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May 22, 2018

Could These Toxic Mold Symptoms Keep You Up At Night?

Your body is equipped to handle occasional mold exposure, thanks to a robust immune system. But if you notice toxic mold symptoms, this may be a sign to call in more detox support. Likewise, you may want to double-check your home for any place where mold can grow. In this post, Stefani shares what toxic mold symptoms to look for and what to do if you suspect toxic mold.

Toxic mold is somewhat of a health niche buzzword these days. We’re seeing it everywhere, and watching as it is blamed for ailments from sinus and respiratory conditions to chronic full-body disorders. There are differing opinions on exactly what type of mold will affect you; is it the stuff you find in the shower, or is it the more sinister fungus that hides behind drywall and invades air ducts?

Exposure to black mold can cause a wide range of health problems for some people, while others may not respond at all. The toxic mold symptoms depend on the individual and how their body reacts.

How is it possible that something so small can cause problems that are so large?

The impact of toxic mold on your health

Naturally found outdoors, mold spores can easily enter your home through doorways, windows, and HVAC systems. Spores in the air can also hitch rides on people and animals, which spreads the mold indoors and compromises shoes, clothes, and furniture.

These spores are always in the air, and they grow and thrive on moisture.

When they land on places where there is water or water damage, they will grow. Mold can grow on anything that is damp and porous, such as paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, drywall, and carpet.

Even brand-new homes can harbor mold, as builders hastily install water-damaged materials like drywall, which is then covered by plaster and paint, hiding its dirty secret.

But the impact of toxic mold goes beyond the black stuff growing inside damp spaces.

The real culprit is the nanoparticle mycotoxins that are released by the mold spores. These toxins are considered a “natural poison,” and their dangerous effect will vary by the individual.

The severity of health decline due to mycotoxins depends on the duration of the exposure, age, health, and sex, and also genetics, vitamin deficiency, and even infectious disease status. If your body is strong, effects may be minimal.

But if your body is already weak, or fighting something like an autoimmune disease, it could affect you greatly. Those with certain genetic mutations may also be more sensitive to mold.

How do you know if mold is making you sick?

Mycotoxins, specifically trichothecenes, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins, can be found in urine samples of people who have been exposed to a moldy environment.

So if you suspect that your house or workplace is moldy, you can see your doctor for testing.

Yes, you can test for a mold allergy. Allergy testing will show you if you have an allergic response when exposed to mold.

However, a negative mold allergy test does not mean that you won’t feel the noxious effects of toxic mold if you’ve been living or working in a moldy building. Having an allergy to mold just means that you know you’ll have a reaction, and you should do everything you can to avoid being exposed.

One of the best ways to find out if you’re living in a moldy environment is to take a trip. Leave home for a few days. Do you feel better? Do you start feeling sick again upon returning? You just might have a mold problem.

Toxic mold symptoms to look for

Some black mold symptoms can be serious. And many of them mimic chronic Lyme disease. Some of the more common toxic mold symptoms are:

Fatigue and weakness
A headache, light sensitivity
Poor memory, difficult word finding
Difficulty concentrating
Imbalanced hormones and thyroid disorders
Diabetes
Joint pain
Unusual skin sensations, tingling, and numbness
Shortness of breath, sinus congestion or a chronic cough
Appetite swings and blood sugar deregulation
Poor body temperature regulation
Increased urinary frequency or increased thirst
Red eyes or blurred vision
Hot flashes or sweats
Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and other mental or emotional disorders
Sharp pains
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating
Tearing
Disorientation
Metallic taste in the mouth
Static shocks
Vertigo, feeling lightheaded

Many children diagnosed with PANDAS/PANS and even autism spectrum disorders may have an underlying infectious mold problem.

How to manage toxic mold symptoms

The most important part of managing toxic mold symptoms is getting out of the moldy environment. You cannot begin to treat this issue while still continually being exposed to the mold and mycotoxins.

If there has ever been a leak in your home, and you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, consider that toxic mold could be at the root of your illness, even if there is no visible mold.

If you rent, then get a mold test done and take it to your landlord; they are required to provide a safe place to live or let you out of your lease. If you own the home, then get a mold test done and find out if your homeowner’s insurance will cover remediation.

The best way to test the air in your home is using an ERMI- environmental relative moldiness index – you can pay less than $200 to find out if your home is harboring toxic mold. Order the test here by calling the appropriate customer service number.

If you do have toxic mold:

Get rid of all porous items that were exposed to the moldy environment. This means blankets, pillows, clothes*, papers, books, and furniture that is porous. These cannot be cleaned of the mold and will risk contaminating a new home if you bring them with you.

