Why Your Allergies Could Be Making You Tired
In the United States, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Allergens can exist both indoors and outdoors, and it can be a challenge to limit your exposure to them. When it comes to indoor and outdoor allergies, there are a few common culprits that can cause seasonal or recurring allergic reactions such as sinus swelling, nasal congestion or a runny nose, watery eyes, and tiredness. The most common triggers include dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet danderâall of which may cause fatigue.
There are several reasons why fatigue can be linked to allergies. First, exposure to an allergen triggers an immune response thatâs meant to protect you from foreign invaders. Your immune system produces a chemical called histamine, which can cause symptoms like itchiness, swelling, trouble breathing, and fatigue.
Allergy symptoms such as congestion, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and general feelings of discomfort can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep or disrupt your ability to stay asleep, contributing to feelings of fatigue during the day.
Plus, taking medicationsâsuch as antihistaminesâto combat or prevent allergy symptoms may lead to drowsiness during the day, as well.
Is It Dangerous To Live In A House With Black Mold
We spend a majority of our time in our homes, and they should be safe spaces. They are where we eat, sleep, return to after a long day at work, and are the places where we are most ourselves. As much as they reflect our needs, interests, and style, they ultimately serve the purpose of sheltering us from the outside world. So, what about when our homes actually compromise our health?
Black mold is a relatively common presence in homes, but that doesnt mean its a harmless one. Here is what you need to know about black mold and how it could endanger you and your family.
Its The Mold Not The Coffee
Its gross to think about, but the reason you might grow tired after a cup of coffee is from mold contamination. A2003 NIH studyVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine Worlds largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View sourceexamined 60 samples of raw, unroasted coffee beans from Brazil.
Practically all samples were contaminated with moulds , the study noted.
And2013 researchVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine Worlds largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View sourcehas linked exposure to mycotoxins to chronic fatigue. Those withchronic fatigueVerified SourceMedline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health.View sourcefeel tired even after resting and may experience sleep problems. Other symptoms include dizziness and difficulty thinking or concentrating.
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What Causes Fast Molding
Some types of bread develop mold faster than others due to their moisture content. You may notice that softer pieces of bread tend to mold more quickly than harder ones. Since fungus is a living organism, it relies on organic material as well as water to grow.
Baked goods that have a moderate to high moisture content are going to develop spores growth faster. Additionally, bread that is kept in a warm , moist environment will develop mold growth quickly as well.
Mycotoxins Damage Your Health
Mycotoxins are sneaky. While mold itself cant enter your bloodstream though it can hang around and colonize in spots like your nostrils and lungs mycotoxins can get into your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body.
These opportunistic toxins can hijack your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. If your immune system is already compromised , mycotoxins take advantage. If youre healthy, they can make you very sick.
Studies show that mycotoxins can:
- Cause lung inflammation that can make it harder to breathe
- Worsen allergy and asthma symptoms
Unfortunately, mold toxicity is frequently misdiagnosed. Because of its wide-ranging effects, its typically mistaken for other conditions including depression, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune conditions. Plus, because mycotoxins are opportunistic, theyre often connected with debilitating diseases such as Lyme disease, IBS and fibromyalgia.
Your Genes Can Make You More Vulnerable
Around 25% of people are genetically predisposed to get sick from mold exposure. A simple test, called the HLA-DR, can tell you if youre in that more susceptible population.
If you are, it means your immune system cant easily identify and get rid of mycotoxins. That can allow them to build up in the body, causing harm wherever they end up. On top of that, because of that genetic twist, even relatively small exposures to mycotoxins can affect you.
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How Soon Do I Get Sick After Eating A Moldy Bread This Is What Happens To You
If youve eaten some moldy bread, youre probably wondering when youre going to feel the effects or if youd get sick at all.
For most people, eating bread with mold does not have alarming effects. However, in some rare cases, it can contain Mycotoxin, toxic chemicals produced by molds. These toxins could cause food poisoning if you ingest too much of them. If this happens, you could see mild to severe symptoms within a few hours.
To get a better idea of molds on bread and how it can affect you, continue reading.
Bread with some slightly fuzzy, green, white, or blue patches is relatively common, especially if it is left uneaten for more than a few days.
Knowing how to handle mold on foods will improve your general food safety. Youll learn more about what causes it to develop, what to do about it, and how you can keep your bread, bagels, and baguettes fresh for as long as possible.
