Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but some people wonder whether it contains histamine. Histamine intolerance is a common issue, and those affected need to be careful about what they eat. While some sources claim that feta cheese is high in histamine, others suggest that it is moderately compatible and can be consumed in small quantities. The Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI) list, for example, rates feta cheese as a '1' on a scale from 0 to 3, indicating moderate histamine content. Ultimately, individual tolerance to feta cheese may vary, and it is always recommended to consult a medical professional for personalized dietary advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese's histamine content | High |
| Feta cheese on the SIGHI scale | 1 (moderately compatible, minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated) |
| Feta cheese on the Histamine Intolerance Food List | Yellow (medium histamine or where there is a debate about histamine levels) |
| Feta cheese's tyramine content | High |
| Feta cheese's DAO content | DAO inhibitor |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is high in histamine
The amount of histamine in cheese varies depending on the type of cheese, with aged cheeses generally having higher histamine content than fresh, soft cheeses. Feta cheese is considered a moderately compatible food for those with histamine intolerance, with small quantities occasionally tolerated. It is rated as a '1' on the SIGHI scale, indicating minor symptoms. However, it is also listed on other sites as a food with medium histamine content, and it is important to remember that individual tolerance varies.
Feta cheese is also high in another amine called Tyramine, and it inhibits DAO, the enzyme that breaks down histamine and other amines in the body. This means that histamine can build up in the body, potentially causing issues for those with histamine intolerance.
For those following a low-histamine diet, it is important to note that not all low-lactose and lactose-free cheeses are histamine-friendly. While some fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, and cottage cheese, are considered low histamine, aged cheeses, including hard cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss cheese, are generally high in histamine and should be avoided.
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Feta is also high in another amine called Tyramine
Feta cheese is a yellow-listed food that is considered to be medium-histamine. It is rated as a ''1'' on the SIGHI scale, indicating moderate compatibility and minor symptoms. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance may vary. Feta cheese not only contains histamine but also inhibits DAO, an enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine and other amines in the body.
In addition to histamine, feta cheese contains a significant amount of another amine called Tyramine. Tyramine is found in various foods, and its consumption should be monitored by those following a low-histamine diet. While histamine is crucial for supporting the immune system, digestion, brain function, and mental health, excessive histamine can lead to adverse effects.
The presence of Tyramine in feta cheese is noteworthy because it can interact with histamine levels in the body. Tyramine has the potential to trigger the release of stored histamine from certain types of cells, leading to an increase in overall histamine levels. This interaction may be particularly relevant for individuals with histamine intolerance or those following a low-histamine diet.
The impact of Tyramine on histamine levels can vary depending on individual factors. It is important to understand that Tyramine does not directly increase histamine levels in the body but instead acts as a trigger for the release of stored histamine. This distinction is essential in managing histamine-related conditions effectively. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with histamine intolerance or those following a low-histamine diet to be cautious about their consumption of feta cheese due to its Tyramine content.
To summarize, feta cheese is not only high in histamine but also contains significant levels of Tyramine, which can indirectly influence overall histamine levels in the body. Individual tolerance may vary, and it is recommended to consult a dietitian or a healthcare professional to navigate dietary choices and understand specific needs and triggers.
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Aged cheeses generally have higher histamine content
Aged cheeses, including many hard cheeses, are typically higher in histamine compared to fresh cheeses. This is due to several factors, including the aging process itself and the type of bacteria used during cheese production. During the aging process, histamine can accumulate as a result of bacterial activity and the breakdown of proteins in the cheese. The longer a cheese is aged, the higher the potential for histamine formation. In addition, certain bacteria used in cheese production, such as lactic acid bacteria and starter cultures, can produce histamine as a byproduct of their metabolism.
Feta cheese, a popular Greek variety, is typically made from sheep's or goat's milk and has a tangy, salty flavor. It is a white, brined cheese that can range in texture from soft and crumbly to semi-hard, depending on its age. While feta is not typically considered an aged cheese, it can still contain histamine, although the levels may be lower compared to aged cheeses. The histamine content of feta cheese can vary depending on several factors, including the specific manufacturing processes, the type of milk used, and the presence of any additives or preservatives.
