Written for Creative Healing for Youth

August 5, 2024 / 5 mins read

Could mold be a barrier to your healing? Could an environmental toxin be playing a role?

Mold is a fungus found in our natural world, but when grown within a non-competitive environment (such as in our homes), it grows and thrives, secreting mold spores, off-gassed chemicals, and mycotoxins into the air we breathe. Those toxins enter our bodies and cause a cascade of issues.

For most (if the exposure is minimal), the body’s immune system has capabilities to combat it. But for about 25% of us, the immune system has challenges in getting rid of it. This, in and of itself, makes it difficult to acknowledge that there may be a mold issue. A common story can present as only one member of a family getting sick. This can occur in work environments and school environments, too. Some people get sick, and some don’t. If the mold exposure is large enough, everyone gets sick.

What does mold sickness look like?
There are a variety of different molds and different mycotoxins secreted by these molds. There is no “classic” presentation of mold sickness. Below is a list of symptoms that should help one identify if a mold test is warranted.

Common adolescent symptoms:

• Acne

• Fungal rashes

• Weight changes

• Vision changes

• Headaches

• Delayed or precocious puberty

• Migraines

• Recurrent strep infections

• Mononucleosis

• Chemical sensitivities

• Irritable bowel

• Irritable bladder

• Reversed sleep/wake cycle

• Brain fog

• Sweeping mood changes

• Addictions

If ever diagnosed with any or some of these syndromes, a mold test is recommended:

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic Pain Syndrome

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Asthma

• Chronic sinusitis

• Mood Swings

• OCD

• Cognitive impairment

Other symptoms to consider…

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Chronic sinus congestion

• Cough

• Secretory diarrhea

• Joint pain, tendonitis, morning stiffness

• Skin sensitivity to light touch

• Increased sensitivity to everything

• Nausea and vomiting

• Excessive thirst, frequent urination

• Food allergies

• Autoimmunity

• Appetite swings

• Night sweats

• Temperature dysregulation

• ADD

• Autism spectrum

Mold resides in the sinuses and respiratory tract, as well as other organs, living and thriving without competition. These mycotoxins have been shown to impact the neurological system, immune system, reproductive system, liver function, kidney function, and GI function. They can cause oxidative stress and can even be carcinogenic.

The body feels as if it is in a constant state of fight or flight. The autonomic nervous system is dysregulated and unable to recover and function. Patients who have been exposed to mold toxins for a long time will present with limbic dysfunction, vagal nerve dysfunction, and mast cell activation syndrome.

Limbic Dysfunction

• Challenges with regulating emotion and sensitivities

• Sensitivity to light, sound, smells, food, touch, and EMF

• Anxiety, depression, and/or mood swings

Vagal Nerve Dysfunction

• Parasympathetic nerve system (rest and digest)

• intestinal motility

• Heart function

• Lung function

Mast Cell Activation

• Hyperreactive to a variety of stimuli
  Example: Reacting to food 20 minutes after eating, such as itching, hives, flushing, palpitations, brain fog, fatigue, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea.

If you suspect mold exposure and sickness, a mold-literate physician can evaluate, diagnose, and treat.

Resources
Click the links below for further information.

Video: “Mold Facts You Need to Know,” by Dr. Jill Crista

Book: Break The Mold, by Dr. Jill Crista
Highly recommended! Easy read. A good place to start. The audible version is wonderful!

Book: Toxic, by Dr. Neil Nathan
Leading experts in Mold evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Kindle: Mold and Mycotoxins: Current Evaluation and Treatment 2022, by Dr. Neil Nathan
Written for patients