Types Of Mold Sickness: Signs And Symptoms
Mold exposure has the potential to cause adverse health effects. Many people start researching mold sickness when they are faced with a set of symptoms that have no apparent cause. They begin to wonder, are they being affected by something in their environment? There is a wide range of mold-related illnesses, some of which are difficult or even impossible to diagnose. Below, we discuss the different types of mold sickness and the symptoms associated with each condition.
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Caffeine Makes Me Tired Is There Something Wrong With Me
This is an evidence based article
This article has been written by experts and fact-checked by experts, including licensed nutritionists, dietitians or medical professionals. The information in the article is based on scientific studies and research.
It is designed to be honest, unbiased and objective, and opinions from both sides of an argument are presented wherever there is disagreement.
The scientific references in this article are clickable links to peer-reviewed research material on the subject being discussed.
You may never have experienced this problem if youre young and healthy.
But if youre not, and your doctor has prescribed several different medications for you, theres a good chance that at least one of them didnt work as expected. In that case, your doctor probably prescribed a different drug.
Why wouldnt a prescription medication work? Quite simply, its because everyones body is different. Not everyone reacts to a drug in quite the same way.
Caffeine is a drug, too. In fact, its the worlds most-popular psychoactive drug. But just as with all other drugs, not everyone reacts to caffeine in quite the same way.
Most of us down a cup of coffee, a soda or an energy drink to get the quick boost that caffeine normally provides. But for some people, caffeine actually seems to induce sluggishness, not alertness.
Can caffeine actually make you tired? Isnt it a stimulant that promotes wakefulness?
Yes, it is. But there are other factors that could be in play.
Q: Can Mold On Toothbrush Make You Sick
A: Yes, mold on toothbrushes can cause health issues such as asthma, sinusitis, and allergies. The best way to prevent mold from growing on your toothbrush is to keep it clean and dry. If you do not want to throw away your toothbrush, then you should soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse it thoroughly with soap and water.
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Mold Reactions: Who’s At Risk
For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath. In people with asthma who are allergic to mold, breathing in spores can also cause asthma attacks.
In addition to people with allergies and asthma, others who may be more sensitive to the effects of mold include:
- Infants and children
- People with chronic lung disease
Its The Sweetener Not The Coffee
If you drink coffee sweetened with whipped cream, honey, syrup, or plain old sugar, you might feel tired if a sugar crash hits you.
When your body ingests more sugar than its used to, insulin is produced to offset it. However, the insulin also causes yourblood glucoseVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine Worlds largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View sourcelevels to dropand your blood glucose, also known as your blood sugar, is your bodys main source of energy.
So as your blood glucose levels decrease, you feel a lack of energy that can tire you out. You may also feel hungry, irritable, anxious, sweaty, dizzy, or on edge as the sugar crash hits.
It may not just be the sugar in your coffee, either. If you have a sweet snack such as a cookie or drink your morning coffee with a glass of orange juice , you might feel a sugar rush and subsequent decline. Its particularly easy to binge sugary drinks, as they dont fill you up the way food does.
If you experience a sugar crash, try having some protein to balance out your blood sugar levels.
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What Causes Mold Sickness
The toxins in your system from breathing in mold spores add to the total amount of toxicity in your body. We call this the Total Body Burden. When your burden is high, you start experiencing symptoms many which are seemingly unrelated.
For most people, toxins get flushed out from the body when eliminating waste.
For some, the toxic load is so high that its too much for the body to eliminate them all efficiently. For others, they may have poor detoxification processes or they may even recycle or reabsorb these mycotoxins back, as the body tries to eliminate them. Genetics plays a huge role in this difference from person to person
In short, multiple symptoms happen because, as we say in environmental medicine genetics points the gun, and then the environment pulls the trigger.
Does Eating Moldy Bread Always Make You Sick
Chances are that most people have eaten moldy bread or other foods at least once in their lifetime. You shouldnt be surprised that you dont get sick every time this happens. Unless you experience more dangerous types of mold on food or you have an allergy or sensitivity, you probably wont have any symptoms.
While you shouldnt eat moldy food in general, having a small amount likely wont cause any serious harm.
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How Is Mold Exposure/illness Diagnosed
Again, I need to stress that theres a world of difference between a mold allergy and CIRS. It is key to know that they are two separate conditions caused by the same thing mold exposure. Outside of that, the disease processes are very different.