In general, fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, and young chevre, tend to have lower histamine levels because they are not aged for long periods. However, it's important to note that even fresh cheeses can contain small amounts of histamine, and individuals with histamine intolerance or allergies may still experience reactions. Additionally, other compounds present in cheese, such as tyramine, can trigger similar symptoms to histamine and contribute to overall reactivity.
For individuals sensitive to histamine or those following a low-histamine diet, choosing fresh cheeses or those with shorter aging times may be a better option to reduce the potential for adverse reactions. However, it's always important to read labels, understand the ingredients and manufacturing processes, and make informed choices based on individual tolerance levels. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can also provide personalized guidance and help create a well-balanced diet that takes into account any restrictions or sensitivities.
Additionally, there are some strategies that can help reduce histamine levels in cheese. For example, some people may benefit from soaking hard cheeses in water or whey to help remove some of the histamine content. Another approach is to choose fermented cheeses, as the fermentation process can help break down histamine. Looking for cheese made from goat's or sheep's milk can also be a good option, as these types of milk naturally contain lower levels of histamine-producing bacteria.
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Feta is rated as '1' on the SIGHI scale
Feta cheese is rated as 1 on the SIGHI scale, which stands for the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Anxiety scale. This scale is one of the oldest and most commonly used anxiety rating scales in clinical research. It is a widely used clinical interview assessment tool.
The SIGHI scale categorises feta cheese as 'moderately compatible', indicating that it may cause minor symptoms in individuals with histamine intolerance. However, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated. Feta cheese is considered to be high in histamine, and it also inhibits DAO, the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine and other amines in the body.
Histamine is a compound that is naturally produced by the body to support various functions, including the immune system, digestion, and mental health. While histamine is essential, an excess can lead to problems. This is where the SIGHI scale comes into play, helping individuals manage their histamine intake and avoid potential issues.
It is important to note that everyone's tolerance to histamine varies, and individual reactions to feta cheese may differ. Some people may experience symptoms of histamine intolerance, such as gut issues, fatigue, aches and pains, or a blocked nose. For those with histamine intolerance, following a low-histamine diet can be challenging due to the limited data available on the histamine content of various foods, including cheeses like feta.
Consulting a dietitian can be helpful in navigating a low-histamine diet and understanding personal tolerance levels. Additionally, using tools like the Fig app can assist in tracking individual triggers and finding low-histamine alternatives to favourite foods.
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Feta may be tolerated in small quantities
Feta cheese is generally considered to be high in histamine. However, some sources suggest that it may be tolerated in small quantities, especially for those with histamine intolerance.
Histamine intolerance occurs when there is an excess of histamine in the body, which can lead to symptoms such as gut issues, fatigue, aches and pains, and a blocked nose. A low-histamine diet is often recommended to manage these symptoms, and this can be a challenging diet to follow due to the limited data available on the histamine content of foods.
The Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI) list, a trusted source for histamine intolerance dietary information, rates feta cheese as a %'1' on their scale from 0-3, indicating that it is moderately compatible and can be consumed occasionally in small quantities. However, it is important to note that individual tolerance may vary, and some people may experience symptoms even with small amounts of feta cheese.
Additionally, feta cheese is also high in tyramine, an amine that can affect those with histamine intolerance. Tyramine inhibits DAO, the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. As such, those with histamine intolerance may be more sensitive to the effects of tyramine and other amines.
When introducing new foods into their diet, it is always recommended that individuals with histamine intolerance consult their doctor or practitioner, as dietary changes alone may not be enough to manage their condition. It is also important to note that everyone's triggers are unique, and it is essential to test and track individual tolerance to different ingredients carefully.
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is high in histamine and also inhibits DAO, the enzyme that breaks down histamine and other amines in the body. It is also high in another amine called Tyramine.
A low histamine diet helps reduce symptoms from conditions like Histamine Intolerance (HIT) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). The diet is challenging to follow, as there are very few primary data sources available that accurately detail which ingredients are high in histamine.
Fresh cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta cheese, mascarpone, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are rated as low histamine.
Histamine levels increase with time in protein-rich foods such as fish, meats, and cheeses. Cooking methods like slow cooking or slow roasting can also influence histamine levels in food.
