Actress Tori Spelling (best known for her roll in Beverly Hills 90210 recently revealed that her family has been suffering from mold exposure for three years. The actress said that she and her children have been experiencing a variety of health problems, including headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems: “Our troubles are next-level with our MOLD problem and the house that’s been slowly killing us for 3 years,” Spelling wrote.
Why can mold exposure and toxicity be so dangerous?
Mold toxicity can occur when someone is exposed to mold and its mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals that are produced by mold spores. These spores can be inhaled or enter the body through the skin. Once mycotoxins have entered the body, they can cause a wide range of health problems.
Mold is able to feed on the moisture and warmth of the body. This allows it to grow and produce more mycotoxins. The mycotoxins can then travel throughout the body and damage cells and tissues.
Here is how mold can affect some of the most important systems in our body:
How Mold Affects the Brain
Mold can affect the brain in a number of ways. Mold spores can release toxins that can damage brain cells and tissues. These toxins can also cause inflammation in the brain, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
In some cases, mold exposure can also lead to more serious neurological problems, such as:
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Dementia
How Mold Affects the Respiratory System
Mold can affect the respiratory system in a number of ways. Mold spores can release toxins that can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
In some cases, mold exposure can also lead to more serious respiratory problems, such as:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
How Mold Affects the Heart
Mold can affect the heart in a number of ways. Mold-related issues with the heart usually stem from the spores that irritate the airways and lungs, leading to inflammation. This inflammation can then spread to the heart, causing a number of problems, including:
- Heart arrhythmias: This is a condition where the heart beats irregularly.
- Myocarditis: This is an inflammation of the heart muscle.
- Cardiovascular disease: This is a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.
Combatting Mold Toxicity
Mold toxicity can affect anyone, but 25% of the population is particularly vulnerable due to a genetic predisposition that inhibits the clearance of biotoxins. If you think you may be suffering from mold toxicity, it is important to work with a medical professional to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Address the Source
The first step in combating mold toxicity is to address the source of the mold. This may involve removing the mold itself, or fixing the moisture problem that caused the mold to grow in the first place. If you are not sure how to identify or remove mold, you should hire a professional.
Try Binders
Binders are substances that can bind to toxins and help remove them from the body. There are both prescription and natural binders available. Your doctor can help you decide which type of binder is right for you.
Support Detoxification Pathways
In addition to binders, there are other things you can do to support your body's natural detoxification pathways. This includes drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep, and sweating regularly.
Learn more about daily detoxes practices to incorporate into your daily routine here
Be Mindful of Other Toxins
When your body is already under stress from fighting mold toxicity, it is important to limit your exposure to other toxins. This means being aware of the ingredients in your personal care products, limiting your use of plastics, and minimizing your time in areas with poor air quality.
Learn about how to limit your exposure to environmental toxins
Address Potential Underlying Infections
In some cases, mold toxicity can be worsened by an underlying infection such as Candida or Lyme disease. If you have any concerns about an underlying infection, be sure to reach out to us to make an appointment.
Conclusion
Combatting mold toxicity can be a challenging process, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you get better. With the right treatment plan, you can overcome mold toxicity and reclaim your health.
