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Humans Exposed to Heavy Indoor Mold Growth Have Mycotoxins in Their Blood and Tissues

Molds (fungi) produce a wide range of toxins called mycotoxins. Some of the most common mycotoxins include alcohol (ethanol) produced by yeasts, aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus, ochratoxins produced by some Aspergillus and Penicillium species and trichothecenes produced by Fusarium, Stachybotrys and Memnoniella.   Mycotoxins have many adverse health effects – aflatoxin causes liver and lung cancer, ochratoxin is toxic to the kidneys and the trichothecenes have a wide range of toxic effects to the nervous and immune systems. Mycotoxins can be absorbed by humans by the digestive tract from eating moldy food and/or by inhalation from living/working in moldy environments.

Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins and trichothecenes can be measured in the blood, urine or tissue of patients exposed in moldy environments.  Mycotoxins can also be detected from biopsies of tissue specimens taken from patients at an earlier date.   Other studies have detected a hemolytic protein called Stachylysin in the blood of Stachybotrys exposed patients.  Stachylysin is a toxic protein which has caused severe and life-threatening lung hemorrhage (bleeding) in infants.   

Detection of mycotoxins in blood, urine or tissue provides excellent medical and legal proof of mold exposure.  People heavily exposed to indoor molds should immediately receive body fluid/ tissue mycotoxin tests in order to document their exposure to mycotoxins.

(From Dennis Hooper et al  Mycotoxin detection in human samples from patients exposed to environmental molds.   International Journal of Molecular Sciences.  April 1, 2009;10:1465-75)

 

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multisportchi
# multisportchi
Sunday, August 23, 2009 2:38 PM
Very interesting. Are there some tests that are more reliable than others?
Marti
# Marti
Monday, August 24, 2009 1:49 AM
"People heavily exposed to indoor molds should immediately receive body fluid/ tissue mycotoxin tests in order to document their exposure..." assuming my doctor would order such tests... what should be done once the exposure is documented?

my doctors don't believe that the body is capable of having a fungal infection (out side of an occasional vaginal yeast infection or some toenail fungus)

I'm working on remediating a major mold problem in my basement. I supplement with a rotation of olive leaf extract and caprylic acid and follow the phase one diet

Do you have any suggestions on how I can convince my doctor that mold can be a problem? (I'm not in a position to change doctors because I'm retired and see the doctors at the VA)
PollyUps
# PollyUps
Monday, August 24, 2009 3:08 PM
The Hubs works in a grain terminal...now has a head full of sinus polyps.
Dr. admits that Mayo clinic thinks they come from fungus.
What now? He can't leave his job. How do we fight the everyday fight against his environment?
Once they are removed, how do we prevent them recurring?
He is on steroids and since they are shrinking the polyps, Dr. is telling Hubs that he might not have to operate. Good news? Can't stay on the 'roids forever!
Where do we begin?
maryleej
# maryleej
Monday, August 31, 2009 8:02 AM
Hi PollyUps: start with the Phase One "diet". Also, I would be taking anti-fungals such as Olive Leaf Extract, Oregamax (by the North American Herb and
Spice Co), Caprylic Acid,etc... Probiotics are also essential, check out the best:
Ohirra Probiotics! And watch Know the Cause every day!
This has all worked for me!
P.S. Also, Beta Glucans from the NSC 24 company.
You will be amazed at how good you are going to feel!!!
mcole
# mcole
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 1:11 PM
we did a mold test in our home, the results showed 4 or 5 different kinds of gross looking mold. we bought a uv light and per instructions installed it in our air conditioner and heating unit, we have not retested it yet, so don't know if it is working to remove it or not, what do you think? my husband and i are both on the phase 1 diet and antifungals, also shark cartileges. we both feel better and i went from 6 prescriptions medications down to 2. i still have severe pain in my upper left shoulder in my back that radiates around to front rib cage would be so thankful for any suggestions as to what you would do if it was you? thank you so much madonna
Luke Curtis MD
# Luke Curtis MD
Tuesday, September 01, 2009 9:13 PM
Thanks for your comments.

Mold testing is available for a number of labs. One good lab is that of Dr. Hooper in Dallas- phone (972)243-7754. .