*You may be able to save some favorite or special clothing items by washing them in this mold-fighting laundry additive.

How long your mold illness will last will greatly depend on your body’s unique abilities to detox.

If your detox pathways are open and functioning properly – or if you make a point of supporting them – then you will be able to rid your body of these toxins much faster than someone whose body isn’t detoxing quickly.

Ways to decrease mold exposure

Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible.
Discard absorbent or porous materials, such as damp ceiling tiles and carpet, if they become moldy. If walls grow mold, the drywall must be cut out and replaced.**
Clean mold off hard surfaces such as solid wood furniture with vinegar and essential oils like clove and tea tree, or this mold solution concentrate and dry completely.
Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
Keep air conditioning drip pans and drain lines clear.
Keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent, as this minimizes mold growth.
Do not install carpeting in areas where perpetual moisture problems may develop.
Lessen the amount of mold toxins in your home’s air by diffusing clove and tea tree essential oils and installing air purifiers that remove mold. This purifier destroys mold rather than trapping it like most air purifiers.

**If your home has mold, you must hire a professional remediation company to get the mold out. Do not try to remove the mold yourself, as disturbing mold spores will only result in releasing mycotoxins (the poisons released by mold spores) into the air, which will then re-contaminate everything in your home.

Natural remedies for toxic mold exposure

There are several natural ways to try to minimize mold damage in your body.

Use binders, such as bentonite clay, activated charcoal, or even cholestyramine (a prescription medication) to bind the mycotoxins and help them to leave your body.
Do sinus rinses using natural salt and a drop or two of iodine, at least twice a day.
Eat detox foods like beets or this detox salad.
Eat a GAPS or paleo diet; most importantly, eliminate gluten and dairy.
Use an infrared sauna.
Take detox baths.
Remove toxins and help your liver keep up with the toxic load.

Additionally, a high-quality air purifier can be helpful in removing mold spores and mycotoxins from the air, but this only helps if the source of the problem has been remediated.

While toxic mold isn’t a good thing, the severity of response depends on the sensitivity of each person. Make sure you are vigilant about properly repairing leaks in your home, getting rid of damaged materials, and installing high-quality air filters.

Ultimately, if you’re taking care of your body and eating the right foods, your body will be stronger and better able to manage threats like toxic mold.

Have you experienced toxic mold symptoms? What precautions do you take in your home?

October 29, 2017

What is MTHFR? And Why Should You Even Care?

If you find yourself wondering “what is MTHFR?” you’re not alone. I, too, found this topic mysterious and overwhelming not so long ago, though I’ve long suspected it could be partly responsible for my health problems. Here, contributor Danielle gives us a simple overview.

MTHFR is a popular topic right now. You may have thought that it was a new curse acronym, or maybe a true natural health woo topic. But alas, it’s real and that’s it’s real name! And you have this gene in your body right now, so you better know what it is and how to manage it.

Unless you’re a geneticist, this can all be a bit confusing and frustrating. However, it can greatly benefit your health to know your MTHFR status and live accordingly, so here is your very basic primer on all things MTHFR.

What is MTHFR?

MTHFR, which is short for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme which helps in numerous important processes, including processing amino acids and converting the vitamin B9 (folate) to a usable form. This affects your cardiovasular system, hormones, metabolism, and detoxification.

Let’s go back to science class real quick. Everyone’s DNA has two sets of each of the 23 chromosomes. At each of these chromosomes, you may have mutations, which can affect how your body functions, just like your genes affect your hair color, eye color, and height.

In the case of mutations, you can have one “bad” gene, which means you’re heterozygous for a certain trait or mutation, or both genes can be “bad”, which is called homozygous. Your DNA is in all the trillions of cells in your body, and holds the instructions on how to do everything your body needs to do.

If there is a mutation in your genes, your cells may have a hard time following the instructions, trip up, and not complete the process the body needs to occur. Though there are many genes and genetic mutations, MTHFR is one of the main antagonists to the methylation (read detoxification) process.

The two most commonly known MTHFR mutations are named A1298T and C677T, with C677T being more serious. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population has the A1298T mutation, and 30-40% of the population has the C677T mutation.

What does the MTHFR gene do?

How your MTHFR enzyme functions is based on your MTHFR genetic mutation status. This enzyme is a key factor in the methylation process, which repairs, builds, and destroys our cells.

The methylation process is a very detailed process, but you can see a somewhat simple diagram here. You can see that the MTHFR enzyme is used to turn folate (vitamin B9) into a usable form for our bodies and to complete the methylation process. Without it, methylation is not completed, folate is deficient in our bodies, and we cannot detoxify and rebuild cells properly.

