So What Is A Mycotoxin
Mycotoxins, literally fungus poison in Latin, are secondary metabolites that can be produced by molds, and are not living organisms. Mycotoxins are a byproduct of mold. Not all mold spores produce mycotoxins, but some do. So the molds that produce mycotoxins are the ones that could be categorized as toxic or poisonous.
So, where is the line between an allergic mold and a toxic mold? That line is defined by the presence of mycotoxins, and is NOT defined by color. Mycotoxins are invisible and cannot be detected just by looking at the mold growth.
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.
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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Always Check The Food Before You Eat It
Another way to avoid eating moldy food, is by checking it before you eat it. Check the item for any signs of spoilage and make sure that its from a trusted source. Even when you are just having home cooked meal it is also important to just check the food in your plate before you eat it. This means that if theres something wrong with your food or mold has started to grow on your food dont take the risk!
Are You Susceptible To Toxic Mold Syndrome
Just because youre exposed to mold doesnt mean youll develop any symptoms of mold poisoning.
Some people can live in a super moldy home, where the mold is actually visible, and yet not experience a single symptom.
So youre wondering why youre not one of those lucky people. Maybe youre extremely sensitive to mold exposure. You live in the same building with others who are perfectly healthy, yet youre sick. This can be because:
- Youre exposed to more mold .
- Youve been exposed for longer.
- Your genetic makeup. Some genes boost the susceptibility to mold toxicity by 24%.
- Your immune system doesnt identify and clear mold toxins as easily as someone elses does. In this case even smaller overall exposure levels can harm your health.
Other reasons why some people are more susceptible to mold sickness than others:
- Type of mycotoxin youre exposed to
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How Common Is Mold In Buildings
Mold is very common in homes and buildings.
One 2017 study found mold in every public building studied, with an average of about 14 instances of mold per building.
Another involving 31 European countries found mold in 1 in 6 homes. The author noted that the prevalence of mold may vary greatly depending on the regional climate.
Repair Leaky Gut With Colostrum
While improving ones diet and removing mycotoxins can reduce irritation to the gut, which contributes to increased intestinal permeability , I found that I needed additional support to repair the damage sustained by my digestive tract due to mold illness. The product I have found to be most effective for healing my gut is bovine colostrum. I have written an entire blog post on the myriad health benefits of bovine colostrum, one of which is its ability to repair damaged cells in the intestinal wall. Colostrum also contains a substance called lactoferrin, which is a potent natural antifungal, and antimicrobial peptides that target pathogenic microorganisms. These natural antifungal/antimicrobial substances may be useful for eliminating Candida overgrowth and other gut infections. I have personally found colostrum extremely useful for clearing up intestinal Candida, when used in conjunction with a low-mold diet and binders. For more information about the extensive health benefits of colostrum, check out my blog post Colostrum: An Ancestral Superfood for Modern Times.
I also take a broad-spectrum probiotic by Ultimate Flora, to replenish the beneficial bacteria in my gut. This has further improved my Candida situation. This brand of probiotic can be found in the refrigerated supplements section at most Whole Foods and other health food stores.
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Check The Expiration Date
Another way to avoid eating food with mold in it is by checking the expiration date. Just because something doesnt look moldy, doesnt mean that its safe to eat. Many times, molds can start growing on the food without changing its appearance. So make sure to always check the expiration date before purchasing or consuming any type of food!
Could Your Unexplained Symptoms Actually Be Mold Toxicity
Weve reached a critical point in the field of natural medicine where its not enough to simply eat better and manage stress.
Obviously those lifestyle changes are powerful and important, but sometimes there are much deeper disturbances that have yet to be uncovered.
Most of us can control the types of foods we eat, how much sleep we get and how often we exercise. But what about the factors that are largely out of our control like our environment?
Some practitioners hone in with laser-like focus on a persons individual habits, but fail to consider the external factors that could be THE cause of a persons illness.
In addition to the toxic pesticides, solvents, plastics and industrial pollutants, were facing an epidemic of mold-related illnesses from water-damaged buildings.
But mold has always been around us, so why is all of this happening now?
Well, one of the things thats changed since the 1970s is the widespread use of fungicides in house paints. The problem with putting fungicides in paint is that it breeds the growth of very hearty and highly toxic molds. All it takes is a shoddy construction job like an improperly installed door, window or ventilation system for water to get into nooks and crannies and set the stage for mold to flourish.
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Association Of Stachybotrys Species With Sick Buildings
One of the best studies of building-related illness showed minimal relation to Stachybotrys. Miller et al. examined 50 Canadian homes in which the occupants had complaints of respiratory or allergic symptoms for which there was no explanation, although at the time of the study, occupants of only 6 houses had building-related illnesses. Looking at air exchange rate, moisture levels, and analyzing air and dust for fungus and fungal products in 37 of the homes, they found S. chartarum in only one house analysis of the 6 sick houses did not indicate fungus-related disease. During parts of the year when windows are open, indoor fungi are comparable to outdoor species . However, in this study, outdoor air spores were negligible and Penicillium and other soil fungi were most important. Toxigenic fungi included P. viridicatum, Trichoderma viride, P. decumbens, and A. versicolor. House dust usually contained appreciable amounts of filamentous fungi and yeast, and so it was expected that spores could be found in air, depending on the activity in the room.
