Hereditary Angioedema Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

When working with hereditary angioedema diet, a nutrition plan created to reduce swelling episodes in people with hereditary angioedema (HAE). Also known as HAE dietary approach, it focuses on limiting triggers that raise bradykinin while supporting overall health.

A key part of the plan is choosing low‑histamine foods, ingredients that produce fewer histamine spikes and keep the complement system calmer. These foods—fresh chicken, white fish, most vegetables, and non‑citrus fruits—help keep bradykinin levels in check. At the same time, you’ll want to steer clear of common trigger foods, items like aged cheeses, processed meats, alcohol, and fermented sauces that can provoke an attack. The diet works best when paired with C1 inhibitor therapy, a medication that replaces the missing C1‑esterase inhibitor and stabilizes the complement cascade. Together they form a two‑pronged approach: dietary choices reduce external triggers, while C1 inhibitor therapy controls internal protein activity. In short, the hereditary angioedema diet limits trigger foods, low‑histamine meals manage bradykinin, and C1 inhibitor therapy complements the plan to keep swelling at bay.

Practical steps start with a quick label check—look for hidden histamine sources like smoked salmon, soy sauce, or bouillon cubes. Planning meals ahead lets you swap high‑risk items for safe alternatives, such as swapping cheddar for fresh mozzarella or replacing red wine with sparkling water. Hydration helps too; drinking plenty of water supports the kidneys in clearing excess substances that could aggravate the immune system. If you notice a new reaction, keep a food diary; noting the time, what you ate, and any symptoms helps you fine‑tune the diet and discuss patterns with your doctor. Over time, most people find that a consistent routine combined with regular C1 inhibitor doses dramatically cuts down the frequency of attacks.

Follow these hereditary angioedema diet tips and you’ll have a solid foundation for managing HAE through food. Below you’ll see a collection of articles that dive deeper into medication safety, supplement comparisons, and lifestyle tricks—all chosen to complement the dietary approach and give you actionable insight.