When mold toxins (also called mycotoxins) are present in the body, they activate the immune system to create chemical messengers of inflammation called cytokines. Cytokines can travel throughout the body and wreak havoc on many important systems. In this blog, I discuss the impact of mold triggered inflammation on each of these systems, as well as some common solutions I use. Remember that these are general strategies and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any individual’s condition. Please consult with your doctor before adding any treatment recommendations to your routine.
Cytokines produced by mold “turn on” your DNA to turn cells into inflammation factories. Many cytokines are also involved in regulating body temperature and pain, which is why mold can create temperature sensitivity or flu-like symptoms. These inflammatory factors also prevent your immune system from regulating itself, so mold toxicity may play a role in auto-immune disease.
In turning inflammatory genes on, it also turns anti-inflammatory genes “off” and prevents your body from activating antioxidant systems (like the SOD/ Catalase system), key to protecting tissues from inflammatory damage. Mycotoxins also divert enzymes that are key to immune function – like copper, zinc, and iron – to the liver, to be used instead for breaking down toxins.
Potential Solutions:
Liposomal Curcumin
Liposomal or rectal melatonin
The Nervous System
In general, cytokines increase permeability of the blood brain barrier; the network of cells that protects structures in the brain from inflammation or damage in the rest of the body. Once in the brain, mold toxins decrease antioxidants important for protecting our brains from cognitive decline and can directly damage nerves. Brain imaging has also demonstrated that mold toxins damage the brain architecture itself.
Potential Solutions:
Resveratrol: helps combat mold induced inflammation in the brain.
Bile Support: contain substances that decrease inflammation in the brain.
Phosphatidylcholine: helps repair nerve cells.
Liposomal Melatonin: helps detoxify the brain.
The Endocrine System:
The inflammatory factors produced by mycotoxins interfere with the HPA axis- the computer center of your brain in charge of regulating hormone production. Through this system, it shifts the body to a stressed state, increasing secretion of the hormone cortisol.
These inflammatory factors also slow the elimination of estrogen at the liver. Additionally, mold toxins can act as xenoestrogens, or estrogen mimics. Together, these effects can lead to estrogen dominance and hormonal imbalance. In addition to promoting excess estrogen, mold toxins can decrease testosterone: important for female libido, energy, and mood.
Potential Solutions:
Gentle Exercise: slows the release of stress hormones. Exercise that is too intense can stir up inflammation, so be in tune with how you feel when you exercise.
Hormone Testing: treatment recommendations should be based on test results.
The Metabolism:
Mycotoxins are also capable of interfering with insulin signaling, promoting insulin resistance, which is associated with Type 2 Diabetes and weight gain. These toxins also have the ability to make glucose so they can create weight gain even in the presence of a healthy diet and increase blood lipids.
Furthermore, mold toxins promote a condition called leptin resistance. Leptin is a hormone responsible for decreasing pain and telling our brains we are full. By binding leptin receptors in the brain, it can create weight gain and increase both pain and inflammation.
Insomnia is also common in mold illness due to decreased melatonin production and leptin interference with regulation of sleep-wake cycles. Insomnia can further perpetuate a vicious cycle of resistant weight gain.
Potential Solutions:
Leptin Reset Diet
The Gastrointestinal System:
The inflammation created by mycotoxins can shift the microbiome of the gut to encourage growth of harmful bacteria. Because your digestive enzymes can help degrade these inflammatory factors, mold may impair digestion by decreasing levels of available enzymes.
Mycotoxins have the potential to damage the intestinal lining and inhibit the breakdown of histamines. Histamines have potential to further damage the intestinal lining and promote the development of Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth, food sensitivities, and histamine intolerance.
Potential Solutions:
Eliminate gluten: uses the same pathway as mold toxins to increase intestinal permeability
Colostrum or Beef Serum Concentrate
The Liver:
