by Teri LaFaye

“Okay, here I am with hives again!”

That’s what I was saying to myself at this time last year. Suffering from allergies can really be disheartening. Not only do you have to watch what you expose yourself to, but you have to watch what goes into your digestive system, as well.

Since I myself am a sufferer, I’ve done quite a bit of research on the topic. I’m sharing what I’ve learned with you in hopes that this information helps you out as much as it’s helped me.

First things first: If you think having allergies signifies that your immune system is “bad,” you’re incorrect. In fact, your immune system is the opposite of “bad” — it’s so “good,” that it’s overactive! Every little thing, from the air you breath, to substances that you touch, and every piece of food you put in your mouth, may be attacked by your immune system if it believes that this particular substance may be harmful to you in some way.

If you’re like me and are allergic to mold spores, for instance, you have to watch what you eat during high mold spore seasons. During this time, even the most innocent-looking foods, like mushrooms, cheeses (white is the worst), soy sauces, alcohols, any fermented foods or additives, wines, whole wheats, dried fruits, bakery items with high yeast, and other similar products, should be avoided.

This leads me straight to the topic of brewer’s yeast.

One day some time ago, I decided to eat a little healthier, and bought whole grain wheat bread and bagels. As great as I felt about eating this bread, the very next day, I woke up with full blown, itchy blisters and hives from my healthier new diet!

Upon doing some research, I was able to trace the culprit back to whole wheat grains — and specifically, brewer’s yeast. Apparently, some people can indeed have severe reactions to certain foods when they’re allergic to molds. And if I were to participate in a study survey, I would end up in that small percentage of people who cannot eat the good breads that most people ingest without any complications at all.

I know there are others like me out there, so let me share some more valuable information I’ve found. The following article explains what mold allergies are all about in detail and goes into possible culprits in a bit more detail.

The information below was provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. Article Created on 1999-05-07

Mold Allergies

“Along with pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, molds are an important cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis. People allergic to molds may have symptoms from spring to late fall. The mold season often peaks from July to late summer. Unlike pollens, molds may persist after the first killing frost. Some can grow at subfreezing temperatures, but most become dormant. Snow cover lowers the outdoor mold count dramatically but does not kill molds. After the spring thaw, molds thrive on the vegetation that has been killed by the winter cold.

“In the warmest areas of the United States, however, molds thrive all year and can cause year-round (perennial) allergic problems. In addition, molds growing indoors can cause perennial allergic rhinitis even in the coldest climates.

What is Mold?

“There are thousands of types of molds and yeast, the two groups of plants in the fungus family. Yeasts are single cells that divide to form clusters. Molds consist of many cells that grow as branching threads called hyphae. Although both groups can probably cause allergic reactions, only a small number of molds are widely recognized offenders.

“The seeds or reproductive particles of fungi are called spores. They differ in size, shape, and color among species. Each spore that germinates can give rise to new mold growth, which in turn can produce millions of spores.

What is Mold Allergy?

“When inhaled, microscopic fungal spores or, sometimes, fragments of fungi may cause allergic rhinitis. Because they are so small, mold spores may evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract to reach the lungs.

“In a small number of people, symptoms of mold allergy may be brought on or worsened by eating certain foods, such as cheeses, processed with fungi. Occasionally, mushrooms, dried fruits, and foods containing yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar will produce allergic symptoms. There is no known relationship, however, between a respiratory allergy to the mold Penicillium and an allergy to the drug penicillin, made from the mold.

Where Do Molds Grow?

“Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and a source of the few other chemicals they need. In the fall they grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. In gardens, they can be found in compost piles and on certain grasses and weeds. Some molds attach to grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and corn, making farms, grain bins, and silos likely places to find mold. Hot spots of mold growth in the home include damp basements and closets, bathrooms (especially shower stalls), places where fresh food is stored, refrigerator drip trays, house plants, air conditioners, humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and old foam rubber pillows.

“Bakeries, breweries, barns, dairies, and greenhouses are favorite places for molds to grow. Loggers, mill workers, carpenters, furniture repairers, and upholsterers often work in moldy environments.”

The article went on further to say that allergy shots proved useless in cases of yeast and mold related reactions, so avoiding the culprits is the best solution. Of course, you must first pay attention to your body to learn what these culprits are for you.

With fall here and winter right around the corner, the more prepared you are, the better you will feel! Avoidance of certain foods can help during peak seasons.

Here’s to your health!

About Teri

Teri LaFaye is a teacher, a mentor, a writer, and an inspiration. She’s also the author of a published children’s book, written in a humorous rhyme theme that’s perfect for the child in your life — or the child in you! Please contact Teri at sassyonyx@yahoo.com.