Fresh, pasteurized milk is low histamine. However, much of the milk consumed in the Americas is highly processed and contains sweeteners, stabilizers, flavorings, and preservatives that can cause upset stomachs and trigger histamine release. The fresher the milk you consume, the better. Fermented or raw milks are not usually low in histamine, as it can build up in milk and other dairy due to the metabolism of lactic acid bacteria. Therefore if you’re dealing with histamine issues you are better off avoiding dairy for the first month of your elimination diet, and only adding in fresh milk and fresh milk dairy products, one at a time.
