What are Mycotoxins?
Under natural conditions, mold is a normal part of our environment. Mold and fungus help breakdown organic matter and play a large role in biodiversity. The problem arises when mold overgrows and/or pathogenic species produce mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins are the toxins given off by mold and fungal species as a self-defense mechanism. Mycotoxins are one of the most toxic substances on the planet. Mycotoxins, such as T-2, have been used as biological warfare agents along with Agent Orange in the Vietnam War. The following article details the health effects of mycotoxins and possible sources of exposure.
How Do Mycotoxins Affect Our Health?
Mycotoxins have systemic (widespread) affects on the human body. Here are some of the affects of chronic mycotoxin exposure:
Symptoms of Mold Toxicity:
Every person, based on their genetics and unique detoxification pathways, process mycotoxins differently. Some people have the capacity to process mycotoxins better than others. That is why some people living in a moldy environment will present with symptoms, while others will not.
Every person builds up toxins in their body over the course of their lifetime, based on previous and current exposures. When the amount of toxins in the body exceeds what the body can handle, adverse symptoms arise. This is known as the Rain Barrel Effect. Think of the total amount of stressors, infections, and toxins in the body as the water in a rain barrel. As more and more stressors, infections, and toxins are added to the rain barrel, it fills and fills. If the rain barrel is not being effectively drained, the rain barrel overflows. When the rain barrel overflows, chronic symptoms set in.
Chronic mycotoxin exposure is just one of the many things that adds to our total toxic load in our bodies.
Possible symptoms of mold toxicity include:
*Note: Mold toxicity is commonly associated with chronic infections (including chronic Lyme disease), heavy metals, and the buildup of environmental toxins in the body. It is important to address all of the underlying hinderances to one’s health when addressing mold toxicity.
Why Is Mold More Prevalent In Today’s World?
Modern day living has come with many benefits; however, the use of herbicides and pesticides (including RoundUp) has altered the delicate microbiome of our soil. Researchers have found the application of herbicides and pesticides to decrease the amount of beneficial bacteria and fungal species in the soil, and has allowed the overgrowth of certain fungal species around plant root systems.
Another factor that is largely contributing to the spread of mold is man-made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), including wifi and 5G. Man-made electromagnetic fields expedite the growth of mold and also increase the amount of mycotoxins mold gives off. You can read more about EMFs here.
Sources of Mycotoxins:
If you would like to have your home, workplace, or school tested for mold, please contact our office at office@restorativemedicine.clinic for more information.
Healing from Mycotoxin and Mold Related Illness:
Dr. Miranda Hill has extensive clinical and personal experience working with mold-related illness. Healing from chronic mycotoxin exposure can be a daunting process. Dr. Miranda has identified unique therapies based on the specific mycotoxins identified.
Schedule an appointment here with Dr. Miranda for mycotoxin assessment and treatment.