Q: Can Eating Mold Make You Sick
A: Yes, it is possible that eating mold can cause health issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you can visibly see mold on food, dont risk it. Throw it out.
Mold spores are everywhere, and they can be found in food, water, air, soil, and plants. The best way to avoid getting sick from mold is to wash your hands frequently, and to keep your home clean. If you have a concern, wait the day and see if any symptoms show up. If not, you are probably ok.
Binding Mycotoxins To Heal Your Gut
The use of binders to remove mycotoxins from the gut is necessary to reverse chronic stomach problems caused by ingestion of toxic mold. Through the process of enterohepatic circulation, mycotoxins are carried from the liver and gallbladder by bile into the small intestine where they are reabsorbed and transported back to the liver, creating a cycle of exposure that causes chronic inflammation and accompanying symptoms.
Binders are non-absorbable agents that attach or bind to mycotoxins and carry them out of the body. Since binders cannot be reabsorbed and recycled through the GI system, they move captured mycotoxins into the large intestine to be eliminated through the stool. Popular detox binders include:
- Activated Bamboo or Coconut Charcoal
- Bentonite and Zeolite Clays
- Monomethylsilanetriol Silica
- Saccharomyces boulardii
Although more research is required, binders likely do not interfere with nutrient absorption. To be safe and maximize effectiveness of meals and medications, use binders one hour before or two hours after you eat or take supplements.
Changes Your Gut Bacterial Balance
One of the biggest ways that mold exposure affects your gut health is by changing your gut microbiota. The mycotoxins not only increase harmful bacteria but it also decreases your beneficial bacteria. Mold exposure can also cause a decrease in the levels of short-chain fatty acids that your intestines produce.
This causes poor gut immunity. Mycotoxins have also been found to increase the harmful bacteria found in your gut. These bacteria include Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Listeria.
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The Story Of Two Genes
Meet Jane. Jane does not have the mold genes . She lives in a water-damaged building, and experiences mold allergy symptoms. Her immune system identifies the molds mycotoxins and creates specific antibodies to rid her body of the mold. Once Jane moves, her mold allergy symptoms will go away. Her immune system eliminates molds.
Meet Tina. Tina has the mold genes . She too was living in a water-damaged building. She had mold allergy symptoms so she decided to move. Her new house does not have any water damage. But Tinas symptoms continue to get worse each day.
Tinas immune system functions very differently than Janes. Tinas body is unable to flush out the mold toxins. This triggers her immune system to respond to these mold toxins over and over. Tinas immune system is never able to turn off because her body cant get rid of the mold toxins. Always having some mold toxins circulating in her system causes 24/7 activation of her immune system. Tina is unable to protect herself against new mold exposures. And she suffers daily from a crazy array of symptoms. All of which are caused by her immune system constantly fighting the mold.
It is this chronic activation of the immune system that causes so many different symptoms.
Can Mold Cause Diarrhea
Again, the answer to this question is definitely yes. Some symptoms of mold exposure include vomiting, cramping, nausea, intestinal bleeding, and internal bacterial infections. Most of the time, individuals are exposed to mold in their own homes and do not realize it. By the time these symptoms appear, it is often too late.
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Use Activated Charcoal Or Another Sequestering Agent
Sequestering agents are compounds that bind mycotoxins in the GI tract and prevent them from being recirculated through the liver and GI tract. They help reduce the number of mycotoxins to which GI cells and microbes are exposed. Cholestyramine, activated charcoal, and bentonite clay are potent binding agents that can reduce the bioavailability of mycotoxins in the gut. However, these can cause constipation. I would only recommend them if you tend to have loose stools or you suffer from diarrhea. If you have constipation, chlorella also has mycotoxin-binding properties and may be a better option for you.
Digestive Issues From Mold In The Home
Youre probably aware that mold can cause many health issues but what about digestive issues? At first glance, it might seem unlikely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the most common mold health issues are allergy-related and respiratory in nature, like a runny nose, coughing and sneezing. And that makes sense, since mold-related illnesses are mostly caused by the inhalation of mold spores.
Further investigation, however, tells us that exposure to mold can sometimes lead to a wide range of health problems, including a rash or hives, depression, fatigue and neurological problems. Though less common than respiratory problems, mold may also cause problems with the digestive system in some people.
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If You Have Sibo Or Ibs Mold Exposure Might Make Things Worse
The gastrointestinal tract serves as the primary interface between ingested mycotoxins and the rest of the body.
that mycotoxins and the gut microbiota engage in bidirectional crosstalk that ultimately influences the structure, function, and health of the gastrointestinal tract.
