Q: What is histamine?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Histamine is a neurotransmitter. It’s produced in many different parts of the body and is often triggered in response to an allergen. However, histamines also play a role in everything from female reproduction to digestion and mental health.
Q: Is it true that some foods contain histamines?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes. Many different types of foods, including sauerkraut, wine, and cheese – basically anything that has been aged or fermented – contains histamines. Others, including tomatoes and citrus fruits, have very low levels. When you eat foods out of this latter group, they stimulate the release of histamines from immune cells.
Q: How is histamine connected to estrogen?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Many women are naturally histamine intolerant. And this is exceedingly noticeable in the days right before their period begins. This is because histamine is produced by mast cells. The cells also have progesterone and estrogen receptors. When estrogen is produced by the body, it sticks around, and the more estrogen a woman produces, the more histamine is released. In turn, histamine production triggers more estrogen. During this time, a woman’s body also excretes less histamine. This results in an annoying cycle that only eases up once estrogen production wanes.
Q: Is it possible to reduce estrogen production?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Many women find their allergic symptoms are lessened when they reduce their estrogen load. This starts by avoiding foods like flaxseed and soy, which contain phytoestrogens. Similarly, eating broccoli, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables can help the body break down estrogen more efficiently.
