Gut Check: Signs That Mold Exposure May Be Causing Your Digestive Issues
Mold isn’t just the nasty stuff that grows on forgotten leftovers in the back of your fridge. It’s a silent invader that can sneak into your life, your home, and even your body, wreaking havoc on your health.
One of the surprising health risks of mold exposure is a compromised digestive system.
Don’t think you’ve been exposed to mold? Think again.
Mold spores are everywhere. Mold is a natural part of our environment, found both indoors and outdoors.
And your exposure might not be current. Think back to the basement flood in your childhood home, your first apartment with the funky smell, the office building that provoked daily headaches, the musty storage unit, or even the damaged seal in an old car.
And, lucky us, mold exposure is cumulative[1].
You might think mold is just an allergy trigger or a respiratory irritant, but it's much more insidious.
When you’re exposed to toxic mold, it can disrupt your gut health[2]. This might lead to chronic digestive or other health issues that don't seem to go away, no matter what you try.
You may already know that mold causes a lot of health problems...but did you know your mold-related health problems are fixable?
The small actions you take, when done consistently, can have dramatic impact on your health.
In this article, we're going to review how mold disrupts the digestive system, mold exposure symptoms, and action steps you can take towards improved health.
For background information on types of mold, how you're exposed, and how mold makes you sick, make sure to read this article.
Key Takeaways
- You've most likely been exposed to mold at some point in your life.
- Mold exposure can disrupt gut health, cause digestive issues, and more.
- Mold toxicity is fixable.
I Get It.
I lost many years of my life to mold-induced toxicity - I remember very little about ages 26 - 34 except for the crushing fatigue, pain, and depression.
I was depressed more than I was aware of the pain. I wondered, what had happened to me? Where was the smart, funny, gracious, decisive, productive person I used to be?
I thought I was a complete failure and was afraid I was going insane. Devastatingly, doctors couldn’t find anything wrong with me.
And Michael? He started having digestive issues when he was around five or six years old. He remembers lying in bed and looking at his water damaged ceiling as a child.
It was Michael who found the solutions to healed us both, even though he was sick himself. He figured out I had toxin-induced illnesses and heavy metal poisoning.
While having multiple diagnoses (toxin-induced Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s disease, chronic Lyme disease, PANDAS, EBV, SIBO, tinnitus, arthritis, mold toxicity, and heavy metal poisoning) was not something I aspired to, at least now I knew what I was facing and could battle my way back.
I was told I would never be well. Never be cured.
They were wrong.
One of the critical pieces for us was identifying mold as a root cause of our symptoms. I admit, I was in denial at first and didn't think I'd been exposed to mold. Even if I had, what was the big deal?
Then I remembered the old car I used to have that always smelled of mildew from a leaky door seal.
And the office with the leaky window and wet carpet that I tried to avoid at all costs, because of how awful I felt when I was there.
And the basements we had over the years that flooded every winter.
I stopped trying to figure out when it happened and focused on how to heal.
We healed ourselves one step at a time, and we've helped thousands to do the same.
(If you want to read our whole story, you can find it here.)
Let's turn our attention to the focus of this article -- mold exposure and digestive issues.
How Does Mold Impact the Digestive System?
From a high-level view, mold enters your body and compromises your epithelial barriers[3]. (The epithelia are the lining tissues of tracts in your body and serve as a first line of defense.)
This sets the stage for systemic inflammation and general immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. (Mold is tricky!)
Mold effects almost every aspect of your digestive system, from the cells to the organs to the nerves to the substances it secretes.
Let’s look at a few to give you an idea of the damage mold can do to your digestive system.
The Liver
As the immune system is under attack and resources are diverted to support it, the efficiency of your liver decreases[4].
Since the liver is responsible for over 500 functions in your body, when it slows or becomes congested it impacts virtually every system. (Just like when you’re run down it impacts nearly every aspect of your life.)
A primary function of the liver is detoxification. When impaired, the burden shifts to secondary detoxification systems (the skin, reproductive organs, etc.) to “step up” and help.
Now they are also compromised and struggle to handle their primary jobs.
Do you see the cascade happening? Wait – there’s more!
Bile
As the situation continues, bile flow decreases.
Bile is created by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. When you eat, it’s released into the intestines to help you digest fat.
Bile also helps neutralize the pH of your stomach contents as they enter your small intestine. (Bile is The. Most. Amazing. fluid in your body, but that’s a topic for another time.)
