Low Histamine Probiotics–Is Your Probiotic Making You Sick?
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Is it possible that your probiotic could be making you sick? Sadly, it is! In this post about low-histamine probiotics, I'll share what histamine is and what that has to do with probiotics, and why your probiotics might not be doing you any favors.
Probiotics are something that's commonly accepted as being good for everyone. Gut health is crucial for overall health, and probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to recolonize the gut to restore balance. So one would think that taking probiotics is always a good thing. Right?
Wrong.
For some people, taking probiotics could be a completely bad idea.
That is, if they are taking the wrong kind of probiotic.
Histamine intolerance is something that we've talked about on the blog before. In this post we talked about what histamine intolerance is, and in this post we talked about how to deal with a histamine intolerance, or histamine allergy.
One thing that wasn't mentioned, however, is the role that probiotics play in histamine intolerance treatment.
Yikes—Could I Have Histamine Intolerance?
Around Christmas of this past year, I kind of “fell into” a detox. Just in case you were wondering, detox isn't the best idea during the Holiday Season. I don't recommend it. However, the whole thing led to some very interesting information.
It all started with my taking a heavy-duty liquid fermented superfood probiotic. I'd taken it years ago, and it had clearly done some heavy duty work on my gut. This time, however, I felt I needed to get out of my current probiotic rut and give that product another go. It went well for awhile, but then the reactions got a little intense. They subsided, but then resurfaced elsewhere, and I was pretty scared that I was histamine intolerant.
So I plunged into researching histamine intolerance online and was determined to figure out what I could do about it.
One of the recommendations that I found was to get on a low histamine probiotic so as to recolonize the gut without inflaming the already problematic condition.
What Is Histamine?
We covered quite a bit about histamine in this post, but here's a quick review.
Histamine is a chemical produced by your body that is involved in your immune system, proper digestion, and central nervous system during immune responses. It sends messages from your body to your brain and is a component of stomach acid.
Stomach acid is very important to overall health which you can an example of in this post about stomach acid and rosacea.
But the role of histamine that is central to our discussion today is how histamine is involved with the immune system.
You mostly like are familiar with the word “histamine” as it being a part of the word “anti-histamine” hose substances that one takes when allergies are being a bother. Histamines are alerting your body of a real (or mistaken) offender and cause an inflammatory response. And it causes this all over the body.
If your body can't break down the histamine well or fast enough, you end up with histamine intolerance.
That leads to the problems outlined in this post on histamine intolerance, but basically you can have all kinds of symptoms including things that one would typically associate with allergies, such as:
- itching
- sneezing
- rashes
- nasal congestion
- sinus pressure
- headaches
- fatigue
- insomnia and more.
Histamine and Probiotics
Basically, if you have a histamine intolerance issue, the last thing that you want is to be taking probiotics that make more histamine. If you do that, instead of getting healthier, you could be exacerbating an underlying health issue and well–your probiotics could be making you sick.
And if you are making your own water kefir, Homemade Sauerkraut, and more, that may or may not be a good idea depending on your issues with histamine.
Additionally, there are some probiotic strains that have been shown to be helpful in reducing the histamine response.
According to the research that I've done, the following are various probiotic strains and the effect that they have on histamine levels. Of course that research could change in the future.
Histamine Raising Probiotic Strains
- Lactobacillus bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus casei
- S. thermophilus
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii
- B Lichenformis – appears to raise histamine
- Lactobacillus helveticus (while this does raise histamines, it is known to reduce anxiety and ammonia, and restores cognitive function)
Histamine Lowering Strains
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Bifidobacterium breve
- Lactobacillus salivarius
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Lactobacillus reuteri**Lactobacillus reuteri is kind of in a class by itself. Many place it in the “histamine producing” category, but interestingly enough, it doesn't belong there. Lactobacillus reuteri does, in fact, cause histidine to convert to histamine, but this histamine raises cAMP which actually reduces the inflammatory response. Fascinating! I therefore put it in the “histamine reducing” class due to this aspect. (3)
Lactobacillus plantarum does not appear to have an effect on histamine, but it does lower and/or inhibit tyramine and putrescine.
Histamine Neutral Strains
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Lactis
- Lactococcus Lactis
Bacillus Coagulans
It's possible that other strains might end up have their own special section as well in the future, as more is known about them, but Bacillus Coagulans appears to be a bit unique and I had trouble sorting this strain out.
There is research stating that the B. Coagulans SL5 causes increased histamine, but the B. Coagulans in 2 of the gut health products that I recommend below is MTCC 5856, which is a different strain. In fact, Lactospore (MTCC 5856) is used in some supplements that are made to support those with histamine issues.
Furthermore, there is also this research showing that B. Coagulans is helpful in allergic situations on a number of fronts.
