Mold Toxicity And Lyme Disease
Mold illness causes many of the same symptoms as Lyme disease. Both trigger systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation leading to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, headaches, joint pain, and anxiety.
When tick-borne infections and mold toxicity occur together, the mold illness must be addressed before the tick-borne infection can be treated successfully. Mycotoxins suppress the immune system making it difficult to effectively treat Lyme disease and co-infections.
Tips For Preventing Mold In Your Home
Mold can get into your house through doors and windows. It can enter through air-conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems. It can even hitch a ride on you, your pets, or anything you carry in from outside. Read on for tips on how to prevent mold from taking hold in your home.
preventing mold
- Keep the humidity level low. If you dont have an air conditioner, you can use a dehumidifier. Shop for a dehumidifier online.
A Blood Test To Diagnose Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
VEGF may hold the key to diagnosing CFS. Currently researchers and clinicians still arent sure what causes fatigue and there isnt a blood test.
However, there are already preliminary studies showing low VEGF symptoms include fatigue.
The VEGF, mold and fatigue connection
One study examined VEGF levels in people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and/or myalgic encephalomyelitis. It found lowered VEGF levels to be so accurate in predicting chronic fatigue syndrome that it could potentially be used to diagnose CFS.
Perhaps most remarkable about VEGF was that these remained within normal ranges in patients who had conditions where fatigue is a common symptom .
That means its possible that VEGF, IL-7 and IL-16 are blood markers that only show up in people with CFS. More testing is required to see if they appear in any other illnesses, but its an exciting step in diagnosing CFS.
Consider another study that measured VEGF in those with Gulf War Illness. Gulf War Syndrome/Illness is thought to be related to chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. Common symptoms of Gulf War Illness are similar to CFS and include:
- Fatigue
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
It is thought that Gulf War Syndrome is caused by infectious agents like pesticides and or chemical weapon exposure.
Perhaps toxic mold is also playing a role here too?
Much like CFS, Gulf War Syndrome is difficult to diagnose. Just like CFS its only diagnosed when all other illnesses have been ruled out.
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Can A Cold Or Flu Cause Allergies
An allergy is an inflammatory immune response to specific foods or something in the environment, known as an allergen. Colds and flu are caused by viruses or bacteria. Therefore, a cold or flu cannot cause an allergy.
Sometimes, allergies can lead to a sinus infection, which may develop into a fever. Sinus infections are the result of excess mucus and debris getting trapped in the air-filled sinus passages. However, the infection develops due to the bacteria or viruses present rather than the allergens.
Knowing what a person is allergic to can help in treating the allergies. A person can be allergic to several allergens at once. Some of the key steps to reducing allergy symptoms include:
A person with severe allergies may benefit from immunotherapy. This approach involves injecting increasing amounts of allergens in the body to de-sensitize the bodys immune response. A doctor must prescribe these injections.
Is All Mold Toxic
Mold is not the only pathogen that grows from water damage. Fungal fragments, spores, mycotoxins, bacteria, mycobacteria, actinomycetes, VOCs, and other biotoxins can also form in damp buildings. These pathogens combine to produce a toxic soup that can lead to a multi-systemic and multi-symptomatic illness.
Not all mold is toxic, but many mold species from water-damaged buildings produce mycotoxins. It is the indoor concentration of mycotoxins and the rest of the toxic soup that can contribute to chronic debilitating symptoms.
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How Do You Know If You Have Mold Toxicity Or Cirs
The first step is to just CONSIDER that it could be a possibility. If youre not aware that this condition even exists, theres no way youll seek answers and treatment for it.
Mold is a sensitizer, meaning it overexcites the nervous and immune systems, and it makes any other existing health issues worse. CIRS affects multiple body systems and creates a bizarre set of symptoms.
The symptoms of mold illness can vary widely, but here are some of the most common. Please note that the symptoms with a are quite characteristic of mold-related illness:
- Extreme seasonal allergy symptoms or sinus congestion
- Frequent urination
- VIP
- TGF-B-1
Great Plains Laboratory provides a urine mycotoxin test, which tests for toxins from 40 different species of mold.
In addition to the basic labs and urine test, the Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test has been shown to be a reliable screening indicator of biotoxin illness. Biotoxins cause inflammation of the optic nerve, and this inflammation can manifest as changes in visual perception. The VCS test involves looking at different patterns of wavy lines. You can take the VCS test online for free. If you pay a $10 donation, they will provide you with a compete report of your results. As biotoxicity improves, the VCS test score also improves.
