Alcohols are some of the most problematic things you can consume on a low histamine diet. ⁣

Our site notes that alcohol itself isn't always high histamine but has the effect of blocking DAO (diamine oxidase) production. ⁣

All of this comes as a shock to people starting a histamine diet for the first time. ⁣

Don't be disheartened!⁣

Start by cutting out alcohol and once you reduce your histamine levels re-introduce slowly. ⁣

Wines are often extremely problematic although some low-histamine wines can be found. But note the DAO-blocking element above. ⁣

Alcohols contain histamine-degrading enzymes, but some rums, tequilas and Tito’s Vodka may be purer than others. ⁣

We have seen some claims online that plain vodka, gin and white rum are all low in histamine - these may be better options than other alcohols, but they still may block your DAO enzyme and therefore cause a histamine reaction.