Common Questions
Frequently asked
What is a histamine food diary?
A histamine food diary tracks everything you eat and cross-references each food against known histamine levels, DAO inhibitor status, and mast cell activation potential. Unlike generic food diaries, this tool tells you WHY a food may have triggered your symptoms, using data from the Clarity database of 1,709 validated ingredients with published evidence tiers.
How do I know if a food is high in histamine?
Histamine levels depend on freshness, preparation, and fermentation. The same food (like tuna) can be safe when fresh and dangerous when aged. This diary flags three distinct categories: histamine liberators (trigger your body to release histamine), DAO inhibitors (block the enzyme that breaks histamine down), and direct high-histamine foods. Each requires a different management strategy.
What is the difference between histamine liberators and DAO inhibitors?
Histamine liberators (citrus, tomatoes, strawberries) cause your mast cells to release stored histamine. DAO inhibitors (alcohol, tea, energy drinks) block diamine oxidase, the enzyme that breaks histamine down in your gut. Both raise histamine levels but through completely different mechanisms. Tracking both is critical because a food that's technically low in histamine can still cause a reaction if it's a DAO inhibitor consumed alongside a liberator.
Is this tool free?
Yes. The basic diary and real-time ingredient checking are free, no account required. All data stays on your device (localStorage). We don't collect, store, or sell your food logs.
Where does the data come from?
The Clarity database contains 1,709 validated ingredients with evidence tiers (Gold, Silver, Bronze) based on published research with DOIs. Histamine data includes mg/kg measurements from 12 peer-reviewed papers and 172 bacterial strain profiles for fermented foods. The database is maintained by Health AI and powers the Clarity ingredient checker used by 75,000+ community members.