Some foods are a double whammy for people with mold toxicity. That’s because many foods that grow mold easily are also high in histamines, adding more fuel to the inflammation fire.
What Are Histamines?
Histamines are compounds your mast cells release in response to a threat, whether an injury, allergy, or toxin. Usually, histamines are broken down in your intestines by the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), and all is well.
However, things can go haywire if DAO production is impaired or if DAO supplies cannot keep up with histamine load. (1)
When this happens, it’s known as histamine intolerance and can lead to symptoms like:
Allergies
Skin rashes
Sinus issues
Runny nose
Headaches
Fatigue
Nausea
Digestive issues
Anxiety
The Mold & Histamine Connection
Chronic mycotoxin exposure from living in a moldy environment triggers the body’s mast cells to release histamine. (2) This creates a cascade of inflammation, keeping the immune system on high alert. In time, this constant influx of high histamines can lead to histamine intolerance.
How to Lower Your Histamine Levels
To get your histamine levels back in check, you’ll want to:
1. Avoid high-histamine foods such as: (3)
Alcohol and other fermented beverages
Fermented foods
Cured meats
Citrus fruits
Dried fruit
Avocadoes
Eggplant
Spinach
Tomatoes
Aged cheese
2. Avoid foods that trigger the release of histamine: (3)
Alcohol
Bananas
Chocolate
Tomatoes
Nuts (cashews, walnuts, and peanuts in particular)
Papaya
Pineapple
Shellfish
Strawberry
3. Avoid foods that block DAO production: (3)
Alcohol (yep…again!)
Black tea
Green tea
Mate tea
Energy drinks
What Supplements Can Help Lower Histamine?
Besides avoiding these foods, there are some supplements that can help. These may be especially helpful when you have intense symptoms:
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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of clients over her career since 2004. She is the founder Functional Detox Products, a supplement line for detox plus everyday support.
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