THE SILENT TOXIN

Mold is is a natural part of the environment. There Are Over 100,000 different types of mold and they can be found growing on many different surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. Anywhere moisture present, you can usually find mold.

Mold spores are naturally present in the air, and when they land on a moist surface, they can begin to grow. Places like showers, washing machines, under carpet and on walls, are all common places mold you may find mold.

Mold Facts

• Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 Hours

• Painting over mold doesn’t remove it

• Bleach does not kill mold

• Insurance policies often do not cover mold

• Not all mold contains mycotoxins

Risk Of Mold Toxicity

Not all mold is harmful but many types can pose health risk. Molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. However, there are mold species that are “toxigenic,” meaning they produce mycotoxins (myco- is a prefix that means fungal). Mycotoxins are chemical byproducts of metabolic processes – any process performed to maintain life, such as converting food into energy or cellular respiration. Some mycotoxins can cause a toxic response in humans and animals, even in small amounts.

Most people assume that because they’re not living in a damp moldy basement, that they will never experience exposure to mycotoxins, but this is not true. In fact, many foods that we consume on a daily basis can contain mycotoxins, including:

• Grains: Corn, wheat, barley, rye

• Nuts: Peanuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts

• Dried fruits: Apricots, figs, plums, dates

• Spices: Many spices can be contaminated

• Coffee beans: Coffee beans are susceptible to mold growth

• Chocolate: Chocolate can also be contaminated

• Cereals: Various cereal grains can be affected

• Oily seeds: Such as soybeans and sunflower seeds

• Meat: Mycotoxins can indirectly contaminate meat through contaminated animal feed

These mycotoxins can contaminate food during improper packaging, stored under damp conditions, etc.

Mold species are generally categorized as one of three types:

Allergenic – Unlikely to cause illness (though it may aggravate mild allergies)

Pathogenic – Can cause infection in people who are immunocompromised

Toxigenic – Toxic to all humans and animals who encounter it

Both pathonogenic and toxogenic mold produces mycotoxins that can be extremely harmful to human health, and have been attributed to a wide variety of symptoms, including:

• Headaches

• Irritated eyes

• Sinus infections

• Fatigue

• Sneezing

• Skin issues

• Brain fog

• Neurological problems

• Digestive issues

• Word recollection issues

• Hives

• Always getting colds/bugs

• Nose bleeds

• Coughs

• Numbness and tingling

• Increased urination

• Abdominal pain

• Night sweats

• Static shocks

• Food sensitivities

• Metallic taste in mouth

• Shortness of breath

• Asthma

• Cardiac issues

• Nausea

• And more…

Mold vs Mycotoxins

Mold and mycotoxins affect the human body differently, and are not quite the same thing. Mold is alive, therefore, we can kill it, as where mycotoxins are actual toxins, a byproduct of certain “toxigenic” mold species. These are not alive and cannot be killed. They must be removed or eliminated.

Most mold is not considerd “toxic” for the human body, but it can initiate an allergy response causing coughing, sneezing, sinus and congestion, shortness of breath, headache etc. In this case, mold colonization of the body is handled with antifungal medications/herbs and cleaning or removing the source of mold.

Think of mold colonization as a mold infection. It can be remedied by killing the problem, like most other infections.

To test if your body has been colonized by mold spores, you can use an OAT (organic acid test). These test can be done from home, and usually involve a urine sample. Although expensive, they can help you identify or eliminate, what is at the root of your health issues. VibrantWellness offers a good OAT test you can find here.

Mycotoxin effects

Mycotoxins are the by product of certain mold species, that are actual toxins. They are far more dangerous then the mold itself and have been attributed to causing a wide variety of health disorders. Below is a list of the negative impacts mycotoxins can have on human health.

Immuno suppressive – Inhibits the immune system from doing its job properly.

Dermatoxic – Toxic to the skin and creates damage to skin cells. Skin rashes, dryness, etc.

Neurotoxic – Toxic to your neurological system – Vibration, tingling, numbness, twitches, headaches, dizziness, vision issues, etc.

Infertility – Can affect sex hormones and embryo quality. Also affect sperm quality.

Teratogenic – Toxic to baby in utero.

