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Mold and its effects on health:  

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The term “toxic mold” is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically mycotoxins), the molds themselves are not toxic, or poisonous. Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. There is always a little mold everywhere – in the air and on many surfaces. That being said, certain individuals with genetic susceptibility are at risk for adversely getting affected by mold. 

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Genetic susceptibility to harmful effects of Mold:

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Approximately 25% population carries certain types of HLA-DR and HLA-DQ genes. This combination makes them susceptible to adverse effects of mold. This is why individuals living in the same house hold do not get similar illness when exposed to similar moldy environment.

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Symptoms of mold toxicity:

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Some of the symptoms are displayed below. People may have a few or several of these symptoms with varying severity and are not specific to just mold. Consult with a health care professional before assuming that any of these symptoms are related to mold exposure. 

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  1. Fatigue

  2. Weakness

  3. Headaches

  4. Body aches

  5. Light sensitivity

  6. Cognitive impairment

  7. Memory loss

  8. Trouble word finding

  9. Difficulty concentrating

  10. Vertigo

  11. Skin sensitivity

  12. Tingling

  13. Numbness

  14. Shortness of breath

  15. Sinus congestion/pressure

  16. Cough

  17. Excessive thirst

  18. Temperature dysregulation

  19. Urinary frequency

  20. Excessive thirst

  21. Red eyes

  22. Blurry vision

  23. Night sweats

  24. Mood swings

  25. Ice-pick Pain

  26. Abdominal pain

  27. Diarrhea

  28. Metallic taste

  29. Static shocks

Overview of Treatment:

Following is an overview of the treatment for general information. Treatment must be carried out only under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional.

  1. Removal from exposure from mold

  2. Cholestyramine or a suitable binder (prescription with specific instructions based upon individualized needs)

  3. BEG nasal spray (prescription with specific instructions)

  4. Hormone correction (DHEA) – In adults and only if indicated

  5. DDAVP spray (prescription) only if indicated based upon clinical evaluation 

  6. Zocor (prescription) – adults only if indicated based upon clinical evaluation

  7. Losartan (prescription) – only if indicated based upon clinical evaluation

  8. VIP spray – only if indicated under certain circumstances

  9. Low amylose diet - see details below.

  10. Omega 3 fatty acids supplementation

Mold Diet (Amylose Free):

This diet is based on the 0-2-3 rule and is an easy way for you to remember what should or should not be included in your diet each day. You should have 0 sugars (glucose or sucrose, including corn syrup), 0 amylose, 2 servings of protein that total at least 6 to 8 ounces, and 3 servings each of vegetables that grow above the ground and fruit

Foods allowed:

Allowed foods include basically anything that is not on the list of forbidden foods including:

Corn.

Onions.

Garlic.

All vegetables that grow above the ground including lettuce, tomatoes, beans of all types, peas, cucumbers, and celery.

All fruits except bananas.

Meat, fish, and poultry.

Condiments (avoid low-fat varieties as they usually contain added sugar).

Spices.

Eggs.

Dairy (avoid sugar-laden products).

Nuts.

Sunflower, pumpkin, and squash seeds. 

Foods not allowed:

Roots and tubers including white and sweet potatoes, beets, peanuts, carrots, and other vegetables that grow underground. The exception here is onions and garlic.

Bananas (the only forbidden fruit).

Wheat and wheat-based products including bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies.

Rice.

Oats.

Barley.

Rye.

Foods with added sugar, sucrose, corn syrup, or maltodextrin.

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