Candida as a possible cause of histamine intolerance

In this blog article, we will introduce you to another cause and accompanying symptom of histamine intolerance, which can be caused, among other things, by an increased intake of refined sugar and honey:

Candida Albicans / Candidiasis

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

However, if the gut is dysbiotic and the diet is high in sugar, Candida can proliferate uncontrollably and become a pathogen. This condition is also known as candidiasis.

What is the connection between histamine intolerance and Candida?

A Candida infection can:

  • Activate mast cells
  • which release histamine
  • reduce the activity of DAO (enzyme for histamine breakdown)
  • to make the intestinal lining more permeable and thus
  • This promotes inflammation, which in turn leads to histamine release.
  • release toxic metabolic products that enter our bodies
  • Intestinal and bladder infections promote

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

The mast cells in our body react to various influences and bodily processes, releasing histamine as a result. This occurs, for example, in allergic reactions (immune defense reactions) or when viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi in the body need to be detected and fought.

Since a large proportion of our mast cells reside in the gut, and their number can increase significantly due to dysbiosis and intestinal infections, an increase in Candida overgrowth is accompanied by an increase in histamine-releasing mast cells. Because histamine is, among other things, an inflammatory mediator, increased histamine release can trigger 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 histamine breakdown in the intestine (DAO - diamine oxidase), which can create vicious cycle number 2.

Image of intestine

The following symptoms can occur with candidiasis:

  • constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating and cramps
  • heartburn
  • Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • Concentration difficulties, memory problems
  • Mood swings
  • dizziness
  • Frequent chills
  • Anxiety, depression, paranoia
  • Itching, rash and psoriasis
  • Weakened immune system and frequent infections/colds
  • Bronchial asthma
  • hay fever
  • Period problems
  • bladder infections
  • Infections of the vaginal flora

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 lining – also known as leaky gut. This creates "holes" in the intestinal lining, allowing Candida – and also histamine – to 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 tested for yeast fungus through your family doctor, gastroenterologist or internist, as well as through independent institutes.

What should you do if you have candidiasis?

The good news is: there is a way to minimize the yeast fungus and restore the gut to its natural balance through a so-called "Candida diet." This requires a strict diet over several weeks to effectively control the fungus.


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 colonization 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]

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