Mould Part 1: How much mould exposure is harmful?
A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to spend an afternoon with Building Biologist Triin-Liis Treial (nee Harma).
Triin-Liis is passionate about changing people’s lives through detection and identification of moulds, recommending remediation work and addressing and remediating EMF (Electro Magnetic Field) issues within homes and workplaces.
While I am very aware of how moulds can affect our health, Triin-Liss, stressed that EMF’s can cause very similar symptoms.
Hence it is important to test for both moulds and EMF’s in homes and/or work places, when someone suspects moulds and/or EMF’s could be an issue.
Over the next few weeks, we will start to scratch the surface of moulds and EMF’s
This week we start with what the symptom picture can look like as a result of exposure, and how to address these issues.
Let’s get started!
What’s the problem with mould?
The biotoxins produced by mould place an enormous strain on our body.
Around 25% of people have genetic that impair their ability to clear the biotoxins produced by moulds among other things.
Moulds are often present with yeasts, opportunistic bacteria, impaired glutathione levels etc.
People with mould issues, are commonly people who feel more unwell on anti-microbial supplements or ‘detox’ supplements that put additional pressure on their detoxification systems.
Their liver is already working VERY hard to cope with the existing load from the toxins in their body.
Anti-microbials and detox supplements add to the liver’s workload.
These people take liver and adrenal support supplements and see very little, if any, improvement.
Symptoms of mould
Some of the symptom picture you see when moulds are causing issues may include:
a runny nose when in a room with mould
itchy throat
dizziness, vertigo, foggy head a history of headaches and migraines, inability to make decisions or now struggle to recall events, facts or names etc
rashes, skin issues
sleep issues
unexplained weight gain
muscle weakness, fatigue
constantly catching ‘bugs’
deterioration in eye sight
mood issues, anxiety or depression, quick to anger
urination issues – not fully voiding, frequency of urination that doesn’t make sense for fluid intake, urgency of urination, night urination etc.
The list goes on…
The symptom picture is often lengthy for these people and has grown over time.
If they have been to see an Integrative GP familiar with CIRS – Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, they may receive a diagnosis of CIRS.
Your body mounts a strong reaction to the biotoxins, producing an inflammatory cascade that affects your mitochondria, hormones, liver function, immune system, digestion, neurological functioning etc, hence the diagnosis on CIRS.
Sometimes, by the time I speak with these people, they have already done a number of tests, such as stool testing and extensive blood work.
The results often do not make sense in terms of their symptom picture, adding to their frustration and anxiety.
The inflammatory markers elevated for moulds are not the common inflammatory markers tested for by a GP.
The question I ask clients, who have clusters of symptoms from those I have listed above, and who I suspect have mould and subsequent biotoxin issues is,
“When you are away from your home for three to four days or perhaps longer, do you feel better and then when you return to your home, does your symptom picture return within 24 to 48 hours?”
If the answer is yes, the issue of moulds and biotoxins needs to be looked into further.
Where to look for moulds
This includes possible moulds within your home, work environment or car, as well as moulds you have internally in your body.
For some, the mould exposure is from years prior. For others, it is being currently exposed to mould.
Not all moulds can be seen either!
Please don’t think moulds are just an ‘old home’ phenomena.
New homes or recently renovated homes can have mould issues due to water penetrating where it shouldn’t for a variety of reasons, including:- faulty design, construction defects, poor ventilation, water leaks or intrusions not being fixed properly etc.
In my next blog, we will look at how to test for mould in the body.
If what I have mentioned above, resonates with you, you are welcome to book at free 15 minute conversation below to see how we can work on regaining your health.