The reduction in bile dramatically impacts your digestion in multiple ways[5].
Mold impacts your gut bacteria, and your gut health can affect your response to mold[8]. (The relationship goes both ways.)
Mold produces mycotoxins, which can kill good bacteria and allow harmful bacteria to thrive[9]. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, leads to digestive problems, inflammation, and a weakened immune system.
Mold exposure increases inflammatory factors in your gut[17]. This leads to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and fibromyalgia.
Disrupts Microbial Barrier and Bacterial Homeostasis
Mold disturbs the microbial barrier in your gut, upsetting the balance of bacteria[18]. This imbalance leads to digestive issues, weight loss or gain, and unexplained fatigue.
Other Symptoms of Mold Exposure
From respiratory distress to cognitive disruptions, it’s important to recognize these other mold-related symptoms promptly.
Inflammation
Mold can trigger an inflammatory firestorm in your body[19]. The inflammation manifests in different parts of your body, leading to a variety of symptoms.
- It can affect your joints, causing stiffness and pain[20]. If your feel extra stiff first thing in the morning, and it eases up as you get moving, that's commonly inflammation rearing its ugly head.
- Inflammation can manifest as skin problems, such as dry skin and eczema, leaving you feeling like you have alligator skin[21].
- This inflammation also affects your nervous system[22], lowering your threshold to stimulation. I call this "brain on fire" - a condition that leaves you in a constant state of overload.
You have less ability to tolerate everything from light and sound to EMFs, chemicals, additional toxins, etc. You're literally more reactive on a nervous system level.
Respiratory Issues
When mold spores or mycotoxins are inhaled, they can cause serious respiratory problems[23]. This includes persistent coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath and even asthma symptoms. Mold can also lead to sinusitis, which causes congestion and headaches[24].
Even if you don't have a pre-existing condition or a mold allergy, mold can irritate your respiratory system, leading to repeated sneezing and a constant runny nose. While it's normal to sneeze occasionally, it's not normal to have sneezing "attacks" where you sneeze eight or ten times in a row. Think mold.
Allergic Reactions and Immune System Issues
Some people are allergic to mold and exposure may cause their allergy symptoms to flare up. Allergic reactions like rashes, itching, and burning eyes are common. Mold toxicity may also lead to increased food sensitivities and allergies[25].
Mold and mycotoxins compromise your immune system[26]. This makes you more susceptible to infections and diseases. Your immune system might start attacking your body's own tissues, leading to autoimmune responses[27].
Cognitive and Emotional Symptoms
Mold and mycotoxins don't just cause health problems in your body; they can impact your mind. You may experience brain fog, which is a feeling of confusion and difficulty concentrating.
It feels like your thoughts are slithery eels you just can’t grasp.
Memory issues and cognitive decline are also reported[28].
Forgetting things that used to be second nature.
Increasing episodes of “it’s on the tip of my tongue.”
Missing routine events or appointments.
Emotional symptoms include overwhelm, anxiety, and depression[29]. These symptoms are likely due to the mycotoxins affecting your nervous system.
Mitochondrial and Oxidative Stress
Mold may cause symptoms related to your cellular health and energy production[30].
The mycotoxins produced by mold can cause mitochondrial dysfunction[31]. This leads to a significant decrease in energy levels.
The depth of your fatigue is profoundly out of line with your activities.
Mitochondrial dysfunction can also affect your body's ability to detoxify and even sweat, worsening other symptoms. (Sweating has become villainized in our society, but I promise it’s a necessary and healthy function.)
The more toxic your body becomes, the less able it is to detoxify. A vicious cycle.
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between damaging free radicals and protective antioxidants, can result in cell damage[32]. This adds to the overall burden on your body and can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome[33].
Recognizing these symptoms is crucial. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing mold exposure and its health impacts.
I'm Convinced I’ve Been Exposed to Mold and it’s Affecting My Health, Now What? (Action Steps!)
One of the biggest barriers to healing mold-related symptoms is denial.
"But I don't have mold." or "I don't live in a humid environment." or "It can't be mold, otherwise my family would also be sick."
I get it. It's not your fault. We don't know what we don't know.
But now you're aware.
You've gotten this far and now you realize mold may be causing some of your health challenges. You're light-years ahead of people who are still in denial.
It's time to act! Mold toxicity IS fixable.
But no one can fix it FOR you.
