What not to eat or drink when you have hives
Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) and Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is the term for hives that last at least 6 weeks and have no known underlying cause. Learn how reducing histamines in your diet may help improve symptoms.
Many people think that hives are always an allergic reaction to something specific. This isnt the case with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).
CIU is the medical term for hives that last
Symptoms can come and go for months or even years. A variety of factors can make the condition worse, including:
- exercise
- stress
- heat
- cold
- pressure
- infections
Hives can also appear spontaneously, prompted by what seems like nothing at all.
Even though CIU isnt an allergic reaction, adjusting your diet may provide symptom relief.
At the moment, theres not much concrete evidence about the effects of particular diets on CIU symptoms. Still, some limited trials show that dietary changes may help relieve symptoms, at least on an individual level.
Here are some possible diets and foods that may help you manage your CIU symptoms.
High levels of histamine may play a significant role in CIU since many people with the condition respond well to antihistamine medications.
For people who dont respond well to antihistamine medications, trying a low histamine diet may be worthwhile.
In a small 2018 study, 22 people with chronic urticaria restricted histamine-rich foods for 4 weeks. There was a statistically significant decrease in participants urticaria severity scores.
Blood samples from people in the study also showed that the level of histamines in their blood had decreased after 4 weeks on the low histamine diet.
The following foods are low in histamines and may help you manage your CIU symptoms:
- most vegetables
- fresh meat
- certain varieties of fresh fish, including salmon, cod, and trout
- dairy products other than cheese and yogurt
- bread
- pasta
- rice
You may want to consider avoiding or limiting the following foods that are high in histamines:
- spinach, tomatoes, and eggplant
- fruits, such as strawberries and cherries
- preserved meats
- canned, frozen, and smoked fish, including tuna, anchovies, and sardines
- cheese
- yogurt
- fermented foods
- fast food
- seasonings, such as chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, and vinegar
- alcoholic beverages
This list isnt exhaustive. The amount of histamine from dietary sources can vary.
Some foods, beverages, substances, and medications are also theorized to either help in the release of histamine or inhibit the enzymes needed to break it down. A few examples of these include:
- citrus fruits
- papaya
- pineapple
- nuts
- egg whites
- alcoholic beverages
- tea
- food additives, such as certain preservatives
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin
- antibiotics, such as isoniazid and doxycycline (Monodox, Oracea, Vibramycin)
Theres little evidence to support this theory, though, according to a 2021 study.
Even if a person tests negative for food allergies, its possible they may have a hypersensitivity to or intolerance of certain foods. Eating these pseudoallergens can result in reactions that resemble a true allergic reaction, including hives.
With this in mind, some doctors may recommend that people with CIU try a pseudoallergen elimination diet. This involves avoiding certain potential pseudoallergens for several weeks and slowly reintroducing them.
Some examples of pseudoallergens include:
- histamine
- food additives
- natural substances in fruits, spices, and vegetables
In a 2010 study of a type of CIU called chronic spontaneous urticaria, approximately
However, there havent been any randomized controlled trials to draw conclusive evidence about the diets effectiveness on a greater scale.
In fact, in 2014, the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters recommended against a pseudoallergen-free diet for chronic urticaria. The expert panel comprises representatives from the:
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)
- Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
If you think your diet plays a role in your CIU symptoms, talk with a doctor about your options.
A doctor can help you figure out which foods and beverages to safely remove from your diet. A persons tolerance for histamine is unique, so its very important to create an individualized diet plan.
You might also find it useful to track your symptoms in a journal after each meal. Take notes that include:
- the specific foods you ate
- what time you ate them
- whether your symptoms got worse or better after eating (and how long it took for you to notice)
Share your findings with the doctor so you can work out a plan together.
Everyone reacts to foods differently. One type of diet may work for someone else, but it may not work for you. Before trying a new diet, talk with a doctor. They can help you understand what to do based on your personal circumstances.
Theres still not much evidence that adopting certain diets can consistently and significantly affect your CIU symptoms. However, the low risk and low cost of doing so can make dietary changes worth a try.