A mold allergy will typically be diagnosed by an allergist. To confirm the diagnosis, an allergist will run an IgE allergy, or skin prick test. Different types of mold will be tested on your skin. If theres a noticeable reaction to one of the test spots, a mold allergy is diagnosed.
If you have a mold allergies you will need to be mindful of mold exposure. That means avoiding damp piles of leaves in the autumn months. And avoiding any areas of damp or wet materials in the spring. During these months, it may be wise to wear a mask when venturing outdoors.
Diagnosing CIRS is a complex, multi-step process.
Read more about the differences between CIRS and mold allergies.
Have You Suddenly Gained Considerable Weight
People can put on 50 pounds from mold exposure even with decreased caloric intake and increased exercise. Because of the insulin resistance from the imbalance of leptin and adiponectin, these people cannot burn fat.
Appetite swings are real common. One very unique thing is patients in a moldy environment often will develop leptin resistance and because of that, they can gain thirty, fifty pounds in a very short period of time with no change in diet or exercise and you can imagine how terrifying that is to a patient to suddenly have this massive amount of weight gain. Its less frequent to have weight loss but that can also occur.
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The Silent Killer: Hidden Dangers In Your Home
Roof leaks and dripping pipes are just some of the ways of developing toxic black mold in your home. These mold spores thrive in warm and moist environments and multiply rapidly contaminating your living environment. Most mold infestations are not visible due to living in between walls, cupboards, the roof and hidden corners. Over time causing various health conditions with multiple symptoms that most people blame on allergies. First sign of any of the following symptoms you should seek immediate removal of the mold and treatment from a physician.
Controlling Mold In The Bedroom
Keep in mind that its nearly impossible to keep mold spores from entering your home. Microscopic spores can come in through open airways, windows, and vents, or latch onto clothing and pets. Therefore, the best approach to preventing mold is to make sure your bedrooms environment doesnt support its growth.
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How Can I Prevent Black Mold
Of course, moving out is not a simple or accessible process for everyone. If you dont have the resources to move or simply dont want to, consider these prevention measures to protect yourself against black mold:
- Immediately repair leaks
- Constantly wipe down/dry wet or damp surfaces
- Invest in a dehumidifier to clear the air of excess water vapor
- Clean rooms that are susceptible to water collection with anti-fungal products
- Open windows to facilitate air circulation when possible
- Clean rooms/spaces that dont get much use to ensure mold isnt growing there
Like any prevention method, these steps do not ensure that black mold will not grow in your home, but they lessen the chances. The biggest takeaway here is that black mold flourishes in objects that retain water or places that harbor standing water, which is why avoiding humidity is so imperative in preventing fungus growth.
Types Of Mold Sickness And Symptoms
Mold can be found almost everywhere, though it thrives in warm, humid environments. It spreads by releasing tiny spores that float through the air. Some types of mold also produce mycotoxins, microscopic organic compounds that can attach to mold spores and cause additional health effects when inhaled.
Mold exposure does not always cause adverse reactions, and different types of mold can cause a person to react in distinctly different ways. However, those who are sensitive to mold or have mold allergies may experience the following symptoms after exposure, according to the CDC:
- Nasal stuffiness
- Eye, throat or skin irritation
- Coughing or wheezing
Reactions may be more severe in those with:
- Mold allergies
- Weakened immune systems
- Chronic lung illnesses
If you are in one of the above groups, the CDC recommends staying away from likely sources of mold, such as wooded areas, compost piles and freshly-cut grass.
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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.
Is The Smell Of Mould Dangerous
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But others could make you sick. Though small amounts of mold probably won’t hurt us, there is no species of mold that is ‘safe’ when inhaled. Symptoms of mold exposure may include headache, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and fatigue. In those with asthma, asthma attacks can occur.
Likewise, what does a house with mold smell like? In general, the smell of mold is unpleasant, and smells like something is moist in the room. Some people compare it to the smell of wet socks, or rotten wood or paper. There are many of these compounds, or chemicals, that are released as mold grows, but some of the most common have smells that are pungent and musty.
In this way, is the smell of mold harmful?
A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated. The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown, although exposure to mVOCs has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
What happens if you accidentally smell mold?
These compounds are produced through fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often giving off strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from molds can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea.
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