Mold Toxicity and Histamine Intolerance: What’s the Connection?

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:

• DAO enzyme formulas 

• Vitamin C: needed for DAO production

• Quercetin: acts as a natural antihistamine

• Stinging nettle 

• Fish oil 

• Perilla seed extract

• Claritin: this has helped me immensely, and is non-drowsy

• Benadryl: this sleep-inducing antihistamine is sometimes used as a test for MCAS

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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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