How Do You Test For Toxic Mold Exposure
All in all, there is no simple way to diagnose mycotoxin illness, says McElroy. But testing is typically the first step. She prefers to start patients with at-home tests and also recommends a home inspection by a certified mold inspector. should only be ordered, in my opinion, once the environment is evaluated for the source of mold, explains McElroy. The most direct way to test for mold toxicity is a urine test that measures for metabolites of mold and mycotoxins as well as glutathione levels . That said, as McElroy explains, I never place the entire diagnosis of mycotoxin illness on tests alone. Why? Because mold tests have some major drawbacks, including:
- False negatives and false positives are common
- They are not covered by insurance
- You cant test all toxins there are hundreds
- The levels found on tests dont necessarily correlate with the severity of symptoms
These tests clearly arent perfect. In fact, McElroy says she has seen patients who were really sick have almost nothing show up on the test while the healthy spouses of those same patients register values off the charts, so having a clinician thats willing and able to do some extra investigation into symptoms of mold and toxic mold exposure is key.
Mold Toxicity: How To Diagnose And Treat Mold Exposure For Good
Have you ever left a piece of bread out on your kitchen counter for too long?
If so, you probably saw some blue-ish, green, and grey hairy spots begin to grow. Never mind that sandwich for lunch
The culprit: mold.
Mold is a fungus that grows through filaments called hyphae. Different types of mold vary in color, shape, and size. But they all have one thing in common they all need moisture to grow.
Toxic mold can grow indoors and outdoors and can lead to mold-related allergies and illnesses. For some people exposure to mold can lead to a mold illness and could also eventually lead to mold toxicity . Does everyone exposed to mold react the same? The answer is no! Some people are more susceptible to the effects of mold than others. This is why it is possible for only 1 or 2 household members to have health issues secondary to mold when everyone seems fine.
If you suspect youve been exposed to mold, you may have asked yourself questions like
What are common ways you can be exposed to mold?
How can you test your home for mold toxicity?
What should you do if youre experiencing mold toxicity symptoms?
Ill share the functional medicine approach to answering these questions below!
Detox By Eliminating & Avoiding Exposure
While mold is always present and the body can normally fend off the mold in most cases, this ability is compromised when mold exposure becomes excessive or prolonged. In order to allow the body to thrive, opposed to the mold, its important that you eliminate these excessive levels.
This involves finding the source of the mold, maintaining indoor humidity levels, and effectively cleaning the area. Eventually, mold levels will return to a normal state and your body will thrive.
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What Type Of Functional Medicine Lab Tests Can Help Determine If You Have Mold Exposure
Mycotoxin testing is used to detect mold metabolites. So what mold metabolites can we test for? Here are the ones I look for in my practice:
- Aspergillus: the main metabolites include Ochratoxin, Aflatoxin, and Gliotoxin.
- Penicillum: the main metabolites include Sterigmatocystin and Mycophenolic Acid.
- Fusarium: the main metabolites include Enniatin B and Zearalenone
- Chaetomium Globosum: the main metabolites include Chaetoglobosin A
- Stachybotrys: is commonly found in water-damaged buildings. The main metabolites include Riordin E and Verrucarin A.
So what are the effects of mycotoxins and where are they typically found?
Ochratoxin A can affect the kidneys, immune system, and neurological system, and is produced by molds in the Aspergillus and Penicillum families. Exposure is primarily through water damaged buildings, but can also be through certain foods. Aflatoxin is also primarily from Aspergillus and is found mostly in foods. It is a carcinogenic substance and can also cause liver damage, mental impairment, and immune suppression. Gliotoxin is typically from aspergillus exposure, and targets the immune system and can also lead to neurological symptoms.
Mycophenolic Acid produced by the Penicillum fungus that can suppress the immune system. MPA exposure can increase the risk of opportunistic infections.
Citrinin is elevated with multiple different molds. It can lead to suppression of the immune system, kidney damage, and is a carcinogen as well.
A Mold Toxicity Test Can Help
By using a mold toxicity test it is possible to determine whether or not you are suffering from this type of overgrowth. This can be an overwhelming problem to tackle, but starting with the right tools will allow you to get your life back quickly and easily.
The first step in overcoming mold toxicity is getting tested this way youll know exactly what you are dealing with and how to effectively make a change. A common scenario is that if people find out they have mold sensitivity, their first impulse is often to clean the house from top to bottom. This doesnt actually help unless you determine whether or not any toxic mold has made it into your home in the first place, which means you need to do a mold test.
If this shows that there is a mold problem in your home, then you will need to determine whether or not it is a small isolated issue with one room, or a widespread problem with the entire building. If its a single area, all you need to do is fix that area and remove any toxic mold in the environment. However if the problem spreads throughout your whole building then there is a good chance that the mold has also grown in other areas. If this is the case then its time to talk to your landlord and get them to take care of the problem.
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Testing For Mold Toxicity
When investigating mold toxicity, there are two types of testing you should consider, environmental and lab testing.