Nephrotoxic – Toxic to the kidneys.

Hepatotoxic – Toxic to the liver.

Genotoxic – Toxic to your genes and can create mutations, which can lead to cancer.

Carcinogenic – Cancer causing.

Who Do Mycotoxins Effect?

Because molds and even microtoxins are a natural part of the environment, the human body is designed to naturally eliminate them through detoxification—via feces and urine. A healthy gut microbiota, which is a complex ecosystem of bacteria the intestines, is crucial to the elimination of mycotoxins. When the body is weak, polluted or not functioning properly (especially the liver) prior to exposure, the door is open for these unwanted invading toxins.

The people who are affected the most by the presence of mycotoxins are:

• Children

• Those with weakened immune systems like the elderly

• People with pre existing health conditions

• Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins

• Overweight or obese

• Take immune suppressant medications

Once mycotoxins enter the system, and begin to cause harm, they can be extremely problematic to deal with. Unlike infections which are usually localized, mycotoxins affect the entire body systematically. This means, every organ and every system of the body.

Usually, by the time symptoms are present, mycotoxins have been in the system for a while. In children, we can see these effects quicker then we do when adults, and symptoms also vary person to person.

A lot of variables that come into play with mold toxicity like the health of the person, age, time frame of exposure, etc. It also is going to depend on the type of mycotoxin you have been affected by. Below are a few of the most common types of mycotoxins that humans have contact with.

—Aflatoxins: Produced by Aspergillus species, such as A. flavus and A. parasiticus. They are highly toxic and carcinogenic, particularly aflatoxin B1, which is linked to liver cancer.

—Trichothecenes: A group of mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol, T-2, and HT-2. They are often produced by Fusarium species. Trichothecenes can cause vomiting, feed refusal, and other acute effects, with some types like B-type trichothecenes also causing more chronic toxicities.

—Ochratoxins: Specifically, ochratoxin A (OTA), is a potent mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, and can be found in cereals, coffee beans, and other products. It’s associated with kidney disease and is carcinogenic.

—Fumonisins: Produced by Fusarium species, including F. moniliforme, fumonisins are structurally similar to a compound found in the body. They can cause liver and kidney damage, and fumonisin B1 is linked to esophageal cancer in humans.

—Zearalenone: Produced by Fusarium species, it is a mycoestrogen, meaning it mimics estrogen and is typically found in grains. It can cause endocrine disorders, reproductive issues, etc.

Why can’t doctors find the problem

Most western doctors do not understand mold and mycotoxins, and if they suspect that you are suffering from mold toxicity, they will only perform an allergy test. In this case, they may provide you antifungal medication and send you on your way, which sadly will do absolutely nothing if your body is full of mycotoxins.

Because mycotoxins are extremely immune suppressant, they weaken the body’s ability to fight off other issues like viruses, bacteria and parasites, and in turn, make it seem like these are the problem rather than an after effect of the root cause. These situations are often misdiagnosed and overtreated using medications, which never fully heal the issue, because again, the mycotoxins which are the main culprit, must be removed before the body can begin to heal.

This is where sometimes taking matters into your own hands is the best thing you can do for your own health.

Begin To Heal

STEP 1: Identify the culprit

Step one begins with knowing what type of mycotoxins you have been affected by. Once you have identified the culprit, you can then begin taking appropriate actions to removing them from your system, and if necessary, your home, belongings and so on.

Remember, we don’t kill mold, we remove it!

The good news is that you don’t need to go to a laboratory to have this testing. Many reliable companies offer test kits that you can easily do from home.

The first company we recommend is VibrantWellness. Their test measures a broad range of mycotoxins—5 Aflatoxin markers, 11 Trichothecene markers and 13 other mycotoxin marker produced by fungi, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins. You can find their test here.

The second company is Real Time Labs mycotoxin test, which detects 16 different mycotoxins, including 9 macrocyclic trichothecenes. Testing is done using competitive ELISA, a very sensitive detection method using antibodies prepared against mycotoxins. You can find their test here.

Once you have established that mycotoxins are indeed the culprit behind your chronic illness or disease, you then can start taking the appropriate actions to heal yourself.

