UNDERSTANDING MOLD: Are Mycotoxins Making You Sick?
Did you know that mold illness, like Lyme disease, is one of the most frequently overlooked health conditions? This is because its wide-ranging symptoms can mimic other illnesses, making it difficult to identify. The hallmark symptoms of mold and mycotoxin illness include chronic sinus issues, increased sensitivities, fatigue and frequent static shocks. However, the toxic compounds produced by mold can also cause insomnia, lower immunity and cause other seemingly unrelated health issues.
As a qualified naturopath specializing in stealth infections, I use advanced testing methods and a holistic approach to detect and treat mold toxicity. My goal is to help you understand the impact of mycotoxins on your health and develop a personalized plan to help you detox from mold exposure safely and naturally.
Mold illness and mold-related health problems often present with a wide range of symptoms, affecting multiple body systems simultaneously. These symptoms can be misleading, as they often mimic other conditions, leading to misdiagnoses or prolonged suffering. Western medicine practitioners, who tend to evaluate body systems in isolation, may overlook the interconnected nature of mold-related illnesses. This is why working with a holistic, mold-literate practitioner is essential for identifying and addressing the root cause of your symptoms.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of molds, primarily belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. These toxins pose significant health risks when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Common mycotoxins include aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, ochratoxin A from Aspergillus and Penicillium species, and fumonisins from Fusarium species. Exposure to mycotoxins impacts the immune system and can lead to a range of mold-related health problems, including cognitive issues, chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), liver damage and chronic diseases such as cancer. Mycotoxin-related illnesses are primarily linked to environmental exposures from water damaged homes or food contamination. Mold illnesses can be elusive and challenging to diagnose, often remaining undetected or misdiagnosed for years. The mycotox urine test is the gold standard mold sickness test. It is an easy urine test that you can do at home, and available worldwide through my health portal. Learn more about the test and book an online mold illness consultation with me HERE.
Now this is really important. Here are 4 common mistakes people (and practitioners) make when treating mold patients:
Do not start trying to detox or use antifungal medications if you are constipated. You must be passing at least one bowel movement each day otherwise detoxing will result in MORE mycotoxins circulating around the body and MORE symptoms).
Do not use lots of chemicals. Chemicals (such as scented detergents, air fresheners, perfume, cleaning agents) require detoxification, which puts a burden on a system that is already not functioning optimally. This makes it harder to eliminate mold.
Do not detox before using binders. Binders help the body eliminate mold from the gut.
Do not ignore your oral/nasal health. This is one of the key areas of treatment, we need to clear the mold from the nasal passages and restore healthy biota. CitriDrops Nasal Spray can be useful here.
Since mold patients are often either very sensitive or extremely depleted, understanding the root cause and contributing factors is essential before treatment in order to avoid further distress or worsening symptoms. Investigating root cause includes a thorough health history, evaluation of current blood work, and an in-depth initial consultation. In some cases, this information is sufficient to begin treatment. However, for some, targeted testing can provide clarity on seemingly unrelated symptoms, allowing for a more precise diagnosis and faster progress toward healing.
Here are the most common functional tests I use to assess suspected mold-infected patients:
The MycoTox test is a urine-based assay focused on 40 species of mold from 11 mycotoxins. The test kit is shipped to your home and available in most countries. Note that this test should only be done after a 3-day mold-avoidance diet.
The Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test (VCS) is a great place to start if you suspect mold illness. It is an affordable, highly accurate, online test created by Richard Shoemaker (a renowned physician and researcher in the field).
Investigating concurrent infections such as Lyme and coinfections, stealth viruses and general immune health via simple blood tests might be warranted. And more advanced immune testing, such as C3 and C4 (compliment proteins), MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) can help shed light on the inflammatory process. Note that these tests are not available in some countries.
MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the sinuses of individuals with chronic mold exposure or biotoxin illness. This is particularly important for those that have chronic colds and sinus issues.
Genetic testing for certain HLA-DR haplotypes. Mold illness is more likely in the roughly 25% of the population that have these genetic polymorphisms.
CONCLUSION
Mycotoxins can wreak havoc on your health, but with the right testing, treatment, and holistic care, you can take control of your recovery. A comprehensive approach that includes mycotoxin testing, mold avoidance, and detoxification is essential for overcoming mold illness. By consulting with a mold-literate practitioner and using functional tests, you can pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms and begin the healing process more quickly. If you suspect mold exposure is impacting your health, don’t wait—reach out today for a consultation and start your journey toward a healthier, mold-free life.
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The views and nutrition, naturopathic and herbal recommendations expressed by Camille Hoffman and in Hoffman Natural Health’s programs, website, publications and newsletters, do not constitute a practitioner-patient relationship, are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service and are for informational purposes only. The statements and content found in these programs, website, publications and newsletters have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The treatments described may have known and unknown side effects and health hazards. Each user is solely responsible for their own healthcare choices and decisions. Camille Hoffman advises the website user to discuss these ideas with a healthcare professional or physician before trying them. Camille Hoffman does not accept any responsibility for any positive or adverse effects a person claims to experience, directly or indirectly, from the ideas and contents of this website.