How mould toxicity can lead to autoimmunity

Are you constantly falling ill without a clear reason? Do you suffer from chronic joint and muscle pain that baffles your doctors? Or have you developed mysterious skin rashes after moving into a new home? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, mould toxicity might be the hidden culprit behind your symptoms.

When I moved into a charming period-style apartment, I suddenly developed migraines and a persistent chesty cough that lasted for months. During an office renovation, the cough returned, and the cause was a mystery for a while. In hindsight, I now realise that mould was at the heart of these issues.

Mould toxicity is an often-overlooked factor that can significantly impact health, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases. This article delves into the different types of mould toxins, the symptoms of mould exposure, and testing methods and natural therapies that can help mitigate the effects of mould toxicity.

The role of mould toxicity in autoimmune disease

You may be wondering how mould toxin exposure can lead to autoimmune disease. As with all autoimmune diseases, they occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. 

Most autoimmune diseases involve the underlying presence of inflammation, as well as something that triggers the symptoms of the condition. Research suggests that environmental factors, including mould exposure, may trigger or exacerbate autoimmune conditions. 

Mould produces mycotoxins, which can disrupt immune function and trigger inflammatory responses. Chronic exposure to these toxins can overwhelm the immune system, leading to an autoimmune reaction.

In addition to the inflammatory reaction, mould toxicity can lead to autoimmune disease through a process known as molecular mimicry. Aspergillus fumigatus, a specific type of mould, can mimic human proteins such as those found in the myelin sheath that protects the nerve, potentially triggering an autoimmune response in conditions like multiple sclerosis.

We are exposed to many different moulds, but the ones that have been studied in relation to human health include Stachybotrys chartarum (black mould), aspergillus, penicillium and cladosporium.

Stachybotrys chartarum thrives in damp, cellulose-rich environments like wood, paper, and drywall, which can cause symptoms including respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, memory loss, skin irritation, and immune suppression.

Aspergillus is found in soil, decaying vegetation, dust, and poorly ventilated indoor environments. It can cause respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and severe cases of invasive aspergillosis, affecting the lungs and other organs.

Penicillium commonly inhabits damp indoor environments, water-damaged buildings, and food. Symptoms include allergic reactions, asthma, and sinus infections.

Cladosporium thrives in outdoor and indoor environments, especially damp areas like bathrooms and basements and near heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. It can cause respiratory issues, skin rashes, and eye irritation.

As you can see mould toxicity can present with various symptoms depending on the type of mould and duration of exposure. 

When I am working with a client with potential mould toxicity, the common symptoms that I look out for include respiratory issues (chronic coughing, sneezing, sinus congestion, and asthma), neurological symptoms (headaches, memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and mood swings), gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain), skin reactions (rashes, itching, and hives), fatigue, and immune system suppression (getting sick all the time).

Mould toxicity can also disrupt endocrine function, leading to hormonal imbalances. Mycotoxins can interfere with endocrine glands, affecting hormone production and regulation. This disruption can result in symptoms such as thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), adrenal dysfunction (adrenal fatigue), and reproductive hormone imbalances (menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, mood swings, and libido changes). So, if you have imbalanced hormones and haven’t considered mould toxicity as a potential cause, then it might be worth considering. 

The role of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)

A frustration that I see with my clients is that even though they believe that their illness is driven by exposure to mould in their environment, other family or work colleagues do not suffer from the same symptoms, which can mean people don’t take their concerns seriously. 

The truth is that some people will be exposed to mould toxins and will not have any issues at all, whereas others, based on genetic susceptibility and health history, will have a chronic inflammatory response in response to this exposure. 

Chronic inflammatory response syndrome is a condition triggered by prolonged exposure to biotoxins like mould, leading to a persistent inflammatory response. This syndrome is marked by a dysregulated immune response where inflammation continues despite removing the initial trigger.

Symptoms of CIRS include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive impairments (such as memory issues and difficulty concentrating), headaches, sinus problems, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.

For example, one of the scenarios I have seen with some of my clients is that they may have lived in a damp building for several years. However, even after moving to a mould-free home, they continue to suffer from chronic symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and brain fog. This is when I will consider CIRS, and then we will work together to reduce inflammation, support cellular function, and take steps to eradicate any ingrained mould toxicity until their symptoms improve. 

Testing for mould toxicity

Accurate diagnosis of mould toxicity involves a combination of clinical evaluation and specific testing methods and can take time to determine whether this is an underlying factor in your symptoms.  

However, the visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) test is a great place to start. This non-invasive test measures the ability to detect contrast, which can be impaired in those with biotoxin illness, as this can impair the neural pathways involved in contrast detection. 

