Mold and mycotoxin illness

The Naturopaths at the Nardella Clinic have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating mold and mycotoxin illness.

Naturopaths have seen first hand how mold exposure can be the cause of severe debilitating health issues. Trichothecenes, Aflatoxins, and Ochratoxin A are three potentially life threatening toxins that are not easily destroyed.  The word “toxin” tends to invoke an idea of chemicals or metals, but there are plenty of toxins in the natural world. These three in particular come from something considered ubiquitous, but rarely thought of as dangerous: mold.

There are around 50,000 species of mold in the world, 200 of which can cause health problems and a genus of 300 that are probably the most famous in the world: penicillin. Mold follows the same basic patterns as all its fungi family members: it thrives in moist environments, such as basements and bathrooms, and — as we are all keenly aware — on foods. On top of that fungi reproduce by spreading spores. Those spores, once airborne, can be inhaled and enter the body. Most of the time they are irritants and allergens, but sometimes the effects are more severe and long lasting.

Patient’s symptoms of mold toxicity have a wide range, from cold like symptoms to more serious respiratory problems such as pneumonia or general difficulty breathing, to immune suppression, nervous system damage, mood change, cognitive impairment, fatigue, and more. It is important to consult with a health professional such as our naturopathic doctors to get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible to avoid long term health problems.

The most serious threat to health are the molds that create mycotoxins. The above mentioned mycotoxins are the main mycotoxins of concern. These toxins can enter the food chain through animal feed, which ultimately enters the human body thanks to its extreme resilience. Each of these mycotoxins causes a different set of symptoms:

Trichothecenes stop the body from producing proteins and kill off cells. Immediate symptoms are drowsiness, dry eyes, and a skin rash, which spreads over the body in blotches. Finally it may lead to paranoia or haemorrhagic fever. There is real risk of death due to infection or blood loss.

Aflatoxins are another mycotoxin that increases the risk of cancer. First onset — especially in high doses or in children — can cause liver damage. Children in particular will experience delayed growth and development.

Ochratoxin A is one of the most widespread food-borne mycotoxins in the world, contaminating improperly stored food such as grains, pork, grapes, and coffee. Ochratoxin A increases likelihood of cancer and can cause immune system problems.

If you experience any of the symptoms above, detect a musty smell in your home, have an old or previously flooded home you may have been affected by mold toxicity. A clinical consultation with one of our Naturopathic Doctors and an evaluation of mycotoxins can help to diagnose this condition.