For individuals with histamine issues such as histamine intolerance or mast cell activation syndrome, finding high-quality, low-histamine animal-based foods is key while healing. Whether you’re on a carnivore diet or looking for low-histamine meats to accompany your low-histamine diet, we’ll explore various ranchers that cater specifically to low-histamine dietary needs, ensuring you’re able to manage your histamine load while you address root-cause healing.
We will also explore the numerous benefits of a low-histamine diet, particularly for those suffering from histamine issues. From improved digestive health to reduced inflammation, discover how low-histamine foods can support temporary symptom relief and healing from deeper chronic issues.
What Are Histamines?
Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. They are involved in various bodily functions, including the regulation of stomach acid, the contraction of smooth muscles, and the dilation of blood vessels. Histamines are stored in certain cells, such as mast cells and basophils, and are released in response to exposure to allergens or injury.
When histamines are released, they bind to receptors in different tissues, leading to various physiological effects. For instance, in the skin, histamine release can cause itching, redness, and swelling, which are common symptoms of allergic reactions. In the respiratory system, histamines can lead to symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, as seen in conditions such as hay fever and asthma. Additionally, histamines play a role in the digestive system by stimulating the production of stomach acid, aiding in the digestion process.
What Is Histamine Intolerance?
Histamine intolerance occurs when the body accumulates high levels of histamines due to an inability to break them down efficiently. This can be due to a deficiency in the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which is responsible for metabolizing histamines in the gut. Factors that can contribute to DAO deficiency include genetics, gut health issues, and certain medications that inhibit DAO activity. Symptoms of histamine intolerance can include headaches, hives, digestive issues, nasal congestion, fatigue, and even severe reactions such as anaphylaxis in extreme cases.
Certain foods are high in histamines or can trigger histamine release in the body. These include aged cheeses, fermented foods, alcoholic beverages, processed meats, and certain fish. People with histamine intolerance often need to follow a low-histamine diet to manage their symptoms. This involves avoiding foods high in histamines and incorporating fresh, unprocessed foods that are less likely to trigger histamine release. Foods generally considered low in histamines include fresh meat, eggs, and fish.
Managing histamine levels also involves addressing gut health, as a healthy gut can improve the body’s ability to break down histamines. Probiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, can help enhance the function of the gut lining and reduce histamine production. Additionally, certain supplements, such as DAO supplements, can help reduce histamine levels and alleviate symptoms of histamine intolerance. Vitamin C and vitamin B6 are also known to support DAO activity and can be beneficial for individuals with histamine intolerance.
It’s important for individuals experiencing symptoms of histamine intolerance to work with healthcare providers to develop an effective management plan tailored to their specific needs. This often includes dietary adjustments, gut health optimization, and possibly the use of supplements. Proper management can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by histamine intolerance, reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms and allowing for better overall health and well-being.
What Is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance are two conditions often discussed in the context of allergic reactions and inflammatory responses. While they share some symptoms, they are distinct in their mechanisms and underlying causes. Both conditions are rarely root cause issues, typically manifesting as secondary symptoms of deeper health problems.
In our clinical practice, we often see Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and Lyme disease as primary contributors to histamine-related issues. However, there are many other contributing factors that can lead to histamine intolerance or MCAS developing.
MCAS is a condition where mast cells, a type of white blood cell, release excessive amounts of chemical mediators such as histamine, leading to chronic inflammatory and allergic-like symptoms. These symptoms can range from skin rashes and gastrointestinal issues to cardiovascular problems and neurological disturbances. MCAS is a complex disorder that can affect multiple systems in the body, making it challenging to diagnose and treat.
What’s the Difference Between Histamine Intolerance and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
While both MCAS and histamine intolerance involve histamine, their root causes and mechanisms differ:
MCAS involves the inappropriate activation and degranulation of mast cells, leading to the release of multiple mediators, including histamine. Histamine intolerance primarily involves an imbalance in histamine metabolism, often due to DAO enzyme deficiency. Both conditions can cause headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, skin reactions, and respiratory issues.
However, MCAS often includes a broader range of symptoms due to the release of various mediators beyond histamine.
