally healthy diet. This means focusing on lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains for overall brain health. 

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli are packed with nutrients vital for your brain, such as vitamin K and folate. Studies suggest eating these greens can help slow down memory loss and keep your thinking sharp as you get older. 

Fish like salmon and cod are full of omega-3 fats, which are healthy fats linked to lower levels of a protein that harms brains with Alzheimer's. Aim to eat fish at least twice a week, choosing options low in mercury like light tuna. 

The bright colors in berries come from plant parts called flavonoids, which research shows can also improve memory. Eating berries like strawberries and blueberries regularly may help delay memory problems by a few years. 

The caffeine in your daily tea or coffee might do more than just wake you up. Studies suggest that people who consume more caffeine often score better on memory and thinking tests, and it might even help you remember new things. 

Walnuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Studies link eating walnuts to better scores on memory and thinking tests. They contain a special omega-3 fat that helps keep your blood pressure down and arteries clean, benefiting both your heart and brain. 

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Eating healthy and protecting your body from processed chemicals has been the goal of many people for the past few years. As more and more people are becoming aware of how junk and processed foods affect our health, they are changing their diet and making healthier choices. However, a point of concern for many people lies in their age. Does it make a difference, changing your diet later in life? You can start protecting your brain health through your diet at any point in life, according to a new study. People who improved their healthy eating habits in middle age saw a 25% lower risk of developing dementia, compared to those whose diets got worse over time. These exciting findings were shared at a recent meeting of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN). Researchers stated that the study's results confirm that healthy eating patterns in mid to late life, and improving those patterns over time, can help prevent Alzheimer's and related forms of dementia. This clearly suggests that it's truly never too late to adopt a healthy diet as a way to guard against dementia. How the Study Was Conducted For this important study, researchers looked at information from almost 93,000 adults who were part of a long-term health study. These people were between 45 and 75 years old when the study began in the 1990s. Over the years, more than 21,000 of them developed Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Everyone in the study filled out food questionnaires, which helped researchers see how closely they followed the MIND diet. The MIND diet is a special eating plan that combines the best parts of two other healthy diets: the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (which helps lower blood pressure). Both of these diets are known to make people healthier. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the MIND diet focuses on eating more whole grains, vegetables, nuts, beans, berries, chicken, and fish. It also suggests eating less pastries, sweets, red meat, cheese, fried foods, and butter. Significant Drop In Risk And Visible Changes The study found that people who followed the MIND diet from the start had a 9% lower chance of getting dementia. Even better, there was a 13% bigger drop in risk for Black, Hispanic, and white people. The researcher noted that healthy eating helped these groups more, but it wasn't as clear for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians. This suggests that advice about diet might need to be different for different groups of people. Perhaps the most encouraging discovery was that people whose diets got closer to the MIND diet over 10 years had a huge 25% lower chance of getting dementia. This was true even if they didn't follow the diet perfectly at first. This really shows that making positive changes to your diet later in life can still have a big positive impact on your brain health. Healthier Food Choices For Brain Health Just like there's no magic pill for a sharp mind, no single food will keep your brain perfect as you age. Harvard Health Publishing says the best approach is to eat a generally healthy diet. This means focusing on lots of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains for overall brain health. Green, Leafy Vegetables Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli are packed with nutrients vital for your brain, such as vitamin K and folate. Studies suggest eating these greens can help slow down memory loss and keep your thinking sharp as you get older. Fatty Fish Fish like salmon and cod are full of omega-3 fats, which are healthy fats linked to lower levels of a protein that harms brains with Alzheimer's. Aim to eat fish at least twice a week, choosing options low in mercury like light tuna. Berries The bright colors in berries come from plant parts called flavonoids, which research shows can also improve memory. Eating berries like strawberries and blueberries regularly may help delay memory problems by a few years. Tea and Coffee The caffeine in your daily tea or coffee might do more than just wake you up. Studies suggest that people who consume more caffeine often score better on memory and thinking tests, and it might even help you remember new things. Walnuts Walnuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Studies link eating walnuts to better scores on memory and thinking tests. They contain a special omega-3 fat that helps keep your blood pressure down and arteries clean, benefiting both your heart and brain. 

lower dementia risk by 25% by making these changes

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FDA Issues Severe Tomato Recall Warning in Southern US

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Is 'Histamine Intolerance' The Hidden Reason Behind Your Bloating And Brain Fog?