The test evaluates your visual system's ability to distinguish between different shades of grey, specifically how well you can see objects against a background of similar colour. It also records your ability to correctly identify patterns at various contrast levels, which will give you an indication of whether your neural pathways are impaired, which could be linked to mould. In my clinical practice, I offer urine mycotoxin testing, which helps to detect mould exposure and mycotoxin burden in the body. 

As it tests for various types of mycotoxins, it is a valuable test not just to test for toxicity in the body but can help pinpoint where the source of mould exposure is. 

Blood tests can also be helpful to help determine the level of inflammation in the body and markers, such as C4a, TGF-beta1, and MMP-9, are often elevated in CIRS. They provide insight into the systemic effects of mould toxicity.

You can also have your home or work environments tested to help identify the presence and concentration of mould spores and mycotoxins in the environment. This testing is crucial for determining the extent of mould contamination in living or working spaces. There are various companies that will come to your home and do a full assessment, and there are also lots of at-home tests you can do. 

Why bile is so vital in mould detoxification

Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is crucial for detoxifying mould toxins. Bile aids fat digestion and binds with toxins for excretion through the intestines. If bile flow is compromised or if toxins are reabsorbed in the intestines, it can lead to recirculating toxins and exacerbated toxicity. Adequate bile flow is essential for preventing reabsorption and ensuring the complete removal of mould toxins from the body.

Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and pale stools, as well as fatigue and jaundice, are signs of poor bile flow. Natural remedies like bitter herbs such as dandelion, milk thistle, and gentian are known to stimulate bile production and enhance digestion. Integrating these bitters into your daily routine, whether as supplements or teas, can bolster liver function and encourage optimal bile flow. Personally, I find artichoke leaf tea particularly enjoyable and beneficial, and I incorporate it into my daily routine.

Common food sources of mould toxins

Unfortunately, moulds are not only found in our surrounding environments but also in the food we eat. Mould toxins can contaminate various foods, particularly those stored improperly or for extended periods. 

Common food sources include grains (wheat, corn, barley, and oats), nuts and seeds (peanuts, pistachios, and other tree nuts), coffee (improperly stored coffee beans), dried fruits (raisins, figs, apricots, and other dried fruits), dairy products (cheese and milk), and alcoholic beverages (beer and wine). When it comes to coffee, I am a fan of Purity or Exhale coffee, which may have less toxicity than regular coffee. 

Natural therapies for mould toxicity

So, what can you do if you think you may have mould toxicity?

Firstly, I recommend getting tested to determine if this is an issue for you and then working with a qualified practitioner to guide you through a mould protocol so that you can do it properly. When it comes to mould, it can be a complex picture, and if you do something too radical, it can cause more harm than good. 

Effective management of mould toxicity involves a combination of dietary adjustments, supplementation, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and environmental control. Start an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants. Anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can help reduce inflammation.

In addition, if you have mould toxicity, you likely have a high inflammatory bruden and you don’t want to add to it. Avoiding sugar and ultra-processed foods can prevent inflammation exacerbations and support immune function.

Supporting detoxification is the number one priority when it comes to supplementation. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that supports detoxification processes. You can also add bitter herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion and curcumin. 

Binders such as charcoal or clay help clear toxins in the gut, reducing their reabsorption and facilitating their removal from the body. However, long-term use of these can lead to gut microbiome imbalances and nutrient deficiencies, so following a protocol to repopulate the gut flora is also beneficial, such as incorporating prebiotics and probiotics. 

One supplement that I have been using recently with fantastic results is phosphatidylcholine, which supports cell membrane integrity and helps remove toxins from the liver. Also, as one of the common symptoms of mould toxicity is blocked sinuses, using a nasal spray such as those with colloidal silver or xylitol can help clear nasal passages of mould spores and other irritants.

You can also improve your home environment by improving the air quality with air purifiers and dehumidifiers and ensuring proper ventilation, which can reduce indoor mould growth. Fixing leaks, improving drainage, and removing mould-contaminated materials is essential. Natural cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda can also be used to clean surfaces prone to mould growth.

Lifestyle factors like regular exercise, which enhances circulation and supports detoxification processes, can also be helpful. And techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises help reduce stress, which can negatively impact immune function. Understanding the potential link between mould toxicity and autoimmune diseases is crucial for both prevention and management. 

Recognising the types of mould and the potential sources of mould toxicity, identifying symptoms of mould exposure that might apply to you, and implementing natural therapies that can significantly reduce your risk will put you in the best position to avoid mould toxicity and prevent autoimmune flares associated with it.