In our Toronto functional medicine blog, we’ve explained how mold can potentially trigger health concerns, such as premature aging and brain health issues. Did you also know that mold can impede your digestive health? 

According to an International Journal of Molecular Sciences article, research on mycotoxins – which are toxic metabolites emitted from mold – has flourished over the past 10 years “…due to their potential of strong toxicity.” In fact, mycotoxins are a global food safety problem, as these metabolites are carcinogenic, may weaken immune function, and could potentially alter DNA. They can also cause gastrointestinal issues, which can decline or further exacerbate gut health. A mold problem may even really immunity concerns – after all, the gut is home to cells that help protect you from germs!

This Toronto Functional Medicine Centre post explains how mold can hinder gut health and immunity; the use of functional lab tests; and what’s offered by our personalized medicine approach.   

How mold can cause digestive issues 

Mycotoxins can be ingested from contaminated food, or inhaled or absorbed through skin from damp environments (i.e. homes, offices). In most cases, the body can successfully filter moldy elements. But some mycotoxins cannot be flushed out and will trigger symptoms instead, such as gastrointestinal issues. One example is ochratoxin, a mycotoxin that can disturb nutrient absorption and potentially cause leaky gut. Ochratoxins reduce ‘good’ bacteria in the microbiome and slashes the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestines. This is concerning because short-chain fatty acids support intestinal permeability and promote antimicrobial effects.

If you already have digestive issues and you’re exposed to mold, your current gut condition can worsen. Mycotoxins can alter the microbiome, especially when the gut is already in poor condition. So, if you currently suffer from SIBO or IBS, mold can further aggravate symptoms. 

Mycotoxins and immune function

Mycotoxins can dwindle immune function due to an interplay between the gut microbiome and immune system. Almost 80% of immune cells live in the gut, and they help protect the body from germs. Immune cells regularly interact with the microbiome, which means whatever we eat or anything that harms our gut directly affects our immune cells. Thus, immunity can be further optimized when beneficial gut bacteria are present. 

Regarding mold exposures, we explained how some mycotoxins (i.e. ochratoxins) decrease short-chain fatty acids in the gut. The role of short-chain fatty acids is to regulate various processes, including immune function and inflammation. When the body lacks these due to mycotoxins, it lowers the body’s mechanisms for fighting invaders. Consequently, mold exposures can reduce your body’s protection against pathogens due to declines in both gut function and the immune system. 

Applying functional lab tests

Tailored therapies from a functional medicine practitioner may be suitable for mycotoxin health concerns, as mold exposure symptoms manifest uniquely between people. 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our lab services can test your microbiome bacteria and determine if you’ve been affected by mold-related environmental factors. These lab tests are noteworthy for a functional medicine practitioner, as this data can influence your treatment plan. Here’s an example: if we know which type of bacteria is missing from your microbiome, we can determine if this is potentially linked to your current symptoms; we can then make detailed recommendations, such as supplementing with certain probiotics, making lifestyle modifications (i.e. dietary changes), etc.

Functional lab tests are disparate from Western medicine tests. Conventional tests diagnose conditions with yes or no answers; in contrast, functional labs disclose how your body is functioning by numerating biomarkers. Here are samples of tests we offer for gut health and toxin exposures: 

• • Organic acid testing (Mosaic Labs): Numerating organic acids from urine can help us understand oxidative stress levels, whether or not intestinal yeast is present, and how much mold is in your body. 
  • GI MAP Test : The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) is a comprehensive stool test by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory that uses advanced DNA technology to assess gut microbiome health. It detects bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, offering valuable insights for targeted treatment. Ideal for identifying digestive issues and optimizing gut health. 

Please reach us to start treating any of your mold-related health issues.

