Histamine and Migraines: Can Histamine-Rich Foods Trigger Headaches?

If you struggle with migraines, you may have already identified common triggers like stress, hormones, poor sleep, or weather changes. But one frequently overlooked trigger is histamine.

Many patients at Healing Response Acupuncture & Functional Neurology ask:

• Why do I get migraines after red wine?

• Why do leftover foods trigger headaches?

• Why do fermented foods make my symptoms worse?

For some people, the answer may be histamine sensitivity.

Let’s explore how histamine affects migraines — and what you can do about it.

What Is Histamine?

Histamine is a natural chemical involved in:

• Immune function

• Inflammation

• Gut health

• Brain signaling

• Blood vessel regulation

Histamine itself isn’t harmful. But in certain individuals — especially those prone to migraines, mast cell activation, or hormonal headaches — histamine can lower the threshold for a migraine attack.

How Histamine Triggers Migraines

Research shows histamine can contribute to migraine through several mechanisms:

• Dilating blood vessels in the brain

• Activating trigeminal pain pathways

• Increasing CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide), a key migraine mediator

• Stimulating mast cells

• Affecting the hypothalamus (sleep and hormone regulation)

Some studies show that elevated histamine levels can provoke headaches in susceptible individuals. If your nervous system is already sensitive, histamine may be the tipping point.

What Is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine intolerance occurs when the body cannot properly break down histamine.

The enzyme responsible for degrading dietary histamine is called DAO (diamine oxidase).

Reduced DAO activity can result from:

• Gut inflammation

• Hormonal fluctuations

• Certain medications

• Chronic stress

• Mast cell activation

Symptoms of histamine intolerance may include:

• Migraines or chronic headaches

• Flushing

• Runny nose

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Anxiety

• Digestive upset

• Worsening PMS

Many people with menstrual migraines, post-concussion headaches, or vestibular migraines may have an underlying histamine component.

High-Histamine Foods That May Trigger Migraines

Histamine levels increase as foods age, ferment, or are preserved.

Common high-histamine foods include:

• Aged cheeses

• Red wine and champagne

• Beer

• Smoked or cured meats

• Processed meats

• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha)

• Vinegar-containing foods

• Canned fish (tuna, sardines)

• Bone broth

• Leftover meats and fish

Tip: The longer food sits, the higher the histamine content.

Foods That May Trigger Histamine Release

Some foods are not high in histamine but can trigger histamine release:

• Citrus fruits

• Strawberries

• Tomatoes

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Shellfish

If you notice migraines after these foods, histamine may be contributing.

Trial a Low Histamine Diet for Migraines?

If histamine sensitivity is suspected, consider:

1. A 2–4 Week Low-Histamine Trial

Temporarily reduce high-histamine foods and track symptoms.

2. Eat Fresh

• Freeze leftovers immediately

• Avoid aged or cured meats

• Prioritize freshly prepared meals

3. Reduce Alcohol

Red wine is one of the most common migraine triggers.

4. Support Gut Health

DAO is produced in the small intestine. Improving gut health may improve histamine tolerance.

Histamine, Hormones, and Menstrual Migraines

Estrogen fluctuations can influence histamine levels. This may explain why:

• Migraines worsen before menstruation

• Some women develop migraines in perimenopause

• Hormonal shifts trigger headaches

If your migraines are hormone-related, histamine may be part of the mechanism.

How Acupuncture Can Help with Histamine-Related Migraines

At Healing Response Acupuncture & Functional Neurology, we look beyond symptom suppression.

Acupuncture may help:

• Regulate the autonomic nervous system

• Reduce trigeminal sensitivity

• Decrease neuroinflammation

• Support hormonal balance

• Improve sleep quality

• Stabilize mast cell reactivity

Migraines are rarely caused by one single factor. Histamine may be one piece of a larger puzzle that includes stress, hormones, gut health, and nervous system regulation.

When to Consider a Professional Evaluation

You may benefit from a personalized migraine assessment if you:

• React strongly to wine or fermented foods

• Experience sinus symptoms with migraines

• Have menstrual migraines

• Have post-concussion syndrome

• Have dizziness or vestibular symptoms

• Have suspected mast cell activation

Understanding your unique migraine triggers can dramatically reduce attack frequency and severity.

Final Thoughts

Histamine is not the cause of all migraines. But for some people, especially those with sensitive nervous systems, it can be a significant trigger.

If you suspect histamine intolerance may be contributing to your headaches, we can help you explore that safely and strategically.

At Healing Response Acupuncture & Functional Neurology, our approach focuses on calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance — so migraines become less frequent, less severe, and more manageable.

If you are struggling with migraines, hormonal headaches, vestibular symptoms, or post-concussion migraines, we’re here to help.

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