If any one wants more informaton about ill health effects from mold- please e-mail me at LukeTCurtis@aol.com and I would be happy to e-mail you a free copy of my review paper on the health effects of indoor mold.

Luke Curtis MD
LukeTCurtis@aol.com
dory
# dory
Monday, September 14, 2009 6:50 PM
what about ringing in ears. could that be caused from mold?
hi-tech
# hi-tech
Wednesday, September 16, 2009 12:47 AM
I have all the symptoms posted anywhere on mycotoxins from mold. That ranges from severe memory loss, painful back aches to constant ringing in the ears to that of a rash lately. It all started with symptoms of a Candida Yeast overgrowth (blotting, and severe stomach ailments and IBS) . Now I have discovered a large amount of black mold growing out from behind the shower stall and below the base. I suspect that I have a small leak somewhere. I also believe since I have about 20 or more of the symptoms that I'm dealing with Stachybotrys Cartarum. I have been seeing doctors on this matter for a over a year now and everything keeps pointing to it's in my head except for the recent rash, which he has determined is a fungi. This is no laughing matter, it has cost me my marriage. She came down with what has been diagnosed as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Since she has moved out her health has been improving steadily. We became irritable over every little thing, yet we were too weak to even discuss it. I started researching things when I found out that she is healthy enough to go back to work, yet my health continues to deteriorate. After recently spotting the mold I started researching molds and came up with this site. You have to read this if your serious about suspecting molds as your problem. Remember Edward Closes holds a PHD as an environmental engineer and doctor. I have just received all the equipment to kill off the spores along with all the clothing gear to protect myself. This gentlemen has proof that bleach and other harsh chemicals does not kill off the mold, and he explains why it doesn't. The product he suggests to use is the only natural substance that works 100%. He puts his reputation behind this, you need to read this, and if his scientific data doesn't convince you then nothing will. For me it's all i have to hope on!

https://moldrx4u.com/

God Bless
MoldandAir1
# MoldandAir1
Monday, September 28, 2009 12:38 PM
As a mold inspector, I test homes for mold as well as many commercial locations, I find over and over again heavy, moderate, and light fungal growth throughout the living space. Check for moisture from over watering plants, leaks under sinks, showers, and tubs. It only takes 17% moisture for mold to grow which is hard to detect without the correct instruments.

If mold is present in your air, then your nose and lungs become the air filter. Use a good purifier such as the Fresh Air by EcoQuest, either low or no ozone models works well. For proof do to www.activepure.com/passport or moldandair.com. We will gladly answer any questions you may have.

Once your air is clean you should breathe easier. moldandair@live.com
Terrilee
# Terrilee
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 10:45 AM
I would highly recommend HealthyPerceptions.com--they have terrific products. Their Acclare unit will help with any mold problems you are having.
You simply plug them in and they go to work.
terri
gr8tful2know
# gr8tful2know
Thursday, October 08, 2009 1:30 PM
m cole, I am new to knowthecause.com so was just reading through this thread when I read your question. I am a "mold survivor" and have the back pain that migrates to my sides and diaphragm... It was extreme while I lay dying in the house (before I discovered WHY I was sick!) and now it comes and goes (six months later).

I want to tell you what I do to get relief from the pain. I do different types of hot and cold packs over the area, particularly over my diaphragm area on both of my sides. I'm not too knowledgeable about hot and cold packs but I understand that they can (if done right) pull toxins out, so I have used cod liver oil, at the advice of my naturopath.

Before beginning, I put ice cold water in a pan or bucket and had plenty of towels handy. Then, I rubbed the cod liver oil on my skin, and lay a wet, hot towel over the area, then I lay a hot water bottle over that (no electric heating pad), then another towel for added warmth, then a blanket over all of me. After 8-12 minutes, I took all that off and lay an iced cold towel over the area for about 3-5 minutes. I have tried to alternate that process at least a couple of times.

Recently, I have been wanting to find something in the vegetable/plant world that would draw out toxins to use in the place of cod liver oil. I'm still looking...*:)

I hope you are getting better. As for me, I still have a long way to go, but am so grateful to have found this website!

gr8tful
gr8tful2know
# gr8tful2know
Monday, October 12, 2009 2:36 PM
CORRECTION:

To mcole and anyone else who read the post ABOVE.

