Histamine, Seeds and Nuts

1. Seeds That Commonly Trigger Histamine Release

These seeds contain compounds (lectins, oxalates, salicylates, amines) that provoke mast cells in sensitive individuals.

Chia Seeds

  • High in lectins → can provoke mast cells

  • Can cause GI fermentation → secondary histamine release

  • Common MCAS trigger

    Sesame Seeds (and Tahini)

  • High in amine compounds

  • Well-documented histamine liberators

  • Common allergen → mast-cell hyper-reactivity

    Flax Seeds

  • High polyunsaturated fats oxidize easily, producing histamine-stimulating byproducts

  • Can irritate a compromised gut lininSunflower Seeds

  • Can contain mold residues

  • High in omega-6, promoting inflammatory pathways that increase mast-cell sensitivity

    2. Seeds That Are DAO (Diamine Oxidase) Inhibitors (stop the breakdown of histamines)

  • These seeds contain compounds that interfere with the enzyme that clears histamine.

  • • Pumpkin Seeds

  • Not high in histamine, but contain inhibitors of DAO

  • Can significantly worsen histamine overload in sensitive individuals

  • • Hemp Seeds

  • Mild DAO inhibitors

  • High omega-6 content → inflammatory responses in some MCAS patients

    3. Seeds With Higher Risk of Mold → Secondary Histamine Reactions

  • These aren’t inherently high-histamine foods but commonly carry mold mycotoxins that trigger mast-cell activation.

  • Nuts are technically seeds, so included:

• Peanuts

  • Extremely high risk of aflatoxin mold

  • Major mast-cell trigger

• Cashews

  • Often contaminated with mold unless roasted and fresh

  • Common MCAS irritant

• Pistachios

  • Frequently moldy

  • High amine content → pseudo-histamine effect

  • 4. Seeds Generally Better for Low-Histamine Diet

  • These tend to be well-tolerated by most people with histamine issues:

  • ✔ Quinoa (technically a seed; rinse thoroughly to reduce saponins)
    ✔ Millet
    ✔ Amaranth
    ✔ Fresh coconut meat or coconut chips (low histamine unless aged/dried too long)

    Why Seeds Become Histamine Triggers: Histamine reactions from seeds are usually due to:

    • Mold or oxidation (common in storage)

    • DAO suppression

    • Gut irritation → mast cell activation

    • High amine or polyamine content

    • Lectins and saponins stimulating mast cells

    Seeds are small but concentrated—so even small servings cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

    Common Symptoms When Seeds Trigger Histamine

    • Head pressure or migraines

    • Flushing or itching

    • Increased heart rate

    • Sinus congestion

    • Loose stools or urgency

    • Anxiety or restlessness

    • Temperature dysregulation