Is Mould causing Mayhem?

Mould, Could this be a trigger for your chronic illness?

By Sally Cross, Natural Change- Life, Health & Menopause Coach, Master Herbalist.

Mould grows and thrives in damp environments with poor air circulation, which is why it is often present in areas of high humidity and where there is water damage in homes and places of work. You may have observed that your symptoms are triggered when you spend time in a certain building, whether this is where you live, work or visit regularly. If this is the case, then it is worth spending the time checking every nook and cranny to see if damp, water damage and/or mould is present.

But first, identify the difference between mould and mildew.

Mould is typically green or black. It releases mycotoxins, which can trigger inflammation in the body in susceptible people.

Mildew is green or white, has a distinctive smell but is not necessarily toxic.

Black mould is the most concerning, causing illness.

Whether we react to mould and other environmental pathogens, or not, it’s all down to the state and function of our immune system. The integrity of the lung barrier and genetic factors also play a role in our ability to deal with these pathogens.

Dr. Datis Kharrazian has this to say..

“Mold allergy/mold toxicity sensitization

An important phenomenon to understand is the difference between routine immune reactions to mold and the development of a mold sensitization or mold allergy.

Exposure to mold leads to the production of antibodies called IgG. These antibodies can be measured from blood samples, which lets physicians know that the immune system is being exposed and reacting to these toxic mold species.

It’s possible for people to shift from an IgG response to an IgE reaction, making them even more sensitive. This is what some call a mold allergy, where the person becomes primed and experiences immediate symptoms whenever they enter a building contaminated with mold spores.

Anyone exposed over a long enough period of time will eventually experience an immunological shift from IgG to IgE.”

If we undergo repeated exposure to mould, other pathogens and irritants, then it can cause inflammation, a breakdown of the pulmonary barriers in our lungs which can lead to chronic inflammatory conditions or autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms of lung barrier breakdown are breathing difficulties, frequent coughing, irritation, and difficulty in recovering after strenuous exercise.

What can we do about mould toxicity

First approach your Primary Health Care Provider, requesting a blood test to analyse whether you have antibodies that confirm an immune reaction to mould, also a urine test to measure any mycotoxins in your system, if this service is available where you live…

In the USA, Dr. Kharrazian recommends the Cyrex Labs Array 12 Pathogen screen, which tests for antibodies to common mould species and other pathogens.

Whether you are able to get tested or not, the important next step is to address the environment causing the issue by removing the mould…if this is possible…

Improve the environment by:

Improve Ventilation.

Use an Air-purifer with HEPA filter.

Use a Hygrometer.

Use a Dehumidifier (ideally keeping humidity under 50%!!

We can improve our immune tolerance and support our lungs. Here are some supportive supplements that are recommended by Dr. Datis Kharrazian:

Vitamin A.

Antioxidants; acai and pomegranate extract.

Glutathione.

Also anti-fungal Herbal Remedies:

Tea-tree oil

Retinol

Cloves

Thyme

Another option might be mould desensitisation therapy, where small amounts of different mould compounds are injected into the body to improve the immune system function.

References and extracts from:

Mold- The Silent Factor in Chronic Illness.

By Datis Kharrazian, PhD, DHSc, DC, MS, MMSc, FACN

Contra-Indications:

Always seek the advice of a qualified Herbalist before taking any Herbal Remedies, as they can be contra-indicated in various conditions eg. Pregnancy, Breast feeding, Medications and certain Medical conditions.

The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Please also do your own research.