Ever had allergy-like symptoms, yet your allergy tests come back clear?
Mast cells are best known for their involvement in allergic reactions and mold has a sneaky way of flipping them into overdrive. Mold mycotoxins can trigger mast cell activation. Suddenly, they’re dumping excessive amounts of histamine into your system, making you think you’re reacting to pollen, pet dander, or certain foods.
In reality, it’s a false alarm your body responds to, but often it’s mold – not the usual suspects — that is the master manipulator behind it all. And that’s exactly why the customary go-to remedies for allergies (antihistamines, decongestants) don’t work against the real trigger: mold.
Biohack It
Best natural anti-histamine? Quercetin, a natural plant compound! Research shows quercetin works even better than the drug cromolyn (a prescription mast cell stabilizer) at keeping these cells from overreacting. Not only does it block histamine, it also tamps down other inflammatory signals that cromolyn can’t control as well. And unlike many meds, quercetin can work ahead of time to keep mast cells calm—meaning it can help prevent reactions before they even start!
>>Where to find Quercetin? You’ll find a variety of my most trusted brands in my online Fullscript dispensary.
Related:
Biohacks for Removing Mold from Your Body and Your Home
What’s Growing In Your Coffeemaker?
Is It Allergies or Histamine Intolerance?
Resources:
Aghababaei F, Hadidi M. Recent Advances in Potential Health Benefits of Quercetin. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023 Jul 18;16(7):1020. doi: 10.3390/ph16071020. PMID: 37513932; PMCID: PMC10384403.
Weng Z, Zhang B, Asadi S, Sismanopoulos N, Butcher A, Fu X, Katsarou-Katsari A, Antoniou C, Theoharides TC. Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibits contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans. PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e33805. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033805. Epub 2012 Mar 28. PMID: 22470478; PMCID: PMC3314669.
Piliponsky AM, Romani L. The contribution of mast cells to bacterial and fungal infection immunity. Immunol Rev. 2018 Mar;282(1):188-197. doi: 10.1111/imr.12623. PMID: 29431211; PMCID: PMC5812373.
Sobiepanek A, Kuryk Ł, Garofalo M, Kumar S, Baran J, Musolf P, Siebenhaar F, Fluhr JW, Kobiela T, Plasenzotti R, Kuchler K, Staniszewska M. The Multifaceted Roles of Mast Cells in Immune Homeostasis, Infections and Cancers. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Feb 17;23(4):2249. doi: 10.3390/ijms23042249. PMID: 35216365; PMCID: PMC8875910.
Kritas SK, Gallenga CE, D Ovidio C, Ronconi G, Caraffa Al, Toniato E, Lauritano D, Conti P. Impact of mold on mast cell-cytokine immune response. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2018 Jul-Aug;32(4):763-768. PMID: 30043558.
De Zuani M, Paolicelli G, Zelante T, Renga G, Romani L, Arzese A, Pucillo CEM, Frossi B. Mast Cells Respond to Candida albicans Infections and Modulate Macrophages Phagocytosis of the Fungus. Front Immunol. 2018 Nov 30;9:2829. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02829. PMID: 30555491; PMCID: PMC6284040.