That can lead to chronic illness, behavioral disorders, susceptibility to acute illness, and food sensitivities and allergies, as well as a gamut of other small issues which may work together to produce a larger issue.

MTHFR Symptoms

Though numerous genetic and lifestyle choices affect your health, some symptoms are indicative of a MTHFR mutation. The most common symptoms associated with MTHFR are:

Metabolism issues
Inability or difficulty to detox toxins
An abnormally prominent vein through the forehead
Lip ties
High homocysteine levels
Behavioral disorders, including ADHD, depression and anxiety
Autism
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
Miscarriage
Bladder and prostrate cancers
Poor digestion and nutrient absorption

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have the MTHFR mutation, but it is more likely. In general, those with MTHFR cannot detoxify toxins as well as those without, and therefore are more likely to experience imbalance in the body which brings disease. Here is a full list of symptoms this mutation may cause.

If you have MTHFR, you may or may not have any symptoms. Your lifestyle, including the foods you eat, sleep and stress levels, detoxification attempts, sunlight and much more, will dictate if you experience significant symptoms, or if this mutation is barely noticeable.

Our lifestyle choices can, in effect, activate or deactivate our genes, meaning you have more power than you think. You are not at the mercy of your genes.

MTHFR treatment

A number of tests can be used to identify your genetic mutations, including MTHFR. Your doctor may be able to order genetic testing, which may be covered by insurance if you have a health concern. Otherwise, you can simply do a saliva test through an online provider like 23 And Me.

You can then bring your information to a genetic counselor, biomedical doctor, or naturopath who is schooled in MTHFR mutations. You can also plug your information into databases which analyze your detox and methylation abilities, such as Genetic Genie.

If you experience have an MTHFR mutation, you can make lifestyle changes to improve your body’s methylation cycle. You can also add intermittent fasting to your routine, which will allow your body more time to detox.

Lifestyle changes

Managing an MTHFR mutation will require you to cut out some foods and supplements to achieve better health, as well as take care to be sure your body is getting what it needs.

Remove these:

Folic acid (the chemical-substitute of natural folate). This is added to everything processed. Check that your supplements do not have this form of folate.
Processed foods
Fluoridated water
Conventional, GMO-fed meats and dairy
Non-organic foods
Vaccines, and unnecessary antibiotics and OTC medications
Pork and shellfish (these meats have the highest concentration of toxins).

Get plenty of these:

Natural folate (methylfolate in supplement form) (Jaclyn’s note: not everyone will tolerate supplementation of methylfolate. When in doubt, work with a knowledgeable practitioner.)
Raw fruits and vegetables
Foods rich in natural folate, like grassfed liver
Probiotics
Natural sunlight
Good sleep (at least 8 hours a night).

Your best course of action to combat a MTHFR gene mutation is to get tested, move to a balanced, natural lifestyle, and see a naturopath or biomedical doctor for continued testing and a customized supplementation routine.

You can research for weeks on this mutation, as well as DNA’s role within health. However, balance is key in life as well as in DNA study. Just because you have this or other mutations does not mean you have a death sentence. Do not become overwhelmed in researching, but test how foods and supplements make you feel and listen to your body.

If you suffer from the symptoms listed above, it may be a good idea to get tested and use this information. Remember, our genetics do not dictate our health, but they are a big piece of the puzzle.

July 31, 2016

Chronic Lyme: How I’m Recovering

When I first began to suspect I had chronic Lyme disease, I devoured every bit of information I could on the topic: how people were successfully treating it, how to properly test for it, every symptom that might be related… I became a little obsessive, but I was determined to get better. After years of clean eating, I was still struggling with excessive fatigue, occasional migraines and joint pain, and obvious symptoms of chronic infection.

I’m not 100% better yet, but I would consider myself in recovery from chronic Lyme, and truthfully, all it took were a few simple changes to help me start feeling better in no time at all… even as I’ve relaxed on my diet and began enjoying more foods again.

Here’s how I’m kicking chronic Lyme disease.

First, what is “chronic” Lyme disease?

While many doctors won’t admit that chronic Lyme exists, those of us who have had it for a long time, know this is a falsehood that causes many people to suffer unnecessarily. I originally contracted Lyme when I was a kid, but didn’t know anything about it until about two years ago when I began reading about chronic Lyme and realized that all of my symptoms fit:

joint pain (that started when I was only 14)
frequent migraines
chronic fatigue
digestive problems
food intolerances

Of course, if we’re talking about an acute case of Lyme disease, the symptoms will be a little different, and may strike as a common flu. Frequently, sufferers will have fever, headache, and joint pain that is sometimes accompanied by a “bulls eye” rash (though it should be noted that not all cases of Lyme disease present with this tell-tale rash).