MCAS is diagnosed through a combination of clinical history, symptom assessment, and laboratory tests for mediators such as tryptase and histamine. Histamine intolerance is usually diagnosed through symptom correlation with high-histamine foods and testing for DAO activity.
What Are the Symptoms of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
MCAS is characterized by a wide array of symptoms due to the release of various chemical mediators, including histamine, by mast cells. These symptoms can affect multiple systems in the body, making MCAS a multi-system disorder. Here is a detailed overview of the symptoms:
1. Skin
Itching
Swelling
Flushing
Hives
Lesions
Burning
Tingling
Easy Bruising
Slow Healing
2. Throat and Gastrointestinal
Throat Itching/Burning/Tightness
Acid Reflux
Bloating
Abdominal Cramping
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
3. Respiratory
Wheezing
Shortness of Breath
Cough
Asthma-like Symptoms
Sinusitis
Rhinitis
Increased Mucous Production
4. Cardiovascular
Low Blood Pressure
Rapid Pulse
Palpitations
Chest Pain
Feeling Faint/Fainting
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
5. Neurological and Cognitive
Brain Fog
Anxiety
Headaches
Difficulty Concentrating
Memory Issues
Difficulty Word Finding
Sleeplessness
Vertigo/Dizziness
Neuropathic Pain
Numbness
Tinnitus
6. Systemic and Other
Sweating
Feverish Sensations
Body Temperature Dysregulation
Depression
Muscle Pain
Bone Pain
Joint Pain
Arthritis
Hyperflexibility
Weakness
Fatigue
7. Eyes
Itching
Redness
Watery
Dryness
Pain
8. Bladder and Urinary
Bladder Pain
Urinary Urgency and Frequency
9. Reproductive
Reproductive Cramping
Painful Periods
Endometriosis
Hormonal Imbalances
Erectile Dysfunction
The multi-system nature of MCAS is due to the widespread presence and involvement of mast cells in various tissues and organs throughout the body. When these cells become overactive, they release a multitude of mediators, leading to the diverse and widespread symptoms observed in MCAS.
What Are the Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance?
Histamine intolerance, on the other hand, primarily involves symptoms related to an imbalance in histamine metabolism. While it can also affect multiple systems, the range of symptoms is typically more limited compared to MCAS. Common symptoms of histamine intolerance include:
1. Skin
Itching
Hives
Flushing
2. Gastrointestinal
Bloating
Abdominal Pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
3. Respiratory
Nasal Congestion
Runny Nose
Wheezing
Asthma-like Symptoms
4. Cardiovascular
Headaches
Dizziness
Low Blood Pressure
Rapid Heart Rate
5. Neurological
Headaches
Migraines
6. Other
Fatigue
Low Histamine Diets for Histamine Intolerance and MCAS
For individuals suffering from histamine intolerance or MCAS, adopting a low-histamine diet can be crucial in managing and alleviating symptoms. A low histamine diet involves avoiding foods high in histamine or those that trigger histamine release in the body. This dietary approach can provide significant temporary relief from symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal distress, skin reactions, and respiratory issues by reducing the overall histamine load in the body.
However, while a low histamine diet can help manage symptoms, it is not a cure. Relying solely on dietary modifications does not address the root causes of histamine intolerance or MCAS. These conditions are often secondary symptoms of deeper underlying issues. To achieve long-term healing and resolution of histamine issues, it is imperative to identify and treat these root causes.
In our clinical practice, we emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach that goes beyond dietary changes. While a low histamine diet is essential for reducing the inflammatory load and minimizing symptoms, it should be part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the underlying health problems. This approach includes thorough diagnostic work to uncover and treat conditions such as CIRS, Lyme disease, mold exposure, and other potential triggers that contribute to the body’s overproduction or impaired breakdown of histamine.
Supporting the body with a low histamine diet during the healing process is critical as it helps reduce the overall burden on the immune system and allows for more effective treatment of the root causes. By lowering histamine levels, patients can experience fewer symptoms, which can improve their quality of life and make it easier to adhere to other necessary treatments and lifestyle changes.
