Prunes Histamine Information

Prunes are a variety of dried plums. While they do contain certain natural sugars, they also have a significant fiber content, which can move through the stomach and intestines and help regulate digestion. They have not generally been linked to elevated histamine levels or as histamine liberators. However, for a small number of people, prunes can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions, which in extreme cases could theoretically trigger histamine release. Since the balance of microbial species—such as those in the gut—can impact histamine levels, fiber-rich foods such as prunes may play a role in managing histamine reactions by supporting a healthy gut microbiome. On the contrary, like certain other fiber-rich foods, prunes might lower histamine levels indirectly by supporting healthy digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. An efficient digestive system can help your body effectively eliminate histamine and other potentially inflammatory substances. To date, histamine reactions to prunes are less common compared to other foods such as red wine, aged cheese, and certain processed meats, which have been shown to have high histamine content. Other foods like pineapple, papaya, cocoa products, nuts, and alcohol, can hamper the breakdown of histamine, possibly contributing to elevated systemic histamine levels. Additionally, foods like cocoa, certain fruits, and mushrooms serve as histamine liberators, triggering the release of histamine in the body even if they don't contain histamine themselves. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of prunes on histamine levels, as the majority of studies on histamine intolerance at this moment have focused on other, more commonly problematic foods. References: 1. Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. 2. Komericki, P., & Klein, G. (2012). Histamine intolerance: literature review and dietary management. Most, 64, 297. 3. Vlieg‐Boerstra, B. J., van der Heide, S., Oude Elberink, J. N., Kluin‐Nelemans, J. C., & Dubois, A. E. (2005). Mastocytosis and adverse reactions to biogenic amines and histamine-releasing foods: what is the evidence?. Netherlands Journal of Medicine, 63(7), 244-249.