Molds are very common in indoor and outdoor environments. Mold spores can enter indoor spaces through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. They will grow in moist environments, including paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery. Mold is ubiquitous and hard to avoid, with research indicating that up to 50% of indoor spaces host significant mold growth. (1, 2)
Mold exposure and mycotoxin-related issues are often overlooked and can be challenging to identify; however, these concepts are recognized within the integrative and functional medical communities. This article will explain what toxic mold is, summarize the concept of mold exposure and how it can present, and outline a functional approach for testing and addressing concerns related to mycotoxin exposure.
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What Is Toxic Mold?
Molds are fungi that prosper in warm, damp, and humid conditions. Tens of thousands of mold species exist that spread and reproduce by making spores capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions. The most common indoor molds are of the Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus genera. (2)
Toxic molds produce compounds called mycotoxins that may affect human health by interacting with cellular structures. Several hundred different mycotoxins have been identified, but the most commonly observed as a concern to humans include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, patulin, fumonisin, zearalenone, and nivalenol/deoxynivalenol. (3, 4)
There is a misconception that black mold is the primary culprit of mold-related issues because toxic molds can be many different colors, including brown, green, blue, yellow, and white. Some of the most common toxic molds in homes include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, and Trichoderma. (1, 4)
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Accumulation of mycotoxins in the body may contribute to various health issues and symptoms. Mold exposure is more likely to induce symptoms if you have a preexisting respiratory condition, environmental allergies, or are immunocompromised. (1)
Mold exposure can affect nearly every system in the body and may present as a wide variety of symptoms, including (5):
- Difficult concentration, brain fog, poor memory, ADD/ADHD
- Mood swings, depression, anxiety
- Chronic fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Digestive symptoms:
- Migraines and headaches
- Eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes
- Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath
- Runny nose, sinus congestion, watery eyes, sore throat
- Fibromyalgia, muscle weakness, joint pain
- Digestive symptoms and food sensitivities
What Contributes to Mold Exposure?
Mold exposure occurs when a person's detoxification pathways, encompassing the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, skin, and lymphatics, cannot efficiently manage mycotoxins. (7) While everyone is exposed to mold spores and mycotoxins, not everyone will experience issues after exposure. Those at higher risk for mold-related concerns include those with a family history of allergies or asthma, a preexisting respiratory condition, workplace exposure, living in high-humidity climates with poor ventilation, and a genetic predisposition to less effective biotoxin management. (5)
Functional Medicine Labs to Explore Mold Exposure
Functional medicine tests are available to identify the type and level of mycotoxin exposure and assess the function of the body's detox organs. These results provide a baseline to track progress and guide decisions regarding supportive measures.
Mycotoxins
Urine mycotoxin testing is a method to assess recent and chronic mycotoxin exposure. Mosaic Diagnostics, and RealTime Labs offer mycotoxin panels to screen for mold exposure.
Detoxification Pathways
The body has innate mechanisms for naturally managing and eliminating environmental substances. The liver is most known for this function, processing substances through two phases to convert them into forms that can be eliminated from the body via the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, skin, and lymphatics. A mold management protocol may be less effective if one of these systems is not functioning optimally. A thorough review of systems, comprehensive stool test, and genetic panel can screen for less efficient detox pathways and organ function. (6)
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Functional Medicine Approach for Mold Exposure
Addressing mold exposure involves reducing mycotoxin exposure, preventing the regrowth of mold, and supporting the body's natural elimination processes. Mold removal will be discussed in further detail below, but this is an essential aspect of the approach because continued exposure may reduce the body's ability to manage mycotoxins.
To think of this simply, it's like emptying a bathtub. Two components must be addressed: the faucet (i.e., mold exposure) and the drain (i.e., detox/elimination pathways). Without turning off the faucet, it will be very difficult to empty the tub. Once the faucet has been turned off, opening and unclogging the drain will allow you to drain the tub completely.
Below is a dietary and supplemental approach that can be used to help support individuals experiencing symptoms related to mycotoxin exposure. These can be done with sweating and lymphatic drainage techniques to support the body's natural processes. Individuals with mold exposure may be sensitive and could experience reactions when initiating a new protocol. As such, sensitive individuals may respond better to plans that first incorporate gentler approaches, such as dry brushing and dietary modifications.
Diet and Nutrition Considerations for Mold Exposure
People exposed to mold may have impaired digestion and food sensitivities. Supporting digestion with a whole-food, low-inflammatory elimination diet may help improve nutritional status and support the body's natural processes. (7)
An anti-inflammatory diet is any nutritional pattern focused on an adequate intake of fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats, oily fish, whole grains, legumes, tea, herbs, and spices. The Mediterranean diet is a classic example and the most well-studied anti-inflammatory diet; however, the diet should be tailored to the individual's personal needs and food intolerances.
Some foods are more likely to be moldy and act as a source of mycotoxin exposure. These foods might be reduced or avoided: rice, coffee, nuts (Brazil nuts, walnuts, peanuts, and cashews), dried fruit, alcohol, processed meats, and corn. (3)
Supplemental Support for Mold Exposure
The following supplements may provide additional nutritional support for the body's natural detoxification and elimination pathways. As mentioned above, lower dosing protocols may be required for very sensitive individuals.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal may act as a binder in the gut to support the body's natural elimination processes. It can cause constipation, so bowel patterns should be monitored regularly by the individual and provider, and measures should be taken to support regular bowel movements. (8)
Dose: 500-1000 mg on an empty stomach twice daily. Take one hour before or two hours after food or administration of any other supplements or medications.
Duration: 3 months
Glutathione
Glutathione is known as the body's master antioxidant, playing a role in liver detox processes. Mycotoxin exposure may affect glutathione concentrations in the body. (5)
Dose: 5 mL twice daily
Duration: 3 months
Detoxication Factors™
Detoxication Factors™ by Integrative Therapeutics is a comprehensive nutritional formula that may support general nutritional needs and healthy liver detoxification pathways. Certain ingredients in this formula, like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and green tea, may support glutathione biosynthesis.
Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with food
Duration: 3 months
Mold Management Options to Consider
Mold management begins with identifying the source in the home and workplace. Mold testing through swab, air, and ERMI testing can help confirm and identify mold exposure. Repairing leaks, fixing ventilation, removing water-damaged items, and eliminating moisture will help manage mold growth.
Mold remediation, which addresses harmful mold, is best performed by a professional company. Make sure the contractor you hire has experience in mold management. Check their references and ensure they follow guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH); Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC); or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.
Resources for mold management can be found on the following websites:
- Surviving Mold
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Once the mold has been successfully managed, prevent regrowth by controlling humidity levels; promptly fixing future roof, window, and pipe leaks; thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding; and adequately ventilating the shower, laundry, and cooking areas. (1)
When to Consider Retesting
A mold management protocol may be performed for three months at a minimum. Retesting urine mycotoxins after three months of supportive measures may help monitor progress and confirm the reduction of mold exposure.
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Summary
Toxic molds are certain fungi that produce mycotoxins, which may affect human health even in very low concentrations. Mycotoxin-related issues can be difficult to identify given the wide variety of symptoms they may present with, often overlapping with other health conditions. Understanding that mold exposure is a common concern, functional medicine providers often consider mycotoxin screening and testing to explore underlying factors. Recovering from mold exposure can be a gradual process, but with a trained professional helping you through mold management and supportive measures, improvement in well-being is possible.
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