Not Histamine Lowering But….
The following strains aren't typically referred to as being “histamine lowering” strains, but some research shows that they might support the body in ways that would benefit those struggling with histamine intolerance
- Saccharomyces-Boulardii.
There are a number of studies on its effectiveness in treating gastroenteritis. Some researchers have linked this condition to high histamine/mast cell issue. So possibly this strain could be a good support.
There are some reports apparently about this yeast causing histamine issues in some people, but it has been used for detoxifying gliotoxin and apparently increases DAO production which means it should help with histamine issues. - L. Paracasei has been shown to possibly help with leaky gut or allergies.
- L. Casei Shirota
Although L. Casei has been shown to raise histamines, L. Casei Shirota has been shown to modulate histamine levels. - Lactobacillus Crispatus has been shown to have anti-allergenic effects.
How to Sort All of This Information Out
This information is complicated but basically, if you're trying to avoid probiotic strains that might make histamine issues (and inflammation) worse, you want to avoid histamine-raising strains and get probiotics that have histamine-lowering strains in them. However, if they have histamine-neutral strains in them that's fine too.
So, in order to work on mine and my son's possible histamine issues, I went a hunt to find probiotics that had the strains that we wanted but didn't have the problematic strains.
It was quite a job, trying to figure out what to buy with all of those “lacto this” and “bifido that” words popping out at me. However, I did find some products that were just perfect for what we were looking for.
Where to Buy Low-Histamine Probiotics
I buy my supplements in several places. One of my favorite places to shop is Iherb. They have fast service and very good prices.
Some of the brands listed below, like Metagenics, claim that their product is fine when not refrigerated during shipping. If you're concerned about that, please take care to buy them either in a store where they are refrigerated or have them shipped with a cold pack.
Low-Histamine Probiotic Single Strains
Here are some individual strains of bacteria that should be helpful for histamine intolerance.
- Klaire Labs Ther-biotic Factor (Lactobacillus rhamnosus).
- Thorne Flora Pro LP or
- Jarrow Formula’s Ideal Bowel Support (Lactobacillus plantarum).
Most natural practitioners who recommend rotating between different kinds of probiotics so as to populate the gut with different strains. So—purchasing several or all of the above varieties and rotating between them would be a great idea to help you do just that.
Low Histamine Probiotic Blends
Personally, I think a blend is a better option than a single strain since you are getting more beneficial “bugs” into your gut. It's like facing the bad guys with a multi-faceted assault instead of a single strategy.
1. Smidge (Formerly GutPro)
Recently, our family started using Smidge (formerly GutPro). It's a probiotic unlike many others in that it's super concentrated. It's not cheap, but it lasts a REALLY REALLY long time.
Just a teensy bit on a teensy spoon is all you need.
I have tried so many probiotics over the years, and with many of them, I feel NOTHING. But with Smidge? Gurgle gurgle gurgle…..something is happening for sure!
Important: make sure to get the teensy stainless spoons that Organic3 has if you get this product because you are going to need them!
Depending on how you use the probiotics, you might want to order two sets of spoons so if one is dirty you have another set at the ready. You absolutely must not use the spoons for these probiotics if they are damp at all, as that will compromise the bacteria. Wet bacteria, in this case, is dead bacteria.
2. Seeking Health Probiota HistaminX
This blend was created for the express purpose of having a blend for those with histamine intolerance. Some have said that this probiotic blend has really helped with their histamine issues, both with probiotics and to other foods. The company has a great Subscribe and Save program so you can save money. Some people use this product alongside the company's Histamine Digest.
More Low-Histamine Blends
Here are some blends of various strains that should not exacerbate histamine intolerance and might even help heal it.
Can You Recover From Histamine Intolerance?
Good question.
This is a complicated topic, but an important one.
Here are some things that correspond with histamine intolerance:
- celiac disease
- food intolerance
- leaky gut
- digestive issues
- diet high in histamine
- and many others
All of the above can be linked to a gut infection called h pylori. Interesting.
So, my thinking is, if you address the above, the histamine intolerance might just go away.
Basically, instead of avoiding things that are supposed to be good for you long term, find out why your body isn't tolerating things and address the root cause.
My Experience With Histamine Intolerance
I personally found it to be true that histamine intolerance isn't a life sentence.
At one point, I worked with a practitioner due to multiple issues, but I was reacting badly to eating ferments. She recommended the low-histamine diet, but the thought of it was horribly stressful. Imagine freezing everything you eat (that has to be cooked from scratch), no vinegars, no collagen, and more.
I finally got a diagnosis of Lyme disease, and I started working on my health in new ways using supplements, addressing underlying infections, PEMF, red light, brain retraining, and phototherapy patches.
