Hot Chocolate Histamine Information

Hot chocolate, a well-loved beverage, is primarily composed of milk, sugar, and cocoa. Each of these ingredients may contribute differently to the histamine level in your body. Milk, a main component of hot chocolate, can trigger histamine release. For histamine-intolerant people, it's advised to consume it in moderation or opt for lactose-free or non-dairy alternatives[^1^]. Besides, sugar does not directly affect histamine levels, although a diet high in sugar can stimulate inflammation and exacerbate histamine-related symptoms[^2^]. The most considerable link between hot chocolate and histamine lies within cocoa. Cocoa products, including the cocoa powder used in hot chocolate, have been indicated as histamine liberators[^3^]. They may provoke the body to release more histamine leading to increased histamine levels. Furthermore, cocoa is listed in foods that delay the breakdown of histamine. However, not every individual will have the same response to hot chocolate or its ingredients, and factors such as the overall histamine load in the diet and individual tolerance levels can have an influence too[^4^]. While the information given suggests that hot chocolate could affect histamine levels to some extent, the body's response can vary significantly from person to person. There are no concrete studies done specifically on the impact of hot chocolate on histamine levels, so it is essential to observe personal experiences and consult with a healthcare professional if necessary. [^1^]: Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. [^2^]: Ohsawa, K., Watanabe, T., Matsura, T., Kitamura, Y., Imai, Y., & Saito, M. (2000). Sugar-induced increase of calcium-dependent histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry, 64(3), 617-619. [^3^]: Laura Maintz and Natalija Novak. (2007) Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 85:5, 1185–1196. [^4^]: Fritscher-Ravens, A., Schuppan, D., Ellrichmann, M., Schoch, S., Röcken, C., Brasch, J., ... & Milla, P. J. (2014). Confocal endomicroscopy shows food-associated changes in the intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, 147(5), 1012-1020.