They have learned that while a healthy gut microbiota can bind and metabolize some ingested mycotoxins, mycotoxins can also alter the microbiota and reduce its natural detoxification capacity. This means that patients with pre-existing gut issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and SIBO may be more severely impacted by mycotoxin exposure than people with a healthy gut microbiota, due to changes in their gut bacteria that reduce their capacity to process mycotoxins.
It Can Cause Infection And Fever
When you eat mold, it can cause an infection in your body. If something enters your mouth and doesnt agree with your system, the immune system starts to react violently. The most common symptom of that reaction is fever.
Fever means that theres some kind of infection going on somewhere in your body and while this might not be a big deal if youve just eaten seafood or cheese, eating mold will make things much worse!
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Signs Of A Mold Illness
How Can Mold Affect My Health
Many molds can cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants and,sometimes, toxins that may cause adverse reactions in humans. A reaction tomold depends on how much a person is exposed to, the age of the person and thepersons sensitivities or allergies. The same amount of mold may causehealth effects in one person, but not in another.
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who havetouched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as arunny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching. Molds can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic tomolds, causing wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. A diseaselike pneumonia may also develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon.
Infectious diseases from molds can occur in people with weakened immunesystems, such as those who are immune-compromised or immune-suppressed fromdrug treatment. Some types of mold are known to cause infections inimmune-compromised people. Such infections can affect the skin, eyes, lungs orother organs. These are considered opportunistic infections that usually do notaffect healthy people.
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What Should I Do If I Have Any Of These Symptoms Of Mold Exposure
Your first port of call is your doctor. He or she can rule out other health problems that might be causing your symptoms. Know that a physician cant diagnose mold exposure using just blood or urine tests. Youll need to have your home or workplace inspected by professionals. You might think that you can simply check with your family or colleagues to see if they exhibit similar symptoms. But unfortunately, some people are more sensitive to mold than others. So you might develop symptoms and the guy in the next cubicle is none the wiser.
Your doctor will prescribe a program of treatment. But there are things that you can do to help:
- Don a protective mask and gloves to clean any visible mold in your home.
- Report the mold to the building manager if its in your workplace.
- Keep on top of mold growth to stop it from releasing as many spores.
- Run a dehumidifier in the bathroom or kitchen to make them less attractive spaces for mold to grow.
- Once youve removed the visible mold, have your air ducts cleaned regularly.
If youve recently had mold removed from your home call Fresh Aire Duct Cleaning at 275-5556 or contact us online to schedule a duct cleaning service in Los Angeles! You need to make sure youre not simply transmitting mold spores around your home.
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Black Mold Symptoms And Health Effects
Learn about black mold symptoms and health effects so that you can identify indicators of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning.
A mold infested room of an old building.
Dariusz Majgier
Mold in homes can be a costly and dangerous problem, particularly when infestations of toxic black mold occur. The symptoms and health effects of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning cover a wide range of health problems, but understanding the indicators can help keep you and your family safe.
Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, as it’s known to scientists, can release spores as it feeds on organic materials in common household materials like drywall, carpet, insulation or sub-flooring that have been exposed to moisture. These spores, if ingested or inhaled, can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in humans.
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What Medical Tests Are Available To Determine If I Am Allergic Tomold
There are medical tests to determine if you are allergic to a particularsubstance, such as mold. These can be performed on skin or blood. Skin testsare considered more reliable than blood tests to determine allergic reaction toa substance. Skin tests yield results more quickly, are less expensive thanblood tests and are generally considered more sensitive. If an individual hassymptoms year-round, which may indicate an indoor allergy, skin testing may berecommended.
Blood testing called the RAST test can be done to showif you are allergic to a substance. The RAST test detects levels of antibodiesto particular allergens. The test is expensive to perform and results areusually not available for about two weeks.
Mold Prevention And Restoration
Most importantly, further contact with mold should be eliminated. Repeated exposure will keep you from recovering and could reverse the progress made through medication.
All mold MUST be removed from the home to relieve symptoms and prevent more serious illness. The most reliable way to remove mold from a home or commercial building is to hire a mold remediation professional. Certified mold mitigation technicians typically provide free inspection consultations. Restoring hygiene is critical. And a mold professional should be knowledgeable and helpful in recommending ways to do so.
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What Molds Are Toxic For Everyone
To say molds can be toxic is a bit of a misnomer. According to the Centers For Disease Control, certain molds are toxigenic. This means they are capable of producing mycotoxins, but are not toxic themselves. Some of the molds that are capable of producing mycotoxins include Cladosporium, Fusarium Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium.