Now I can mostly eat ferments, grass-fed sausage, cheese, and collagen without major problems. In fact, I even ditched my life-threatening food allergy to egg.
The moral of the story is to never give up. Work on your health even when it seems hopeless, and you will likely see progress, including progress that no one thought was possible.
Other Research-based Posts You Might Like
If you like digging into health information, these posts might interest you too.
Is Glycerin Bad for Your Teeth? – and if so, WHY is it in toothpaste?
Does Erythritol Cause Heart Disease? – and if not, what's going on with that study?
Is Stevia Safe? – or does it cause infertility, DNA damage, and more?
What probiotics do you use? Please share in the comments below?
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18544899
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042653/
Thanks for this nicely done summary. I use Jarrow Formulas Senior Jarro-Dophilus. It contains nothing but the histamine lowering and neutral strains. The other vital thing for me is that it is 100% dairy-free. I am very allergic and react to probiotics (etc) that have traces of dairy. This is the only probiotic I’ve found that I tolerate.
You are so welcome! You might want to check out the Gut Pro as well or possibly the Purium. Those shouldn’t have any dairy either and I would think many on the list should be the same. Take care!
I haven’t looked into the specific products on this page but I can tell you that most probiotics are grown on dairy and will have trace (or higher) amounts. So many people will say traces don’t matter but, yeah, they do. I found a great product that I tolerate and don’t have any desire to go through the process of trialing new (expensive) ones to figure out if they make me sick (because the trace dairy content isn’t always on the label). So thanks for putting my comment through so others with severe dairy intolerance will know about it. I am not connected to the company in any way, I just benefit from the product.
Hi again, Cyndi!
I didn’t think you were affiliated with the company–just wanted you to have more options b/c more strains and variety is a good thing. Also the Gut Pro is super affordable and with the coupon code for Purium you could get an amazing deal on a bunch of probiotics. I did verify with both companies that neither are grown on dairy so those would be great options for you.
I do know how tough the dairy issue can be. Our oldest has a life threatening allergy and even trace amounts gave him a reaction when he was younger.
Side note – I do have emails that I don’t publish sometimes b/c it seems people are trying to promote a product they are affiliated with–some people are sneaky :). Thanks for reading!
None of the strains in Gut Pro have any clinical research associated with them. Unless the label specifies the specific strain of a species you’re throwing your money away. These formulators try to piggy-back onto the research of the proven strains. They try to sell you on the idea that they’re just as good so they can fatten they’re margins. Nothing could be further from the truth.
…pardon me. None of the species used are clinically testedstrains.
Hi Mark.
Thank you for for your feedback. I reached out to the owners of Organic 3, Inc. and they gave me some information based on your concerns. Please know that only the purest and highest-quality probiotic strains are used in GutPro Powder. All probiotics used in Organic 3’s formulations, including GutPro, have been thoroughly researched, documented, and banked in recognized microbial culture collections. The reason they do not list the specific strains is because the formula is proprietary. Thanks again and I hope this helps.
Excellent choice! All researched species. That BB536 species is special!
…pardon me again. All researched strains of the species that are included.
I use Plexus products, a pro biotic and a cleanse, and a plexus slim that is supposed to have pre bi
otic, sometimes called pink drink…do u know anything about these products
Hi there. I just updated my post with the first ingredient in the Plexus probiotic–the Bacillus Coagulans. It raises histamine. Hope that helps. Also check out their labels. Some of their products are not non GMO.
Plexus uses generic strains and contains a notorious histamine producer.
Correction, Plexus uses generic species and contains no clinically researched strains.
Adrienne, thanks a lot for your study. It is indeed a cross eye out there, when it comes to choosing a probiotic.
Our 3yo toddler is experiencing hystamine intolerance, together with cow’s milk proteine intolerance (CMPI).
I am concerned about the content of milk proteins in these products you recommend.
Besides, just a silly thought maybe, I wonder on all the lacto- prefixes of the strains, whether they are in any way connected to the milk proteine.
Thanks for your reply!
Chip
You are so welcome. I know it’s crazy!
So lacto doesn’t mean lactose (milk sugar) but it means a bacterium that produces lactic acid from fermenting carbohydrates. Often it’s grown on milk but the milk is usually not there or only in trace amounts after that. However if the dairy issue is bad you can find some that are not grown on milk :).
I am looking for rhamnosus only and I see that Culturelle is one of the brands with just this strain. What are your thoughts on this product? thank you.
I haven’t studied them but I know that they are recommended by many physicians.
One of the most researched species on the planet. EXCELLENT!
Correction again. One of the most researched strains on the planet.
Do you think that just b/c something is the most researched that it is the best? Just wondering what your line of thinking is. Thanks!
