Could Your Depression Anxiety Brain Fog And Insomnia Be Due To Mold Toxicity
Toxic mold based illness is a very prevalent and under diagnosed condition that can manifest in many different ways, including with symptoms that are exclusively psychiatric, such as depression, anxiety, attentional problems, brain fog and insomnia. Vulnerability to mold toxicity is only present in 25% of the population, who in most cases, have a genetic predisposition which inhibits their clearance of biotoxins. A family can all be living in the same house with mold growth, but only one family member will become ill. This is because that person is the only one with the genetic vulnerability.
Mold growth is initiated through water damage. Due to common building practices of using Drywall or Sheetrock, which was not a construction material used in the past, more people are now being exposed to toxic mold, as Drywall is a great medium for mold growth. In addition, the current practice of making homes more energy efficient, means that there is less ventilation with outside air, and toxic mold gasses can be trapped inside, potentiating their effect.
Mold toxins can accumulate in the body, continuing to wreak havoc long after exposure ceases and require an extended course of treatment. But for everyone, the first and most crucial step in treatment, is to identify where the mold is located and to get away from it.
Some of the common symptoms of toxic mold and CIRS are:
1. Fatigue
36. Metallic Taste
37. Tremors
Here Are A Few Things You Can Do To Stop Mold Growth:
- Fix any leaks in your plumbing, your roof, etc.
- Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products. I saw a few mold spots in my apartment bathroom wall a few years ago, and used white vinegar on them, then rinsed with water. The spots disappeared, and there haven’t been any since then.
- Add mold inhibitors to any home painting projects.
- If your home floods, remove any carpets and/or upholstery that got wet. Dry out your home within 24 48 hours after flooding.
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Coughing And Shortness Of Breath
The irritation and inflammation caused by mold often lead to frequent coughing that is otherwise unexplained.
The throat and lungs are irritated continuously when repeatedly exposed to mycotoxins. If the issue isnt addressed, this coughing can develop into more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The same inflammation that causes irritated, constricted airways that lead to wheezing and coughing can eventually lead to shortness of breath.
This gives a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may feel like you are unable to take in a full breath.
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But Not All Mold Is Created Equal
There are thousands of mold species, some helpful and some problematic. On the positive side, some mold species help to recycle organic matter which is very important for the ecosystem. Other mold species are utilized for food productionfor instance making bread, cheese, sausage, and alcohol. Plus there are medications created from mold, such as penicillin, lovastatin, and cyclosporine.
But other mold species can make you ill. Sick building syndrome, for example, often results from mold spores circulating in the air ducts of a building. These tiny spores, invisible to the naked eye, can produce mycotoxins that make us sick. Mycotoxins can be absorbed through the intestines, lungs, and your skin. The most problematic mycotoxins include ochratoxin A, aflatoxin, and trichothecenes.
Chemicals From Plastics And Other Products
Some people are concerned about bisphenol A . This is a chemical found in some types of plastic bottles. BPA also is used to line the inside of some types of food cans and other containers. A study has shown that people who have high levels of BPA in their urine have a greater risk for heart disease. And a group of experts concluded that bisphenol A may have some effect on the behavior, brain, and prostate gland of a developing baby or young child., If you are concerned about BPA, don’t use bottles marked with the number 7 or the letters “PC” near the recycle symbol. You can use glass or BPA-free plastic bottles instead.
In the past, a group of substances called polychlorinated biphenyls were used in electrical equipment, plastics, and dyes. Although they are no longer made in the U.S., they remain in the environment. Exposure to PCBs has been linked to health problems, especially mental functions such as memory and attention in children. Exposure to PCBs also has been linked to sperm problems in men. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information about PCBs at www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/index.htm.
Chemicals called phthalates may cause problems with the reproductive organs of infants and young children, especially boys. Phthalates can be found in some plastic items and in products such as powders, lotions, and shampoos.,
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How Mycotoxins Lead To Afib
Again, if you have AFIB, you would be best served to find the CAUSE. And one of those causes is mold mycotoxins.
Here are several ways that mold can lead to AFIB:
Eliminate The Source Of Mold
Mold can grow anywhere there is dampness. To reduce the risk of mold in your home or office, fix water leaks. Use fans to circulate the air and dry the area. Clean susceptible areas like bathrooms often and use ventilation fans to decrease the humidity in your home. When cleaning, make sure that you wear a mask to prevent the inhalation of mold spores. Once you finish cleaning moldy areas, wash your clothing immediately, and take a shower to prevent spreading mold spores throughout your home. If your home has been subjected to extensive water damage, contact a mold remediation specialist and have your home professionally cleaned. The cleaners may recommend carpets, draperies, and upholstery to be disposed of if they cannot be properly cleaned by the professional.
