Herring Histamine Information

Herring, a type of fish, potentially contributes to increased histamine levels when consumed. This rise results from the naturally high histamine content found in many fish, including herring. Moreover, this is exacerbated when the herring is processed into products such as smoked fish or canned fish, both of which have increased histamine content due to their preservation methods that foster bacterial growth which, in turn, can convert the fish's histidine into histamine (Food Intolerance Diagnostics, n.d.). Herring's effect as a histamine liberator is less clear, primarily due to a lack of specific research. However, it's important to note that many seafood, including invertebrate species like mussels and squid, can promote histamine release (Mast Cell 360, n.d.). If herring has this property is yet undetermined. Conversely, it's important to note that dietary factors can influence histamine levels. Specific foods and substances hinder the breakdown of histamine, including alcohol, nuts, and cocoa products, to name a few. However, regarding herring specifically, no concrete evidence points to it either inhibiting or promoting histamine degradation. The potential impacts on lowering histamine levels by eating herring or any fish product could not be accurately determined based on the current research available. There are certain foods known to potentially lower histamine levels, such as fresh fruit (excluding strawberries, plums, citrus fruits, pineapple, kiwi), fresh vegetables (excluding tomatoes), and eggs (SIGHI, n.d.). However, herring is not definitively known to possess this effect. In summary, while herring's high histamine content points towards a potential rise in histamine levels when consumed, further research would be needed to draw comprehensive conclusions about this fish’s impact as a histamine liberator, inhibitor of histamine breakdown, or a potential facilitator of histamine reduction. References: Food Intolerance Diagnostics. (n.d.). Foods high in histamine. https://food-intolerance-network.com/food-intolerances/histamine-intolerance/histamine-levels-in-food.html. Mast Cell 360. (n.d.). Histamine Intolerance Food List. https://mastcell360.com/low-histamine-foods-list/. SIGHI. (n.d.). Food Compatibility List. https://www.mastzellaktivierung.info/downloads/foodlist/21_FoodList_EN_alphabetic_withCateg.pdf.