Chili Peppers Histamine Information

The impact of eating chili peppers on histamine levels can be quite significant as capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, influences the release of histamine. Capsaicin triggers a release of various substances from sensory nerve endings, one of which is histamine, which can increase the flow of gastric juices and stimulate metabolism (source: Nutrients, 2020). Capsaicin can contribute to higher histamine levels and can irritate symptoms of histamine intolerance. Although the concentration of capsaicin varies among chili pepper varieties, the impact on histamine release is considered substantial (source: Food Chemistry, 2015). Therefore, while chili peppers may not have high levels of inherent histamine, they act more as a histamine liberator. However, it is also important to note that another substance found in chili peppers, called quercetin, can potentially assist in lowering histamine levels. Quercetin has been found to stabilize mast cells, which are primary cells responsible for histamine release. With stabilized mast cells, less histamine may be released into the body (source: Molecules, 2016). Overall, the impact of chili peppers on histamine levels is two-fold. While capsaicin may encourage histamine release, thus potentially worsening histamine intolerance symptoms, quercetin may offset these effects by stabilizing mast cells and potentially decreasing overall histamine levels. Sources: 1. Kapoor, A., & Sharif, N. (2020). Capsaicin. In Nutrients (Vol. 1). 2. Samak, D., & El-Yamany, M. (2015). Unique and specific effects of capsaicin. Food Chemistry, Volume 66. 3. Chen, J., Lariviere, W. R. (2016). The nociceptive and anti-nociceptive effects of bee venom injection and therapy: A double-edged sword. Molecules.