Best Foods to Eat for Hives Relief
Best Foods to Eat for Hives Relief
What are the best foods you can eat if you have hives? This page presents 8 superfoods that can help bring relief from hives. Some of these anti-hives foods such as garlic and apples are commonly eaten in western countries while others such as turmeric, flaxseeds, dandelion, and mustard greens are not yet dietary staples in the United States and Europe.
#1:Flaxseeds
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds may help fight hives.
Provided that you're not allergic to the Linaceae or Linum plant families, flaxseeds can offer you great health benefits. Linum usitatissimum, which means 'most useful', is the botanical name for flaxseed and an apt description of this little nutrient powerhouse. Both ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are among the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which makes them one of the best foods to eat if you suffer from chronic hives. Flaxseeds have also been used to treat and prevent many common ailments and diseases including cancer, constipation, heart disease, and joint pain.
Dandelion greens provide a slew of hives fighting nutrients.
#2:Dandelion Greens
If you don't mind their bitter taste, dandelion greens can reward you with a truckload of nutrients that are thought to fight allergic hives. Dandelion leaves are one of the best sources of beta-carotene, but they are also a very good source of vitamin C and a fairly good source of vitamin E. Fresh dandelion greens can be used in salads or they can be made into a herbal dandelion tea. If you cannot get used to their strong flavor, dandelion supplements are also available in many health stores.
#3:Turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries due to its beneficial effects on a wide range of diseases and conditions. It has been shown to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, which is why this powerful member of the ginger family is included in this list of the Best Foods to Eat for Hives Relief. Turmeric is a key ingredient in Indian style curries, but it can also be used to add flavor to fish, meat, rice, vegetable, and pasta dishes.
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties.
#4:Garlic
Since ancient times, garlic has been used as a remedy for a wide range of diseases and ailments, and recent research has shown it to be effective at reducing the risk of cancer and maintaining heart health. Garlic may also help bring relief from hives symptoms due to its ability to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that produce inflammatory substances. In addition, garlic especially fresh raw garlic is a good dietary source of vitamin C and selenium.
#5:Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potato, a root vegetable native to Central America, is one of the oldest vegetables known to man. Sweet potatoes make an excellent addition to your diet if you suffer from hives as they are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions (that is also why they are considered a great first food for babies). Sweet potatoes also provide a good amount of vitamin C as well as some unique root proteins which, according to preliminary research, may have significant antioxidant properties.
Quercetin, abundant in apples, helps stabilize the histamine-containing mast cells.
#6:Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know that apples can also keep hives and other allergic reactions at bay? Apples are loaded with the bioflavonoid quercetin which can protect against allergic reactions, including symptoms associated with hives. Quercetin works its protective magic by stabilizing the histamine-containing mast cells. Add sliced apples to oatmeal or fruit salad, or enjoy them plain as a snack.
#7:Anchovies
Provided that you are not allergic to fish, don't hesitate to eat more anchovies. Anchovies are very high in selenium, with a mere ounce of anchovies containing about 28% of the recommended daily intake for selenium. What's more, anchovies are an excellent source of the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce allergic reactions such as hives. Furthermore, compared to many other types of fish, anchovies contain very little mercury (a harmful heavy metal that is thought to contribute to a number of health complaints).
#8:Mustard Greens
Chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, mustard greens are one of the best foods you can eat if you have hives. In addition to being one of the best sources of beta-carotene, mustard greens provide a good amount of vitamin C and vitamin E. The nutrients in mustard greens can scavenge free radicals, fight inflammation, and help break down histamine. Mustard greens are available throughout the year and can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.
How the low histamine diet works and what to eat
The low histamine diet may help people who develop symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, or hives, in response to foods that contain histamine.
Histamine is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and some foods. The low histamine diet can help a person find out which foods cause their symptoms. By avoiding those foods, they may see an improvement. A nutrition professional can guide someone through this process.
This article looks at how histamine affects the body, what histamine intolerance is, and the foods people may wish to avoid. It also provides an example meal plan and tips for grocery shopping and food preparation.
Histamine is a chemical that
When the body reacts to a substance it perceives as harmful, it releases histamine. This causes inflammation and dilates a persons blood vessels, leading to symptoms such as:
Despite the discomfort these symptoms can cause, histamine plays an important and complex role in the bodys defenses.
