Is there a link between covid and histamine? There is a growing number of people with long-covid, and their symptoms present in some ways similarly to patients with mast-cell-driven inflammation.
Whilst the world still battles with how to get Covid-19 under control we are learning it’s more than just a lung disease, it can affect any of our body systems and organs.
Not everyone will get long-covid, we don’t really yet know why someone experience ongoing problems and others recover quickly, or are asymptomatic. Some early research is looking into how histamine affects the immune system and whether it may influence symptoms people are experiencing with long-covid.
What is histamine?
Histamine regulates our immune response, and it is released when we encounter allergens, cytokines, stress hormones, alcohol and hormones.
You can have problems with too much histamine because
- you can’t get rid of it an impaired ability to degrade it, or
- from creating too much.
There are two ways histamine can be degraded, and I take a look at these below.
- By the enzyme DAO (Diamine Oxidase)
- Methylation by Histamine-N-Methytransferase (HNMT)
Factors affecting breakdown of histamine
The enzyme DAO is created in our gut, by the cells in our mucus lining. (It is also created in the kidneys and placenta of pregnant women) To create DAO, and promote the degrading of histamine, we need certain nutrients including:
- Copper – found in potatoes, sunflower seeds, tofu, salmon. Copper can be affected by taking too much zinc as this may affect absorption. Some medication can also affect copper absorption.
- B6 – needed for many important functions in the body, including creating dopamine, adrenaline and histamine, so can easily be used up by other needs.
Gut health – Because DAO is made in the gut it will also be affected by any inflammation in the intestines. Digestive symptoms are thought to be part of the Covid symptoms and are present in 11-50% of patients presenting at hospital in one study.
Alcohol – inhibits DAO so you may find symptoms of allergies worse after a boozy night.
Histamine and methylation
Methylation is an important biochemical process, which helps us detoxify, regulate gene expression and protein function, as well as create neurotransmitters and hormones.
To support healthy methylation we need vitamins B9, B12 and B6, as well as a host of other factors such as magnesium, and choline. Around 30-40% of people have a genetic mutation that means they are less able to use these nutrients, and this could potentially affect histamine clearance.
Women and histamine
Female hormones have a part to play in our histamine response. Oestrogen inhibits DAO, causing more histamine to be in your body when oestrogen is high. Progesterone acts as an anti-histamine by inducing DAO.
So when your oestrogen is higher than progesterone you may find allergic symptoms worse. This could be towards the end of the luteal cycle (end of your cycle), and / or at the start of the follicular phase (beginning of your cycle).
Some women experience more migraines at this time, or an increase in allergic itching, sneezing or congestion.
The histamine bucket
Histamine isn’t bad, we don’t need to get rid of it, but if we have too much we may get symptoms like allergies. You may find it helpful to think of a bucket, and when the bucket is full it overflows causing issues.
A low histamine diet
Not everyone needs to avoid foods that induce or contain histamine, but if you are sensitive you may find it useful to trial a low histamine diet to see how you feel. If you eat a lot of foods high in histamine and experience issues with ongoing inflammation you may benefit from a break from these foods.
Histamine in food increases over time, and may exacerbate symptoms. These include
- aged cheeses,
- Yoghurt
- Beer
- wine
- smoked fish and meat, processed meats
- fermented foods like kefir or sauerkraut.
- Tinned foods and ready meals may also affect people with a sensitivity to histamine
- artificial colours such as tartrazine, and preservatives such as benzoates and sulphites.
Some foods may affect histamine (but don’t contain it). These include
- Kiwi
- Citrus fruits, oranges, lemons, limes
- Grapes
- Pineapple
- avocado
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
Other things that might affect histamine are pollen, dust mites or chemicals that trigger histamine.
Supporting your histamine levels
We have more questions than answers at the moment for this virus, so it can be difficult to know how to support your body. Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, skin conditions and headaches may be related in inflammation in the body. To best support recovery from infection we need to reduce other excessive demands on our body.
Anyone recovering from an illness can support their immune system with plenty of rest, fresh foods, and healthy proteins.
- Eat fresh foods, prepared on the day if possible
- Consume fruits rich in vitamin C
- Quercetin may be helpful for the immune system – red apples, grapes, onions, and berries
- Eat a varied diet rich in fibre, protein and vegetables
- Resolve your gut health problems
Photo by Tim Toomey on Unsplash
Hi I'm Anna Mapson, registered Nutritional Therapist.
I help people with IBS and SIBO get control of unpredictable gut symptoms to find long term relief from painful and embarrassing IBS without restrictive dieting.
I can help you to:
- understand your digestion better, so you recognise your triggers
- eat a well balanced diet, with tasty meals that are simple to prepare
- develop better digestion and more energy
Find more about my 3 month 1:1 Gut Reset programme
Red flags for bowel movements, and what’s a perfect poo
You might not often discuss your bowel habits with your nearest and dearest, but here's a list of red flags for bowel movements you would need to speak to your doctor about. Red flags to look out for around bowel movements In general terms ongoing bleeding or pain...
Are prebiotics good for IBS?
If you've tried taking prebiotics for your IBS you might have noticed they can really make a big impact. And not always in a good way! Prebiotics are a type of short chain sugars found in plant foods, and they also help to feed our healthy gut bacteria. Many people...
Foods for acid reflux
What foods are good for reflux, and which foods make things worse? If you've got Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease or GORD (called Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD in the US and Canada) then you've probably tried eliminating various trigger foods already. If...
