Key Takeaway
Yes, mold is a major root cause for chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases. Once the body is exposed to mold, it suppresses the immune system, creates chronic inflammation, and enables other toxins and pathogens to easily enter the body.
Mold exposure is much more common than most people think as it is estimated that 50% of buildings have moisture problems/mold damage. Additionally, mold produces mycotoxins, naturally-occurring fungal toxins that are present in mold fragments and spores that may be ingested through air, food, and skin absorption. Mycotoxins are known to cause symptoms such as: chronic fatigue, insomnia, joint/muscle pain, brain fog, sensory abnormalities, neurological damage, mental disorders, changes in vision/mood, and gastrointestinal issues.
In fact, mold can cause disorders like Leaky Gut. If mold and its mycotoxins overgrow within the gastrointestinal tract, it may create an excessive amount of inflammation that results in the hyperpermeability of the epithelial membranes of the intestines.
Mold can also cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. According to a 2013 study, it is reported that 104 of 112 (93%) observed patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were positive for at least one mycotoxin.
Is Everyone Susceptible to Mold Illness or Chronic Inflammatory Syndrome?
Everyone is susceptible to fall ill from mold. However, some individuals may have genetic weaknesses that make them more susceptible:
- Approximately 25% of the human population has the HLA-DR (human leukocyte antigen) gene that makes humans susceptible to mold illness. This gene creates this susceptibility by making the body unable to recognize and detoxify biotoxins.
- If a person has the MTHFR gene mutation, this may cause difficulty eliminating toxins including mold and mycotoxins from the body.
How Do I Know If I Have a Mold Problem?
To start, these actions may help identify a mold infestation:
- Check for water spots on ceilings or walls, especially by sinks or showers.
- Check windows and doors for leaks and condensation.
- Check walls for discoloration, peeling wallpaper, or bumpy/warped spots.
- Check plants and their pots for mold.
- Check floors and seating within cars for mold.
Other places to consider: Heating/AC Unit, Ductwork, Front-loading Washing Machines, Basement Furniture, Bathroom Vents, Roofing, Behind the Refrigerator, Under Carpeting.
To test for mold, we recommend:
- ERMI Testing: Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) Tests check for the presence of mold/mycotoxins within a building.
- Mycotox Test: Screens for 11 different mycotoxins from 40 species of mold.
It is essential to know if mold is a problem for you as it can prohibit the healing of other infections and toxicities. For example, parasites feed on mold. Without mold being present, it is more likely for an individual to successfully overcome a parasitic infection.