Could Histamine Be Causing Your Migraines?
Explore the surprising link between histamine intolerance and migraine headaches
If you're one of the millions who suffer from migraines, you’ve likely explored a range of potential triggers—stress, hormones, weather changes, lack of sleep. But there’s one lesser-known culprit that may be flying under the radar: histamine.
While most people associate histamine with allergies, emerging research reveals that histamine can also play a powerful role in triggering migraines. So—could histamine be the hidden cause of your head pain?
🧬 What Is Histamine, Exactly?
Histamine is a chemical your body produces as part of the immune response. It helps regulate digestion, sleep-wake cycles, and inflammation. It’s also found in certain foods—and that’s where things can get complicated.
In a healthy system, excess histamine is quickly broken down by two enzymes: DAO (diamine oxidase) and HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase). But if these enzymes are overwhelmed or under-functioning, histamine builds up in the body, leading to a condition called histamine intolerance.
Histamine & Migraines: What's the Link?
Histamine is a vasoactive amine, meaning it can dilate blood vessels—a key event in migraine onset. Research suggests that histamine can:
Trigger inflammation in the brain and nervous system
Dilate blood vessels, contributing to throbbing pain
Activate sensory nerves, intensifying pain signals
Influence neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is intricately linked to migraines
Clinical evidence:
One study found that intravenous histamine could reliably induce migraines in people with a history of migraines.
Low DAO levels have been found in many individuals who experience chronic migraines.
This suggests that if your body is overloaded with histamine or unable to break it down efficiently, it could be a major trigger for recurring migraines.
Common High-Histamine Triggers
Certain foods and drinks are naturally high in histamine or stimulate histamine release:
High-Histamine Foods:
Aged cheeses (parmesan, brie)
Cured meats (salami, ham)
Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kombucha, soy sauce)
Alcohol (especially red wine, beer, and champagne)
Vinegar-containing foods (pickles, dressings)
Histamine Liberators:
Citrus fruits
Strawberries
Chocolate
Tomatoes
Shellfish
Signs of Histamine Intolerance
If you’re sensitive to histamine, migraines may not be your only symptom. Other signs include:
Flushing or facial redness
Nasal congestion after eating
Digestive upset (bloating, reflux, nausea)
Skin reactions like itching or hives
Fatigue, anxiety, or insomnia
If your migraines often come with these symptoms—or flare after histamine-rich meals—this could point to histamine as a major player.
What Causes Histamine Intolerance?
Histamine intolerance is usually not a true allergy, but a problem with histamine clearance. Root causes may include:
Genetic DAO enzyme deficiency
Gut dysbiosis (bad bacteria can produce histamine)
Leaky gut or inflammation
Chronic stress
Deficiencies or mutations in the HNMT gene
Certain medications (e.g. NSAIDs, antibiotics, antidepressants)
Natural Support for Histamine-Related Migraines
If you suspect histamine is triggering your migraines, here are evidence-based, naturopathic strategies to consider:
1. Adopt a Low-Histamine Diet
Try a 2-week elimination phase, removing high-histamine foods, then reintroduce systematically to test tolerance. This diet is notoriously exclusionary and must not be undertaken by those with a history of disordered eating. It can, however, be a functional circuit breaker in the short term for anyone experiencing an acute, unmanageable flare.
2. Support DAO Enzyme Function
Vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and copper support DAO activity
DAO enzyme supplements are available for use before meals
3. Improve Gut Health
Address dysbiosis with prebiotics and probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been shown to reduce histamine)
Support intestinal lining with L-glutamine, slippery elm, and zinc carnosine
4. Stabilize Mast Cells
Mast cells release histamine—natural stabilizers include:
Quercetin (500–1500 mg/day)
Vitamin C (1,000–2,000 mg/day)
Nigella Sativa - tailored in a herbal prescription
Baical Skullcap - tailored in a herbal prescription
5. Support HNMT enzyme function
Some nutrients & activities may support HNMT function and help with histamine breakdown:
B vitamins, especially methylated B12, folate, and B6
Regular exercise for better blood flow, nutrient delivery, and waste removal
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) - only under the supervision and guidance of your health practitioner
6. Acupuncture
Acupuncture provides another potential treatment option for histamine intolerance and its associated symptoms. Depending on the Chinese Medicine pattern diagnosis, many acupuncture points can be chosen to address the individual symptoms.
7. Track Triggers
Use a migraine journal to monitor food, symptoms, cycle, and sleep. Patterns often reveal hidden histamine overload.
Should You Get Tested?
There’s no definitive test for histamine intolerance, but you can:
Trial second-generation antihistamines short-term to determine response to histamine blockers, such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra
Consider assessing methylation status with your health practitioner
Whole blood histamine testing may be useful
Assess gut microbiome and inflammation markers
Trial a short-term low-histamine plan with practitioner support to assess symptom changes
Histamine is often the missing link in chronic, unexplained migraines—especially if symptoms fluctuate with food, hormones, or stress. The good news? With the right nutrition and naturopathic tools, you can lower your histamine load and find meaningful, long-term relief.
Struggling with migraines that just won’t go away?
Book a naturopathic consultation to uncover the root causes and restore balance—naturally.
References:
Histamine and migraine revisited: mechanisms and possible drug targets
Low serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity levels in patients with migraine
