Functional medicine Toronto patients are surprised to learn how common mold-related illnesses can be.
We aren’t always aware that mold affects our daily lives – after all, it can hide behind your walls, on the ceiling, and even in your flooring. According to the Government of Canada, “Unless the cause of the moisture problem has been identified and solved, mould will reappear. Once the moisture problem and its causes have been identified, they must be fixed.”
At our clinic, our approach to health care is designed to educate patients, encourage disease prevention, and promote optimal health. In this post, we’ve compiled pertinent facts on mold and its impact on individual symptoms, chronic illness, and more.
8 Facts About Mold and Related Illnesses
- First, know that there’s a difference between mold and mildew: unlike mildew, certain types of toxic molds can result in serious health problems for you and your family.
- Black mold tends to trigger severe reactions. This is because mycotoxins – which are specific toxins created by mold – are released into the air and can cause inflammatory effects.
- Scientific evidence has shown, “…that exposure to mixed molds and their associated mycotoxins in water-damaged buildings leads to multiple health problems involving the [central nervous system] and the immune system, in addition to pulmonary effects and allergies,” confirms an article from the Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health.
- Reactions from mold exposures can manifest differently for each person. This depends on your genetics, the state of your lung barrier, and how accepting your immune function is to environmental factors.
- Regular mold exposure can overcome lung barriers. Inflammation from mold can hinder your pulmonary tight junctions from operating, which need to be optimal for closing epithelial cells and protecting the lungs from injuries. These tight junctions can be penetrated by air pathogens (i.e. mold), which could instigate chronic inflammation or autoimmune illness. If your lung barriers are affected by mold, you may have coughing, shortness of breath, or struggle to recover from physical exertion.
- Mold exposure might be the root of neuropsychological issues, too. According to a study in Applied Neuropsychology, when exposed to mold at home or in the workplace, participants “…were impaired…on a number of cognitive measures, with the most consistent deficits in visuospatial learning, visuospatial memory, verbal learning, and psychomotor speed.”
- Consider installing an air purifier that contains a HEPA filter in your home or work space. Also, a hygrometer and dehumidifier could help with checking humidity levels indoors.
- The key to tackling mold indoors is simply to remove it. However, this isn’t always feasible, especially if you need to consider moving homes! In these cases, it might help to upgrade your immune function and respiratory system. Consider binders to help detoxify mycotoxins, as well as natural anti-fungal/mold remedies – please speak to a functional medicine-practicing naturopathic doctor, medical doctor or nurse practitioner for guidance.
Recommended Reading: Functional Medicine Toronto Insight: How Isolation Affects Older Adults
Next Steps for Tackling Mold Exposure
Do you suspect that you’ve been exposed to mold? Our clinicians can suggest lab tests for mold exposure for various species, as well as other pollutants you may have been exposed to. Once test results have been analyzed, we can customize your comprehensive treatment plan.
Patients can learn how to prevent disease through nutrition and lifestyle modifications with assistance from our healthcare providers. To explore our clinical therapies, keep reading below to learn how to connect with us.
About Our Integrative Care for Patients
Our patients can obtain a wide variety of clinical therapies from our site, such as Western medicine, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and more. Our in-person and virtual consultations may be applied to a wide range of conditions, such as: hormone imbalances, chronic pain, sexual health, digestive health, brain health, heart disease, developmental issues, and more.
Let’s usher you towards optimal wellness with new health strategies! Our clinic is available for functional medicine Toronto consultations. Request an appointment by calling (416) 968-6961 or send us a message here.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
References
“Addressing moisture and mould in your home”, Government of Canada, modified April 9, 2020, viewed on November 26, 2022.
Baldo JV, Ahmad L, Ruff R. Neuropsychological performance of patients following mold exposure. Appl Neuropsychol. 2002;9(4):193-202. doi: 10.1207/S15324826AN0904_1. PMID: 12584073.
Chang C, Gershwin ME. The Myth of Mycotoxins and Mold Injury. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019 Dec;57(3):449-455. doi: 10.1007/s12016-019-08767-4. PMID: 31608429.
Gray MR, Thrasher JD, Crago R, Madison RA, Arnold L, Campbell AW, Vojdani A. Mixed mold mycotoxicosis: immunological changes in humans following exposure in water-damaged buildings. Arch Environ Health. 2003 Jul;58(7):410-20. doi: 10.1080/00039896.2003.11879142. PMID: 15143854.
“Indoor Air Quality – Moulds and Fungi,” Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, modified and viewed on November 18, 2022.
“Mold” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), updated October 12, 2022, viewed on November 17, 2022.
“Mold: Symptoms of Exposure, Risks, and More” from Healthline, Medically reviewed by Marc Meth, MD, FACAAI, FAAAI — By Ann Pietrangelo — Updated on November 23, 2021, viewed on November 17, 2022.
“Mold and Health” from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, updated May 5, 2022, viewed on November 17, 2022.