One: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
At its basic level, fatigue is a continuous state of exhaustion that slowly chips away at concentration, motivation, and mental health.¹ With the busy state of the world nowadays, this state of being could happen to anyone at multiple times in life. However, when this condition cannot be resolved with extensive rest, thats when it moves into the territory of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Myalgic encephalomyelitis, is defined as fatigue that worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest. ² The effects of exhaustion are so severe that even daily tasks become difficult to accomplish. Running errands or making dinner can lead to an overwhelming need to return to bed, rest, and attempt to recuperate.
Except, with CFS, that recharge time never occurs and internal energy levels remain at that low base level. Eventually, this ongoing exhaustion can lead to work, relationship, and overall life burnout. At least one in four ME/CFS patients is bed- or house-bound for long periods during their illness.³
Researchers hypothesize that around 2.5 million Americans suffer from CFS, and about 90 percent of those suffering from the condition have not been diagnosed. That sparks the question as to why so many are continuing to unknowingly suffer.
The Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Once all of the other potential causes are ruled out, treatment for the condition can begin.
Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Black Mold And Toxicity
When you read about molds, you may definitely want to know about black mold, as it is frequently singled out as the biggest culprit. Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold is a greenish-black mold. It was thought to be the reason behind a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis among infants living in a water-damaged environment in Cleveland, Ohio. However, there is not much research to prove the association between acute pulmonary hemorrhage/hemosiderosis in infants and exposure to molds, specifically stachybotrys chartarum.15 The guidelines from federal organizations suggest that mold growth, regardless of the type, should be controlled in an appropriate manner.16
Other Common Indoor Molds
- eye irritation
- skin irritation
If youre allergic to mold, your symptoms may be more severe, such as lung irritation.
According to the CDC, in 2004, the Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence linking indoor mold, and damp indoor environments in general, with:
- upper respiratory symptoms in healthy people
- asthma symptoms in people who have asthma
- hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible people
Limited evidence suggests a link between exposure to mold and damp indoor environments and:
- respiratory illness in healthy children
- potential development of asthma in susceptible people
In 2009, the World Health Organization also reported a suggested link between early exposure to mold and development of asthma in children, especially those who are genetically susceptible to asthma.
A 2017 report found no scientific evidence that black mold exposure leads to:
- autoimmune disease
- infant pulmonary hemorrhage
- memory loss
Aspergillus fumigatus can cause a serious reaction in some people, especially those with asthma or cystic fibrosis. This condition is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Symptoms may include:
- fever
- cough, possibly with blood or mucus
- worsening symptoms of asthma
If you have emphysema, tuberculosis, or advanced sarcoidosis, lung cavities can be infected with Aspergillus. This causes a condition called aspergilloma, with symptoms such as:
- a cough, sometimes with blood
- fatigue
- weight loss
- wheezing
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What Are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds
Another source of irritation from mold exposure comes from substances knownas microbial volatile organic compounds . These compounds are producedthrough fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often givingoff strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from molds can irritate theeyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such as headaches,dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. The effects of mVOCs are notcompletely understood and research is still in the early stages.
What Medical Tests Are Available To Determine If I Am Allergic Tomold
There are medical tests to determine if you are allergic to a particularsubstance, such as mold. These can be performed on skin or blood. Skin testsare considered more reliable than blood tests to determine allergic reaction toa substance. Skin tests yield results more quickly, are less expensive thanblood tests and are generally considered more sensitive. If an individual hassymptoms year-round, which may indicate an indoor allergy, skin testing may berecommended.
Blood testing called the RAST test can be done to showif you are allergic to a substance. The RAST test detects levels of antibodiesto particular allergens. The test is expensive to perform and results areusually not available for about two weeks.
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How To Get Your Home Tested For Mold
Tests to identify mold can only show that mold spores were present at a particular moment. They cant tell you when you may have been exposed, if you inhaled any mold spores, or what your health risks might be.
Large areas of mold are easy to see, and sometimes to smell, so testing isnt generally necessary. Also, all mold is cleaned the same way, so it doesnt matter what type it is.
The CDC does not recommend routine sampling for molds. The agency states that reliable sampling can be expensive and there are no established standards for judging acceptable levels of mold.
If you do want to get your home tested for mold or need professional mold removal, there are a few places to find a certified mold inspector in the United States.
finding a professional to remove mold
Listen To Dr Sarah Myhill Discuss Chronic Fatigue
Mould, Mycotoxins And Chronic Fatigue
In one study, urine specimens from 104 of 112 patients were positive for at least one mycotoxin . Almost 30% of the cases had more than one mycotoxin present. OTA was the most prevalent mycotoxin detected
Exposure histories indicated current and/or past exposure to WDB in over 90% of cases. Environmental testing was performed in the WDB from a subset of these patients. This testing revealed the presence of potentially mycotoxin producing mold species and mycotoxins in the environment of the WDB. Prior testing in a healthy control population with no history of exposure to a WDB or moldy environment by the same laboratory, utilizing the same methods, revealed no positive cases at the limits of detection.