I am very sorry, but I made a mistake. Please take note of the correction. (If I had access to an "edit" option, I would revise my post above.)

My naturopath recommended CASTOR OIL for use when applying hot packs to my sides.

Again, I made a mistake when I wrote "cod liver oil" in the post above.

Please correct my mistake by noting that the correct oil is CASTOR OIL.

Thank you,

gr8tful

p.s. I found my written instructions that the naturopath gave me so I will key in the instructions word-for-word.

CASTOR OIL PACK INSTRUCTIONS:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: CASTOR OIL should not be taken internally. It should not be applied to broken skin or used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menstral flow.

METHOD:
* Begin at 20 minutes and work up to 40 minutes in length.
* May use pack up to 15 separate times.
* Place pack in container full of (CASTOR) oil & let sit until completely soaked.
* Carefully pick up CASTOR OIL pack & let excess oil drip off.
* Place directly on skin on the right side of the abdomen, below the breast reaching all the way to the side, in line with the armpit.
* Then be sure to place plastic & towel on top. Dr. ____ recommends "burrito style." Lay down a towel & lay/sit on top to avoid oil getting onto anything. Then place heat pack w/plastic on top & wrap a towel around body over the top.
* Be sure to check that it is not too hot; i.e. skin becomes irritated, red, or inflamed.
* Breathe deep, diaphragmatic breaths during the time.
* Place CASTOR OIL pack in plastic container or some type of storage container to reuse.

HOW IT WORKS: A CASTOR OIL pack is placed on the skin to increase circulation & to promote elimination & healing of the tissue & organs underneath the skin. It is used to stimulate the liver, relieve pain, increase lymphatic circulation, reduce inflamation and improve digestion.
cowboygurl
# cowboygurl
Saturday, November 28, 2009 6:32 PM
The test that helped me the most is the Comprehensive Stool Evaluation by Doctors Data. Your Dr can order it or you can get it yourself at E vital health. It isolates the yeast found in your intestine and tells you which perscription and natural supplimement kills the strain that you have. It saves lots of trial and error and prevents the creation of a resistant strain like Candida Krusel. I have one every 6 months for the past two years. It also isolates bacteria and parasites and how to kill them too. Its was a lifesaver for me.
maryleej
# maryleej
Monday, December 07, 2009 7:56 AM
hi gr8tful2know : Cilantro is a natural chelator!!! Just thought you might want to know!
GeorgeP
# GeorgeP
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 7:19 AM
You can get your air tested by people like http://moldlibrary.ca/ and avoid being around molds like this that can harm you.
ameliapatel
# ameliapatel
Friday, January 15, 2010 9:40 AM
I have recently found mold in my home. And I am very concerned for my family's health. Is there anything medically a doctor can do. I don't know how much exposure they have had. There ages are 17,13, 3. I am very concerned. Please help
ameliapatel
# ameliapatel
Friday, January 15, 2010 9:42 AM
I have recently found mold in my home. And I am very concerned for my family's health. Is there anything medically a doctor can do. I don't know how much exposure they have had. There ages are 17,13, 3. I am very concerned. Please help
terispray
# terispray
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 7:23 AM
I think you should see this:
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Thank you so much for all the praying you have done for my sister, Sue. The doctors have finally been able to diagnose her. She has a disease called "Aspergillosis" which is "fungus balls". These fungus balls started in her lungs and travelled through her blood stream to the other major organs; brain, lungs, liver, pancreas and skin. At this time she is paralyzed on her right side and can’t speak clearly. She is also in pain over her entire body. She is being treated with medication but it may or may not work. Her husband asked that we pray specifically for God to allow the medication work to heal the fungus ball in her brain. That is the one that is causing the paralisis and slurred speach. The doctors do not think she is going to die at this point but they don’t know what her quality of life will be. Please pray strength for her
GreyPeters
# GreyPeters
Sunday, April 04, 2010 10:24 PM
It is very bad for your health to be breathing in molds. I used to cough and sneeze at night before I did my Ottawa Infrared Testing that found mold living in my walls. Now the problem is taken care of and I am breathing much easier.

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