Ultimately, achieving root-cause healing will lead to a more sustainable resolution of histamine-related issues, allowing individuals to gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods and no longer rely on a low-histamine diet.
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet, which focuses on animal-based foods, offers several variations to meet individual needs and health goals. Here are the key variations:
Beef-Only Carnivore Diet
This simple approach involves consuming only beef, making it effective for elimination diets. It’s ideal for those with autoimmune or chronic health issues seeking support or remission. For long-term health, incorporating a variety of meats is recommended to maintain nutritional balance.
Lion Diet
A strict form of the carnivore diet, the lion diet includes only ruminant meats, salt, and water. Often used in elimination protocols, it allows gradual reintroduction of other meats. This diet is excellent for individuals needing autoimmune and gut healing support.
Nose-to-Tail Carnivore Diet
This variation promotes eating all parts of the animal, including organ meats, for comprehensive nutrient intake. Caution is advised with liver and kidney consumption, especially for those with liver conditions, due to potential nutrient imbalances such as vitamin A toxicity.
Meat-Only Carnivore Diet
This diet includes all muscle meats while omitting organ meats, dairy, and eggs. It’s a foundational elimination diet suitable for those who tolerate all muscle meats.
Zero-Carb Carnivore Diet
This diet focuses on zero to very low-carb foods, including dairy, eggs, and all meats, centering on meat and animal fat. Some choose to include seasonings. It’s suitable for those without autoimmune or chronic health issues and who tolerate dairy and eggs.
Carnivore Keto Diet
Combining the carnivore and ketogenic diets, this low-carb, high-fat approach mimics fasting effects while including low-toxicity keto foods such as avocados and coconut oil. It’s recommended for metabolically healthy individuals who have healed or mostly healed their chronic health issues.
Carnivore-Ish Keto Diet
This flexible variation incorporates more ketogenic elements while remaining meat-focused. It allows for keto sweeteners, nut products, and other keto foods. It’s recommended for metabolically healthy individuals who have healed and do not have food addiction issues.
Animal-Based Diet
More inclusive than the strict carnivore diet, it focuses on animal products but allows for fruits, honey, and raw dairy. It’s suitable only for healthy individuals with high metabolic flexibility and elite athletes. We generally do not recommend this diet due to the risks of mixing carbs and fats.
What Are the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet has gained attention for its numerous health benefits including the ability to address a range of health issues, from chronic inflammation to autoimmune disorders. Here, we explore some of the incredible benefits of the carnivore diet and why individuals might consider this unique approach to eating.
Nutrient Density and Bioavailability
One of the primary benefits of the carnivore diet is its nutrient density. Animal products are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are highly bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and utilize them more efficiently than those from plant sources. For example, the heme iron found in meat is absorbed better than non-heme iron from plants. Additionally, animal-based foods provide complete proteins, containing all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a root cause of many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. The carnivore diet eliminates common inflammatory foods such as grains, legumes, and refined sugars. Many individuals report a significant reduction in inflammatory markers and symptoms, such as joint pain and skin conditions, when they adopt this diet. By focusing on anti-inflammatory animal fats and proteins, the carnivore diet helps create an environment conducive to healing and reduced systemic inflammation.
Gut Health Improvement
The carnivore diet can have profound effects on gut health. Many people suffer from gut dysbiosis, where the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted. Plant-based foods, especially those high in fiber and anti-nutrients such as lectins and oxalates, can exacerbate gut issues. By eliminating these foods, the carnivore diet allows the gut to heal. Additionally, the absence of fiber can reduce bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts. Meat and animal fats are easier to digest for many individuals, leading to improved gut function and overall digestive health.
Weight Loss and Metabolic Health
Weight loss is another significant benefit reported by those on the carnivore diet. By eliminating carbohydrates, the diet naturally leads to a reduction in insulin levels and promotes a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel. This metabolic shift can lead to substantial weight loss and improved body composition. Moreover, the carnivore diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Many individuals also find that their appetite is better regulated, reducing cravings and overeating.
