Mould toxicity is a sneaky, often overlooked cause behind many chronic health issues, and it's something conventional medicine tends to miss. The problem is that the symptoms of mould exposure are easy to mistake for everyday allergies, things like itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sneezing. 

But there’s more to the story. Studies have shown that mould exposure can lead to a whole range of serious health problems, including asthma, respiratory infections, brain inflammation, mood swings, sleep disorders, and even autoimmune conditions.

Mould-related illnesses can be tricky to diagnose and treat because the symptoms seem unrelated at first, and most people don’t even think about mould as the cause. We're exploring 13 key signs of mould toxicity and how a low-mould diet can be a game-changer on your path to better health!

13 Signs of Mould Toxicity:

• Frequent Headaches: Persistent headaches without an obvious cause? Mould exposure could be to blame.
• Candida Overgrowth: Struggling with recurrent yeast infections or Candida? Mould may be an underlying factor worth considering.
• Unexplained Joint Pain: If you're experiencing random aches and pains in your joints with no clear reason, mould might be the hidden culprit.
• Hair Thinning or Loss: Noticing more hair shedding than usual? Mould toxicity could be affecting your hair health.
• Brain Fog: Trouble concentrating, memory issues, or a “foggy” mind? Mould can negatively affect cognitive function.
• Eye Irritation: Persistent itchy, watery, or irritated eyes could be a sign of mould in your surroundings.
• Recurring Sinus Infections: Chronic sinus infections or congestion might be tied to mould exposure.
• Chronic Cough: A nagging cough that won’t go away, no matter what you try, may be linked to mould in your environment.
• Mood Swings or Low Mood: Mould exposure can disrupt your mood, leading to feelings of irritability, sadness, or unexplained mood swings.
• Fatigue: Constantly feeling drained, even after a full night’s sleep? This exhaustion could be a sign your body is battling mould.
• Unexplained Skin Rashes: Random rashes, itching, or irritation that you can’t explain might be caused by mould.
• Body Inflammation: Widespread inflammation with no known cause could indicate your body is reacting to mould exposure.
• Weakened Immune System: If you’re getting sick more often or taking longer to recover, mould could be compromising your immune system.

The Food You Eat Could Be a Problem

One thing people don’t realise is that mould exposure isn’t just limited to your environment — it can also come from your food. Mycotoxins (the toxins produced by mould) can grow on crops, and because they’re microscopic, they can sneak into your food without you even noticing. When you eat these contaminated foods, you could be unknowingly contributing to mould toxicity.

So, how do you combat this? By adopting a low-mould diet.

Why a Low-Mould Diet Can Help

A low-mould diet is a powerful tool for fighting mould-related illnesses, and it can have some amazing benefits:

• Prevent Mycotoxin Buildup: By cutting out foods that are prone to mould contamination, you reduce the number of mycotoxins building up in your body.
• Restore Nutrient Balance: Mould exposure can throw your body out of balance, leading to nutrient deficiencies. A low-mould diet helps to correct that.
• Support Your Immune System: The diet reduces inflammatory foods that can weaken your immune system, giving your body a chance to recover.
• Reduce Candida Growth: By limiting refined carbs and sugars, you can starve Candida (a type of yeast that feeds on sugar) and help prevent overgrowth.

Foods to Avoid on a Low-Mould Diet:

• Sugary Foods: This includes table sugar, glucose, lactose, fructose, honey, maple syrup, molasses, and pretty much anything sweet like candy or baked goods.
• High-Sugar Fruits: Unfortunately, fruits like pineapples, mangoes, bananas, melons, oranges, and grapes have to go, as they are high in sugar. Even dried fruits and fruit juices are no good.
• Packaged and Processed Foods: Canned foods, pre-packaged meals, and processed snacks or drinks are often contaminated with mycotoxins.
• Mould and Yeast-Rich Foods: This includes things like cheese, nuts, grains, smoked meats, dried fruits, and fermented foods like soy sauce, beer, and wine. For nuts and grains, it doesn’t mean they need to be completely removed from your diet, as they can still be healthy options. It’s more about being mindful of their source and how you store them. Opt for organic, properly sourced nuts and grains, and ensure they’re stored in cool, dry places to prevent mould growth.

Foods to Eat in Moderation:

• Gluten-Free Grains: These include things like rice, quinoa, and gluten-free oats.
• Starchy Veggies: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other root vegetables are okay in moderation.
• Legumes: Beans and lentils can be eaten, but don’t go overboard.
• Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries, green apples, and lemons are safer fruit options on a low-mould diet.

Foods to Enjoy Freely:

• Organic, Grass-Fed, and Pasture-Raised Meats: Focus on high-quality sources of protein like organic and pastured-raised chicken, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught fish.
• Raw Nuts and Seeds: While some nuts are prone to mould, raw nuts and seeds can still be enjoyed in moderation, especially if they’re fresh and stored properly.
• Leafy Greens and Veggies: You can load up on vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil are great choices to keep in your diet.
• Spices and Herbs: Add flavour with fresh herbs and spices that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Taking the First Steps to Heal

Dealing with mould toxicity can be overwhelming, especially since it often takes time to see real improvements in your symptoms. But don’t get discouraged, the first step is to figure out if mould is really what’s making you sick. A good way to do this is by running a Functional Medicine lab test, like the Mycotoxin Test, which can check for mould toxicity.

The Mycotoxin Test uses a simple urine sample to screen for 11 different mycotoxins from 40 species of mould. It gives you a clear picture of whether or not mould exposure is the root cause of your symptoms. If the test shows positive results, you can then take action with a functional medicine practitioner, like one from our team, to begin detoxifying and start your healing process.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Health

Mould toxicity may be common, but that doesn’t mean it has to control your life. With the right diet and testing, you can take back control of your health. By following a low-mould diet, you’ll reduce your exposure to harmful mycotoxins, support your immune system, and give your body the tools it needs to heal. Even though it is common, Mould toxicity can have a profound impact on health, as illustrated by one of our clients who faced significant challenges due to exposure. 

She experienced symptoms such as dizziness, weight gain, and food intolerances that affected her daily life. After identifying mould as a key factor in her health struggles, she embarked on a transformative journey towards wellness. To read more about her inspiring transformation and the steps she took to reclaim her health, check out her story here.

It’s time to get proactive about your health! Start by eliminating mould from your food and environment, and consider getting tested to see if mould toxicity is the hidden cause of your symptoms. While it may take time to see progress, sticking with a low-mould diet and making other lifestyle changes can lead to lasting improvements in your health and well-being.

The Road to Recovery

Healing from mould toxicity is a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to a functional medicine practitioner, follow a low-mould diet, and give your body the time and support it needs to heal. With persistence, you’ll be on your way to feeling healthier and more energised than ever before!