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Mold is a fungus that grows, spreads, and releases tiny spores into the air. Some spores land and continue to spread while others stay in the air until we breathe them in. Mold exposure can compromise the respiratory and immune systems and cause widespread inflammation. Those with chronic illnesses are more likely to develop severe symptoms due to our weakened immune systems.
Source: trulyheal.com
Mold disrupts and damages the immune system making us more susceptible to autoimmune disease or reactivating old viral and autoimmune diseases, like Epstein-Barr Virus and Lyme disease. It can also cause a great deal of inflammation and increases oxidative stress. Inflammation occurs when your body’s white blood cells are triggered to protect your body from bacteria and viruses. However, in autoimmune diseases, like Lyme, celiac disease, and arthritis, your immune system triggers inflammation when no invaders can fight off. Hence, the body starts to attack normal tissues, causing damage. Oxidative stress occurs when toxins damage our healthy cells. The body uses its antioxidant resources to continuously repair these damaged cells and tissues, which depletes the antioxidants in the body and leads to poor health.
Mold contains mycotoxins. When we breathe in these toxins, they can affect our respiratory system and brain. They also can bind directly to our DNA and RNA, obstructing protein synthesis leading to long-term cell damage.
Because the mycotoxins disrupt mitochondrial function, exposure can lead to low energy and fatigue because it disrupts mitochondrial.
I would highly recommend going to a Functional Medicine Doctor to get a prescription for mold or mycotoxins but in the meantime, check out Dr. Axe’s blog for natural remedies.