Suggested reading: Toronto Functional Medicine Tips: Top 9 Foods to Help Lower Blood Pressure

Access functional medicine therapies right now

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we address your health issues with a personalized approach to wellness. We adhere to the functional medicine model, which is a paradigm that emphasizes biological uniqueness. Our patients are offered the following:

• • A wide variety of integrative treatment options: We can tailor your treatment plan with several treatment modalities. We can integrate Western medicine with herbal medicines, holistic nutrition, naturopathic medicine, IV therapy, bio-identical hormone treatments, psychotherapy, and more. 
  • Functional medicine testing: Our lab services provide explicit details about your brain health, gut, hormone balance, inflammation levels, and environmental exposures. Some of these tests cannot be accessed from conventional medicine clinics. 
  • Additional education to patients: Understanding how the body works can be key to supporting a healthy lifestyle. We provide patients with ample time to understand their health condition, how to manage it, why their treatment plan contains certain elements, and how to make lifestyle modifications.

Your treatment plan will never be identical to another patient’s – this is because we address your health challenges only. Even your doses of nutrients, such as those provided in our IV Lounge for IV therapy, are prescribed for biological needs (i.e. nutrient deficiencies). Intravenous treatments are monitored by our wellness team, and are not meant to replace oral supplements, a balanced diet, and exercise. IV therapy may contribute to health improvements when combined with lifestyle modifications and other complementary/medical interventions. 

Discover new digestive health strategies and combat your mold-related issues right now. Becoming a new patient at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is seamless – click here to send us a message to begin.

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. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Fung, T. C., Olson, C. A., & Hsiao, E. Y. (2017). Interactions between the microbiota, immune and nervous systems in health and disease. Nature Neuroscience, 20(2), 145. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.4476

Gonkowski, S., Gajęcka, M., & Makowska, K. (2020). Mycotoxins and the Enteric Nervous System. Toxins, 12(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins12070461

“If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut” from UCLA Health, posted on March 19, 2021, viewed on October 13, 2024. 

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: What are the organs of the immune system? [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/

Jin, J., Beekmann, K., Ringø, E., Rietjens, I. M., & Xing, F. (2021). Interaction between food-borne mycotoxins and gut microbiota: A review. Food Control, 126, 107998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.107998

Kamada, N. (2016). P-192 Unraveling the Functional Role of Dysbiosis in Crohn’s Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 22(suppl_1), S67. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.MIB.0000480309.65025.5a

Kraft, S., Buchenauer, L., & Polte, T. (2021). Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern? International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212269

Liew WP, Mohd-Redzwan S. Mycotoxin: Its Impact on Gut Health and Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2018 Feb 26;8:60. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00060. PMID: 29535978; PMCID: PMC5834427.

Liu, X., Shao, J., Liao, Y., Wang, L., Jia, Y., Dong, P., Liu, Z., He, D., Li, C., & Zhang, X. (2023). Regulation of short-chain fatty acids in the immune system. Frontiers in Immunology, 14, 1186892. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186892

Menni, C., Louca, P., Berry, S.E. et al. High intake of vegetables is linked to lower white blood cell profile and the effect is mediated by the gut microbiome. BMC Med 19, 37 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-021-01913-w

Omotayo, O. P., Omotayo, A. O., Mwanza, M., & Babalola, O. O. (2019). Prevalence of Mycotoxins and Their Consequences on Human Health. Toxicological Research, 35(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2019.35.1.001

Schluter, J., Peled, J. U., Taylor, B. P., Markey, K. A., Smith, M., Taur, Y., Niehus, R., Staffas, A., Dai, A., Fontana, E., Amoretti, L. A., Wright, R. J., Morjaria, S., Fenelus, M., Pessin, M. S., Chao, N. J., Lew, M., Bohannon, L., Bush, A., . . . Xavier, J. B. (2020). The gut microbiota is associated with immune cell dynamics in humans. Nature, 588(7837), 303-307. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2971-8

Silva, Y. P., Bernardi, A., & Frozza, R. L. (2020). The Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids From Gut Microbiota in Gut-Brain Communication. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 11, 508738. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00025

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