Does Mold Cause Thyroid Problems
Are you concerned about mold in your home?
For todays discussion, I want to key in on the link between mold, autoimmunity, and your thyroid.
Lets discuss what we know about mold, how it relates to your overall thyroid health, and some of the most safe and effective strategies to protect yourself from its effects.
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Assessing The Impact Of Environmental Agents On The Thyroid
Environmental agents interfere with thyroid function at multiple sites, including thyroid hormone synthesis, thyroid hormone metabolism and excretion, and thyroid hormone action . Most of these agents reduce circulating thyroid hormone levels or impair thyroid hormone action, although some may influence the pituitary and thyrotropin secretion, or even be partial thyroid hormone receptor agonists. A number of environmental agents interfere with iodine uptake. For these agents, low iodine intake increases susceptibility and adequate iodine intake is recommended to reduce their effect .
A less often recognized impact of environmental agents that influence the thyroid is triggering autoimmune thyroid disease. The etiology of most functional disorders of the thyroid is autoimmunity. Abnormal thyroid function detected in association with an environmental exposure is usually thought to be a direct effect of the agent. The dysfunction, however, could be due to the agent triggering autoimmune thyroid disease.
Can Mold Affect My Hormones
How is it that exposure to biotoxins such as toxic mold, can affect hormones? What are some simple steps to re-create balance? You can start with cleaning your nose and make sure youre pooping every day! Lets explore why.
Exposure to toxic molds and the many bacterial fragments that come with it, can disrupt multiple interacting systems in the body. Often people with exposure to mold experience chronic fatigue, cognitive and mood disorders, as well as many disruptions in their hormones- from severe PMS, to infertility, early menopause, erectile dysfunction in men, night sweats in both sexes, heavy periods, extreme fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, including Hashimotos, diabetes and unexplained rapid weight gain or loss. 1.
The mechanisms of mycotoxin hormonal dysregulation are multi-factorial: Direct hormone mimicking effects, indirect effects through limbic activation and gut disruption, as well as a huge inflammatory effect in the immune system. Inflammation by itself can disrupt our hormones and perpetuates a vicious cycle of imbalance and endocrine disruption.
A common unrecognized culprit of hormonal imbalance.
See my previous blog on 5 DIY Steps to Assess for Home Mold to help you asses your own house.
Keep your nose and pipes clean!
Smells, Hormones and the Limbic System
The Infection- Yeast- Fungal- Hormonal Cycle
What else do we know about mycotoxins and hormones?
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What To Look For On Blood Work If You Suspect Mold Illness
If you have thyroid disease and you suspect mold illness, there are a few things to look at on your bloodwork. Like I said there are THREE non-typical thyroid disease problems I want you to be aware of when it comes to understanding the thyroid-mold connection.
Now..
If you are not familiar with the terms Subclinical hypothyroidism, Autoimmune Thyroid disease, Euthyroid, Non Thyroid Illness, dont worry.. I will explain exactly what they are and most importantly what you need to look for on your thyroid blood tests.if you are someone who has mold illness, or suspects mold toxins. I cant stress the importance of getting your thyroid proper tested! Heres why
Many patients contact my clinic already struggling with mold and mycotoxin illnesses like CIRS, they have spent tens of thousands of dollars on treatment and despite treatment they still dont feel well. WHY??? their doctors only screened them for thyroid disease but they never really tested them.
When I say screened, I mean the doctor only tested their TSH levels and because their TSH was normal, they were told they dont have a thyroid problem and so they struggled for the last 10 years without proper thyroid management. Heres what to look at in your bloodwork.
Our Personal Thyroid Recovery Program Is Customized To The Individual Not The Disease
The Personal Program Thyroid Recovery Program is a Natural Supportive Treatment for Low Thyroid function, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Hashimotos disease. Our office utilizes nutritional supplements, Dietary modifications, Hormone and endocrine support formula, and lifestyle guidance.
- To Schedule a Free 15 minute Phone Consult to see if this program is right or to learn more about Dr Hagmeyers program, Start Here
- Still have questions? Our Free 15 minute personalized Phone consult is a great place to start.
Were here to listen and help you through this frustrating and confusing time. Each person suffering with Thyroid symptoms problem has a different set of mechanisms or causes. Our office will customize a Thyroid Restoration Program based on your testing and tailored to your individual needs.
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Health Concerns Linked To Mold Exposure
In order for the mold to spread, mold spores are continuously growing. These spores later produce toxins, called mycotoxins. It is the black mold that is especially considered to be toxigenic, producing mycotoxins, which are toxic substances.
These mycotoxins, when produced in small amounts, do not usually present with any health concerns in healthy individuals, that is. However, when an individual is struggling with a certain autoimmune condition that affects his/her immune system, or any health issue really that has affected the immune system, is exposed to mold, he/she can experience health issues linked to mold exposure.
It is the individuals that are struggling with known and unknown allergies and asthma that are especially threatened due to the surrounding mold exposure. Mold exposure, in this case, can be even fatal.
High concentrations of mold exposure can be fatal for even the healthiest individuals there. Of course, many factors are to be considered as a part of the process, such as the individuals health status, medical history, amount of time being exposed to mold, the concentration of mycotoxins, etc.
