Fish Histamine Information

The consumption of certain fish products, notably smoked fish and canned fish, can significantly elevate histamine levels in the body. These fish products are included in high histamine food lists due to the accumulation of biogenic amines such as histamine caused by bacterial activity during the fermentation process. Histamine levels in these products can vary widely and are influenced by factors such as storage temperature, time, and bacterial contamination (MedicalNewsToday, 2020). Consuming red wine and French champagne made from red grapes, long-ripened cheeses, particularly hard ones, yogurt, buttermilk, and foods that contain vinegar or yeast can also boost histamine levels, primarily due to the fermentation process. The long aging period of such foods allows histamine levels to accumulate (Carleton University, 2018). Meanwhile, tomatoes and tomato-based products could incite a histamine response, but they are not high in histamines (The Histamine Pirate, 2013). Foods like pineapple, papaya, and cocoa products do not necessarily have high histamine content. Still, they interfere with the enzymatic breakdown of histamine, causing a potential buildup in the body. Similarly, alcohol, green and black tea, energy drinks, and glutamate can delay histamine degradation, thereby increasing its concentration in the blood. Histamine liberators, like the cocoa products, some fruits like strawberries, plums, citrus fruits, kiwi, and tomatoes can stimulate the release of histamine from the body's cells into the bloodstream. Even though they are not rich in histamine, consuming such liberators can cause a histamine reaction (Headache Clinic, 2020). Notably, not all fish products result in increased histamine levels. Some types can be beneficial. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines do not pose a high risk for histamine intolerance as omega-3 can help mitigate inflammation, including reactions caused by histamine (Healthline, 2017). However, these findings are still under continuous research for solid scientific evidence. References: MedicalNewsToday. (2020). Histamine Intolerance: Causes, symptoms, and treatment. Carleton University. (2018). Histamine in fermented foods. The Histamine Pirate. (2013). Histamines in foods list. Headache Clinic. (2020). Foods that trigger headaches and migraines. Healthline. (2017). Foods to avoid with histamine intolerance.