Candida as a possible cause of histamine intolerance

In this blog post, we introduce another cause and side effect of histamine intolerance, which can be triggered, among other things, by an increased intake of industrial sugar and honey:

Candida Albicans / Candidiasis

Candida is a yeast that occurs naturally in healthy amounts in our body (e.g., in the intestines and on mucous membranes).

However, if the gut is in a state of dysbiosis and the diet is high in sugar, Candida can spread uncontrollably and become a pathogen. This condition is also described as candidiasis.

What is the link between histamine intolerance and Candida?

A Candida infestation can:

• activate mast cells
• release histamine
• reduce the activity of DAO (an enzyme that breaks down histamine)
• make the intestinal mucosa more permeable and thus
• promote inflammation, which in turn leads to histamine release
• release toxic metabolic products that enter our body
• promote intestinal and bladder infections

Candida and mast cells – most mast cells are located in the gut

The mast cells in our body react to various influences and bodily reactions by releasing histamine. This happens, for example, during allergic reactions (immune defense reactions) or when viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi are detected and need to be combated in the body.

Since a large proportion of our mast cells are located in the gut and the number of mast cells can increase significantly due to dysbiosis and infections in the gut, an increase in Candida leads to a simultaneous increase in histamine-releasing mast cells. Since histamine is, among other things, an inflammatory mediator, increased histamine release can cause inflammation in the body.

Inflammation in the body, in turn, activates mast cells and thus promotes the release of histamine - this is vicious cycle number 1.

Candida also has the property of inhibiting our enzymes for breaking down histamine in the gut (DAO - diamine oxidase), which can lead to vicious cycle number 2.

The following symptoms can occur with candidiasis:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Bloating and cramps
• Heartburn
• Gastric mucosal inflammation (gastritis)
• Headaches and migraines
• Exhaustion and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, memory impairment
• Mood swings
• Dizziness
• Frequent cold sensations
• Anxiety, depression, paranoia
• Itching, rashes, and psoriasis
• Weakened immune system and frequent infections/colds
• Bronchial asthma
• Hay fever
• Menstrual cramps
• Bladder infections
• Vaginal flora infections

Candida and food intolerances

Candidiasis can promote the development of food intolerances, such as fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, histamine intolerance, and also intolerances to salicylates, oxalates, or sorbitol.

The reason for this is increased permeability of the intestinal mucosa – also known as leaky gut. This creates "holes" in the intestinal wall, through which Candida – but also our histamine – can spread throughout the body and cause significant discomfort.

As you can see, the symptoms of candidiasis are very similar to those of histamine intolerance, which is why a stool analysis is usually unavoidable.

You can have a stool sample taken through your GP, gastroenterologist, or internist, or through independent institutes, to test for the yeast.

What to do if you have candidiasis?

The good news is: There is a way to minimize the yeast through a so-called "Candida diet" and restore the gut to its natural balance. This requires a strict diet for weeks in order to curb the fungus long-term.

Would you like to easily integrate selected bacterial strains into your daily routine? Our BioticFit S combines three spore-based bacterial strains with acacia fiber and zinc, and thanks to the practical capsules, it can be easily integrated into your everyday life.

BioticFit S is vegan, laboratory-tested, free from unnecessary additives, and suitable for a low-histamine, low-fructose, gluten-free, and lactose-free diet.

Sources

• 2015 Nature Journal, Opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans elicits a temporal response in primary human mast cells: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep12287
  Yamaguchi et al 2006, Gastrointestinal Candida colonisation promotes sensitiation against food antigens by affecting the mucosal barrier in mice
  Journal of investigate Allergology & Clinical Immunology in 2000
  Frontiers in Immunology, Role and relevance of mast cells in fungal infections
  Nosal R. 1974, Histamine release from isolated rat mast cells due to glycoprotein from Candida albicans in vitro[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]