Research has shown that infants and small children that have been exposed to mold at home have an increased risk of developing asthma by the age of seven. Mold exposure seems to worsen allergy symptoms among individuals with a known or unknown allergy.
Do You Have To Pee All The Time
Another symptom the HPA axis may be affected by mold is frequent urination. Antidiuretic hormone is made by the pituitary gland. Low levels of ADH are often seen with mycotoxins. With low ADH your body cant hold on to the water it needs inside your blood vessels. You end up peeing it out, or it leaks from capillaries into your tissues causing swelling, edema and loss of necessary body salts and electrolytes.
Mycotoxin exposure can lead to leaky gut.
Increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut in itself can inflame the whole pelvis. Mold exposures can lead to chronic infections, usually treated with antibiotics, which also decimate the normal good guy probiotics, causing yeast fungal overgrowth and dysbiosis in the gut. All perpetuate leaky gut. Leaky gut can contribute to insulin resistance, PCOS, cramps, endometriosis, and fibroids.We know in many animal models, those that consume lots of mold through contaminated grains, have miscarriages and fertility issues and the same thing can happen with humans. You may have heard leaky gut, leaky brain. No surprise. Inflammation in the gut can travel back to the brain and limbic system through the vagus nerve. So gut inflammation can cause brain inflammation, and brain inflammation can cause all kinds of gut issues. No wonder our hormones get so out of whack!
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What Is Red Light Therapy
With the prevalence of mold in our homes, workplaces, and outdoors, itâs fortunate that most types of molds are relatively harmless to humans. Chronic, long-term exposure to otherwise benign types of molds is, however, associated with various health issues.
For example, a common and widespread mold, Aspergillus, is not typically harmful to most people. However, in some people, exposure to Aspergillus can trigger a variety of symptoms, including watery, itchy eyes, headaches, migraines, sinus conditions, fatigue, a chronic cough, breathing problems, skin rashes, a stuffy nose, and sneezing.
There are several types of molds that are referred to as âToxic Mold.â This means that the mold is capable of producing toxic pathogens called mycotoxins, which can create a variety of health problems. Studies have shown that exposure to mold mycotoxins can cause a variety of significant changes to the immune system and organs, including lung problems, breathing issues, development of autoantibodies that are precursors to various autoimmune diseases, and central nervous system irregularities, among others.
Mold And Thyroid Antibodies
The exact mechanism underlying Thyroid illness especially Hashimotos disease is still a mystery. What we know is that Hashimotos is an autoimmune condition and the underlying culprit is antibodies that are destroying the thyroid gland, but the question is are thyroid antibodies and mold connected?
Ultimately this destruction causes hypothyroidism, which is your thyroid inability to produce thyroid hormone anymore.
This is the time where people are started on Levothyroxine the most common thyroid medication.
But the real problem which started this inflammation is never understood and the inflammation continues in these patients.
Thats precisely the reason that once you are diagnosed with thyroid problem like Hashimotos, several years later on you end up with more medical issues like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or Thyroid nodules and even thyroid cancer.
So it is very important for us to pay attention to the real root cause of inflammation problems so that we can work on it and safeguard your future.
What we at least know at this point in time is that Hashimotos disease is an interplay between environmental factors and genetic factors.
The genetics factors are basically the blueprint which determines a lot of your body functioning. But if we identify which environmental causes of hypothyroidism that are causing your body to react, then we can help your body genetic structure to get rid of that triggering factor.
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How Long Does It Take For Black Mold To Kill You
Black mold, or Stachybotrys atra, has a reputation for being fatal. This is due to reports that black mold was related to infant deaths in the 1990s. Its also been linked to the idea of sick building syndrome and is often called toxic black mold.
But theres no solid evidence proving that black mold is toxic. Black mold, and mold in general, is not deadly.
Still, black mold can cause unwanted side effects, especially those in people who are sensitive to mold. This includes people who are young, old, or have compromised immune systems.
Visit a doctor if you have:
- persistent sinus and nasal congestion
- frequent headaches
- unexplained skin irritation
- more frequent asthma attacks
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if mold is causing your symptoms. Many side effects of mold exposure are similar to other conditions, like seasonal allergies. Some symptoms also take time to appear.
Your best bet is to see a doctor, even if youre unsure your symptoms are related to mold. They can help you find relief.
The best way to treat mold exposure symptoms is to reduce exposure. Follow these tips:
- Avoid contact with moldy items or surfaces.
- Avoid damp rooms, like basements.
- Remove mold from the home by cleaning surfaces and drying damp areas.
- Increase ventilation by using a fan or opening windows.
- Reduce indoor humidity with a dehumidifier.
The length of time it takes for mold to leave your body will depend on your level of previous exposure.
- a musty, earthy odor
Mold Inspection And Environmental Testing
If you suspect youâre being exposed to mold in your home, your first step is to make a plan. A helpful resource is the EPAâs âBrief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.â
You can use a home testing kit for mold. Even better, however, is having mold inspection and testing done by a reputable mold testing and remediation expert. They will look for mold in its most common hiding places, including carpets and flooring, damp basements, HVAC and ventilation systems, dishwashers and washing machines, plumbing systems, and water-damaged walls. They will also conduct surface and air testing to sample for mold spores and mold growth.