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The United States is already struggling with immense pressure on its health sector, with the rise in COVID-19 cases and ongoing measles outbreak. In another news, now Salmonella-tainted <span>tomatoes</span> in three southern states have caused severe illness and even death, warned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

The FDA has also updated the ongoing recall of tomatoes which have been distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to Class I, which is the highest warning level, also reported in the New York Times. 

<strong>Class I recall</strong> means that there is a reasonable change that using the product could lead to "serious adverse health consequences or death". 

As per FDA, recalls are classified into three numerical designation, I, II, and III. 

<strong>Class II recall</strong> is for a situation in which the use of or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequence is remote. 

<strong>Class III</strong> is for a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. 

<h4>Where Were These Tomatoes Distributed?</h4>

These tomatoes were distributed under the H&amp;C Farms which were labelled between April 23 and 29. They were also sold in packages which had ranged from small three-pack to 25-pound boxes. 

This was also reported in early May, however, at that time, there were no illness which had been recorded. Though now, the FDA says the risk is much more severe. 

Shoppers are unlikely to find fresh tomatoes from the recalled batch still on shelves, according to the FDA.

However, The New York Times reports that salmonella can survive for weeks in dry conditions and even longer in wet or frozen environments—meaning contaminated tomatoes might still pose a risk if stored.

The exact source of the contamination remains unclear. Williams Farms Repack, the South Carolina distributor, and H&amp;C Farms have both declined to comment.

Salmonella affects over a million people in the U.S. annually and causes more than 400 deaths, says the USDA. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, and intense stomach pain, lasting several days.

Children under 5, seniors over 65, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk—but the FDA warns that even healthy individuals should avoid the recalled tomatoes.

As per the FDA, Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animal to people.

FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.

Pets too could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.

FDA notes that most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours of the infection, which lasts for about four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.

Most people experience these following symptoms:

<ul><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Fever</li><li>Abdominal Cramps</li></ul>

In severe cases of salmonella, you may experience:

<ul><li>High fever</li><li>Aches</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Lethargy</li><li>A rash</li><li>Blood in urine and stool</li></ul>

As per the CDC, each year, around 450 people die in the United States due to acute salmonellosis.

fda tomato recall salmonella

nutrition

health news

tomato recall

tomatoes

The United States is already struggling with immense pressure on its health sector, with the rise in COVID-19 cases and ongoing measles outbreak. In another news, now Salmonella-tainted tomatoes in three southern states have caused severe illness and even death, warned the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has also updated the ongoing recall of tomatoes which have been distributed in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to Class I, which is the highest warning level, also reported in the New York Times. What Does Class I Recall Mean?Class I recall means that there is a reasonable change that using the product could lead to "serious adverse health consequences or death". As per FDA, recalls are classified into three numerical designation, I, II, and III. Class II recall is for a situation in which the use of or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequence is remote. Class III is for a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. Where Were These Tomatoes Distributed?These tomatoes were distributed under the H&C Farms which were labelled between April 23 and 29. They were also sold in packages which had ranged from small three-pack to 25-pound boxes. This was also reported in early May, however, at that time, there were no illness which had been recorded. Though now, the FDA says the risk is much more severe. Shoppers are unlikely to find fresh tomatoes from the recalled batch still on shelves, according to the FDA.However, The New York Times reports that salmonella can survive for weeks in dry conditions and even longer in wet or frozen environments—meaning contaminated tomatoes might still pose a risk if stored.The exact source of the contamination remains unclear. Williams Farms Repack, the South Carolina distributor, and H&C Farms have both declined to comment.Salmonella affects over a million people in the U.S. annually and causes more than 400 deaths, says the USDA. Symptoms typically include fever, diarrhea, and intense stomach pain, lasting several days.Children under 5, seniors over 65, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk—but the FDA warns that even healthy individuals should avoid the recalled tomatoes.What Is Salmonella?As per the FDA, Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animal to people.FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.Pets too could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.What Are The Symptoms Like?FDA notes that most people infected with Salmonella will begin to develop symptoms 12 to 72 hours of the infection, which lasts for about four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment.Most people experience these following symptoms:DiarrheaFeverAbdominal CrampsIn severe cases of salmonella, you may experience:High feverAchesHeadachesLethargyA rashBlood in urine and stoolAs per the CDC, each year, around 450 people die in the United States due to acute salmonellosis.

