The risk of developing toxic mold is when individuals develop health problems after exposure to poisonous mold spores.

Toxic mold can cause a myriad of poisoning symptoms and may cause unproven breathing problems, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and weak immunity.

Let's examine the underlying causes of mold-related health concerns and discover how to cleanse the body following mold exposure.

Mold is what?

They are microscopic fungi usually found on decaying or damp organic matter. Every type of mold requires humidity to develop, which is why it thrives in humid and moist environments.

It can form colonies on cardboard, wood carpets, wallpapers, drywall, fabric plants, and food items. Through the process of digesting the materials it is growing on, it gets the energy and nutrients it requires to live.

Mold grows by releasing the spores, tiny reproductive cells that float throughout the air, until they land in an area suitable for their development.

Molds play a crucial ecological function and aid in the decay of organic matter and leaves essential for healthy and nutrient-rich soils. However, molds that grow in indoor areas can be a concern.

Mold in the indoor environment is a typical problem for buildings with poor ventilation, humid climates, and after water damage.

Mold exposure can also result from the food you are eating. Food products commonly consumed, such as wheat, corn, grains coffee, dried fruit, and peanuts, are usually stored in silos conducive to mold development.

Does mold pose a risk?

There are over 100,000 known mold species, and most are not harmful. However, some can be toxic and pose significant health risks to humans, animals, and pets.

Toxic molds comprise various species that produce mycotoxins, dangerous substances that act in the defense of. They also kill other microorganisms and fungi that compete with the mold.

Based on the research released by Professor. Mohammed Zain, microbiologist and mycotoxin expert, said, "There is sufficient evidence from animal models and human epidemiological data to conclude that mycotoxins pose an important danger to human health, albeit one that is hard to pin down."

Mycotoxins may have harmful impacts on our bodies when they are inhaled, consumed, or exposed to the skin. Different molds release mycotoxins linked to diverse physical issues, including reproductive problems, liver damage neurotoxicity, and diminished immunity functions.

Below are the top five harmful kinds of mold:

·      Stachybotrys chartarum, Also called black mold

·      Aspergillus

·      Penicillium

·      Fusarium

·      Cladosporium

Ten symptoms of toxic mold

Although the effects of mold are complicated to identify and treat, a few common signs could indicate the presence of harmful mold spores within the body.

Here are ten indicators of toxic mold.

1. Allergy reactions

As per studies published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, around five percent of people are sensitive to one or more species of mold.

Mycotoxins and mold spores can cause allergic reactions to mold; symptoms usually develop quickly after mold exposure. Wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, and hives are common signs of mold-related allergies.

The immune system of those with weakening capabilities is more likely to develop mold allergies and should minimize mold exposure as much as possible.

2. Unexpected fatigue

The absence of an explanation for fatigue is among the most frequently reported symptoms of toxic black mold.

Mycotoxins produced through Stachybotrys chartarum have been proven to interfere with mitochondrial function. This is essential to make Adenosine Triphosphate (ADP), the organic chemical that gives the energy required for the biochemical process.

Furthermore, mold exposure can trigger immune defenses and activate complicated biochemical pathways that allow immune cells to detect and eliminate pathogens that could be toxic. These processes consume a substantial amount of energy, which could result in fatigue and depression.

3. Respiratory issues

Mold exposure can cause respiratory issues, especially in those sensitive or hypersensitive to mold.

The spores of mold can infiltrate every part of the respiratory tract, including the throat, nose, sinuses, bronchial tubes, and lungs. There, they may trigger immune responses and inflammation.

Sneezing and chest tightness, congestion, shorter breaths, coughing, and wheezing are common symptoms associated with mold toxicity.

Interestingly, the study published in the European Respiratory Review indicates that exposure to mold in the environment in the early years can dramatically increase the chance of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

4. Joint pain and stiffness

The toxins in the mold may cause stiff joints and lead to fungal arthritis, a typical warning sign of prolonged exposure to Aspergillus or Candida, the most common yeast species.

The yeast or fungal spores may build up in joints, bones, and the surrounding tissues, which can trigger swelling and accumulation of fluid. This is why mold exposure may cause musculoskeletal pain like joint pain and swelling, restricted movement, and stiffness.

Although fungal arthritis can affect any joint, hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle joints are the most susceptible to mold.

5. Cognitive issues

Some mycotoxins were identified to penetrate the brain and other areas that comprise the nervous system, which are linked to neurons' inflammation and cognition impairment.

Mycotoxins can directly harm neurons and disrupt neurotransmitter function. This disrupts the brain's communication and causes cognitive problems like memory loss, poor concentration, and brain fog.

6. Skin irritation

Suppose the skin comes into contact with mold-causing spores or their byproducts. In that case, they can cause immune reactions and increase histamine, an organic compound that causes inflammation and regulates immune system functions.

Histamine triggers increased blood flow, the accumulation of fluid, and the flow of pro-inflammatory substances towards the area of exposure to mold, which generally manifests as symptoms like itching, swelling, and eczema-like rashes.

The spores of mold consumed or inhaled may cause increased levels of inflammatory substances throughout the body, which can cause conditions of health, such as skin disorders like dermatitis and dry skin, as well as Eczema.

7. Chronic sinusitis

Inhalation of mycotoxins can lead to sinusitis, congestion, and chronic sinusitis.