Mold exposure can often be silent. You can't see it, but it can still wreak havoc on your health and well-being. Mold and mycotoxin illness can cause a wide range of mysterious symptoms that never seem to go away. Luckily as functional medicine practitioners, we take into consideration underlying mold illness and have a protocol to help take back your life.
What is Mold and Mycotoxin Illness?
Mold and mycotoxin illness, often called mold toxicity, occurs when you are exposed to mold. The toxic byproducts are known as mycotoxins. These tiny particles can enter the body via inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
Recognizing mold exposure can be tricky because symptoms often mimic other conditions. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, respiratory problems, digestive issues, and even skin issues. Identifying and remediating mold sources in your home and/or workplace is essential to prevent ongoing exposure. Testing is always recommended to know for certain. We use a urine test to look for specific mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins in Diet
Some foods are more likely to harbor mold; these include, corn, grains, peanuts, fruits and dried fruits, coffee, and processed foods. Making to sure to follow a specific mold free diet will also minimize exposure. Prioritize an anti-inflammatory diet full of colorful veggies and lean protein.
What is in involved in treatment?
Our functional medicine approach to treating mold illness involves supporting detoxification pathways to aid in mycotoxin removal from the body.
Overall gut support with fiber can help pave the way for elimination. Providing the liver with key nutrients, like milk thistle, can enhance the ability to process toxins more efficiently. Additionally, glutathione- our master antioxidant- can help protect our cells from further damage caused by the circulating mycotoxins, and support overall wellness.
Additional detoxification support may include Red Light and Near-infrared therapy and lymphatic drainage.
Binders are key. They do just that, bind to other substances (mycotoxins) for removal from the body. The most common binder is activated charcoal. Others include humic and fulvic acids and zeolite clay.
Chronic inflammation is the bottom line for mold illness. Anti-inflammatory supplements such as MSM, curcumin, and omega-3 fatty acids promote inflammatory balance and even protection for the brain and nervous system. Immunoglobin antibodies can also help bind to unwanted substances while also decreasing the overall inflammatory burden on the immune system.
Mold and mycotoxin illness can be a challenging road to navigate, but with the right knowledge, support, and patient-centered approach, you can regain your health. Healing takes time and there may be a few roadblocks in the way as we track symptoms and recovery. It isn't a one-size-fits-all process which is why we offer a personalized approach.
If you think your symptoms may be from mold exposure or have had testing done and don't know where to begin, we can help. Read more about mold treatment and schedule a consultation.
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