Different Types Of Mold
Allergenic Molds. Allergenic molds are on the low end of the danger scale. They only cause problems for those with asthma and a predisposed allergy to the specific mold. Children are more likely to have mold allergies than adults.
Pathogenic Molds. Pathogenic molds will cause some infection. This is a big problem for those with a suppressed immune system. An acute response resembling bacterial pneumonia is commonly found with those exposed to these types of mold.
Toxigenic Molds. As the name implies, these molds produce mycotoxins that can cause serious health effects. They have been tied to immunosuppression and cancer. The toxic chemicals found in these types of molds can be absorbed into the body when one inhales them, eats them, or even touches them.
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How Do Molds Affect People
Molds are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.
Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. Symptoms other than the allergic and irritant types are not commonly reported as a result of inhaling mold. Research on mold and health effects is ongoing.
The above does not describe all potential health effects related to mold exposure. For more detailed information consult a health professional, your state or local health department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold website.
What Causes Black Mold
Molds are an important part of our environment. They decompose dead plants and animals. All types of mold will grow if the conditions are right. Mold grows and spreads quickly in the right conditions, which include:
- Moisture level at or over 70%
- Adequate food source
- Temperatures that range from 40 to 100 degrees F
Mold can grow anywhere in your house that provides these conditions. The most likely places mold will grow are:
- Anywhere that there has been a water leak.
- Damp rooms without adequate ventilation, such as bathrooms.
- Basements where humidity tends to be higher.
- Any areas with a lot of water condensation.
- Any areas where flooding has occurred.
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Diagnosing Digestive Problems From Mold Exposure
If youre having gastrointestinal problems, see your primary care physician. Let your doctor know if youve been exposed to mold or think your symptoms might be caused by mold exposure. Make sure to let your doctor know if youre experiencing any other symptoms of mold exposure, like coughing, sneezing, headaches, sore throats, shortness of breath, rashes or hives.
Because so many things can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including viruses, parasites, food poisoning, ulcers, food allergies and sensitivities, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, it can take some time for a doctor to figure out whats causing your gastrointestinal problems and whether or not its due to mold exposure. Your doctor may order some tests to help make a diagnosis, such as blood tests, an upper GI x-ray , a CT scan, an abdominal ultrasound, an endoscopy and/or colonoscopy , and laboratory analysis of a stool sample. You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a doctor specializing in digestive problems, for some of these tests or for treatment of certain gastrointestinal conditions.
What Are The Symptoms Of Mold Sickness
If your Total Body Burden is high, or you are genetically predisposed to recycling toxins, regular exposure to mold can cause allergy symptoms, such as:
- Wheezing/shortness of breath
- Long standing or frequent sinusitis
And, serious pain and neurological symptoms, such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue and weakness
- Poor memory, brain fog, difficulty with focus
In some cases, the spores from mold take root and grow in specific parts of the body, such as the lungs and sinuses. This can cause serious respiratory illnesses and infections.
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If You Suspect Mold In Your Home Its Important To Do A Mold Test
If you suspect you may have mold in your home, its very easy to test for it. There are several tests available on the market. One of the easiest and most convenient is The 5-Minute Mold Test from Healthful Home Products. This test includes a few simple tools to gather mold samples and conduct the test, then get results in less than 5 minutes.
This 5-Minute Mold Test tells you if mold is present and also indicates the presence one of the dangerous mold, Stachybotrys.
To protect your family from the dangers of mold, be aware of any places in the home that may be damp and moist. Healthful Home Products offers several treatment products for mold and bacteria, should they be a threat around the home. For more information, visit www.healthfulhome.com.
What Can I Do To Heal My Gut After Mold Exposure
Healing your gut is an important step in eliminating mycotoxins from your body to reverse the root cause of your chronic condition. You can work to heal your gut by:
Before you begin a detox and healing protocol, however, its critical you address the source of your exposure to toxic mold. You may even have to move out of your home or work from a different location for a time if mold caused by water damage needs to be remediated. This is called avoidance. Some people can overcome mold-induced illness by practicing extreme avoidance alone.
Avoiding Mold In Your Diet to Heal Your Gut
Avoiding mold in your diet as well as your environment will help eliminate continued exposure to mycotoxins. The best approach is an anti-inflammatory, low-mold diet, reducing the number of inflammatory agents and mycotoxins entering your gut. While there is a science to adopting a low-mold diet, general guidelines include avoidance of all foods that worsen your symptoms.
If you havent made a correlation between what you eat and an increase in your stomach problems, start by eliminating these inflammatory and mold-prone foods from your diet:
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