The notion of, “best” as applied to most things is a construct. A personal opinion. It’s not an absolute by any means. I am still trying to confirm whether DDS-1 is histamine-forming, histamine-degrading or neutral in that regard. The “best” probiotics for me are histamine-reducers that have researched and documented efficacy associated with them. The next best would be neutral. The worst would be histamine-formers. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making informed choices when it comes to what I consume.
I research EVERYTHING I ingest. I have learned that to be the best practice for me. My criteria for what may, or may not be good for me, is exclusive to me. The more research behind a product; the better able I am to make an informed decision about it for me, and me only.
I agree with you overall but sometimes there is no research (due to little to no funding for natural remedies, etc.) and n=1 (or n=100) is enough for me.
Have you had any luck finding a yogurt brand that contains just the histamine reducing bacteria? Thanks for your help!!
I haven’t looked. Sorry!
This article will be helpful to many. Thank you but my probiotic doesn’t have any of these ingredients an I am wondering what you know about these ingredients.
Bacillus indicus, HU36
Bacillus subtillis HU58
Bacillus coagulans
Bacillus licheniformis
Bacillus clausii
Hi and thanks. Sorry for the delay in responding. I just looked up the first one and don’t see any information on this one re: histamines. Perhaps there hasn’t been enough information on these to know yet.
Thank you for all of your suggestions. I think I am going to start with the Gut Pro Powder but don’t know what to expect if it is helping or not. Also, should I do the Saccharomyces-Boulardii along with the Gut Pro? I also need help with a SIBO diet and or a Histamine Diet. I have been having problems with regular probiotics and my doctor thought I might be having a histamine response. Today I almost immediately had a runny nose and sneezing minutes after taking a probiotic. It did contain many of the strains know to cause a histamine response. Any additional thoughts?
Hi Barbara,
You are so welcome. So it could be all kinds of things but for me, I typically notice gut symptoms…..more gurgling, etc. One would expect that digestion would improve which could be evidenced in things like better brain function or better stools. I should add that I think that you might wish to consider the Biome Medic from Purium. It has great reviews and the preclinical study results were amazing. There is some more information on it in this post: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/probiotics-and-adhd/ . These are the preclinical trial results: https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.soundconcepts.com/webroot_purium/assets/pdf/BiomeMedicResearchResults-PressRelease-Oct2620171-6667d2bc.pdf
I guess what I am saying is that there could be all kinds of things but when I take a probiotic and notice nothing, I’m not impressed. One other thing you could do it get your gut tested but that’s an expensive proposition if you aren’t getting it done already.
I can’t medically advise but I have heard that it’s great to rotate probiotics and one of my practitioners had me alternate days with different strains.
I haven’t written too much about histamine and nothing about SIBO. This post might help: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/histamine-allergies-causes-histamine-intolerance/
I do think that the goal should always be to work on healing and not just avoiding things.
The intelligence of your gut will heal itself on it’s own if you avoid ingesting the things that are inflaming it. Avoidance is perhaps the best prescription for healing the gut.
Hi there. I don’t know that it is that simple. There are a lot of things that cause leaky gut and isn’t it necessary to add things that actually lead to repair? Thanks.
Absolutely. However, I cannot assume that what worked for your gut will work for mine; and what contributed to your leaky gut will do the same to me. It’s necessary to be able to identify the ingredients, habits, practices, decisions and what have you and determine whether they are compatible or detrimental to/with my unique biochemistry and genetics is a preliminary step I take in my assessment. First, do no harm. No one can do that work for me but me.
I’m trying to clear my gut of candida and am needing to take 100 billion CFU per day of the low histamine probiotic. On the low histamines, I’m only seeing they come in relatively low CFU’s. Would you have any recommendation by chance? I’m trying to save on the wallet :\
Hi there. I would look at the GutPro Powder – 200 servings of 25 billion for $100 – I think that’s a great deal. You would get 50 days of 100 billion for $100 – I personally have heard that sometimes too much bacteria count isn’t a good idea but I’m not an expert. How does that compare to others you have looked at?
Hi, yes that should work fine., thank you! I’m working with an ND so this dose is just during an initial detox phase on my treatment plan then I’ll go way down in it. Thanks again!
You are so welcome. Best wishes for your healing!
You’ve listed species of probiotics, but referred to them as strains. The effects of probiotics are strain-specific.
Hi there, Terri. I’m sorry but I’m confused. Can you look this over and tell me what your concern is, please? https://www.lifefoodpro.com/probiotic-strains-species-and-definitions/
Thank You SO MUCH for the above information! I was told to take probiotics because during surgery for kidney stones they gave me antibiotics. I have had sinus congestion now for years! You have explained why! Now I have to fix it.
You are soooo welcome!! I hope one of these other probiotics is a better fit for you. The GutPro is amazing.