Mold toxicity causes severe chronic illness in some people. This is because in about a quarter of the population they are genetically predisposed not to be able to make antibodies for the spores so can’t clear them out of their body. And the toxins they produce wreak havoc on a variety of systems in the body. Mainly due to inflammation. This leads to complex long erm health problems. They can be treated but it takes a long time, six months to several years. There are three molds that cause most of the problems. The best known is Black Mold or Stachybotrys. It typically causes neurotoxicity and inflammation in the nose and brain leading to symptoms such as nasal irritation, burning and congestion, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, and chest tightness. The central nervous symptoms include headache, irritability, lightheadedness, depression, anxiety, “brain fog” and mental fatigue.
The second mold is called Penicillium. It is moderately toxic but highly allergenic. They are found in carpet, furniture, wallpaper, books, paper, houseplants, spoiled food, and compost. “Ochretoxin A Mycotoxin” is nephrotocic, ccarcinogenic, and immunosuppressive. Certain strains are neurotoxic to the cerebellum and hippocampus and can cause Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Other strains can cause liver and kidney damage and lesions. Penicillium can cause chronic rhinitis, sinus infections, and pneumonia.
The third mold is called Aspergillus. It is commonly found in peanuts, peanut butter, rice, and sunflower seeds. It can stunt growth in children and is carcinogenic. “Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis” causes fever, chest pain, cough, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. “Aspergillus Sinusitis” causes stuffiness, runny nose, headache, and reduced ability to smell. Aspergillus can also cause liver damage and liver cancer.
Molds typically colonizes the sinuses, respiractory tract and the gut and affects the whole body. It suppresses the Vagus nerve. Mold toxins create cytokines and chronic inflammation, disrupts the immune system and neuro-endocrine system. Effects on the Vagus nerve and the immune system lead to: Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), food allergies and sensitivities, autoimmunity and auto-immune disease, and sensitivity to electro-magnetic fields.
If you have the following symptoms, mold could be the cause:
- Fatigue, weakness
- Uncharacteristic anxiety or depression
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Unusual pain (“ice-pick” or “lightning bolt”)
- Headache
- Sensitivity to bright light, tearing, blurred vision
- Chronic sinus congestion
- Cough,chest pain,shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain (IBS), digestive problems, diarrhea
- Joint pain, tendonitis, morning stiffness
- Cognitive impairment; difficulties with recent memory, assimilation of new information, word finding, handling numbers, confusion, sustaining concentration, disorientation, “brain fog”
- Skin sensitive to light touch (indicates central sensitization)
- Mood swings, appetite swings, sweats (often at night), difficulty with temperature regulation
- Numbness, tingling, vertigo
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Excessive thirst, frequent urination
- Sensitivity to electric shocks (door knobs, light switches, kisses)
- Hormone effects; testosterone, Estrogen, Impotence, Menorrhagia
- Reflux, nausea and vomiting
Why do mold toxic patients stay toxic? 25% of population does not produce antibodies to mold. So the only way to clear the toxins is through the liver. But they are then secreted by the Gall Bladder into the small intestines where they are reabsorbed so they remain in the body!
Treatment of mold toxicity:
- Identify where the mold is colonizing and use FSM to treat
- Identify the damage it is causing so it can be repaired using FSM
- Remove the toxins from the body using supplements like activated charcoal, Bentonite clay and Chlorella (OTC). There are also prescription binders available also.
- Kill the mold in the body using prescriptions
- Eliminate the sources of mold exposure. That can be by remediation (which can be expensive) or moving.
Mold is treatable but it is complicated and takes a long time (usually years). The worse it is, the longer it will take. There are many things that can complicate treatment. Some are easier to deal with than others. I will do my best to sort things out. Some things require more than I can do such as prescriptions and ordering some tests.