Mold and its toxic byproducts are known to suppress the immune system and even destroy its capacity to function over time. The spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and white blood cells are all part of our immune system that keep pathogens at bay, but can become susceptible to the ravages of mold if they are exposed for long enough or other chronic conditions are present. Additionally, up to 25% of the population has issues with the HLA-DR/DQ (human leukocyte antigen) gene, which makes their body less able to fight and detoxify biotoxins, such as those produced by mold.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure:
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Irritated throat
- Irritated sinuses
A 2007 EPA study determined that "Building dampness and mold raised the risk of a variety of respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes by 30 to 50 percent." Other symptoms of mold exposure include frequent urination, static shock, night sweats, blurred vision, burning and tearing eyes, depression to the point of despair, poor concentration, headaches, mental confusion, word recollection problems, lack of focus, brain fog, disorientation, vertigo, tremors, insomnia, chronic fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, all over body aches, chronic Candida (as a symptom), digestive upset like abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and food sensitivities.
Mold exposure is often related to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and is sometimes considered to be a "biotoxin illness", just like Lyme disease.
Wreaking Havoc on the Immune System:
Mold spores and fragments: fragments that break off from mold colonies as well as the reproductive spores they give off float into the air and are breathed in, causing inflammation and allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Certain types of opportunistic mold spores, like Aspergillus, can even colonize inside the body of an immune compromised person.
Mycotoxins: these are toxic metabolic byproducts of mold. Mycotoxins can be found attached to spores floating in the air, or in contaminated food items. Mycotoxins negatively affect nearly all systems of the body. They get trapped in the cells of the body where they continually cause inflammation and can be very difficult to remove. Even after you have moved out of a moldy environment, mycotoxins lingering in your system can continue to cause unpleasant symptoms.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): aerosolized noxious gasses released by colonizing mold. These toxic gasses give molds their signature musty smell. They can irritate the skin, lungs, sinuses, throat, and cause watery, burning eyes. VOCs are toxic to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
What is Mold?
Mold is not a plant or an animal but a type of fungus. Mold breaks down decaying matter and receives its nutrition from whatever material it is growing on. Outdoors, you will find mold spores in the air, growing in soil, in piles of dead leaves, rotting wood, and in compost piles.
Steps to Take If Contamination is Discovered:
- STOP the source of moisture
- Properly remediate the area the mold is in
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Allow sunshine in when possible
How to Treat Mold Exposure Naturally:
After removing yourself from the moldy environment:
- Open drainage pathways (colon, kidneys, liver, lymphatics, skin)
- Use binders: Biotoxin Binder, Carboxy, HM-ET Binder by Cellcore
- Use an infrared sauna to sweat out mold toxins
- Support liver function with TUDCA, glutathione, and castor oil packs
- Consider antifungal herbs as directed by a practitioner
- Follow the Great Plains MycoTox Test to track mycotoxin levels in the urine
If you believe you are dealing with chronic illness, please contact a functional provider. Dr. Jaban Moore, a functional medicine provider, can help you if you are experiencing chronic symptoms.