A Mold Detox Diet for TOXIC MOLD SYNDROME
IS MOLD DANGEROUS?
Everyone is exposed to a relatively harmless level of mold in food and the environment.
However, in some individuals, certain mycotoxins trigger adverse symptoms.
Mycotoxin exposure can disrupt the microbiome, deplete glutathione, irritate epithelial tissues, and increase liver burden.
ALLERGY VS TOXICITY
A mold allergy is when mycotoxins trigger an immune hypersensitivity reaction, causing asthma or allergy symptoms like sneezing, post-nasal drip, watery eyes, etc.
Mold toxicity or “toxic mold syndrome” is theorized to be a systemic inflammatory response to mycotoxins (esp to black mold—Stachybotrys chartarum).
Reported symptoms include lethargy, emotional & memory impairments, migraines, sleep disturbances, vertigo, histamine intolerance, IBS, intestinal hyperpermeability, chronic fatigue, etc.
While mold allergy is a defined & diagnosable condition, mold toxicity is very bioindividual—making it difficult to research, test, & diagnose.
MITIGATING MOLD
ADDRESS THE SOURCE
identify source (often damp buildings), repair leaks, remove/kill mold, control humidity, improve ventilation
SUPPORT NATURAL DETOX
gentle movement, sleep, dry brushing, hydration, massage, fiber consumption
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS
vitamins A, Bs, C, D3, E, K, probiotics, quercetin, glutathione, NAC, CoQ10, binders (activated charcoal, chlorella)
MOLD DETOX DIET
While not addressing the root cause, a low-mold elimination diet can temporarily decrease fungal load in the body, improve symptoms, & support detoxification.
DECREASE
dried fruit
nuts (esp peanuts & cashews)
aged meats & cheeses
coffee
alcohol (esp beer & wine)
sugar & baked goods (feed yeast in gut)
grains & dairy (occasionally an issue)
INCREASE
garlic & onions
oregano, thyme, & rosemary
turmeric
coconut oil
raw honey
cruciferous veggies
leafy greens
berries
green, dandelion, & milk thistle tea
What about fermented foods?
While often high in histamine, they also provide pro-, pre-, & post-biotics that support gut health; include if tolerated.
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References
Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness | Mold | CDC
Borchers, A. T., Chang, C., & Eric Gershwin, M. (2017). Mold and Human Health: a Reality Check. Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 52(3), 305–322. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28299723/
Christensen. 2020. Food for Mold Illness: What to Eat and What to Avoid. Chris Kresser. Retrieved from: https://chriskresser.com/food-for-mold-illness-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/
Edmondson, D. A., Nordness, M. E., Zacharisen, M. C., Kurup, V. P., & Fink, J. N. (2005). Allergy and "toxic mold syndrome". Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 94(2), 234–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61301-4
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