Mold...a Catalyst for Illness

Key Takeaway

Mold is infamous for being a tremendous catalyst for chronic illnesses as it is capable of creating inflammatory reactions, activating infections that were once dormant, and designing an environment where autoimmune conditions can prosper. Mold, along with the mycotoxins they release, unleash chaos on the immune system by creating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dozens of so-called "random" symptoms such as hair loss, chronic fatigue, and neurological damage.

It is estimated that 50% of buildings have moisture problems/mold damage.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in places where moisture exists (plants, wood, drywall, floors, ceilings, food, etc.). It can appear in a variety of colors including: black, white, green, purple, orange, and blue.

Common types of mold that cause illness include: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys (black mold), Cladosporium, Fusarium, and Chaetomium.

What are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are naturally-occurring fungal toxins that are present in mold fragments and spores. Mycotoxins can have a destructive effect on humans by disrupting transcription and translation, and through inflammatory responses mediated by cytokines.

Common types of Mycotoxins that cause illness include:

• Aflatoxins: Can penetrate the cell membrane and attach to its DNA. Aflatoxin toxicity may result in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, convulsions, and other signs of acute liver injury.
• Ochratoxin: Common symptoms include: IBS, chronic fatigue, sinusitis, brain fog, and histamine/allergy issues.
• Patulin: Causes damage to the tight junctions between the cells and the intestines, leading to leaky gut and food sensitivities.
• Fumonisin: Commonly found in crops. Can cause digestive problems and chronic fatigue.
• Zearalenone: Can cause hormonal activity making it genotoxic and carcinogenic; can cause reproductive disorders.
• Nivalenol/Deoxynivalenol: Trichothecenes that have been reported to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis.

How Does Mold Affect the Immune System?

When mold and mycotoxins enter the body, they:

1. Suppress the immune system, creating a pro-inflammatory environment
2. Cause mitochondrial damage, leading to reduced energy production (fatigue)
3. Disrupt the blood-brain barrier, causing neurological symptoms
4. Create leaky gut, leading to food sensitivities and systemic inflammation
5. Deplete hormones such as melatonin, MSH, and growth hormone
6. Activate dormant infections such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr Virus, and others

How to Navigate Mold Exposure:

1. Get out of the moldy environment as soon as possible
2. Test your home with an ERMI test
3. Remediate the mold properly with a certified mold remediation company
4. Open drainage pathways to allow the body to safely excrete mold toxins
5. Use binders (Biotoxin Binder, Carboxy, HM-ET Binder) to mop up mold toxins
6. Support the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system
7. Use infrared saunas to sweat out mold toxins
8. Work with a mold-literate practitioner