Billy Bob Thornton’s days of devouring a whole pizza by himself are long behind him. The 70-year-old actor revealed to Howie Mandel on his podcast that he’s been living with a rare health condition that forces him to follow a severely restrictive diet.
Living with a Rare Condition
Thornton, known for his roles in Fargo and A Simple Plan, was diagnosed with a condition called histamine intolerance, a rare disorder that affects the way the body breaks down histamine, a compound found in foods like fish, chocolate, and citrus fruits.
According to the International Association for Histamine Intolerance, histamine intolerance occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough diamine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine. Symptoms can include headaches, digestive issues, and even allergic reactions.
A Restrictive Diet to Manage Symptoms
Thornton said that managing his histamine intolerance requires him to follow a strict diet that eliminates many of his favorite foods. “I can’t have any fish, any chocolate, no citrus fruits… it’s a real challenge,” he explained to Mandel.
He added that he has to be extremely mindful of the ingredients in the foods he eats, as even small amounts of histamine can trigger severe reactions. “It’s like being a detective, trying to figure out what’s going on with my body,” he said.
Thornton’s diagnosis has had a significant impact on his relationship with food. He revealed that he used to be a voracious eater, but now he’s forced to be much more careful about what he puts into his body.
A New Normal for the Actor
Thornton’s health struggles have given him a newfound appreciation for the importance of taking care of himself. “I used to think I was invincible, but this condition has taught me that I’m not,” he said.
While living with histamine intolerance has its challenges, Thornton seems determined to make the best of it. He’s finding ways to adapt to his new dietary restrictions and has even discovered some new favorite foods that fit within his restricted diet.
Thornton’s openness about his health condition is a testament to his commitment to self-awareness and self-care. By speaking out about his struggles, he hopes to raise awareness about histamine intolerance and inspire others to prioritize their own health and well-being.
