Histamine is a chemical that is found in certain foods and plays a role in several of the bodys major systems, including the immune, digestive, and neurological systems. Some people may experience an allergy-like response to histamine-rich foods, which is known as histamine intolerance. Foods that are high in histamine include:

• Fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha
• Alcohol and other fermented beverages
• Aged cheese
• Dried fruits
• Avocado
• Eggplant
• Spinach
• Processed or smoked meats
• Fish and shellfish
• Legumes, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, and peanuts
• Citrus fruits

It is important to note that the level of histamine in foods can vary greatly, even in the same types of food. Fresh, unprocessed foods tend to have lower levels of histamine, while fermented, aged, or overly processed foods likely contain more histamine than fresh foods. When eating a low-histamine diet, it is important to make sure youre still eating a variety of fresh foods and taking in necessary nutrients. Some foods low in histamine include fresh meat, freshly caught fish, non-citrus fruits, eggs, gluten-free grains, and fresh vegetables except for tomatoes, avocados, spinach, and eggplant.