new to the gluten free journey?

Search

Sometimes Mold Toxicity is The Missing Link to Chronic Health Issues

Compromised Immune System is More Susceptible to Mold

Many people with gluten sensitivity have damaged GI tracts, chronic inflammation, muscle atrophy, and a compromised immune system. This conglomeration of dysfunction can set the stage for mold toxicity. Mold exposure in the chronically sick can stifle recovery and prevent health restoration. The following video illustrates some of the problems associated with mold toxicity:

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Can Mimic Gluten Reactions

There are a number of problems associated with mold toxicity. Unfortunately these symptoms can be very similar to gluten sensitivity symptoms. Some of the more common problems caused by mold exposure are:  

What to Look For to Rule Out Mold

Black-mold-mimics-glutenMold grows ubiquitously in our homes, work environment, and schools. The most obvious signs that mold is a problem are black growth in the air vents, in the tile grout of the bathroom, or any other visible surface (especially ceilings where water leaks have occurred). Mold can also grow on sheet rock walls, in basements, drain and drip pans, in the carpet where water or other fluids have spilled. One of the most obvious signs of the presence of mold is the smell of must in the home. Mold is not always visible. If you suspect mold, you should have your home properly tested. I have had patients with no visible mold presence discover massive colonies after proper testing and investigation. I cannot emphasize this enough. I have lost patients to mold toxicity issues. You may also consider mold if your home has had prior flooding or water damage. As well, you should take care to investigate your car for toxic molds. One of the most tell tale signs for mold toxicity can come from the way you feel when switching environments. Many people will notice feeling much worse in buildings with obvious musty odors or mold growth while feeling better when in an environment free of mold.

Test Yourself for Mold Allergy

There are different methods of lab testing to determine mold allergies. One of the most common is through the use of IgE blood or skin prick testing. This type of testing can be very helpful, but it is not always full proof. If you suspect mold, you should also have your doctor measure delayed hypersensitivity reactions to mold. Some of the most common species of mold causing human illness are:
  • Alternaria- this species is often isolated in the sinus, mouth and nose. A good ENT doctor can test for it. It is a common cause of persistent upper respiratory infections.
  • Aspergillus – This common household mold can be found in carpets, clothing, and walls. It can also contribute to respiratory infections.
  • Cladosporium – This mold grows both inside and outside in humid areas and is a common trigger for asthma symptoms.
  • Fusarium – This type commonly grows on cereal grains and other crops. It is one of the major mold fumonisin toxin producers in peanuts and corn.
  • Penicillium Is a common mold species found indoors and on foods. It commonly grows in carpet and air ducts
  • Trichophyton – This mold is responsible for what many people call athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ring worm.

Do This To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

There are several preventative measures you can take to control mold growth in your home. One of the easiest is to keep the relative humidity in your home under 55%. Because the air conditioner is a natural dehumidifier, keeping it running can help. If you already run your AC and the humidity level is staying high, consider a dehumidifier. Below is a list of items you will want to make sure you stay on top of:
  • Change air filters regularly.
  • Replace carpet with tile
  • Use mattress and pillow covers
  • Use a high quality air purifier (should contain HEPA, UV light, and a low level ozone generator)
  • If you having existing mold growth at toxic levels, you need to seek out a mold remediation company.

Supporting Your Immune System

Because chronic mold exposure can wreak havoc on your immune function, you will definitely want to maintain a clean, TRUE gluten free diet. You might consider avoiding foods that contain mold or help with mold proliferation. Some of the most common include: sugar, alcohol, peanuts, pistachios, products out of the “self serve bins” in the grocery store, dried fruits, yeast additives, and foods high in starch. The use of vitamin C and Vitamin D can be very helpful in attenuating mold induced damage and controlling inflammation.

7 Responses

  1. Dr. O, I have a question. My now 10 year old daughter has done these vomiting spells since we moved into the place we have. She has been tested for about everything and no answers. She has sever behavioral problems, vomiting almost everyday, high blood pressure “that doctors don’t know why.” alot of stomach pains. She was just in the hospital 3 months ago with brain swelling that left her unable to walk, talk and be a normal child. We just found out we have mold in our house. Do you think that could be her problem?? We have been dealing with this now for 5 years…

  2. Im unable to sleep due to having lived in a mold infested apartment for a year. I didn’t know what was causing my high blood pressure, migraines, nausea, vomiting, fatigue etc until I went away for w weeks and my symptoms completely went away. Within hiurs of retuening the symptoms also returned. I spent the night in a hotel and started moving out today. I could see the black mold had caused damage to the molding and was growing up the wall near the closet when I started moving things out. I think its behind the walls and in the ceilings from previous water damage due to a fire years ago. My leasing company nor landlord are negligent and painted over the mold to hide it from tenants. I am disabled and should not have to move twice in a year. The dictors office told me today there was no twat for mold exposure or poisoning.

  3. i am suffering from hand arthritis with frozen shoulder on and off..i am a Vegan with Gluten Sinsitivity too..
    inspite of elimination i do ve a low grade in inflammation going on and off..

    is elimination the only way and i go ona liquid diet with No grains at all…as i am on rice for my both meals..Very happy to ve come acrossed this website

  4. If I can put the pieces together that suffering from mold toxicity. I drank a bottle moldy orange juice which bought day before and wasn’t bad till June 30th so I drank this ended having really bad reaction throat swelling trouble breathing. Got it taken care of but since the reaction I’ve been feeling crappy so I typed in all symptoms and mold toxicity came up after hours of research I have no doubt that’s what’s been plaguing me
    Why does my doctor think mold is harmless and trying to break apart the rediculous amounts of symptoms and treat each one instead of putting all facts together and just diagnose what it is mold toxicity..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sing up to our newsletter for 10% off your first order!

Receive the latest strain releases, exclusive offers and 10% OFF welcome discount.