When it comes to strange reactions after eating, things can get confusing quickly. Was it that slice of cheese giving you a headache because of an allergy or could it be something else entirely, like histamine intolerance?
While both conditions can cause uncomfortable symptoms, they’re actually quite different. Let’s break it down so you can understand what’s happening in your body and what to do about it.
Histamine is a natural chemical your body uses for things like immune responses, digestion, and regulating your sleep-wake cycle. You also get histamine from food especially things like:
- Aged cheeses
- Wine and beer
- Cured or smoked meats
- Fermented foods (sauerkraut, soy sauce, kombucha)
- Tomatoes, spinach, avocados
- Leftovers (yes, really!)
Normally, your body breaks down histamine using an enzyme called DAO (diamine oxidase). But if you don’t have enough DAO, or your histamine “bucket” gets too full, you might experience symptoms like headache, hives, digestive issues, or runny nose.
So what are the differences between an allergic reaction to food and histamine intolerance.
In addition to dietary changes, certain supplements can help manage histamine intolerance by supporting gut health, detoxification, and immune balance.
- L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a key role in repairing and maintaining the gut lining, which is important since a “leaky gut” can worsen histamine-related symptoms.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supports the body’s natural detox processes, particularly by boosting glutathione levels a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation linked to histamine buildup.
- Probiotics can also be beneficial, but choosing the right strains is important. Some probiotic strains (like Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus bulgaricus) may increase histamine, while others (like Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Bifidobacterium longum) are considered more histamine-friendly and may actually help break it down.
Click on each supplement to check it out in our shop!!
Together, these supplements can support a more balanced response to histamine, especially when combined with a low-histamine diet and lifestyle.
If you’ve ever had swelling, trouble breathing, or fainting after eating see an allergist immediately. That could be life-threatening. If you’re dealing with headaches, gut issues, or skin flushing after certain meals, especially with wine or aged foods, it might be worth exploring histamine intolerance. Track your symptoms and keeping a journal can help you spot patterns and narrow down triggers.
