Carbs Are Not the Enemy... Mold Is

Almond butter can unknowingly contain mold that can contribute to health issues for some people.

Now that I have your attention...

Complex carbs are not the enemy. They are fantastic foods that support muscle movement and mental acuity. I define complex carbs as foods that contain soluble and insoluble fiber that is slow in converting to glucose. Examples are squash, pumpkin, non-mycotoxin beans, and certain low-sugar fruits such as papaya. Unfortunately, certain carbs can contain mold or be mold makers. They may impact our overall health when eaten, especially when there are genetic vulnerabilities.

Do you know which carbs you are eating that could be affecting your mold burden? Let's look at oxalates and mycotoxins and their potentially harmful effects on your health.

Foods such as berries, beets, almonds, and black beans contain oxalates that contribute to mycotoxin and mold formation. If you are eating these foods in a high-mold environment, like the fall season, and have genes sensitive to those oxalates, you can disrupt your hormones, periods, mental health and more. Therefore, it is so important to eat for your genetic blueprint.

Oxalates are chemical compounds found in plants, and for those sensitive to oxalates, they can cause health problems. Oxalate burden may lead to hormone imbalance, which disrupts serotonin and dopamine, disrupting mental health. Hydrogen sulfide can also be initiated and create mast cells and contribute to mental health issues. These hormonal imbalances also can create a histamine response, creating or triggering allergies.

Oxalic acids may contribute to the mold burden. Foods such as pea protein, popular shakes, and peanut butter even have the ability to make you manic because of their oxalate-rich content. Spinach and almonds are also high in oxalates.

Clinically, I have observed that those with a peanut allergy also have mold sensitivities. The mold on peanuts and now on corn may lead to these severe allergies. Additionally, this can lead to mental health issues, insulin insensitivity, skin disorders, acne, and other hormonal imbalances.

During this fall season, let’s be mindful. Refrain or limit foods high in oxalates and that are mycotoxin heavy. It will support keeping our vessels clean and healthy.