Mental Clarity and Mood Improvement
This diet also has a profound impact on mental health. The carnivore diet, rich in brain-supporting nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and zinc, can enhance cognitive function and stabilize mood. Many individuals have increased mental clarity, focus, and a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. The elimination of plant toxins and anti-nutrients, which can negatively affect the brain, further supports mental well-being.
Simplified Eating
One of the underrated benefits of the carnivore diet is its simplicity. Meal planning and preparation become straightforward, as the diet revolves around a limited number of foods. This can reduce decision fatigue and make it easier for individuals to stick to their dietary goals. The simplicity of the carnivore diet also means fewer opportunities for dietary slip-ups and a more consistent intake of essential nutrients.
Autoimmune Disease Remission
Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body, can be challenging to manage. The carnivore diet, by eliminating dietary triggers, has shown promise in putting autoimmune diseases into remission. Foods such as gluten, dairy, and certain plant compounds can trigger autoimmune responses. By removing these from the diet, individuals may experience a reduction in symptoms or even complete remission.
Enhanced Physical Performance
Athletes and physically active individuals may also benefit from the carnivore diet. The high protein intake supports muscle repair and growth, while the high fat intake provides sustained energy. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory nature of the diet can aid in quicker recovery times and reduce muscle soreness.
You can learn more about the benefits of the carnivore diet here.
Can the Carnivore Diet Be Low-Histamine?
The carnivore diet can be an effective low-histamine diet for many individuals. By eliminating all processed foods, grains, sugars, and plant foods, some people find that their histamine load is significantly reduced. This approach focuses on consuming fresh, unprocessed animal products, which naturally contain lower levels of histamine. For many, the removal of common dietary triggers is enough to alleviate symptoms associated with histamine intolerance and MCAS.
However, individuals with moderate to severe histamine issues need to be mindful of certain carnivore diet options that may still be high in histamines. Processed meats such as sausages and deli meats, as well as already prepared meats, are often high in histamines due to the processing and preservation methods used. Additionally, organ meats and ground meats can also be higher in histamine because of how they are processed and stored. These foods may need to be temporarily limited or completely avoided to manage histamine levels effectively.
For those with significant histamine sensitivities, sourcing unaged meat that is immediately frozen after slaughter is crucial. Conventional beef is typically aged to enhance flavor and tenderness, but this process increases histamine content. Meat found in grocery stores can be weeks to months old from the time it was originally slaughtered, contributing to higher histamine levels.
By opting for unaged, freshly slaughtered meat that is quickly frozen, individuals can minimize histamine exposure and better manage their symptoms while following the carnivore diet. This careful selection of meats ensures that the diet remains low in histamines, supporting the body’s healing process and reducing the inflammatory load.
Low Histamine Rancher Reviews
Obtaining low-histamine foods is fundamental for individuals with histamine intolerance or those following a low-histamine diet. Here are specific ranchers and tips to help you source the best low-histamine animal-based foods:
Billy Doe Meats: All products are unaged and frozen immediately after slaughter, ensuring low histamine levels. They offer grain-finished or conventionally grain-fed meats. While suitable for many, individuals with severe histamine issues, food sensitivities, or autoimmunity may prefer a grass-finished source. Use code NWJ10 for a 10% discount.
Circle C Farm: Circle C Farm is renowned for its clean, low-histamine meats. All products are unaged and frozen immediately after slaughter. All ruminants are grass-finished, and their poultry, pork, and eggs are pasture-raised and free from soy, corn, and gluten. They also offer unaged Wagyu options, which are exclusively available here.
White Oak Pastures: Their meats are unaged and frozen immediately to maintain low histamine levels. All ruminants are grass-finished. Poultry is pasture-raised, while both pork and poultry are grain-fed. This offers a variety of options for those on a low-histamine diet.
Northstar Bison: Shop the low-histamine section only for unaged options. Most ruminants such as beef, lamb, and bison are grass-finished, though the elk may be supplemented with grains. They offer both conventional grain-fed and corn/soy-free pork. Make sure to check product descriptions carefully.
TruBeef Organic: Focus on the low-histamine section for grass-finished meats. Their organic approach ensures high-quality, low-histamine options. This is an excellent source for those looking to maintain strict dietary standards.