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<span>Histamine intolerance</span> (HIT) is a trending buzzword within the realm of functional nutrition and integrative health. Although mainstream medicine has not officially accepted it as a clinical diagnosis, more and more holistic nutritionists, wellness experts, and alternative practitioners are spreading the word about this condition. They're highlighting a distinctive and intriguing trend: people getting allergy-like symptoms following the intake of specific foods — without being positive for conventional food allergies.

So, what is histamine intolerance? Is it the cause of your enigmatic bloating, headaches, skin rashes, or maybe even brain fog? And how do you react to such symptoms?

This in-depth guide will break down what is histamine intolerance, the symptoms to look out for, potential causes, and how a low-histamine diet can alleviate your symptoms.

Before going into the condition itself, a basic understanding of histamine's role in the body is important. Histamine is a chemical messenger — or signaling molecule — that plays an important role in a number of physiological processes. Notably, it's implicated in the immune response of the body, digestion, and brain-cell communication.

During allergic reactions, the body releases histamine to defend against perceived threats like pollen, dust, or certain foods. This triggers inflammation, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, hives, or swelling. But histamine is also found naturally in many foods and is produced daily in the body in small amounts. It’s perfectly normal — until your body can’t break it down efficiently.

Histamine intolerance results when the body fails to metabolize or degrade histamine efficiently — either through enzyme deficiency, gene defects, or dietary load of histamine. This leads to an accumulation of histamine in the blood that triggers symptoms similar to allergic reactions.

Contrary to food allergies, where the immune system is involved, histamine intolerance is considered to be more of a metabolic dysregulation. The body has an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is released in the small intestine and is used to degrade dietary histamine. When DAO is low or not working optimally, food histamine can build up and initiate a chain of symptoms.

Notably, histamine intolerance is not yet officially a recognized medical condition by organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Anecdotal evidence, increasing social media discussions, and early research have propelled it into public health discourse.

<h2>What Does Histamine Intolerance Feel Like?</h2>

Histamine intolerance is commonly referred to as the "great mimicker" due to its symptoms, which mimic various other conditions — ranging from allergies to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to hormonal disturbances.

Gastrointestinal discomfort: bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or cramping in the abdomen

Skin symptoms: hives, flushing, itching, and edema

Respiratory symptoms: nasal congestion, wheezing, sneezing, or shortness of breath

Cardiovascular signs: low blood pressure, dizziness, rapid heart rate or palpitations

Neurological symptoms: headaches, migraines, anxiety, or brain fog

Since these symptoms can be so widespread, involving more than one system within the body, they're so frequently misdiagnosed and missed. Someone may see specialist after specialist without getting an explanation, particularly if standard allergy tests yield a negative result.

<h2>Why Does Histamine Intolerance Occur?</h2>

There are a couple of main reasons why an individual might develop histamine intolerance:

<h4>1. <span rel="noindex">DAO Enzyme</span> Deficiency</h4>

The most common cause that has been extensively talked about is a deficiency or malfunction of DAO. If your digestive system is not secreting enough of this enzyme — or if it's inhibited by some foods, drugs, or medical conditions — histamine clearance decelerates, causing accumulation.

Others can inherit mutations that lead to reduced DAO production or reduced efficiency of the enzyme. Until now, there is limited research, but familial patterns indicate that genetics may be a contributing factor.

Some medications, including blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and antibiotics, can inhibit DAO action or cause histamine accumulation in the body. Opioids and narcotics also might contribute to a histamine accumulation.

Individuals with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis tend to exhibit decreased DAO activity as a result of intestinal inflammation. Gut dysbiosis — an imbalance in gut flora — can further inhibit histamine degradation.

<h2>High-Histamine Foods: What to Avoid</h2>

All foods have some amount of histamine, but some are much higher in histamine content — particularly fermented, aged, and processed foods. The longer the food is stored or aged, the greater the histamine content.

