Histamine: Role in the Body and How It Affects Your Understanding

Histamine is a key mediator in the body's immune, digestive, and neurological systems.

Histamine is a natural compound produced by the body and plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Histamine is involved in the immune response, regulating stomach acid production, and neurotransmission in the brain. Histamine also helps to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow to certain areas of the body, playing a role in inflammation and allergic reactions.

In essence, histamine is a key mediator in the body's immune, digestive, and neurological systems.

The higher levels of histamine in fermented foods are primarily due to the bacteria involved in the fermentation process rather than the foods themselves. During fermentation, certain bacteria produce histamine as a by-product of their metabolic processes. This histamine can accumulate in the food and lead to elevated levels when consumed. Therefore, it is the bacteria in the fermented foods that are responsible for the increased histamine content.

Eat Kimchi and Real reuteri foods are made by fermenting denatured dairy or pure coconut with specific beneficial bacteria that have co-evolved with humans.

In the case of other foods we ferment, such as Sweet Potato and Cassava, they undergo a process where they are boiled and puréed to neutralise any harmful bacteria. Subsequently, these foods are fermented with carefully selected beneficial bacteria to ensure safety and quality.

Certain foods are known to contain higher levels of histamine, a biogenic amine that can trigger allergy-like symptoms and other health issues. These include fermented dairy products like aged cheese, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, and kefir, as well as fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut and kimchi. Pickles, pickled veggies, kombucha, cured or fermented meats like sausages and salami, and miso and miso fermented foods also have elevated histamine levels.

Microorganisms found in kimchi and Jeotgal have been found to produce histamine and tyramine. Some kimchi recipes may contain histamine due to the inclusion of fish paste. It is important to note that all EatKimchi products are now vegan with no fish content and include ginger, which acts as a histamine blocker and is beneficial for the immune system.

Excessive histamine consumption can lead to symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, digestive issues, and low blood pressure. Joint pain, musculoskeletal discomfort, chronic fatigue, bloating, and gastrointestinal problems are also associated with high histamine levels.

Since the body naturally produces histamine for various bodily functions, consuming additional histamine from certain foods can disrupt the body's balance. Ginger, known for its histamine-blocking properties and immune-boosting benefits, can be enjoyed by steeping a small piece in hot water for 3-5 minutes.

While histamine intolerance or sensitivity to high levels of histamine is a well-known issue, the concept of "low histamine" is less common. In some cases, individuals may have a deficiency in the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. This can lead to a build-up of histamine and result in symptoms similar to histamine intolerance.

Symptoms of low DAO levels or impaired histamine metabolism may include digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms typically associated with histamine intolerance. However, it is important to note that the term "low histamine" is not a recognised medical condition in the same way that histamine intolerance is. If you suspect you may have issues with histamine metabolism, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.