A
Laboratory experiments the authors quote also show that histamine may help with wound healing and inhibit tumor growth. However, researchers have not yet replicated these results in humans.
Some people develop symptoms in response to foods that contain or release histamine. Doctors call this condition histamine intolerance.
The symptoms of histamine intolerance are similar to that of an allergic reaction and can affect multiple systems in the body.
Symptoms include:
Diamine oxidase (DAO) is the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the body.
People with lower levels of DAO have higher levels of histamine, and therefore may be more likely to develop allergies.
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Another
The impact of histamine
A 2018 study compared people with histamine intolerance to those with food intolerances, and others with no intolerances at all. The group with histamine intolerance had lower bacterial diversity in their gut and an impaired gut lining.
Several bacterial species occurring naturally in some foods and probiotic supplements produce histamine, which may make symptoms of histamine intolerance worse.
The low histamine diet aims to reduce the symptoms of histamine intolerance and allergies. There is limited evidence to suggest the diet may be helpful for some people.
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Scientists now need more high-quality studies on histamine intolerance to better understand the condition and the best treatments.
An article in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests an individualized approach to nutrition is best for people with histamine intolerance.
Factors such as medication, stress levels, and a persons overall health all affect what works for them.
Before trying any type of restrictive diet, people should seek expert nutritional counseling to ensure they are getting adequate nutrients, and to avoid an unnecessary reduction in their quality of life.
The following foods contain higher levels of histamine:
- some types of fish
- aged cheeses
- processed meats
- wine and beer
- sauerkraut
- fermented products
- spinach
- eggplant
- tomato
- avocado
Studies indicate that some foods can release histamine in the body, even if they do not contain it. Scientists do not fully understand how this works, but some people may react to specific foods, including:
- milk
- shellfish
- eggs
- kiwi
- strawberry
- pineapple
- plum
Foods that contain chemicals called amines that are similar to histamine can also compete for DAO. This means that if someone eats lots of these foods, histamine will not break down as quickly and may cause symptoms.
Foods that contain other amines include:
- citrus fruits
- mushrooms
- soybeans
- bananas
- nuts
Other sources also report that the following foods are either high in histamine or histamine releasing or they block the DAO enzyme:
- pickled and canned foods
- chocolate and cocoa products
- vinegars
- wheatgerm
- yeast extract
- black tea
- Mate tea
- energy drinks
The following is an example of a low histamine diet plan that someone could follow while monitoring their symptoms.
Breakfast options
- oatmeal made with water or coconut milk
- puffed rice with coconut milk
- apple, melon, and pear fruit salad with chopped pistachios
- smoothie made with mango, coconut milk, chia seeds, and kale
Lunch options
- chicken and kale salad with chopped grapes
- chicken, lettuce, and grated carrot sandwich
- cottage cheese and cucumber on toast
- quinoa and herb salad
Dinner options
- Low histamine fish, such as trout or cod, freshly caught and served with zucchini and roasted carrots.
- Chicken with new potatoes, broccoli, and green beans.
- Pasta with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and chicken or borlotti beans.
- Homemade turkey burger with sweet potato wedges.
Snacks
- blueberries
- pistachios
- carrot sticks
- cottage cheese
- grapes
- celery sticks
- apple slices and natural peanut butter
Freshness has an impact on how much histamine a food contains. It is a good idea to learn how different methods of production and storage impact histamine levels in food.
How a person shops for and prepares food is also important.
A person with histamine intolerance can monitor and potentially reduce their symptoms by:
- planning meals in advance
- buying fresh food, shopping more often if necessary
- eating foods as soon as possible after purchase
- asking restaurants about their ingredients when eating out
- keeping a food journal to record symptoms and triggers
Some medications and supplements also influence histamine levels. If a person suspects something they are taking is exacerbating their symptoms, they should speak to their doctor.
A low histamine diet may benefit someone with histamine intolerance. Planning varied meals, avoiding high histamine foods, and allocating time to prepare fresh foods may help a person manage their symptoms.
If someone suspects they may have histamine intolerance, it is essential that they consult their doctor for advice.
People need to ensure that they do not miss out on essential nutrients when following a limited diet. People should not follow long-term exclusion diets without seeking advice from a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