Shepherd Song Farm: Everything is grass-finished and unaged, making it ideal for a low-histamine diet. This farm provides high-quality meat that supports health and well-being.
Betterfed Beef: Only shop the unaged section. All products are grain-finished, so be mindful if you’re not tolerating any grain-finished meats yet.
Bisra Meats: Similar to Betterfed Beef, shop only the unaged section for grain-finished options.
Vital Choice: Their king salmon is always frozen immediately after being line-caught, ensuring low-histamine levels. It is advisable to contact customer service to check which other fish varieties follow this practice, as it can vary.
UK Low-Histamine Meat Options
Green Pasture Farms: Only shop the low-histamine section for the best selections. Their focus on grass-finished and unaged meats ensures minimal histamine content.
Pheasants’ Hill Farm: Focus on the low-histamine section to find suitable options. Their commitment to quality makes them a reliable choice for those managing histamine levels.
Helpful Tips for Low Histamine Meats
When seeking low-histamine meats, prioritize products that are unaged and frozen immediately after slaughter, as this process minimizes histamine formation. Grass-finished options are preferable when available, as they generally have lower histamine levels compared to grain-finished meats.
Carefully check product descriptions, especially for poultry and pork, to ensure they meet your specific dietary requirements. This is important for avoiding hidden ingredients that might trigger histamine reactions. Some people only tolerate corn/soy/gluten-free fed poultry and pork, so opt for higher-quality options when experimenting to see what you do best with.
For seafood, it’s essential to verify freezing practices directly with suppliers. Products such as king salmon from Vital Choice, which are frozen immediately after being line-caught, are excellent low-histamine options. Always contact customer service to confirm the current practices for other fish varieties.
Some people are able to manage their histamines by purchasing meat fresh from their trusted butcher or grocery store. You can always ask to see what days the meat is delivered so you’re able to pick it up as soon as it arrives instead of allowing it to sit on shelves where it continues to accumulate histamines.
Cooking foods from frozen and freezing leftovers are also additional practices you can try to reduce the amount of histamines you’re ingesting.
Closing Thoughts on Good Ranchers, Histamines, and the Carnivore Diet
The carnivore diet offers numerous benefits, particularly when combined with a low-histamine approach. This diet is beneficial for individuals with histamine intolerance, MCAS, or deeper chronic health issues, as it helps manage symptoms such as headaches, hives, digestive issues, and inflammation. Histamines accumulate in aged meats and many grocery store products, exacerbating symptoms for those with intolerance. Consuming high-histamine foods can lead to increased inflammation, triggering adverse reactions such as joint pain, skin issues, and heightened allergy symptoms.
Prioritizing unaged and frozen meats immediately after slaughter helps minimize histamine levels. Grass-finished meats are preferable due to their lower histamine content. Notable sources for low-histamine meats include Billy Doe Meats, Circle C Farm, White Oak Pastures, Northstar Bison, TruBeef Organic, Shepherd Song Farm, Betterfed Beef, and Bisra Meats. For seafood, Vital Choice offers king salmon frozen immediately after being line-caught, ensuring low histamine levels.
For individuals managing histamine-related health issues, a low-histamine carnivore diet can significantly enhance the quality of life by minimizing exposure to histamines and supporting optimal bodily functions.
Work With Our Trusted Carnivore Diet Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioners
The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted carnivore diet practitioner support serving clients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our clients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to providing the resources you need to support your wellness goals. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. Our Symptom Burden Assessment (SBA) is the perfect starting point for discovering your root cause and is required to work with our team— you can learn more in-depth about this powerful tool here.
Start your root-cause healing journey today and contact us any time with any questions or concerns.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. While we are board-certified in holistic nutrition and are nutritional therapy practitioners, we are not providing medical advice. Whenever you start a new diet or protocol, always consult with your trusted practitioner first.
Most identified low histamine farmers are only ‘grass-finished’. Aren’t there grass only without any grains available? You should look at sevensons in Indiana.
Buck Haberthy
August 4, 2024 at 12:58 pmMost identified low histamine farmers are only ‘grass-finished’. Aren’t there grass only without any grains available? You should look at sevensons in Indiana.