Could Mold Be the Cause of Your Symptoms?

Mold toxicity/illness can cause a variety of mysterious and unrelated symptoms that conventional medicine may not recognize. We realize that for patients, this can lead to both emotional and physical drain. As a follow up to our last blog post about mold toxicity from May 2019, we are going to expand upon new information we’ve learned since then. 

Mold toxicity is caused by, as you might guess, exposure to mold. Mold can develop in wet and humid environments. There are many types of mold, which is in part why there is such variety in the presentation of mold illness. The most common types of illness-causing molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. It can also be contracted by eating moldy food. The presence of mold can often go unnoticed. It can be discovered by taking a good medical history when a patient presents with symptoms that resemble mold toxicity. In practice, we typically see this after a patient has experienced significant symptoms for a long time and has sought numerous providers for relief, which is extremely frustrating, especially if symptoms are dismissed by a medical professional. This is likely due to the fact that there is still much research to be done in the field of mold illness. There isn’t even one standard name! Some call it ‘sick building syndrome’ or ‘dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome’. We will call it mold toxicity or illness throughout this article. 

When people think of mold illness or toxicity, they often think of respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, exacerbation of allergy or asthma symptoms, and more. While these symptoms are often true for many patients who have mold toxicity, the aforementioned list is certainly not exhaustive. Individuals can present with a variety of symptoms that some would not initially expect to be associated with mold illness. Some of these symptoms can include: 

• Fatigue and weakness

• Headache, light sensitivity

• Poor memory, difficult word finding

• Difficulty concentration

• Brain fog

• Morning stiffness, joint pain

• Unusual skin sensations, tingling, and numbness

• Appetite swings, body temperature regulation,

• Increased urinary frequency or increased thirst

• Red eyes, blurred vision, sweats, mood swings, sharp pains

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating

• Tearing, disorientation, metallic taste in the mouth

• Static shocks

• Vertigo, feeling lightheaded

While some of the pathogenesis of mold toxicity is still being discovered, we do know that many of these symptoms are not caused solely by the mold itself, but by the mycotoxins the mold produces. Mycotoxins are molecules released by the mold which can have a toxic effect on human tissues. 

It is also worth noting that some individuals can have a genetic predisposition to susceptibility to mold illness. This is caused by the HLA DR gene. We are able to test for these genetic variations through blood work. 

Integrative medicine offers a variety of ways to detect mold illness from a simple urine test or nasal swab, as well as blood work. Testing can assess for different types of mold and mycotoxins as well as genetic susceptibility to mold illness. We also now know that these mycotoxins can use up heavy metals so checking levels of heavy metals in the blood could be another indication of mold toxicity if coupled with other symptoms or evidence. If your provider suspects mold toxicity given the presentation of your specific case, they will likely recommend testing to aid in developing your treatment plan.  

Upon discovering mold or learning your lab work resulted positive for the presence of mold or mycotoxins, the first and most important step to take is to determine the source of the mold and remove yourself from exposure. It could be in your workplace, school, or home. If it is in your home, it may require remediation. As a preventative measure, we recommend purchasing a hygrometer and a home mold testing kit to assess the humidity levels and any presence of mold. Schedule a free consultation with one of our providers if you are concerned mold may be present in your home to discuss your options. 

Once the individual is removed from exposure to mold, it is a good time to start addressing and removing the mold and mycotoxins from the body which will also reduce symptoms. Often treatment involves eliminating the mold and mycotoxins through detox processes which may include binders, botanicals, or other protocols depending on the individual case. Integrative medicine approaches treatment from several angles including addressing gut health and ensuring bowel motility for excretion of mycotoxins, liver support throughout detox, ensuring adequate nutrition, and rest for the body. As we mentioned earlier, we now know heavy metals are associated with mycotoxins. We also know that when mycotoxins are eliminated they may leave behind all the heavy metals they were holding on to, so a subsequent step of treatment also involves the removal of heavy metals. 

Are you or a loved one concerned about mold exposure or toxicity? Do you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook and Instagram!

If you or your loved one needs help, perhaps you are suffering from the effects of ongoing stress, mood or hormone imbalance, including thyroid imbalance, or you or they are already working with a doctor to address a condition but want a more comprehensive, empowering approach to medicine? Schedule a 20 minute free consultation or an appointment with Zoie Phillips, MSPA, PA-C or Lynda Sherland, CRNP, FNP-C today! Not quite ready to schedule and have questions? Quickly get in touch with us today!

Resources: 

Bennett, J W, and M Klich. “Mycotoxins.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews, American Society for Microbiology, July 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC164220/. 

Carnahan, Jill, et al. “Mycotoxins: How These Invisible Toxins Are Wreaking Havoc on the Gut.” Jill Carnahan, MD, 19 Apr. 2020, www.jillcarnahan.com/2019/12/09/mycotoxins-how-these-invisible-toxins-are-wreaking-havoc-on-the-gut/. 

Pizzorno, Joseph. “Is Mold Toxicity Really a Problem for Our Patients? Part I-Respiratory Conditions.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), InnoVision Professional Media, Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4898283/. 

Valtonen, Ville. “Clinical Diagnosis of the Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Review of the Literature and Suggested Diagnostic Criteria.” Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media S.A., 10 Aug. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5554125/. 

Willbanks, Carolyn. “Mold's Best Friends - Heavy Metals.” Mold, Carolyn Willbanks Https://Www.mold-Help.org/Wp-Content/Uploads/2019/03/Moldhelp-654x300.Png, 18 Feb. 2020, www.mold-help.org/molds-best-friends-heavy-metals/#:~:text=Mold%20and%20Parasites%20Eat%20Heavy%20Metals&text=You%20do%20have%20to%20bring,their%20body%20weight%20in%20metals.%E2%80%9D. 

Zellner, Erica. “Mold Toxicity Symptoms and How to Detox Your Body From Mold.” Parsley Health, 6 Sept. 2019, www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/how-to-treat-mold-toxicity/.