In the case of acute Lyme, doctors will most often prescribe a short course of antibiotics and tell the patient they’ll be fine. Unfortunately, inadequate or absence of treatment leads to chronic Lyme.

Testing for chronic Lyme

As I began my research about chronic Lyme, one topic led me down a rabbit hole of a mystifying, controversial topic: testing. The CDC recommended test is called a western blot, and it’s what most doctors will run. It is not very sensitive or reliable.

You can find a more reliable test from many labs, including IGeneX, Medical Diagnostics, and Immunosciences. Getting insurance to cover the test is yet another hiccup, but sometimes insurance will cover the test or reimburse you.

Once I had my test run through Medical Diagnostics, I took my test to an MD who specializes in treating chronic Lyme. Thankfully, she had some tricks up her sleeve for me.

My protocol for kicking chronic Lyme

Since going to a holistic dentist and a functional medicine doctor almost six months ago, I’ve felt better than ever. I’ve got stamina to get through the day, keeping my house tidy and homeschooling my kids. Here’s what I did:

#1- I had my amalgam removed.

I had just one mercury filling, but after reading about how they can cause fatigue, migraines, and more, I knew I wanted to get that sucker out of my mouth. I made sure to use a holistic dentist who took precautions for removing the amalgam carefully, protecting me from the mercury with protective equipment and procedures.

It was following this procedure that I began to feel better. Want to know more about my experience? Read: What is holistic dentistry?.

#2- I infused my body with vitamin C.

At the suggestion of my doctor, I began doing vitamin C “flushes.” Once a week, I take a teaspoon of vitamin C powder every 15 minutes until it flushes my bowels. I follow with a coffee enema to clear everything out and usually experience great energy after.

When I remember, I take maintenance doses of vitamin C through the week between flushes. Even one teaspoon in the morning helps, but ideally, I take several, spread out throughout the day.

My doctor recommended a specific type of vitamin C, as natural, food-based vitamin C is not potent enough to cause flushing. Get my doctor-recommended vitamin C here.

#3- I supported my detoxification system.

You may or may not have heard of glutathione, the body’s “master antioxidant,” but it’s become quite the buzzword for the health-obsessed lately. That’s because it’s one of the body’s primary detoxification components.

Our bodies make glutathione on their own, but many of our bodies don’t make a sufficient amount to help our bodies properly detox. As a result, toxins build up and chronic conditions set in.

A glutathione prescription has been helpful in beating my symptoms of chronic Lyme, as I have felt much better since I started using it.

There are lots of different types of glutathione on the market, but the key is finding one that can be easily absorbed by your body like lyposomal glutathione or nano-particle glutathione. Even better, if you have a functional medicine or even an open-minded doctor, ask for a prescription for glutathione suppositories. I have to get them from a special pharmacy and pay out of pocket.

#4- I healed my immune system with nutrition.

Though I’ve been able to loosen up on my diet in recent months, it was imperative that I began healing my body, my gut, and my immune system through nutrition.

I like doing the GAPS intro diet for quick and effective healing, and feel best when I stick with a gluten and mostly grain-free diet free of refined sugars and processed foods. However, I can easily become too devoted to diet and forget to enjoy life and food… at which point, the stress of eating “perfectly” becomes a problem. Choosing joy is essential, no matter what I eat.

Which leads me to my final step:

#5- I stopped thinking I was “sick.”

Several months ago, I learned that I had become way too obsessive about health and food. I had become legalistic about every bite that went into my mouth and felt guilty any time I indulged, convinced I would later pay a hefty price for my indiscretion.

This negative association with certain foods ensured that my body did not tolerate them. Now, I try to not think of any foods as “bad” and make conscious choices to indulge without guilt. I’m able to do this because I’ve spent time healing my gut, but no matter where you’re at in your food journey, the more you learn to savor and enjoy food, regardless of how strict your diet needs to be, the better your digestion will be and the better you will feel.

Aside from learning to relax and enjoy my food, I stopped over analyzing every symptom I had. Surprisingly, when I stopped obsessing over symptoms, many of them went away. I might still occasionally experience joint pain, headaches, or fatigue, but I don’t worry about them or let them slow me down the way they used to. I simply accept that I’m on a journey, count my blessings that I’m doing better than ever before, then resolve to take care of my body to continue feeling better.

I suffered for years from chronic Lyme, making only minimal improvements for what felt like a lot of effort. These recent changes have finally begun to help me live a fuller, more energetic life, with minimal effort.

I’ve been happy to have such major improvements in a short period of time just by trying a few new things. By supporting my body and immune system, and re-evaluating my thought patterns, I am finally kicking chronic Lyme to the curb.