Common Food Intolerances & How to Spot Them

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Amines

An intolerance or sensitivity to amines can be difficult to detect, as they build up gradually in the body over time, and it may take up to 48 hours for symptoms to appear. Amines are naturally occurring chemicals caused by the bacteria that break down amino acids and can be found in a wide range of foods, but especially at higher levels in overcooked, charred, fermented, grilled, overripe and decomposing foods. If your enzymes aren't functioning properly to break down the amines, then you may have adverse reactions.

Common symptoms include:

• migraines and headaches
• eczema, hives
• sinus problems
• fatigue
• nausea
• stomach pain
• inability to focus
• aggressiveness or other behavioral problems (in children)
• constipation

The best way to determine if you have amine sensitivity or a lower tolerance for them is to try an elimination strategy, where you avoid foods containing high levels of amines for several weeks. Your symptoms should greatly subside or disappear, if amines are the culprit. On the flip side, you could also try upping your intake of foods with high levels of amines to see if your symptoms worsen. But before you try anything, you should always discuss the best course of action with your doctor.