<ul><li>Alcohol, especially wine and beer</li><li>Aged cheeses (Parmesan, Gouda)</li><li>Smoked or cured meats (bacon, salami, ham)</li><li>Sauerkraut and pickled vegetables</li><li>Canned fish (tuna, mackerel)</li><li>Tomatoes, spinach, eggplant</li><li>Vinegar and soy sauce</li></ul>

There are some other foods that do not have high histamine content themselves but can cause the release of histamine or inhibit DAO activity. They are:

<ul><li>Citrus fruits</li><li>Chocolate and cocoa</li><li>Egg whites</li><li>Peanuts</li><li>Black and green tea</li><li>Energy drinks</li></ul>

<h2>Can a Low-Histamine Diet Provide Relief?</h2>

It's impossible and not necessary to eradicate histamine entirely from your diet. The intention of a low-histamine diet is to lower the total histamine load on your body — taking a break for your digestive system and enzymes.

A low-histamine diet typically starts with an elimination period, in which high-histamine foods are eliminated for a period of several weeks. Foods are then gradually reintroduced to determine the culprits. Consulting with a dietitian or nutritionist is highly recommended, particularly to avoid malnourishment.

Some examples of low-histamine foods are:

<ul><li>Unprocessed, fresh meats and fish (especially those frozen upon catch)</li><li>Gluten-free grains including rice, quinoa, and millet</li><li>Most fruits that are not citrus (apples, blueberries, pomegranates, mangoes)</li><li>Fresh veggies (apart from tomatoes, spinach, eggplant)</li><li>Coconut and olive oil</li><li>Non-dairy milk (hemp, almond, coconut)</li><li>Non-aged cheese such as mozzarella, cream cheese, or ricotta (if dairy is well-tolerated)</li></ul>

Important principle: The newer, the better. Freshly prepared foods with no preservatives and minimal storage time are best for the control of histamine levels.

Histamine intolerance occupies a gray area in modern medicine. While it lacks formal recognition from most medical authorities, many individuals have found symptom relief through low-histamine diets and targeted lifestyle changes.

Research continues to develop, and additional studies must be conducted in order to determine the mechanisms, diagnostic measures, and optimal treatment regimens for HIT. Until then, if you suspect intolerance to histamine, monitor your symptoms, see a healthcare professional, and consider collaborating with a dietician who is knowledgeable about histamine metabolism.