Practical Tips to Prevent Mold Growth and Get Rid of Mold
Mold must be addressed in your external environment AND your internal terrain. The source of the exposure must be removed for you to begin healing.
Remove mold sources and reduce your exposure.
- Minimize the amount of mold you ingest via peanuts, grains, cereals, yeast, alcohol, fungi, dried fruits, cheese, and coffee. (Yes, you read that right, coffee makers and even crops can be contaminated with mold. I know it's not fair, but it's the reality.)
- Invest in a home air-purifier.
- Throw outcontaminated items that cannot be cleaned. (Books, papers, carpeting, furniture, etc.)
- Vacuum regularly with a vacuum that has a true HEPA filter. Empty the vacuum waste outside.
- Digitizephotos, letters, and important documents that might be contaminated.
- Add 1 cup of boraxto 1 gallon of water and soak clothes for half an hour, then wash as usual. (Wash your hands after handling Borax!)
Control moisture levels and mold in your home.
- Fix leaky plumbing
- Ensure proper ventilationin areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Use a dehumidifierin damp spaces.
- Notice areas of condensationand address them to keep mold from taking hold.
Dry water-damaged areas quickly.
- Keep an eye on areas prone to mold, like basements and attics. Regular inspectionscan help you catch any issues early.
- Drythese areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Work with a mold remediation specialist.
Promote Detox
- Encourage lymphatic drainage with dry brushing.
- Eat foods to supportyour liver and your gut.
- Hydrate with distilled water.
- Relax in Epsom salt baths.
- Work with a mold-literate health expertto help guide you through this process.
Conclusion
While mold is abundant in our lives, you don’t have to let it compromise your health any longer.
Mold toxicity is fixable. Your body is amazing and can heal when you take action.
Take this simple mold quiz to get started.
No matter what your results are, you’re not alone. I’m here to help every step of the way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mold and Black Mold
Mold exposure can cause serious digestive problems. Here, we'll answer some common questions about how mold affects your gut health.
How can I tell if mold is wreaking havoc on my gut?
Watch out for consistent digestive complaints like stomach pain or nausea. If you notice these symptoms lingering without a clear reason, mold could be the culprit. Digestive problems related to mold exposure often go unnoticed at first.
Is it possible for black mold (toxic mold) to interfere with my body’s ability to digest properly?
Yes, mold can seriously disrupt your digestive system. The mycotoxins produced by mold can affect your gut function, making it hard to digest food as you normally would.
Common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You might also experience abdominal pain or intestinal cramps. Mold can irritate your digestive tract and even cause bleeding in the intestines.
Could my unexplained gastritis be from mold toxins?
If you suffer from unexplained gastritis, mold toxins might be to blame. The toxins can cause inflammation in your stomach lining, making it painful and difficult to digest food. Use some of the tips above to reduce your exposure to mold. If you see or smell mold in your house, or if you suspect your symptoms are related to mold, take action. (Don't forget, mold can cause your immune system to weaken so if you find yourself getting sick often, this can be a clue!)
Does feeling backed up ever point towards a mold problem?
Yes, constipation and feeling backed up can be signs of mold exposure. Mold can affect your gut's normal movements, leading to uncomfortable digestive blockages. One key to preventing mold toxicity from progressing is catching the signs early.
How come everyone in my family isn't flattened by mold exposure like I am?
Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. It impacts different people differently.
It doesn't necessarily take an exposure to high levels of mold to trigger significant symptoms. With mold in homes, the mold spores from the air can be inhaled or ingested and may cause allergy symptoms or worse. Black mold can cause health problems, but so can other different types of mold. Your best bet is to avoid mold and reduce your exposures.
Does the kind of mold matter? Is black mold exposure worse than other types of mold exposure?
Yes, certain types of mold can cause health issues more readily, especially if you're sensitive to mold or have extensive mold growth. Black mold is a type of mold that grows indoors. The mold spores cause many health issues such as memory loss, digestive disruption, brain fog, skin rashes, respiratory issues and more. If black mold is growing in your house, work with a mold remediation company to clean the mold infested area.
My home test for mold was positive, how do I go about mold removal or mold remediation?
Mold removal can be done for small areas. If you have a larger area of mold, it's best to hire a professional to perform mold remediation. If you have mold allergy symptoms or a reaction to mold, hire a professional even for smaller areas to avoid additional exposure. Remember, black mold exposure may cause more health problems than other kinds of mold.