Bitter lemon

Bitter lemon is a carbonated drink made with lemon juice and quinine — and the citrus element is the more clearly flagged concern for histamine sensitivity.

• Citrus as a histamine liberator — lemon is considered a histamine-liberating food, meaning it may encourage the body to release its own stored histamine rather than adding histamine directly.

• Quinine as an additional variable — quinine, the bittering agent in bitter lemon and tonic water, is present in small amounts; its role in histamine intolerance is not well established, but it adds another unfamiliar compound for sensitive individuals to consider.

Regular sparkling water with a squeeze of a better-tolerated fruit is an easy swap if bitter lemon tends to be an issue for you.