For environmental testing of your home or workplace, you can do a formal test with a mold inspector. Alternatively, you can do a DIY home test called an EMRI. You can order the EMRI test on Mycometrics.com. This test looks for the DNA of mold in the house dust.
The Role Of Histamine
Excess histamine and other biogenic amines can cause some of the inflammatory symptoms seen in CIRS . This has multiple causative factors.
- Mycotoxins and other toxins may cause mast cell release in the digestive tract and respiratory tract
- Pathogens and overgrowth of commensul bacteria – Mold folks may have SIBO or dysbiosis which from mycotoxins or other reasons and this also increases histamine due to bacteria that make histamine as well as bacterial toxins causing mast cells to release histamine.
- Stress and other bodily threats can cause a release of histamine and other biogenic amines from cells, mostly mast cells.
- Some foods have histamine in them or they can cause release of histamine.
- Some individuals do not have enough of the enzymes used to degrade histamine and remove it due to:
- Genetic variants in genes
- Lack of nutrients to support the enzymes.
For more details on mast cell activation as well as general details on high histamine and how to lower it, see one of the many histamine articles I wrote:
How The Protocols On This Page Came To Be
HEALTH TIP – Bandaid Medicine
Anything that does not deal with the underlying cause of a health condition is bandaid medicine. I call it that as by treating symptoms you are putting a bandaid over the cause and ignoring it. Finding the cause to an illness is when you can begin real healing.
A Moldy Friend Led Me To My Healing Path
How I Found Alternative Healing Methods
Diet
Curcumin
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So What Is Toxic Mold Exposure
Mycotoxicosis /my·co·tox·i·co·sis/ : poisoning caused by exposure to mycotoxins.
Toxic mold exposure is in essence, mycotoxicosis. For reference, a mycotoxin is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by mold. Mycotoxicosis, is used synonymously with mold toxicity, or mold illness and it occurs when a person does not have antibodies to mycotoxins and mycotoxins have accumulated to high levels in their brain and body. While, not all species of mold produce pathogens , several species of fungi are known as pathogenic and produce toxic substances mycotoxins being one of them.
Many of us are exposed to mold daily, however 75% of us are genetically able to fight off the toxicity. So what does that mean for the other 25%? Lets find out.
Mold and Your Genes
So if you have a gene mutations such as MTHFR and HLA which one in four people do your immune system is not able to produce some of the vital antibodies to mycotoxins. This means that at least a quarter of the population has a difficult time fighting off the mycotoxins that are so prevalent in our environment.
Pinpoint Your List What Needs To Heal For You To Really Be Well
To give you a better feeling for what I am talking about in terms of the things I had to address to heal, here is my official list:
- I had my physical symptoms to deal with. For me, the most acute issues that came with mold toxicity were my sinuses , my digestion , hormones , and viruses/parasites.
- I also had psychological symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Relationally, I had a shaken and tumultuous marriage to deal with.
- Finally, I had a home to take apart, remediate and put back together, including belongings to sort through and dispose of, clean, or store.
That was MY listalthough I am sure there is something I am leaving out. That was my list of the things that I had to address for true healing to take place.
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Diagnosing Toxic Mold The Old Way Vs The New Way
In addition to treatment outlines, the Shoemaker mold protocol also outlined specific lab tests that indicate toxic mold or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. The problem with these labs was that they were complicated and expensive.
Today, we dont need to rely on these tests. Testing for toxic mold these days is as easy as peeing into a cup. The lab analyzes your urine for toxic molds and voila, an easy, accurate way to diagnose toxic mold. Laboratories like The Great Plains Lab and/or Realtime Laboratories offer comprehensive urine testing for toxic mold species.
Just like testing has made better, mold sickness treatments have also improved.
Detox By Taking Toxin Binders
Toxin binders, also known as mycotoxin binders, are designed to attach and bind to environmental toxins circulating in your bloodstream. Once attached, the binder helps move the toxins through the digestive tract so they can effectively be removed from the body aiding the natural process.
Some of the most popular prescription binders are Cholestyramine and modified citrus pectin . Most over-the-counter binders generally use activated charcoal and bentonite clay.
Guggulsterone
A lesser-known mycotoxin binder is a guggulsterone. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to clear up acne, aid in weight loss, atherosclerosis, rheumatism, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity.
Guggulsterone can upregulate the bile salt export pump in the liver, which removes bile acids from the liver. Mycotoxins are found in these bile acids, so guggulsterone can effectively remove these mycotoxins through its elimination of the bile acids.
