The Dangers of Mold Toxicity

Mold in your home can cause a variety of health issues.

Damp environments that lack adequate ventilation can be a breeding ground for mold, fungi and bacteria. Mold, specifically, can thrive on clothing, leather, paper, ceilings, walls, and floors and emit fungal fragments that can cause a variety of adverse health effects.

Mycotoxins from mold are some of the most prevalent toxins in our environment and can cause a variety of chronic health challenges. For example, mold can irritate and inflame the respiratory tract and eyes and result in asthma and other respiratory conditions, such as allergic rhinitis and bronchitis. Mycotoxins can also cause headaches, brain fog, rashes, anxiety, joint pain, GI distress, chronic fatigue, as well as a myriad of other chronic neurological and immunological symptoms. Because mycotoxins can impact so many different body systems and cause so many symptoms, mold toxicity can be difficult to diagnose.

Signs of Mold Growth

  • Condensation on surfaces or in structures such as windows
  • Visible mold
  • Perceived moldy odor
  • Poorly maintained air conditioning systems
  • A history of water damage, such as exterior leaks, wet basement, leaking plumbing

Steps to Take

Decreasing your exposure to mold is the first step to better health. Seeking professional assistance, such as hiring a mold inspector, can be beneficial for testing for the presence of mold as well as determining the source in your home and/or office environments. It is important to identify and fix all water leaks, check your HVAC unit, remove old carpeting, replace any damaged drywall, and kill all mold on surfaces. Then taking measures to ensure adequate ventilation, especially in your kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry areas are key. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can be helpful. In addition, using air purifiers can be a great way to help remove airborne particles from the air you breathe.

It is also very important to work with a skilled healthcare practitioner who can assess your level of mold toxicity and create an individualized health plan. Healing from mold exposure involves optimizing liver health, promoting your body’s detoxification pathways, and binding and strengthening your immune system. Antifungals, such as allicin, can be particularly helpful in removing mold that has colonized in your body. In addition, binders, such as charcoal or clay, and glutathione or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help to remove myctotoxins. Recovering from mold toxicity is possible!

Village Green has a team of nutrition experts available to answer your health questions and provide you with support and guidance. We offer wellness consultations, lab testing, and have a wide selection of high-quality nutritional products, all designed to optimize your health.