Now that I know that my problem is with amines and have learned how to cook amine-friendly meals, what do I do now?
After starting this blog, I have been working to make connections with others with amine problems, health, allergy, and food intolerance websites, and am working to raise awareness of amines.
Additionally, I realize I have some learning to do. There are so many different kinds of amines (salicylic acid, tyramine, histamine… did you know that even chlorine is an amine?), and from what I understand, I drew a short stick. I’m allergic to them all. But for the sake of clarification for my readers, I’d like to find out the differences between them all.
If you know of good online amine resources (for some reason, it seems the majority of amine resources I find are in Australia. Anyone know why there is an Australia / Amine connection?), please leave them in the comments below. I am hoping to expand my own site as my knowledge of amines grows.
Good luck to you on your low amine adventures. You’ve heard my story with amines… If you have a story or recipe to share, I’d love to hear it, too.
Your Low Amine Blogger,
Michelle F.
Hello, Michelle,
I’m very happy to have discovered you and your blog! I made the connection through your recent comment on another blog that I follow, Diary of A Reluctant Allergy Sufferer. I can’t wait to read your recipes!
Until then, I’d love to ask you about the different kinds of amines…I have an allergy/intolerance to salicylates and amines — and I thought that these were different food chemicals, not the same. Would you tell me more about salicylates being part of the amines group?
Here are some websites I use/have used:
http://www.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/rpa/allergy/resources/foodintol/salicylates.cfm
http://www.allergyuk.org/fs_histamine.aspx
http://www.foodcanmakeyouill.co.uk/library/articles/amines.html
(disclaimer: I find some of the information in the Food Can Make You Ill newsletter to be extreme, so I pick and choose what I use)
http://failsafediet.wordpress.com/
I, too, have noticed the strong connection between Australia and salicylate/amine resources. Wish I could move there, or at least be treated at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital!!
Thank you for writing this blog!
Alison C.
I’ve looked through many of these sites, and will probably end up digging through them again to mine for more information. Thank you so much for sharing them!
As of right now, I cannot answer your question. I don’t have a science background, and most everything I’ve found describing the differences is in terms of literal chemistry of salicylic acid and amines. I will, however, pass this question along to Heidi Turner, my fabulous, wonderful nutritionist who figured out this amine allergy connection for me, and see if she is able to give you a better answer than me.
If you end up finding an answer before I do, please let me know! I’m on a war path to learn everything I can about amines, tyramines, salicylic acid… all the chemicals that are or might be trying to kill me (and you, it sounds like).
I do so wish some Aussies would solve the Aussie/Amine mystery connection. Or at least invite me down so I could get checked out by their knowledgeable doctors!
- Michelle Ferris
Michelle, I have to follow a low-amine diet too, and I completely understand how hard it can be when you’re a foodie! It’s seems like you’re doing an awesome job though, and I love that your site is dedicated to low-amine recipes. Some of the recipes on my blog are low-amine, but not all, and yours is the only one I’ve found so far completely dedicated to low-amine recipes. Thanks so much!
Iris,
Thank you so much. Your comment meant lot to me. I am trying hard to get this blog whipped into shape as a useful, working tool for people with amine allergies or an amine intolerance, and when I hear feedback like that it makes all the work I’m putting into this low amine blog that much more worth it. Thank you. <3
Hi Michelle,
Your site is very interesting. My son has bad amine allergies. I ahve read alot of your comments and was wonderingif you have heard of anyonewith facial swellings due to amine allergies.
Joylene
I have not, however I know that amine allergies cause such a wide variety of different symptoms that I really wouldn’t be surprised. I’m sorry to hear about your son’s allergies. Amine allergies certainly aren’t any fun, but I hope my blog helps make them a little more liveable.
We are lucky enough in Australia to have two amazing women who have both contributed in a huge way to food intolerance research. They are:
Sue Dengate: http://fedup.com.au/
&
Anne Swain at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (Sydney) http://www.sswahs.nsw.gov.au/rpa/allergy/resources/foodintol/default.cfm
Both websites have great information on doing an Elimination Diet yourself to help detect what you might be reacting to.
Thank you so much for passing this along. I have seen both sites, but a second recommendation is always a good thing. I will go check them out again. Much appreciated!
Hi,
I found your blog looking for tomato substitutes for my dad. He has carcinoid cancer, and one of the dietary recommendations for his condition is to avoid foods high in amines.
You might look for websites relating to carcinoids for more recommendations.
Good luck!
Thanks for the tip! I certainly will!
hi, about the curried chicken recipe; both curry and lime are VERY HIGH IN AMINES.
i have a book; the elimination diet handbook, available through the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
http://www.allergy.net.au
Indeed, I have the same book. And you are correct about the lime – my mistake. I’m in the process of doing more research so that I can make changes to my lists and recipes. I have three different books (and two other sources) that all seem to disagree with each other. Very confounding stuff.
Also confounding – Which is high in amines? Curry leaves, curry powder (which is made up of all low-amine spices), curry paste (which is typically chilies and spices), or curry (as in foods cooked with the process or currying, or with typical “curry” base ingredients, such as coconut or tomato? Absolutely stumped.
Hey Michelle,
Thanks for the awesome recipe!
re ‘The Australia Connection’..
There is a possibly related parallel.
Following geographic studies of ADHD, which interestingly enough locate a majority of The World’s population of ADHD folks to reside in.. you guessed it Australia, USA, and England.
What’s the Link?
I am leaning towards Penal transportation. Apparently those of our ancestors who ‘don’t make good citizens’, had a higher chance of being shipped of to America and the penal colony of Australia.
Apparently the 800 lb gorillia links sensitivity to amines, phenols, and salcylates to management of ADHD and Autism symptoms.
Oh, how interesting! Thanks for the neat feedback. I learn something new every day!
So perhaps these characteristics of “bad citizens” (ADD, ADHD, etc. causing behavioral problems, no doubt) were genetically reinforced by breeding through the generations. How weird!