Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes warmer weather, outdoor activities, and an escape from the cold and flu season. However, for those with mold allergies, the warmer months can bring on a variety of health issues. As temperatures rise, mold spores become more active, invading surrounding environments and affecting those predisposed to mold toxicity. The situation can be exacerbated by water-damaged buildings and other factors such as heavy metal exposure or bacterial infections.
Mold spores can be found just about anywhere, but they are especially prevalent in damp, humid, and warm environments. Black molds (Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata) are the most dangerous to human health, often found in wet basements and other water-damaged areas of a building. Physical exposure occurs mainly through the lungs and/or digestive tract.
Common Mold Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of mold toxicity can mimic other illnesses such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Neurotoxicity is a significant issue, as mold — particularly black mold — produces neurotoxins that can cause serious, long-term health damage. The list of mold allergy symptoms is long and many are general. Here are some of the primary ones that can progress to severe debilitations if exposure continues:
- Fatigue
- Chronic sinus infection
- Headaches
- Respiratory symptoms
- Sensitivity to light
- Muscle and joint pain
- Confusion and memory loss/brain fog
- Blurred vision
- Skin rash
- Numbness and tingling
Genetic Predisposition
In recent years, genetic testing advancements have been able to identify individuals who are genetically predisposed to mold sickness. It is now estimated that up to 24 percent of the population falls into this category. HLA (human leukocyte antigen) DR tests can help identify patients lacking the specific genetic factors that allow their immune system to identify and remove mold, mold toxins, neurotoxins like heavy metals, Lyme bacterium, and its by-products.
Interestingly, symptoms of mold poisoning, Lyme disease, and even gluten sensitivity appear to overlap. The genetic subtypes of people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity significantly coincide with those for mold sensitivity.
According to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, a leading mold toxicity expert, it’s not necessarily a mold or related fungal infection that aggravates symptoms, but rather the biotoxins these organisms produce. The biotoxins can travel throughout the body, wreaking havoc on the nervous system, joints, immunity, and other parts of the body.
In addition to HLA DR testing, Shoemaker advises several other tests to evaluate mold poisoning and the level of damage in the body caused by these toxins. These additional tests include specific immune, inflammatory, hormonal, and other markers that can indicate various aspects of biotoxin poisoning and help guide treatment.
Addressing Mold Toxicity
Regardless of whether you believe yourself to be mold-sensitive, it is essential to avoid mold in your environment. For those with mold poisoning, avoiding mold is the number one priority, even if it means moving. Avoidance is the most challenging aspect of mold treatment and the main reason people can’t recover from chronic mold toxicity. Mold can hide undetected, so it’s essential to have a mold remediation expert test your home.
Chronic mold toxicity requires a complex and multifaceted treatment plan. It’s crucial to work with a mold-literate health practitioner who knows how to test for mold sensitivity and treat patients with appropriate therapies. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) from citrus peels and modified alginates from seaweed are commonly used to help the body safely remove heavy metals and neurotoxins, including mold biotoxins. Another therapy recommended by Shoemaker is a medication called cholestyramine, which binds to mold biotoxins and other toxins in the digestive tract, preventing them from being absorbed into the body.
Although many conventional doctors may not be familiar with or sensitive to research regarding mold toxicity, it is possible to identify and address numerous cases of mold susceptibility and toxicity with targeted, integrative protocols. Over time, these approaches can help patients balance and restore their health. For more information on mold toxicity and related health concerns, visit trusted health resource websites like WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic.
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