diet & nutrition

histamine intolerance

histamine rich foods

low histamine diet

symptoms of histamine intolerance

dao enzyme

histamine allergy symptoms

high histamine foods list

Histamine intolerance (HIT) is a trending buzzword within the realm of functional nutrition and integrative health. Although mainstream medicine has not officially accepted it as a clinical diagnosis, more and more holistic nutritionists, wellness experts, and alternative practitioners are spreading the word about this condition. They're highlighting a distinctive and intriguing trend: people getting allergy-like symptoms following the intake of specific foods — without being positive for conventional food allergies.So, what is histamine intolerance? Is it the cause of your enigmatic bloating, headaches, skin rashes, or maybe even brain fog? And how do you react to such symptoms?This in-depth guide will break down what is histamine intolerance, the symptoms to look out for, potential causes, and how a low-histamine diet can alleviate your symptoms.What is Histamine?Before going into the condition itself, a basic understanding of histamine's role in the body is important. Histamine is a chemical messenger — or signaling molecule — that plays an important role in a number of physiological processes. Notably, it's implicated in the immune response of the body, digestion, and brain-cell communication.During allergic reactions, the body releases histamine to defend against perceived threats like pollen, dust, or certain foods. This triggers inflammation, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, hives, or swelling. But histamine is also found naturally in many foods and is produced daily in the body in small amounts. It’s perfectly normal — until your body can’t break it down efficiently.What Is Histamine Intolerance?Histamine intolerance results when the body fails to metabolize or degrade histamine efficiently — either through enzyme deficiency, gene defects, or dietary load of histamine. This leads to an accumulation of histamine in the blood that triggers symptoms similar to allergic reactions.Contrary to food allergies, where the immune system is involved, histamine intolerance is considered to be more of a metabolic dysregulation. The body has an enzyme called diamine oxidase (DAO), which is released in the small intestine and is used to degrade dietary histamine. When DAO is low or not working optimally, food histamine can build up and initiate a chain of symptoms.Notably, histamine intolerance is not yet officially a recognized medical condition by organizations like the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Anecdotal evidence, increasing social media discussions, and early research have propelled it into public health discourse.What Does Histamine Intolerance Feel Like?Histamine intolerance is commonly referred to as the "great mimicker" due to its symptoms, which mimic various other conditions — ranging from allergies to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to hormonal disturbances.Typical symptoms are:Gastrointestinal discomfort: bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or cramping in the abdomenSkin symptoms: hives, flushing, itching, and edemaRespiratory symptoms: nasal congestion, wheezing, sneezing, or shortness of breathCardiovascular signs: low blood pressure, dizziness, rapid heart rate or palpitationsNeurological symptoms: headaches, migraines, anxiety, or brain fogSince these symptoms can be so widespread, involving more than one system within the body, they're so frequently misdiagnosed and missed. Someone may see specialist after specialist without getting an explanation, particularly if standard allergy tests yield a negative result.Why Does Histamine Intolerance Occur?There are a couple of main reasons why an individual might develop histamine intolerance:1. DAO Enzyme DeficiencyThe most common cause that has been extensively talked about is a deficiency or malfunction of DAO. If your digestive system is not secreting enough of this enzyme — or if it's inhibited by some foods, drugs, or medical conditions — histamine clearance decelerates, causing accumulation.2. Genetic FactorsOthers can inherit mutations that lead to reduced DAO production or reduced efficiency of the enzyme. Until now, there is limited research, but familial patterns indicate that genetics may be a contributing factor.3. Drugs That Inhibit DAOSome medications, including blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and antibiotics, can inhibit DAO action or cause histamine accumulation in the body. Opioids and narcotics also might contribute to a histamine accumulation.4. Gastrointestinal DisordersIndividuals with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis tend to exhibit decreased DAO activity as a result of intestinal inflammation. Gut dysbiosis — an imbalance in gut flora — can further inhibit histamine degradation.High-Histamine Foods: What to AvoidAll foods have some amount of histamine, but some are much higher in histamine content — particularly fermented, aged, and processed foods. The longer the food is stored or aged, the greater the histamine content.Foods high in histamine are:Alcohol, especially wine and beerAged cheeses (Parmesan, Gouda)Smoked or cured meats (bacon, salami, ham)Sauerkraut and pickled vegetablesCanned fish (tuna, mackerel)Tomatoes, spinach, eggplantVinegar and soy sauceThere are some other foods that do not have high histamine content themselves but can cause the release of histamine or inhibit DAO activity. They are:Citrus fruitsChocolate and cocoaEgg whitesPeanutsBlack and green teaEnergy drinksCan a Low-Histamine Diet Provide Relief?It's impossible and not necessary to eradicate histamine entirely from your diet. The intention of a low-histamine diet is to lower the total histamine load on your body — taking a break for your digestive system and enzymes.A low-histamine diet typically starts with an elimination period, in which high-histamine foods are eliminated for a period of several weeks. Foods are then gradually reintroduced to determine the culprits. Consulting with a dietitian or nutritionist is highly recommended, particularly to avoid malnourishment.Some examples of low-histamine foods are:Unprocessed, fresh meats and fish (especially those frozen upon catch)Gluten-free grains including rice, quinoa, and milletMost fruits that are not citrus (apples, blueberries, pomegranates, mangoes)Fresh veggies (apart from tomatoes, spinach, eggplant)Coconut and olive oilNon-dairy milk (hemp, almond, coconut)Non-aged cheese such as mozzarella, cream cheese, or ricotta (if dairy is well-tolerated)Important principle: The newer, the better. Freshly prepared foods with no preservatives and minimal storage time are best for the control of histamine levels.Histamine intolerance occupies a gray area in modern medicine. While it lacks formal recognition from most medical authorities, many individuals have found symptom relief through low-histamine diets and targeted lifestyle changes.Research continues to develop, and additional studies must be conducted in order to determine the mechanisms, diagnostic measures, and optimal treatment regimens for HIT. Until then, if you suspect intolerance to histamine, monitor your symptoms, see a healthcare professional, and consider collaborating with a dietician who is knowledgeable about histamine metabolism.

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