Alcohol and histamine: Tips for low-histamine enjoyment

 

In this article, we're taking a "histamine-focused" look at alcohol. Alcohol is a luxury good and should under no circumstances be consumed in excessive amounts. But is it suitable for a low-histamine diet? We'll answer these and other questions in this article.

Alcohol: An Overview

A glass of red wine with a cozy dinner, a few beers at Oktoberfest, or a bottle of Prosecco at the club — alcohol is enjoyed everywhere. However, it should be clear to everyone that alcohol is not healthy. According to the WHO, alcohol consumption is one of the leading risk factors for mortality. In Germany, people aged 15 and over consume more than 10 liters of pure alcohol per person per year. In addition to omega-6 fatty acids, gluten, and histamine, alcohol is also one of the most common inflammation triggers. So, what about alcohol and histamine?

Connection between Alcohol and Histamine

Alcohol is problematic for a low-histamine diet for several reasons. Firstly, alcohol is a histamine liberator, which promotes and accelerates the release of the body's own histamine. Furthermore, alcohol is very high in histamine and is considered a DAO blocker. For these reasons, it is particularly important that everyone affected by histamine issues tests their individual tolerance.

Even if a conscious approach to alcohol is advisable for histamine intolerance, special occasions cannot always be avoided. For precisely such situations, we have developed our DaoFit. It is suitable for consumption before a histamine-rich meal and is the ideal companion for on the go.

The Effects of Alcohol on Histamine-Sensitive Individuals

Alcohol has the problematic property of blocking the enzyme DAO (diamine oxidase), which is responsible for histamine breakdown. This means that histamine in the small intestine cannot be broken down properly and more easily enters the bloodstream. In addition, alcohol increases the permeability of the intestinal lining (Leaky Gut Syndrome), which leads to an increased absorption of histamine into the body. It is important to note that there is no histamine-free alcohol, even if some manufacturers advertise it.

High-Histamine and Low-Histamine Alcohol: An Overview

There are high-histamine alcoholic beverages that should be avoided:

• Red wine
• Mulled wine
• Many types of white wine
• Champagne
• Sparkling wine
• Brandy
• Cider
• Top-fermented beers such as Kölsch, Altbier, malt beer, or wheat beer
• Dark, aged spirits such as whisky, dark rum, brandy, or cognac
• Long drinks and cocktails such as Gin Tonic, Cuba Libre, Pina Colada, Aperol Spritz, Lillet Wild Berry, or Sarti Spritz
• Liqueurs such as Sambuca, Baileys, or herbal liqueur

However, there are also lower-histamine options:

Often, it is also the fruit juices that add even more histamine to alcoholic beverages due to incompatible fruit varieties and citric acid. In addition, the added sugar feeds the bad gut bacteria.

More tolerable types of alcohol are:

• Bottom-fermented beers such as Pils, Helles, Schwarzbier, or lager beer
• Low-histamine wine or sparkling wine
• Clear spirits such as gin, vodka, Korn, or clear fruit brandies
• Peach liqueur or advocaat (preferably homemade)

There is no histamine-free alcohol, so you should always consider your individual tolerance limit. If you want to enjoy a glass of low-histamine wine or sparkling wine on special occasions, only consume it from reputable suppliers.

Histamine in Wine: How is Histamine Formed in Wine and How Can Its Tolerability Be Recognized?

During the fermentation of wine, a certain amount of histamine is produced. The grape variety does not play a role here, but rather the quality of the grapes. Clean grapes generally have a lower histamine content. The malolactic fermentation and storage also influence tolerability.

Special processes must be used for the production of low-histamine wine. The grapes must be high-quality and fresh, the working methods must be very hygienic, and storage should be as short as possible. In short, malolactic fermentation must directly follow alcoholic fermentation.

Tips for Buying Wine for a Low-Histamine Diet

When buying wine, it is advisable to pay attention to the label. Although there is no seal for low-histamine wine, the ECARF seal can indicate that the wine can be drunk by people with allergies and intolerances. Some labels also contain the note "histamine tested".

Cocktails and Long Drinks on a Low-Histamine Diet: What to Consider

Especially with cocktails and long drinks, it should be noted that they often contain additives such as fruit juices, various fruits, or soft drinks. Some cocktails are not suitable for a low-histamine diet due to these additives. To prepare a low-histamine cocktail or long drink, you can mix low-histamine spirits such as gin, vodka, or Korn with low-histamine fruit juices.

Tips for Better Alcohol Tolerance on a Low-Histamine Diet

For celebrations or other occasions, you can also implement the following tips:

• drink plenty of still water: Histamine is water-soluble, so you should drink even more water than usual.
• pay attention to the amount: In moderation, not in excess! Limit alcohol consumption to a minimum.
• eat a low-histamine diet: Especially before and after alcohol consumption, a low-histamine diet should be maintained.
• never on an empty stomach: To increase tolerance, you should eat a meal before consuming alcohol.
• absorb nutrients: The absorption of nutrients is very important for your mast cells.

• strengthen liver and intestines: Regular liver and intestinal cleanses increase alcohol tolerance.

If you want to additionally support your body in everyday life, our ToxaFit can be a practical supplement. It can be ideally integrated into a conscious lifestyle and meaningfully complements a balanced diet.

Recipe Ideas for Alcohol-Free Cocktails on a Low-Histamine Diet

Below you will find some recipes for delicious, alcohol-free, and low-histamine cocktails. Depending on your tolerance, you can, of course, add some alcohol if you wish.

Pink Drink

 

 

This drink not only looks great but can even be supportive on a low-histamine diet. Simple and quick to prepare – and truly delicious.

The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan

You will need the following ingredients:

• Hibiscus tea
• Maple syrup
• Coconut milk or other plant milk (1)
• Pomegranate seeds (frozen) (1)
• Ice cubes

Pomegranate Passion Fruit Mocktail

 

Let's have a drink! This low-histamine pomegranate passion fruit mocktail offers a delicious alcohol-free alternative to the classic cocktail.

The recipe is: low-histamine, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan

You will need the following ingredients:

 

• Ice cubes
• Passion fruit juice (1)
• Acerola juice
• Mineral water (1)
• Pomegranate seeds (frozen) (1)
• Cane sugar
• Rosemary

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