The 10 Best Beers For Histamine Intolerance

Jun 19, 2025

Sober living

beer histamine reaction

No, histamine intolerance isn’t an allergy, even though some think it shares symptoms of allergic reactions. It’s sometimes called a “pseudoallergy” since it looks similar to an allergy but has a different cause. Some experts suggest that if your body can’t break down histamine as well as beer histamine reaction it should, it can build up in your body and cause symptoms. But a 2023 study ruled out histamine intolerance in most people who thought it was causing their symptoms.

beer histamine reaction

Why does alcohol increase histamine levels?

beer histamine reaction

It responds to alcohol by producing antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). We’ve explained why wine contains histamine and the signs and symptoms of histamine intolerance. It’s a well-known reaction to wine, and if you suffer from adverse symptoms from small amounts of wine, it’s advisable to avoid it. The best way to avoid symptoms of wine histamine intolerance is to avoid drinking wine in the first place. Speaking to your doctor is essential because these symptoms are not specific to wine histamine intolerance — several other conditions can cause similar symptoms. High histamine levels can cause allergy-like symptoms, including stuffy or runny nose, headaches, stomach upset, and low blood pressure.

To boot, alcohol also inhibits the production of diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the body.
When dealing with histamine sensitivity, you should choose drinks carefully.
First, it is important to note that not all beers are created equal.
Well, the fermentation process, specifically the malolactic fermentation, and the type of grapes used play a HUGE role.

Additional Common Questions

While some people can enjoy a variety of drinks in moderation, others may need to strictly limit their selections or avoid alcohol altogether.
Plus, instead of things you usually eat while drinking like aged meat or nuts, try low-histamine snacks like fresh fruit, homemade french fries, and kale chips.
Histamine receptor antagonists can affect ethanol metabolism and change the sensitivity of animals to the hypnotic effects of alcohol.
However, a good rule of thumb is that foods that are fermented, aged, or overly processed likely contain more histamine than fresh foods.
This is partly because as food gets processed or ages, histamine-making bacteria start to grow.
Alcohol also increases the permeability of the gut, which allows more food molecules into the body.
Then go to your nearest emergency department for follow-up care.

From sinus infections and high blood pressure to preventive screening, we’re here for you. These symptoms can vary widely drug addiction among individuals based on their unique sensitivities and overall health. This concludes our discussion of histamines in wine and their potential problems for some people.

Intolerance vs. Allergy: Spotting the Difference

beer histamine reaction

In humans histamine is found in nearly all tissues of the body. Examples of foods that contain histamines include cheese, wine, meats, fish and fermented foods such as sauerkraut. Histamine intolerance is not a sensitivity to histamine, but rather an indication that the person has developed too much of it. Symptoms of histamine intolerance include those that you would expect to see with a common allergic response, such as sneezing, hives, headaches, nausea and digestive issues.

Histamine sensitivity can indeed develop at any stage in life.
You can manage your histamine tolerance by choosing the correct alcohol.
The finest ingredients were used to create this energizing beer.
However, some people are sensitive to sulfites and experience symptoms like seasonal allergies when consuming them.
On the flip side, there are tons of drinks for allergies that you can drink to help mitigate the symptoms instead.

Rashes from skin contact with alcohol can happen but are very rare and it is not known why this occurs. So to play it totally safe when my allergies are acting up, I guess I’ll swap my usual Pinot for one of these anti-inflammatory iced teas. After all, knowing that I would be better off not doing something, but finding a way to justify doing it anyway, is also part of my personal brand.

beer histamine reaction