STEP 2: Find the cause

Now that you have established that you are indeed suffering from mold toxicity, the next step is finding out where it came from.

There are obviously lots of ways to acquire mycotoxins. One of the main culprits is damp living environments. Common locations include basements, crawl spaces, attics, behind walls, under sinks and appliances, and even within ductwork. These areas can be damp, poorly ventilated, and often go unnoticed, creating ideal conditions for mold growth and mycotoxin production. Prolonged exposure to these toxins could absolutely begin to effect even healthy individuals.

One way to know if you’re home contains mycotoxins is to get a ERMI Test—the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index. Although this test can be quite expensive, it will tell you exactly what toxins you are being exposed to in your home. EnviroBiomics offers a reliable tests that you can find here.

Aside from ERMI testing, any visible signs of mold should be properly cleaned and or repaired. Below are some ways to eliminate mold in the home.

HEPA vacuuming: Use a HEPA vacuum to remove mold spores from surfaces.

Clean non-porous surfaces: Use a high acidic vinegar on surfaces like countertops and sinks. ( Bleach, believe it or not, does not kill mold)

Replace porous materials: If mold is extensive, replace carpets, drywall, and insulation.

Consider professional remediation: If mold is extensive or you’re concerned about safety, seek professional help.

HEPA air purifiers: Use HEPA air purifiers to capture airborne mold spores and mycotoxins.

If you don’t see any visible signs of mold and your home test negative of mycotoxins, this is a good thing! It means that you’re exposure was not from the environment you are living in, which gives the healing process an advantage. Mycotoxins can take a while to present symptoms and sometimes exposure can be months if not years prior. At this point, you begin to work on healing the body instead of the home. This includes analyzing your diet that could be a contributing factor.

Should I call a professional

Most people assume that they should immediately call a mold inspector to have their home tested for toxic spores, but unfortunately this is likely a waste of money.

Mold inspectors only perform what is called an Air Quality Test, which usually comes back negative for any “toxic” mold. They are not accurate in the slightest and all too often, people believe the professionals, and continue to live in these toxic environments.

An ERMI test, as I recommend above, although expensive, is going to be far more accurate and tell you everything you need to know about what you’re being exposed to.

STEP 3: Improve Gut Microbiome

Everything starts with improving gut health. Maintaining a healthy gut flora is essential to proper elimination of mycotoxins. It does this by: (1) detoxifying mycotoxins, converting them into less toxic forms or binding to them to prevent absorption, and (2) modulating gut health, creating an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive and harmful ones are suppressed, thus reducing the overall impact of mycotoxins.

A healthy microbiome also allows for more frequent bowel movements, which is crucial to removing mycotoxins. When the liver detoxifies substances, including mycotoxins, they are processed and eliminated through bile, which eventually enters the intestines. The intestines then prepare the waste for removal through bowel movements. If you’re not having regular bowel movements, these toxins can be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, hindering the detoxification process and potentially worsening symptoms.

The unfortunate part to all of this is that mycotoxins themselves can disrupt the gut’s microbiome, leading to imbalances and potentially impacting overall gut health. They are extremely immune suppressive and can also contribute to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, affecting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The first step is to improve your overall diet. Start incorporating foods that can help improve overall gut flora and avoid foods that contribute to its imbalance.

Foods to include

Foods that promote bile flow: Beets, artichokes, and dandelion greens support healthy bile production, which is essential for detoxification

Probiotic-rich foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi help restore gut health, which is often disrupted by mold exposure.

Prebiotic-rich foods: Garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas provide nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria.

Antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress caused by mold toxins

Healthy fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, and nuts/seeds provide essential fatty acids and support liver function

Lean protein: Organic, pasture-raised meats and eggs, wild-caught fish, and legumes provide building blocks for repair and detoxification

Fiber-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes help bind toxins and support regular bowel movements, aiding in toxin elimination

Foods To Avoid

Sugar and processed foods: These contribute to inflammation and feed harmful yeast and mold in the body

Gluten and dairy: Some individuals may have sensitivities that worsen symptoms

Alcohol: Places a burden on the liver and interferes with detoxification

Mold-prone foods: Peanuts, corn, coffee, dried fruits, and processed meats may harbor mycotoxins

Starchy vegetables: Limit consumption as they can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels and potentially worsen inflammation

Fermented foods: Although many fermented foods can help to improve gut microbiome, it can sometimes make mold toxicity worse

You alternatively can start taking a good quality probiotic and prebiotic supplement. Ora brand Trust Your Gut, contains 16 billion CFU of clinically-studied probiotic strains and organic prebiotics. You can view their product here.

