Wissenswertes
Cheese and histamine: Is cheese suitable for a low-histamine diet?
Red wine, cheese, and histamine? A combination that's not suitable for a low-histamine diet! But which cheeses are suitable for a low-histamine diet and which are considered high-histamine foods? Find out here.
Cheese and histamine
There are many different types of cheese, which can be categorized as either low-histamine or high-histamine . The histamine content in a food—including cheese—depends on processing , ripening , and storage time , and therefore varies. Thus, the same type of cheese can have a different histamine content each time. Emmental cheese, for example, contains <0.1–2,000 mg/kg of histamine.
Cheese and biogenic amines
Mature cheeses, especially hard and semi-hard cheeses , produce biogenic amines during the metabolic processes of certain microorganisms. Cadaverine, putrescine, and tyramine are common biogenic amines. However, the most well-known biogenic amine is histamine. Biogenic amines can block DAO synthesis in the gut and cause typical histamine-related problems.
Cheeses high in histamine and low in histamine
Scientific literature reports very little on cheese intolerances. This is most likely because the release of histamine in the gastrointestinal tract occurs very slowly when cheese is consumed. For this reason, the so-called threshold dose for histamine's effect is higher. Which types of cheese are tolerated varies from person to person.
Cheeses high in histamine
Old and mature cheeses have a high histamine content, for example these:
- Emmentaler
- Swiss cheese
- Camembert
- Tilsit
- Provolone
- Gruyère
- Parmesan
- Sbrinz
- Cheddar
- older Gouda
Cheeses with low histamine
In general, the following short-ripened cheeses can be consumed as part of a low-histamine diet:
- Butter cheese
- young Gouda
- Goat cheese
- sheep's cheese
- cottage cheese
- Feta
- cream cheese
- Mozzarella
- Privy Councillor's Cheese
- young Camembert (Note: Remove any mold if necessary)
Carefree enjoyment? Red wine, cheese and histamine
The combination of red wine and cheese, and cheese and alcohol in general, is not recommended for those with histamine intolerance, although low-histamine white wine is tolerated in many cases, depending on the individual. However, cheese doesn't have to be completely avoided, as, as is so often the case, it depends on the combination of foods and the individual's tolerance level.
Buy low-histamine cheeses fresh and preferably in small quantities to minimize refrigeration time. Until consumed, the cheese should be stored in an airtight container to prevent histamine buildup. Avoid cheeses that require a ripening period of at least six months.
Further tips for better tolerability are as follows:
- Generously remove the cheese rind : The histamine concentration is highest in the rind area and lowest in the middle of the cheese. Removing the rind contributes to a lower histamine content.
- Combining cheese with low-histamine foods : Ideally, consume cheese with low-histamine foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. A perfect combination, for example, is cheese with grapes.
- Keep a food diary : Like so many things, the tolerance of different types of cheese is individual. A food diary can help you find out which varieties you tolerate best.
- Vitamin C for histamine breakdown : Vitamin C contributes to the breakdown of histamine, which is why low-histamine and vitamin C-rich foods such as blueberries, cauliflower, parsley, apples, broccoli, bell peppers or black currants are ideal to enjoy with cheese.
Note: Our dietary recommendations are only suggestions. Find out your personal tolerance level yourself and seek professional help.
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