But how does mould illness cause fatigue?
How Does Mould And Mycotoxins Cause Chronic Fatigue?
A brilliant article in NDNR discusses three mechanisms behind mould illness and chronic fatigue:
- Neurotransmitter imbalances
I would have to add to this list compromised gut health also. In my blog Can Mould & Mycotoxin Exposure Cause Gut Problems? I describe how mycotoxins cause both structural and functional changes in the gut.
Mycotoxins are known disruptors of mitochondrial function, and this is partly mediated via oxidative stress which creates dysfunction at various sites of the mitochondria. The mitochondria are often described as the power houses of the cells, and where energy is created.
How To Test For Mycotoxins In The U.K?
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Can Allergies Cause Joint And Muscle Pain
Allergies often manifest a wide range of symptoms. But can allergies really cause muscle and joint pain? Read on and find outâ¦
Allergic reactions are common occurrences in our lives, and in most instances, their effects and severity differ from one person to another depending on the immunity and other underlying factors.
Allergies often manifest a wide range of symptoms, some of which are more obvious while others may not be so apparent.
For instance, rarely do people associate joint pain, muscle aches, and fatigue with allergies.
Symptoms Of Mold Exposure
Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home, look for various symptoms of mold exposure.
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How Realtime Laboratories Can Help
Long-term exposure to moldspecifically, certain mycotoxinshas been linked to Chronic Fatigue. Furthermore, many of the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue overlap with the symptoms of mold exposure. Thus, its not unheard of for someone to be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue, only to start to feel better once a mold infestation in their home or workplace has been discovered and dealt with. Conversely, mold exposure can be especially debilitating to people already living with Chronic Fatigue, as their bodies are currently grappling with the strain of their illnessthe condition is just one more thing on which to expend precious, limited energy!
Test Kits made by RealTime Labs can identify up to 15 different mycotoxins that are known to cause illness in mammals. These kits are non-invasive they require only a small sample of urine or environmental dust to provide valuable information about a persons health and surroundings. Testing positive for a mycotoxin infestation can help you avoid an improper diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue and get the treatment you need to feel better. Meanwhile, testing negative can help your doctor rule out mold exposure on their way to an actual, true diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue.
How To Remove Black Mold
Protect yourself. You don’t need to worry about having mold tested if you find mold in your house. But you should get rid of it no matter what type of mold it is. Take precautions to protect yourself before you attempt to remove mold.
Use an N-95 face mask to avoid breathing in mold spores. Wear gloves to protect your hands and goggles without ventilation holes to protect your eyes.â
Find and destroy the mold. The most important part of removing mold is finding and removing its water source. Mold can’t grow without moisture. Keep the following tips in mind when you’re cleaning up mold:
- Items that can’t be dried quickly should be discarded if they show signs of mold or water damage. Porous items such as carpet, padding, drywall, and paper soak up moisture.
- Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces. Remove the mold and dry the surfaces before you paint. Paint applied over mold will peel.
- Use plastic sheeting to block an area with mold from the rest of your house and keep the spores from spreading.
- Scrub hard surfaces with mold with detergent and water and dry them thoroughly.
- Put any moldy items in a plastic bag before you take them out of the room to prevent mold spores from spreading.
- Use a HEPA filter in your air conditioner and furnace to capture mold spores that may be airborne in your house.
- Consult a specialist if you’re not sure of the best way to clean a valuable or sentimental item.â
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Indoor Environmental Quality: Health Problems Mold
Health problems associated with excessive damp conditions and mold include:
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Controlling Mold In The Bedroom
Keep in mind that its nearly impossible to keep mold spores from entering your home. Microscopic spores can come in through open airways, windows, and vents, or latch onto clothing and pets. Therefore, the best approach to preventing mold is to make sure your bedroom environment doesnt support its growth.
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What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Last Updated on by RTL Staff
Home»Blog»What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Are you constantly tired, no matter how much sleep you manage to get at night? Do physical and mental workouts leave you worn out for days at a time? Do you suffer from unexplained aches and pains that never seem to go away? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Is Mold The Invisible Trigger For Your Chronic Fatigue A Doctor Explains
Mold is more common than you might think. There are many cases of buildings getting water damage and becoming potential areas for mold infestations. It clings to materials like drywall and finds places to hide and grow.
Mold can cause a lot of damage to your health, and its not an easy problem to fix. My Pure MD medical professionals specialize in cases of fatigue and know how hard it is to eliminate mold. The main problem with mold is that it contains mycotoxins, which are poisons that can cause neurological damage and other health problems.
Chronic mold exposure can cause headaches, bloating, muscle cramps, mood swings, and several other symptoms. Its important to eliminate mold to preserve your overall health and prevent chronic conditions from developing.
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