Mold can be several different colors, including green, black, and brown. Sometimes mold will appear as a spot and begin to grow. Mold has a musty, earthy smell. Mold can be hidden behind drywall, under carpets, or behind wallpaper. Routinely inspect your roof, basement, and crawl space for moisture. Check plumbing pipes, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms for any signs of mold. Routine inspections of these areas can prevent a large mold infestation. As soon as you notice the first traces of mold, use a mixture of bleach and water to clean the area, and destroy the mold spores.
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Getting Professional Assistance And Advice
We recommend calling in a mold remediation professional for a free home inspection and consultation. He or she will make sure all areas of mold in your home have been located, which is important since mold often grows in hard-to-find places like inside heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts, inside walls and under flooring. He or she will advise you about the work that needs to be done in order to make your home mold-free and safe again. To locate mold remediation professionals in your area, follow the link.
Since the initial inspection and consultation are free, you can get some helpful professional advice at no cost even if you plan to handle the cleanup job yourself. However, if youre suffering from exhaustion related to mold exposure, you may not have the energy to do the work yourself since mold remediation is often a complex, involved job. We also suggest checking with your doctor to make sure its safe for you to handle mold removal yourself and to make sure it wont exacerbate your symptoms.
Toxic Mold Contributes To Infection And Pulmonary Hypertension
Written by Joseph O’Neill Updated on January 2, 2018
This case involves a woman who was exposed to toxic mold in her home over an extended period of time. The mold, which was growing on the wall of the womans bedroom behind a large chest of drawers, was caused by an undiscovered leak in the homes plumbing. Before the mold was discovered, the woman developed an infection in her lungs that left her with severe respiratory damage. As a result of the infection, the woman required supplemental oxygen at all times, and now sufferers from pulmonary hypertension. Due to her illness, she was unable to return to work.
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Toxic Mold Is Not The Same As A Mold Allergy
A mold allergy affects the immune system, so when you are exposed to mold , you have an allergic reaction. This causes allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing.
In contrast, toxic mold is a mycotoxin that is put off by a mold. When these mycotoxins are released, they cause different symptoms caused by toxic mold. These symptoms do affect the immune system, but it is not the same as an allergy response.
How Can I Prevent A Relapse
Mold spores can be found just about anywhere, whether inside or outside. However, you can take preventative measures to ensure they dont breed into larger, toxic colonies. If there are water leaks in or around the house, have them repaired immediately. Dark, wet environments and plenty of organic material create the perfect home for mold growth. Keep your attic and basement or crawl space dry and free of moisture. Consider bringing in an environmental professional and having an ERMI mold test done every so often to evaluate your home for the presence of mold. There are DIY kits that can be purchased, but these results arent always accurate.
If you suspect that you have been exposed to mold, either because you have found mold in your home or you have had nagging symptoms similar to the ones discussed, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. As you make a plan to remove mold from your home and prevent future relapses, team to have the mold problem removed.
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What Are The Treatments For Mold Exposure
The first step in treating problems with mold exposure is to avoid the environment where the triggers are located. In short, the mold problem needs to be taken care of completely. If not, you will simply be managing the symptoms. It is also difficult to completely avoid any mold exposure, which means some medications or therapies will ease the symptoms rather than offer a cure. However, in conjunction with your physician, you should be able to enjoy an improved quality of life once you have had the mold removed and your immune system set back on track. Here are some of the treatments or medications that are used to address mold exposure.
Lifestyle changes may also need to be made for an individual to recover from mold poison. The primary consideration is removing the source of the toxin, either through mold remediation and cleanup or by taking yourself out of the environment. If you have found mold in your home, dont delay in having it removed. With a serious allergy to the substance, it isnt advised that you undertake the cleaning on your own. Professional help is advised if you want to thoroughly remove the contaminant without making the problem worse.
What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House
Musty smells are a tell-tale sign of mold. Another common indicator is visible signs of water damage.
As mentioned earlier, mold grows fast. Within 24 hours of a water leak, or a flood, mold will begin to take hold. This mold can grow on anything thats humid walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and even wet laundry.