Is it possible to list some recipes ?
I will email you Monique with some options for a meal plan 🙂
This is all very interesting! I’m 28 years old and I’ve always had minor gut related issues and I recognize a lot from this piece. I had covid last January and I’m still experiencing long covid related symptoms (brain fog/exhaustion/tightness in the upper back area). I felt like those symptoms got worse when I eat “bad” food (I once had a pizza and I felt horrible for a week after).
Next to that, my symptoms get worse around my menstruation (when the hormones go crazy).
I’ve also heard people with long covid say that taking antihistamines helped them with their symptoms.
I don’t want to resort to medication right away, so I’m very curious if an low histamine diet could improve my health.
Would you be able to email me some examples for recipes as well Anna? 🙂
Hi Dagmar
I’ve emailed you about meal planning options. I hope you’re doing ok
Im 30 yr old who is currently learning about long covid . I aswel had covid 30 days ago as of now. I relate to the symptoms in this article. I am interested in healing naturally, and would love to have a meal plan sent to my email. With all this brain fog it would be very helpful to have a clear plan. Thank you for this information.
I’d certainly appreciate these recipes being sent t me.
Any help would be appreciated. I have crohn’s disease, hashimoto’s and suffering from long covid. It’s been 11 months since covid. I’m so tired all the time and no energy to do much at all. I have other symptoms but extreme fatigue/ exhaustion are the worst.
My wife is going through the same. Its been six months post covid. Can you send me meal plan? Thanks much for the information.
I’m 9 months post covid. Still experiencing taste, smell and hair loss. Also fatigue, shortness of breath and dizziness. I’m wondering if a low histamine diet would benefit me. Could you email me a food plan? I would appreciate it very much.
Hi Davida
I’m also experiencing the same. It’s so exhausting. Also, Anna thank you so much for the info. Would it be possible for you to email me some low histamine recipes please?
I am Eight months post Covid and i’m pretty sure I have long haulers because I have had one issue after another this whole year. Fatigue, brain fog, bowel and digestive issues just kept getting worse and I was having headaches daily. I recently had some blood work done and specifically asked to test for the Walsh Protocol. My copper was high, Zinc was low, Histamines high, cortisol is low and I have under methylation issues. I’m on supplements to help this, but because I am so tired all of the think and can’t think straight it’s hard to do my job. I’m feeling so depressed because I have to force myself out and I don’t feel like cooking meals . I have type 2 diabetes, A1C was 9.9 which isn’t good and I need healthy meals. I’m just overwhelmed right now. I was wondering about doing the Histamine diet to help get some things under control. Would you mind sending me your meal plan.
I have been feeling so dizzy and itchy with irregular periods since Covid. Thank you for this information.
Hello! I had covid 6 weeks ago and my main symptom was nausea. And here I am 6 weeks later with this intense nausea that comes and goes. Could it be from too much histamine bc when I take a benedryl it actually eases the nausea so I can eat.
Hi Dana
It’s really hard to say what might be causing that, but it does sound trying for you! Have you been to a doctor about the nausea? Definitely worth getting checked out if you haven’t as it could be related to something else. I would also focus on simple eating habits like deep breathing before a meal, sitting up at a table, chewing your food really well. Trying to be ask calm as possible before you eat so your brain knows you are safe, which can be hard when you feel worried about feeling nauseous! It’s interesting that some people with long Covid feel better when they take an anti-histamine, it’s definitely an emerging area of scientific knowledge as we all learn more about what helps after an infection. Hopefully your symptoms will start to clear soon, but do go back to your doctor if they don’t. Take care
I am currently on day 75 of covid headaches, sinusitis and histamine problems. Sudden changes in temperature (steam, rush of cold air, showers, even hot meals) are triggering massive sinus inflamation & pressure, quite often accompanied by tight chest, cognitive fog, anxiety attacks and unbelievable sweating/chills. I’ve adjusted my diet but am finding it difficult as I dread eating & triggering it. I can’t get through days without antihistamines or sinus pressure medication! Have been considering a 24hour allergy medication as well. Thanks for the helpful information & it helps to know I’m not alone. Feel better soon, everyone!!
I ‘ve been reading peoples stories on a Facebook group for long haulers. I had my first Covid infection in the Fall of 2020, struggled with relapses until I got vaccinated in Feb. 2021. I’d still have relapses, but not at the frequency I had before. I am not at day ten of a second Covid infection. My symptoms are identical. I worry about getting back to my work and family life again. If you are still sharing your menu plans, I would love to check them out!
I am only a month past covid but am dealing with hives and itching. I’m guessing my histimine are too high. I am taking an antihistamine when it happens. I would love some help with low histimine foods. Thank you.
My 24 year old son is experiencing all of the the long covid symtoms you mentioned. Fatigue and brain fog, headaches and nausea got so bad that he recently had to quit his job and take a meducal leave from college.
He came home to rest and yry to find answers for recovery. We have been learning about these possible connections with histamines, diet and supplements.
Having a meal plan for a low histamine diet would be soo helpful! I could follow and prepare meals for him as he is not functioning very well on his own right now. We are eager to Try ANYTHING that will help him. Julie V
I have long covid and food is making me breathing worse can I please have a low histamine dist list or meal plan x
Hi would also like some ideas on the histamine diet. My son is 4 months post covid and still has all these crazy symptoms. Sometimes his eyes will swell and water like he’s having an allergy attack and his fatigue is debilitating. Am looking for anything to bring him some comfort.