We’ve all been exposed to mold at some point in our lives—whether from fruit in our fridge we forgot about, or around the house in damp places. But did you know that some mold can cause health issues?
Although not all mold is a problem, some mold can infiltrate our respiratory system and cause chronic allergies. Plus, since mold is usually in dark and hidden places, many people don’t even know they are suffering from mold toxicity!
In this blog, we’ll discuss how to determine if you are suffering from mold toxicity, how to treat it, and how to prevent mold in the future.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of microscopic fungi that grows on organic surfaces. Although mold gets a bad rep, it’s a completely natural and necessary organism in our ecosystems. When needed, mold helps break down dead organic organisms for reintroduction into the Earth.
When is Mold Bad?
Mold becomes “bad” when it is indoors, because then it can affect and harm humans and animals. Indoor mold emits spores, allergies, mycotoxins, endotoxins, and microbial volatile organic compounds that penetrate lungs and inflame airways.
What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold toxicity is when too many mold particles enter our bodies and cause cell damage and oxidative stress. The damage results in respiratory and potentially cognitive symptoms.
However, exposure to mold particles doesn’t necessarily lead to mold toxicity. Some individuals are more sensitive to particles than others; two people in the same place could have completely different reactions.
Common Symptoms of Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity usually shows up as respiratory and skin irritations that are similar to other allergens.
Symptom are chronic and include:
- Runny nose
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Coughing
- Skin irritation
- Rash
- Itchiness
Some studies have also found that mold can disrupt neurological and immunological function. These disruptions can cause brain fog, a weakened immune system, and fatigue.
Diagnosis of Mold Toxicity
Diagnosing mold toxicity isn’t a simple doctor’s visit. Since the mold is inhabiting an area, mold toxicity has to be managed with health care and getting rid of the mold.
Many individuals with mold toxicity aren’t initially aware. Instead they may be frequenting the doctor’s office with unknown chronic respiratory symptoms. In order to determine whether mold toxicity is the culprit, it’s necessary to identify the mold, conduct blood tests, and evaluate symptoms. Then, you must treat the body and eliminate the mold.
Identifying Mold
Some mold can be spotted with the naked eye—it appears as discoloration or specks on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces. Mold is usually found in areas that are humid, hold moisture, and don’t have ventilation. These locations are usually a bathroom, kitchen, or basement.
Mold is also identified by an earthy, musty smell. If you can’t see the mold, it is possible you’ll smell it.
Although mold can be identified with scent or the naked eye, mold can also be hiding. In this case, testing strips or mold experts can determine the mold source.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Healthcare professionals will be curious about your current environment to understand your mold exposure. Once they learn about your environment, they will take a mycotoxin blood test. These tests look for 31 of the most common types of toxins found by molds. A mycotoxin test validates the diagnosis and gives insight into treatment plans.
Treatment
Treating mold toxicity includes lifestyle and dietary changes, and can also include herbal remedies, medication, and integrative therapy.
Lifestyle Practices for Mold Toxicity Prevention
Although mold may seem like an overwhelming feat, there are easy day-to-day practices that can manage mold toxicity:
- Opening windows for 10-15 minutes per day
- Tighten leaky pipes
- Never leave sitting water
- Vacuum and dust regularly
Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda is also a reliable cleaning practice. Both cleaning agents have a pH balance that is incompatible with mold growth.
Environmental Interventions for Mold Toxicity
Mold thrives in damp and unventilated environments, so it’s vital to manage that with exhaust fans, humidifiers, and air purifiers.
- Exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms can assist with air flow to prevent stale air.
- Humidifiers collect air water droplets to prevent humidity that encourages mold growth.
- HEPA air filters can catch mold spores and prevent ingestion in the body.
Dietary Adjustments for Mold Toxicity Management
Put simply, mold toxicity is inflammation in the body. Thus, maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet during mold toxicity is key to managing it.
Choose anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, and berries. Try to avoid inflammatories like gluten, acellular carbs, dairy, and industrial seed oils.
Glutathione Supplement for Detoxification
Glutathione is an antioxidant that protects cells, reduces inflammation, and decreases oxidative stress. Taking a glutathione supplement helps the body naturally detox mold particles from the body.
Herbal Remedies for Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity may manifest into skin irritation like rashes or itchiness. Essential oil has naturally antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that relieve these irritations.
How to Use Essential Oils for Mold Irritation
Dilute your essential oil —tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemon grass— in a carrier oil such as argan or coconut oil. Then, spot treat the irritated area with the concoction. Ensure that you don’t treat any non-affected areas, this may cause the mold to spread.
Pharmaceutical Treatments for Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity is treated with antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, inhalers, and antifungals. The treatment will be determined by your provider depending on your symptoms and other allergies. In some cases, pharmacists may design a compound medication unique to you.
Integrative Approaches to Mold Toxicity Treatment
Vitamin IV Therapy
Vitamin IV therapy is an efficient way to add detoxifying vitamins into the body. The detox vitamins give the body a boost to eliminate mold particles and rebuild the immune system.
We recommend the Detox Drip, Antioxidant Drip, and Glutathione Drip for mold toxicity.
Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy is a treatment that enhances the body’s utilization of oxygen. With better oxygen utilization, the body is strengthened and is better equipped to detox the mold. During this treatment, patients may process the ozone through an IV or insufflation.
Insufflation
Insufflation is an ozone therapy treatment that flows ozone through lung, ear, or nasal canals. The ozone decreases respiratory inflammation and supports reducing mold allergy symptoms.
IV Therapy
Ozone IV therapy, also known as Major Autohemotherapy (MAH) is an intravenous treatment. A half pint of blood is extracted from the body, combined with saline and medical grade ozone, and then imported back into the body. of combining blood with saline and medical grade ozone.
The ozone and saline stimulates detox and antioxidant enzyme production throughout the body. The new production allows the body to naturally eliminate mold toxicity.
Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBO2) Therapy
EBO2 therapy is similar to MAH, but it is a more intense approach. The IVs ozonate 5-7 liters of blood instead of ½ pint, and two IVs are used. Additionally, EBO2 therapy uses a dialysis-like filtration system that filters out damaged mold cells. As the damaged cells are filtered out, oxygen is pumped through the blood for DNA repair and optimized oxygen utilization.
Mold Care with Functional Medicine Providers
Each mold toxicity case is different, so collaborating with a functional medicine provider is the ideal method for individualized care. Providers can curate a treatment plan unique to you that considers your current lifestyle. At Alive and Well, our practitioners are well-versed in mold toxicity. Two of our Austin, TX providers—Melanie Shafranek, FNTP and Lauren Colleti—have specialties in mold exposure and can empathize with your journey.
Combating Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity is overwhelming—it can feel like an intrusion on your home and a confusing sickness to conquer. But, there are solutions for detoxing from mold toxicity.
Mitigating your risk for mold toxicity is always a priority: stay on top of damp or unventilated areas in your house. When you suffer from symptoms, see a provider immediately and practice anti-inflammatory treatments with your diet, add integrative therapies, and soothe irritation with essential oils.
With proper treatment, you can combat mold toxicity and its effect on your health. If you suspect you’re suffering from mold toxicity, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance.
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Austin Phone: (512) 580-5775