STEP 4: Binding

Once you have improved your gut flora and are having at least one to two bowel movements a day, you are now ready for the binding step. Because we remove mycotoxins, not destroy them, we need a substance that can bind them up and safely remove them from the body. Unfortunately, typical binders such as charcoal and clay, do not work very efficiently for microtoxins, because they only target the digestive track. Fulvic and Humic acid on the other hand work systemically, just like mycotoxins, and can even cross the blood brain barrier, where other binders cannot.

Fulvic acid, being a component of humic substances, is a known binder of various substances, including heavy metals and mycotoxins, aiding in their removal from the body via the gut. Evidence shows, due to its small molecular size, fulvic acid has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially act directly within the brain to neutralize mycotoxins or mitigate their harmful effects.

A good quality falvic/humic acid supplement is the best way to bind up and efficiently remove these toxins. You can find our Fulvic + Humic Acid Complex with 72+ trace minerals here.

STEP 5: Liver Support

Liver detoxification is vital to this entire process. The liver is the body’s primary organ for detoxification, playing a crucial role in removing harmful substances from the bloodstream. It processes and eliminates toxins, metabolic waste products, and other harmful substances. When the liver is not functioning properly, it is not removing toxins efficiently either, which can quickly lead to health issues.

In this case, we recommend supplementing with herbs like milk thistle, that are well known for detoxifying the liver and improving liver function.

Milk thistle is one of the most powerful liver protectant herbs in the world. Several scientific studies have shown that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. In fact, it is so protective, it has been used in emergency room cases of poisoning from the death cap mushroom.

Taking a daily supplement of milk thistle will help to improve liver function and therefore improve the detoxification process. This is extremely important if you have begun taking binders. You can find our pure Milk Thistle Elixir here.

STEP 6: Lymphatic Drainage

Another herb that can help in the detoxification process is Burdock Root. Long used in alternative cancer remedies, burdock is known for flushing and moving stagnant lymph fluid.

Lymphatic drainage it’s extremely important to overall health. Healthy lymph flow helps remove waste, bacteria, viruses, and toxins from the body, supporting the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. Just like the liver, when this system of the body becomes stagnant, you are more susceptible to invading bacteria, viruses and toxins.

Burdock is certainly our top herb recommendation for lymphatic drainage. You can find our Burdock Root Extract here and more information about this amazing plant here.

Other ways of draining the lymphatic system include: lymphatic massage, cold water baths, saunas, exercise, deep breathing and dry brushing.

Regardless what you prefer, make sure you practice one of these methods during the detoxification process. It’s imperative to your overall healing.

Everyone is different

There is not “one size fits all” when it comes to healing from anything, and healing from mycotoxins is no different. Every person’s body and physiology is slightly different.

The time in which you are healed of mycotoxins is hard to say. Oftentimes we find that many people must remove the mycotoxins and then heal from the disorders they have caused. This journey can be long, but in the end, worth it to feel well again.

Final thought

In conclusion, detoxing from mycotoxins is a vital step toward restoring your health and well-being. By adopting a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, hydration, detox therapies, and medical guidance, you can effectively support your body’s natural ability to eliminate these harmful toxins. Remember, patience and consistency are key, as the process may take time, but the positive impact on your energy, immunity, and overall vitality is well worth the effort. Prioritize your health and stay committed to your detox journey for a healthier, brighter future.

Stay Wild

Kayce Heister

Kayce is an Author, Clinical Herbalist, Naturopathic Practitioner (HHP), Active Forager, Wild Food Chef and Mother of three. She has spent the last 20 years practicing herbalism and natural health, and spends most of her time educating others on the amazing potential the natural world can offer.

SOURCES BELOW

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6354945/

Symptoms of Mold Illness

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8619365/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10143271/