5 symptoms of mold and what to do about it

Not to freak you out, but chances are, you’ve come across mold – and not just in blue cheese.  Because mold lives in dark, damp places, we often don't realize its effects until it is too late.   

Mold can grow on various surfaces including food and pipes, particularly in homes that have been flooded. Inhaled mold spores trigger an intense inflammatory response in the body, compromising the immune system's strength and making it susceptible to the development of various infections and illnesses that a typically robust immune system would be able to fend off.  These mold spores produce chemicals called mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOC’s). 

At PIH, we take a deep look at the root causes of your symptoms … and sometimes, mold is the culprit. 

Signs you may have mold toxicity 

1. 1. Chronic fatigue – Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disorder characterized by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body's stress response, has been implicated in CFS, and when in a state of dysfunction, creates abnormalities in cortisol production and sensitivity. A study found that 93% of individuals with chronic fatigue had at least one mycotoxin present in their urine [1]. 
   2. Unexplained weight gain - Leptin, a hormone responsible for appetite regulation, can be hindered by chemicals produced during the body's inflammatory response to mycotoxins. This is why, even with a normal calorie intake, interference with leptin receptors can lead to weight gain. 
   3. Brain Fog - Small inhaled mold fragments can access the brain directly via olfactory pathways, responsible for smell, to activate microglia, specialized immune cells found in the central nervous system [2].  This can cause a cascade of events, including brain fog. 
   4. Fatigue - According to a study examining patients with chronic fatigue, mycotoxin testing revealed the presence of at least one of these toxins in the urine of 93% of patients, and almost 30% of the cases had more than one mycotoxin present [3].
   5. Respiratory issues - Those mold fragments can also activate strong innate immune responses in the lungs leading to peripheral inflammation [4].  You may find yourself coughing, having a sinus infection, or shortness of breath.

What to do about it 

The best way to know if your body has been exposed to toxic mold is through functional medicine testing, particularly Vibrant Labs’ Toxic Burden test.  This test which quickly assesses the levels of heavy metals, mold toxins, and environmental toxins in your body by measuring 20 heavy metals, 31 mycotoxins, and 39 environmental toxins.  One of our practitioners will then set a personalized protocol to best address the toxicity and aid your body in healing. 

In the meantime, here’s a couple things you can get started on: 

• Anti-inflammatory diet - Avoiding refined carbohydrates, fried food, soda, red meat, processed meat, and margarine, while focusing on whole vegetables, lean protein, and fruits. 
• Avoid other sources of mold – Because of RoundUp, glyphosate, and other herbicides, mold has developed to survive both pesticide spray and anti-fungal treatment.  The following foods have the highest likelihood of containing mold: grains (pasta & bread), dried fruits, coffee, mushrooms, peanuts, alcohol, processed foods and meats, and condiments. 
• Get your house examined for mold – ask us for referrals to trusted mold and air quality experts. 

Questions? Call PIH at 609.512.1468 for more information. 

References 

[1]: Brewer, J. H., Thrasher, J. D., Straus, D. C., Madison, R. A., & Hooper, D. (2013). Detection of mycotoxins in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Toxins, 5(4), 605–617. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins5040605  

[2]: Tonelli, L. H., & Postolache, T. T. (2010). Airborne inflammatory factors: "from the nose to the brain". Frontiers in bioscience (Scholar edition), 2(1), 135–152. https://doi.org/10.2741/s52 

[3]: Brewer, J. H., Thrasher, J. D., Straus, D. C., Madison, R. A., & Hooper, D. (2013). Detection of mycotoxins in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Toxins, 5(4), 605–617. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins5040605 

[4]: Yike I, Rand TG, Dearborn DG, 2005. Acute inflammatory responses to Stachybotrys chartarum in the lungs of infant rats: time course and possible mechanisms. Toxicol. Sci 84, 408–417   

Questions? Call PIH at 609.512.1468 for more information.