Cod

🍨 What Is Cod?

Cod is a mild, white, flaky fish that’s low in fat and high in lean protein. It’s a popular seafood choice around the world, commonly featured in dishes like fish and chips, baked cod, or chowders. Cod is also a good source of vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine, which support energy metabolism and thyroid function.

🤔 Why Might Sensitivity to Cod Occur?

Cod sensitivities can develop for a few main reasons:

• Proteins: Specific fish proteins, particularly parvalbumin, can trigger immune or digestive sensitivities.

• Histamines: While fresh cod is low in histamines, levels can rise significantly if the fish is not stored or handled properly.

• Fish Oils: Even lean fish like cod contains trace fish oils that may irritate sensitive digestive systems.

If you tolerate other fish, your reaction may be related to how the cod was processed, stored, or cooked, rather than the fish itself.

🛠️ Supportive Wellness Approaches

🚫 Avoid for 8 Weeks: Eliminate cod and cod-based dishes (such as salted cod or fish sauce) to let the body reset.
🔁 Reintroduce Gradually: After 8 weeks, try small portions of fresh, properly stored cod and monitor symptoms.
🥗 Try Alternatives: Substitute cod with tilapia, haddock, or plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas.
🧾 Track Reactions: Keep a food log to identify any recurring sensitivities or patterns.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

• Digestive Enzymes: Help break down fish proteins like parvalbumin.

• Probiotics: Promote gut balance and support healthy digestion.

• Turmeric & Quercetin: Offer natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory support for histamine-related sensitivities.

🌟 Why Might Sensitivity Occur with Cod but Not Other Fish?

• Protein Variability: Cod proteins differ structurally from those in oily fish (like salmon or mackerel), which can change how the body responds.

• Histamine Accumulation: Cod that isn’t properly chilled or stored can accumulate histamines more quickly than certain other fish.

• Digestibility: Cod’s unique texture and composition may be harder for some to digest compared to softer or fattier fish.

These differences can make cod more reactive for certain individuals, even when other fish are tolerated well.

🍽️ Popular Dishes Using Cod

• Fish and Chips

• Baked Cod with Lemon

• Cod Chowder

🥥 Alternatives to Cod

• Tilapia

• Haddock

• Tofu or Chickpeas (for plant-based protein)