Histamine is a type of protein which promotes stomach acid production. It also acts as a neurotransmitter, and promotes brain cell communication. It acts as a mediator in allergic reactions too. It is responsible for the skin rash, itching, or hives developed due to insect bites, allergies, or allergic rhinitis. So mostly, it is known for its negative role. An inflammatory response (swelling as a result of accumulation of blood fluids at the place of bee sting) and constrictions of smooth muscle (muscle surrounding the airway) leading to shortness of breath, seen during an allergic reaction is attributed to release of histamine. Sneezing, watery eyes, gastric upset, and rashes are common signs of allergic reactions. Functions of Histamine While responding to foreign pathogens, basophils (a type of white blood cells) and mast cells produce histamine.

• The presence of this compound makes the capillaries more permeable to white blood cells, and thus helps fight off infections.
• This protein helps improve your digestive health by triggering the secretion of gastric acid in the stomach.
• When mast cells in the genitals release this compound, a woman experiences an orgasm.
• On the contrary, high levels of this compound in the body are responsible for premature ejaculations in men.
• Low blood levels of this compound are noticed in schizophrenia patients, as a side effect of the antipsychotic medications. An increase in the histamine levels helps improve their health.
• The body produces more histamine when you are awake, and less when you are asleep. This is the reason for falling asleep after the intake of antihistamines. As they restrict histamine release, you feel sleepy. This indicates that the protein plays an important role in sleep regulation.

Although your body is capable of producing histamine, regular consumption of certain foods that are mentioned below, can provide sufficient amount of the compound to your body. Those who are diagnosed with allergies need to avoid excessive consumption of these foods. List of Foods

• Yeast containing foods
• Wines like red wine
• Fermented aged cheese, for example, Camembert, brie, Gruyere, cheddar, Roquefort, Parmesan, and blue cheese
• Sauerkraut
• Spinach
• Avocados
• Yogurt
• Olives
• Pickles
• Processed meats
• Foods containing processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, salami
• Highly processed and fermented foods
• Fermented vegetables (those soaked in vinegar), for example, sauerkraut, pickled beets, and relishes
• Fermented milk products
• Buttermilk
• Sour cream
• Soured bread
• Vinegar-containing foods such as mayonnaise and salad dressings
• Apple cider
• Home-made root beer
• Smoked fish
• Mushrooms
• Eggplant
• Pumpkin
• Fermented beverages like beer
• Tomato products like ketchup, chili sauce, and canned tomatoes
• Foods that are listed under "aged proteins", for example, chicken, dried pork sausage, beef sausage, fish like mackerel, sardines, tuna, herring, and ham
• Fruits like apricots, cherries, cranberries, currants, dates, loganberries, nectarines, peaches, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, and raspberries. People with histamine intolerance may eat thoroughly washed dried fruits.

Histamine Releasing Foods All alcoholic beverages and all citrus fruits are responsible for high histamine in body, though they themselves do not contain significant amount of the compound. Citrus fruits trigger the release of this protein that is bound to mast cells, while alcohol affects the efficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) that helps metabolize histamine in the body. Therefore, people on a strict histamine-free diet, or people with histamine intolerance are generally advised to avoid citrus fruits and all alcoholic beverages. Alcohol, bananas, chocolate, eggs, fish, pineapple, milk, shellfish, strawberries, and tomatoes are some of the commonly consumed foods that might lead to high levels of the compound in your body. People who develop a deficiency of DAO are not capable of metabolizing histamine. Symptoms like diarrhea, headache, asthma, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, hives, itchy skin, and flushing can be noticed in such people. They may consume more histamine rich foods Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.