Reuben Sandwich Histamine Information

A Reuben sandwich, traditionally composed of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, between slices of rye bread, carries potential impacts on histamine levels due to certain ingredients used. Corned beef itself does not have high histamine content, but may act as a histamine liberator, potentially boosting release of histamine in the body (1). Similarly, cheese, especially aged or fermented ones like Swiss cheese, contain varying levels of histamine and could further contribute to increasing intake (2). Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, contains histamine due to the fermentation process (3). Depending on its method of preparation and all the more if it's improperly stored, its histamine level may rise (3). Russian dressing used in Reuben sandwich is a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish etc., here ketchup, made from tomatoes, is known to contain histamine (4). Rye bread, does not appear to contain histamine or be a histamine liberator, instead it contains natural compounds called quercetins, which can inhibit histamine release thus potentially reducing overall histamine levels. Even then, if yeast has been used in the preparation of rye bread, it can contribute to histamine levels (5). In conclusion, while the Reuben sandwich isn't packed with high histamine products, several of its components can act as histamine liberators or hold some amount histamine, that can add to dietary histamine intake. Therefore, for those with histamine intolerance, it may be pertinent to consume Reuben sandwiches cautiously, while considering possible effects to histamine levels. (1) Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185–1196. (2) Kuehn, A., & others. (2011). Histamine intolerance-like symptoms in healthy volunteers after oral provocation with liquid histamine. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings. (3) Schink, M., & others. (2018). Sauerkraut: Production, composition, and health benefits. In Fermented Foods in Health and Disease Prevention. (4) Joneja, J.M.V. (2013). Dealing with Food Allergies: A Practical Guide to Detecting Culprit Foods and Eating a Healthy, Enjoyable Diet. (5) Bischoff, S.C. (2013). Role of mast cells in allergic and non-allergic immune responses: Comparison of human and murine data.