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Modulate That Inflammation And Heal
Healing From Mold Protocol #6 – From the “Step By Step Protocol” To Healing From Mold
Once you are no longer in a moldy environment, and you have removed most of the mycotoxins from your body, you still have to deal with the residual inflammation left from the mycotoxins, and your bodies reaction to them, which is largely an inflammatory reaction. It is this inflammatory reaction that creates many of the signs, and symptoms a mold susceptible person has. Many “moldy people” also have additional health issues that will become evident, and need to be dealt with. Look for heavy metals, pathogens such as parasites, viruses, retroviruses, bacteria, internal fungus, and look for other environmental toxins, electromagnetic frequency reactions, mental/emotional stress as well as any other organ issues, or genetic issues that might add to the health picture. If there are nutrient deficiencies or excess that have not yet been dealt with, do it now. Remove all processed foods, chemicals in food, and don’t forget drugs might be adding to the disease picture. I can’t cover all the possible issues each person may have, but I can talk about the generalized inflammation, and ways that it can be dealt with, that are also shown to normalize the lab markers that these “moldy people” have out of kilter.
How Long Does It Take To Get Sick From Mold Exposure
There are many factors that determine how long it takes to get sick from mold exposure. Your immune system is one of them. While some people may have severe reactions to mold in a home or building, others may have no reaction at all. The amount of mold as well as the type of mold present also play a role. It also depends on how long you were exposed to the toxic mold. The longer you are exposed the more severe the reaction typically will be.
Below is the fogger and antifungal I use to spray my home once per month. It is a natural botanical so its perfectly safe for people and pets. Even though my home does not have mold issues, mold spores are everywhere so this helps keep the counts down. I am also very allergic to mold as many people with chronic sinus infections or mold illness.
I hope this article helps you and brings you hope in your own recovery. My second edition book Eat Pray Get Well A Journey from Chronic Illness & Brokenness to Wholeness & Healing is now on sale through my website and Amazon. Includes exclusive interviews with Doug Kaufmann Host of televisions Know the Cause, Joe Cross of Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, renowned cardiologist Dr. Stephen Sinatra, and so much more.
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The Journey From Outdoor Mold Spore To Indoor Mold Problem
Whether out enjoying a hike or inside examining the grocery stores produce section, we are constantly transporting and breathing in tiny mold spores. An open window, a family pet or even your sneakers can bring outdoor spores to a new homeyour home or workplace.
These mold spores can be harmless. However, problems arise if the spores come in contact with a moisture source. Moisture lets the spores grow into mold that could affect health.
Detoxify To Remove Mold Toxins
Mold doctors can help you detoxify by using a combination of binders to help remove toxins from your body. Some of the common binders used to help remove mold are:
- Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal must be carefully administered because it will bind to everything, including toxins, vitamins, minerals, and other medications. If activated charcoal is used, your integrative physician will need to carefully monitor your nutrition, and supplementation may be required. Because of the mechanisms of activated charcoal, it is best used for an acute situation.
- Bentonite Clay Bentonite clay comes from volcano ash and has been used around the world for many years to help detoxify the body. Bentonite clay absorbs heavy metals, toxins, and other harmful materials. It also provides the body with a variety of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and sodium. Bentonite clay provides the body with some antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Chlorella Chlorella is an alga that does a great job of detoxifying the body. Chlorella binds to toxins and heavy metals in the digestive tract and helps transport it out of the body. Unlike other types of binders , chlorella does not remove minerals and nutrients from the body. In fact, chlorella can help boost immunity naturally. Because there is no risk of nutritional deficiencies with long term use, it is a popular binder used by integrative practitioners.
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Find Optimal Health And Wellness
If youre dealing with mysterious symptoms that you think could be related to mold exposure, dont lose hope. Contact us for an appointment and an individualized treatment plan to help you regain optimal health and wellness.
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3. Molds, Mycotoxins and More | Surviving Mold.. Accessed 6 Aug. 2019.
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6. Indoor Air Quality Explained | Welcome to Austin Air.. Accessed 6 Aug. 2019.
7. Mixed mold mycotoxicosis: immunological changes in humans NCBI.. Accessed 6 Aug. 2019.
8. Structural brain abnormalities in patients with inflammatory NCBI. 17 Jun. 2014, . Accessed 6 Aug. 2019.
Bleach Is The Best Method For Mold Clean
If youve found mold in your home and are worried about expensive testing and remediation, you might be tempted to find a do-it-yourself solution. Do not attempt to clean it on your own. Hire a certified contractor experienced in mold remediation.
While your first thought when attempting cleanup in your home may be to kill the mold and sanitize the area with the most powerful chemicals possible, do not use bleach or other strong chemicals on mold. In fact, its usually not possible to sterilize a moldy area. Mold spores will remain and begin to grow if supplied with moisture, especially on porous surfaces.
Bleach is formulated to work on non-porous surfaces. If you try to clean a porous surface, such as drywall, with bleach, it may sanitize the surface-layer, but it will not penetrate to the roots of the mold within the drywall. Water from the bleach will seep down to these roots, however, which will supply the mold with the moisture it needs to grow. It may appear that youve fixed the problem, but the mold is now thriving deep within the porous surface and will return stronger than before.
Finally, if youre already sick from biotoxin exposure, skin contact with bleach or inhaling its fumes will only add to your bodys burden. Instead of bleach, reach for supermarket 6% vinegar , which effectively kills mold and its underlying roots.
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