When there is a chance of mold, its important to have a professional in to test. Professionals qualified to do environmental investigations can:
- Check the surfaces of your house for mold
- Test the air for spores
- Help you to identify sources of moisture
- Identify where the mold is growing and help you decontaminate your house
- Use natural enzymes to kill mold spores
If you dont get rid of all sources of mold, you risk getting sick from it.
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Can Black Mold Cause Respiratory Problems
In a residential setting, people are generally exposed to black mold through breathing in mold spores and mycotoxins. When ingested, mold spores have the potential to cause irritation and a burning sensation in air passages, such as the nasal cavity, mouth, and throat.
Some common symptoms for respiratory issues from black mold exposure include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nose bleeds
- Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose
- Bleeding gums
- Burning sensation of the mouth
- Wheezing
- Bleeding or swelling in the lungs
From Concise To Confused
Out of nowhere, Kimberlyn went from a highly-effective, busy, working mother, to a disorganized, uninvolved, confused individual who couldnt focus long enough to put together cohesive, coherent thoughts. She was no longer able to make decisions for herself and struggled to even get dressed in the morning. Insomnia, anxiety, and a loss of appetite accompanied the confusion. It was like I lost my personality, says Kimberlyn.
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Supporting Your Immune System
Because chronic mold exposure can wreak havoc on your immune function, you will definitely want to maintain a clean, TRUE gluten free diet. You might consider avoiding foods that contain mold or help with mold proliferation. Some of the most common include: sugar, alcohol, peanuts, pistachios, products out of the self serve bins in the grocery store, dried fruits, yeast additives, and foods high in starch. The use of vitamin C and Vitamin D can be very helpful in attenuating mold induced damage and controlling inflammation.
When Should You Suspect That Mold Exposure Is Causing Symptoms For You
If your home or office has had water damage or water intrusion and nothing was done to remediate it within 24-48 hours, its likely mold has grown. Mold can grow with very little moisture, so make sure small leaks are repaired and damp areas like bathrooms, showers, and windowsills are well ventilated and cleaned regularly.
You may have experienced a time you stayed in a hotel, a friends house, or perhaps your basement and smelled a musty odor. That odor is often caused by microbial volatile organic compounds which are not thought to affect our health in a negative way. This musty odor, however, is a red flag that mold growth is present.
There are many companies that will come to your home and test for the presence of mold spores. One of the most popular mold testing methods is to collect air samples indoors and outdoors and compare them. The indoor mold count should be less than outdoors. Unfortunately, air testing for mold is limited in its effectiveness and can lead to false negative results since it only provides a brief snapshot in time of which mold spores are present.
One of the better, more effective, tests for mold is the Environmental Relative Mold Index which is available at Mycometrics or EMLab P& K. It analyzes a sample of dust from the home using a DNA-based method for identifying specific mold species. This test also has its limitations, but overall is a good test to start with.
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Is Mold Affecting Your Heart And Overall Health
8 min. read
Dr. Stephen Sinatra
Many people don’t realize it, but toxins in the air we breathe can put undue stress on your heart and overall health. My son Dr. Drew Sinatra, a naturopathic physician, has a lot of experience diagnosing and treating mold toxicity. So, I asked him to write today’s blog about the dangers of mold and what you can do to keep yourself healthy.
My dad, Dr. Stephen Sinatra, has classified mold as one of the 14 most dangerous toxins to the heart, and with good reason. Mold toxicity is one of the most pervasive, and least understood, health issues in todays worldand unfortunately its a health issue that many doctors miss.
Like Lyme disease, mold is the great masquerader. It can cause a wide variety of symptoms to appear, mimicking other illnesses. Over the years Ive learned that if someone is sensitive to mold and is quite ill, there is nothing more important than treating the underlying mold problem, first. Thats because if mold induced illness isnt addressed first it can cause an enormous amount of inflammation, free radical stress, and toxicity in the body.
What Are The Symptoms Of Mold Exposure
As I mentioned earlier, the health effects of mold can mimic a variety of other illnesses. Mold symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, headaches, asthma or coughing or wheezing, chronic sinus infections, muscle and joint pain and weakness. They can also include visual disturbances, balance issues, cognitive dysfunction , dizziness, irritable bowel syndrome, skin rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, mood swings, numbness and tingling, and nosebleeds.
The most common health effects of mold I see in adults is mental and physical fatigue, headaches, morning sinus congestion, and muscle aches. For children, asthma and a cough are common, as is a suppressed immune system where they catch every cold and flu that goes around.
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