Histamine intolerance hack: the unexpected truth about rice milk

Histamine intolerance is a condition that can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, digestive issues, and skin problems. Certain foods, including fermented foods and aged cheeses, are known to be high in histamine. As a result, people with histamine intolerance often need to follow a low-histamine diet.

Rice milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative that is often used by people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. However, some people have questioned whether rice milk is also low in histamine. This blog post will explore the evidence to determine if rice milk is a suitable choice for those with histamine intolerance.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is a chemical that is produced by the body’s immune system in response to injury or infection. Histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable, which allows white blood cells to reach the site of injury or infection.

In some people, the body produces too much histamine or is unable to break it down properly. This can lead to histamine intolerance, which can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Digestive problems (such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain)
• Skin problems (such as hives, eczema, and itching)
• Respiratory problems (such as asthma and rhinitis)
• Cardiovascular problems (such as palpitations and arrhythmias)

Is Rice Milk Low in Histamine?

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether rice milk is low in histamine. Some studies have found that rice milk contains low levels of histamine, while other studies have found that it contains moderate levels.

One study, published in the journal “Food Chemistry,” found that rice milk contained 0.21 mg of histamine per 100 g. This is a relatively low level of histamine, compared to other foods such as fermented foods and aged cheeses.

However, another study, published in the journal “Clinical and Experimental Allergy,” found that rice milk contained 2.1 mg of histamine per 100 g. This is a higher level of histamine than what was found in the previous study.

It is important to note that the histamine content of rice milk can vary depending on the brand and how it is processed. Some brands of rice milk may be lower in histamine than others.

Factors to Consider

If you have histamine intolerance, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not to consume rice milk:

• Your individual tolerance: Some people with histamine intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of rice milk, while others may need to avoid it altogether.
• The brand of rice milk: Some brands of rice milk may be lower in histamine than others. It is important to read the ingredient list and look for brands that do not contain any added ingredients that could be high in histamine.
• How the rice milk is processed: The way that rice milk is processed can also affect its histamine content. For example, fermented rice milk may be higher in histamine than unfermented rice milk.

Other Low-Histamine Milk Alternatives

If you have histamine intolerance and are looking for a low-histamine milk alternative, there are a few other options to consider:

• Oat milk: Oat milk is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is also low in histamine.
• Almond milk: Almond milk is another good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is also low in histamine.
• Coconut milk: Coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats, and it is also low in histamine.

Takeaways: Navigating Rice Milk with Histamine Intolerance

Whether or not rice milk is a suitable choice for people with histamine intolerance depends on individual tolerance and the brand of rice milk. It is important to read the ingredient list and look for brands that do not contain any added ingredients that could be high in histamine. If you are unsure whether or not rice milk is a good choice for you, it is always best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Answers to Your Questions

1. What are the symptoms of histamine intolerance?

The symptoms of histamine intolerance can vary from person to person, but they may include headaches, digestive problems, skin problems, respiratory problems, and cardiovascular problems.

2. What foods are high in histamine?

Foods that are high in histamine include fermented foods, aged cheeses, alcohol, and certain fruits and vegetables.

3. What foods are low in histamine?

Foods that are low in histamine include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, and poultry.