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What Foods Contain Histamines?

Histamines are found in the human body and serve a purpose for our immune systems. They are also present in many foods that we consume. Many of these foods release histamines, which stimulate the body to release more histamines. These foods are commonly known as foods that cause allergic reaction, which occur in a percentage of the population.

  1. What are Histamines?

    • Histamines are physiological active proteins. They are found in the human body as well as plants and other animals. In the human body, histamines are stored in mast cells, and they are released as part of an allergic reaction to histamines that are released from food, plants and even insect venoms.

    History of Histamines

    • Histamines were originally discovered from the plant fungus ergot by George Barger and Henry Dale. This occurred in 1910. In 1911 histamines were isolated from animal tissue. Histamines found in many plants can create a variety of unpleasant allergic reactions. Histamines are also found in the venom of many wasps and bees.

    Function of Histamines in Our Bodies

    • Histamines are a natural substance that is released from the human body. It is stimulated by stress and allergy producing foods. The release of histamines can be released by ragweed, dust mites, drugs, animals and many foods. Histamines have many positive effects such as gastric regulation, brain chemical regulation and warnings for avoiding certain foods and plants.

    Foods that Contain Histamines

    • The list of foods that contain histamines is as follows. Alcoholic beverages, avocados, aged cheeses, fermented foods, yeast products, pickles, olives, yogurt, processed meats, and the list goes on. Actually there are very few foods that do not contain histamines.

    Histamine Releasing Foods

    • There are foods that histamine is released from on a larger scale than the ones that just contain histamines. They are as follows: alcohol, bananas, chocolate, eggs, fish, milk, shellfish, strawberries, tomatoes and pineapple.

    Anti-histamines

    • Almost everyone is familiar with anti-histamines. These over-the-counter drugs are purchased indiscriminately to soothe many allergy symptoms. These are not to be confused with decongestants. These anti-histamine drugs are to combat the histamines that are set off by histamines we come in contact. Some of us have very few food and plants that we have reactions to, and many of us are allergic to a wide variety of animals, foods and outdoor growth.

      Dermatologists can give you tests to find out what foods and plants will cause allergic reactions in your body. Some of the symptoms are sneezing, watery eyes, gastric upset and rashes.

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