How Can I Be Exposed To Mold
People are exposed to molds every day, usually by touching or breathingthem. Because molds naturally exist outdoors and indoors, living in a totallymold-free environment is practically impossible. As molds grow, spores can bereleased into the air where they can be easily inhaled. People who inhale largenumbers of spores may get sick. Possible health concerns are an importantreason to prevent mold growth and to clean up molds in indoor environments.
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It Can Cause Different Medical Conditions
If youre someone who is allergic to mold, consuming it may cause different medical conditions. This happens because the bodys immune system starts to attack whatever it is that has caused the allergy.
The most common symptoms are a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches and asthma attacks. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating something with mold in it, see a doctor as soon as possible!
Is Toxic Mold Illness To Blame For Your Digestive Problems
Its frustrating. Youve got digestive problems but youve hit a roadblock in the healing process.
Maybe you have irritable bowel syndrome .
Or maybe you have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth .
But youre not getting any better.
Newsflash: theres one thing you probably havent tried to get rid of your digestive problems. Im talking about toxic mold exposure.
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How Mold Can Hurt Your Gut Health
Mycotoxins produced by mold impair gut health on a structural and functional level. They disrupt the balance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the gut, increase intestinal permeability, interfere with nutrient absorption , generate oxidative stress and inflammation, and increase your susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and parasitic gut infections.
Please Remember That This Blog Is Not Intended To Replace Medical Advice Diagnosis Or Treatment
Always talk to your doctor about symptoms of any medical condition you are experiencing. It is unlikely to experience all the symptoms listed, but many of these symptoms could be cause for concern. An open dialog with your doctor is important for any medical condition. Ask questions to be sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process.
To learn more about our sources of information, please check out the For More Information section at the end of this article.
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What Is Mold Illness
If you are reading this article, it is likely that you have already heard of mold illness however, for those who may not be familiar with this condition, here is a bit of background information.
Mold illness is provoked by exposure to toxic molds, typically in water-damaged indoor environments. This type of environment is very hospitable to mold spores. Upon taking up residence and propagating in water-damaged areas, molds begin to produce insidious byproducts called mycotoxins and noxious gases called volatile organic compounds . Susceptible people living in water-damaged, moldy environments are at risk for developing serious illness due to the inhalation and ingestion of mold spores, as well as exposure to the byproducts of mold metabolism, mycotoxins and VOCs. Exposure to mold, mycotoxins, and fungal VOCs is a grossly misunderstood and overlooked cause of chronic illness. These toxic exposures can cause immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, allergies and asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, cognitive issues, and neurological symptoms.
Problems With Clinical Studies
Such findings may explain the confusing results of earlier studies. For example, some authors have claimed links between childhood asthma and damp, moldy housing . While retrospective questionnaires reported more wheezing, cough, and chest cold symptoms in children from affected houses, the degree of bronchospasm was not different between groups. Thus, despite the claim that there was a causal association between moldy houses and wheezing, there was no supporting objective evidence. Some studies which claim that moisture and mold were associated with respiratory infections, cough, and wheezing also fail to show differences in asthma prevalence between case and control schools . Other authors report that despite claims of symptoms being more prevalent in case groups , actual asthma prevalence was no different .
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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.
Mold Symptoms: Is Mold Making Me Sick
No one wants to think about mold growing in their home, but since the side effects of mold exposure can be serious, its something you cant ignore. Symptoms are wide ranging, and since mold often grows out of sight, it can be difficult to pinpoint mold as the cause. Check out this symptoms checklist to see if you might have mold growing in your home.
Disclosure: The symptoms listed here are for general informative purposes only. Speak with your doctor for specific medical advice relating to any unexplained symptoms you have.
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How To Get Your Home Tested For Mold
Tests to identify mold can only show that mold spores were present at a particular moment. They cant tell you when you may have been exposed, if you inhaled any mold spores, or what your health risks might be.
Large areas of mold are easy to see, and sometimes to smell, so testing isnt generally necessary. Also, all mold is cleaned the same way, so it doesnt matter what type it is.
The CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. The agency states that reliable sampling can be expensive and there are no established standards for judging acceptable levels of mold.
If you do want to get your home tested for mold or need professional mold removal, there are a few places to find a certified mold inspector in the United States.
finding a professional to remove mold
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
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How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Buildings And Homes
Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth to prevent mold growth.
Inside your home you can control mold growth by:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
Signs Of A Mold Illness
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Stachybotrys Species As Pathogens
In the Ukraine in the early 1930s, a unique disease of horses was recognized that was characterized by lip edema, stomatitis, oral necrosis, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. The symptoms often progressed through well-defined stages to pancytopenia, coagulopathy and hemorrhage, neurologic compromise , superinfections, and finally death . There was also a rare atypical or shocking form, which was primarily neurological and highly fatal, with areflexia , hyperesthesia , hyperirritability, blindness, and stupor. In these latter cases, there were no blood dyscrasias. Pathologic examination of tissue from affected animals revealed diffuse hemorrhage and necrosis, with involvement of the entire alimentary tract. Pulmonary changes consisted of lung congestion and edema . Pathologic changes in tissue appeared unique, since there was no zone of demarcation around necrotic foci and since the tissue appeared to be in a nonreactive state. In retrospect, these findings were perhaps the first indication that the entity had a toxigenic origin rather than being due to direct tissue infection. In the wake of the equine outbreak, it was soon realized the disease was not limited to horses. However, there were marked species and age effects on susceptibility: cattle were less affected than horses, and younger animals fared better than older ones .