The most important takeaway, however, is that ANY mold thatâs found in your home and canât be easily cleaned should be removed. In fact, thereâs a saying: âWhen in doubt, take it out!â
While itâs best to use a professional mold removal and remediation contractor to handle this potentially toxic job, if you choose to do it yourself, be sure to familiarize yourself with the proper procedures. Here’s a comprehensive set of “Guidelines on Assessment and Remediation of Fungi in Indoor Environments.” issued by New York City.
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Mold: A Potential Root Cause Of Symptoms
There are hundreds of peer-reviewed articles discussing the harm that black molds are capable of causing to the brain and immune system. The work by mold researcher Dr. Enusha Karunasena has demonstrated that the endothelial cells that make up the blood-brain barrier can become compromised by these molds. Since the endothelial cells make up the brains primary protection mechanism against outside threats, damage to them means that the toxic molds can easily get into the brain and damage the neurons.
Additionally, the damage to the blood-brain barrier can allow substances to cross into the brain and further damage the delicate neurons. This makes it possible for individuals who have suffered damage to the blood-brain barrier due to toxic mold, to develop sensitivities and become affected by exposure to a variety of other substances, from wood smoke to air fresheners. Mold toxicity is also a potential environmental trigger of Hashimotos symptoms, and Ill discuss this in a minute.
Its important to note, however, that not all molds are harmful. In fact, molds have many valuable functions, including pharmaceutical and food production uses. After all, penicillin, soy sauce, and blue cheese wouldnt exist without the presence of mold! However, those who are sensitive to mold may find that even the small amounts of mold present in cheese, nuts, or coffee may be enough to create an adverse reaction.
Mold And Its Effect On Thyroid Health
Mold — a type of fungus — is everywhere! You may be battling mold in your garden, a moldy, damp basement, or find mold growing on your walls after water damage. Even the cheese in your refrigerator isnât immune to mold!! We simply can’t avoid being exposed to some mold in our daily life, both indoors and outdoors.
Mold thrives with moisture and humidity. Outdoors, mold uses water and decaying plant materials to fuel its reproduction, releasing tiny spores that float to other damp locations. There, the spores take hold and form new mold colonies. Indoors, mold growth depends on water and building materials to spread. This is how a small spot of mildew on the bathroom tiles can spread quickly across an entire wall of shower tiles!
While most people can be exposed to normal daily levels of mold without any health effects, itâs important to note that there are four situations when mold can pose a health hazard:
When the mold exposure is long-term and chronic When the levels of mold are very high When the type of mold is the less common âToxic Mold,â and When the person being exposed has a propensity to autoimmune disease, a greater-than-average sensitivity to toxins, or has a compromised immune system.
We also now know thereâs also a direct link between mold exposure and thyroid disease, specifically, hypothyroidism. Ahead, a look at the important link between mold exposure and an underactive thyroid condition.
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Could Your Symptoms Be Mold Related
Symptoms of mold toxicity vary depending on the personâs genetic makeup, the type of mold affecting them, other health conditions, and so on. However, mold has very strong and significant links with increases in asthma.
Moldy work or school buildings and homes have led to complaints of pain, fatigue, increased anxiety, depression, and memory loss. The symptoms can look similar to those from a bacterial or viral infection. This is because of the inflammation cascades mold triggers throughout the body and brain.
This was the first study to look specifically at the effects of mold on the brain. Lack of such research has led the standard health care model to largely dismiss the topic and it is believed to be more common than realized, especially in humid or rainy areas.
However, sufferers of mold illness already know it causes brain symptoms. The striking results of this study will hopefully prompt similar studies in the future.
The researchers inoculated mice with mold spores intranasally, which caused increases in inflammation in the hippocampus, notable losses of memory, increased pain, and more anxious behavior compared to mice inoculated with saline.
An Overview Of The Thyroid Gland: Location Function And Role
The thyroid is located in the lower section of the front of the neck. It has three lobes and is spongy in texture. The thyroid has long been thought to be the gland for weight regulation, and while there is some truth to that, there are many other roles that it plays in the body therefore, the importance of keeping the gland healthy cannot be overstated.
The role of the thyroid is to produce the hormone, thyroxine which is then converted within the cells of the gland to the active form of thyroid, Triiodothyroinine . This conversion is dependent on the addition of iodine, zinc, selenium, the amino acid tyrosine, and other factors. It is the circulation of T3 through the body that actually expresses the activity of the thyroid. The traditional way of testing to see if the thyroid is within normal range is to look at a hormone called TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone. This is produced by the pituitary gland and is the hormone that tells the thyroid to work and produce T4 and T3. A simplified explanation is that the higher the TSH level, the lower the functioning of the thyroid gland, and the harder it is having to work to do its job. There are varying clinical opinions as to what the range of TSH should be while many labs state that up to 4.0 is normal, in integrative medicine and for optimal functioning, evidence shows us that this level should be below 2.0.
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