In addition to genetic variations causing differing toxin sensitivities, different combinations of toxins often synergize. Chronic infections and life stressors can also amplify or modify the intensity of the toxin’s effects on a person. Even with unfavorable mold detoxification genetics, some may not manifest symptoms if amplifying factors remain absent. The exposome, or the collective set of toxins in a person’s environment, may trigger mold illness when organic compounds or heavy metals tip over the immune system. It is basically a “1+1=3” situation. Either toxin alone might not trigger illness, but the two together pack a devastating punch.
Another amplifier of mold illness includes stress. Stress, in many forms, may work in concert with mold toxicity. Our patients tell life stories of emotional and physical abuse or traumatic events. The physical stress of a head trauma is one such example. We know that head trauma may trigger leaky brain or a chronic inflammatory state in the brain. This may allow mycotoxins or other toxins to reach deeper into the brain, triggering more damage than it could have done alone. Emotionally stressful events, between the surge in cortisol and the firing up of the fight or flight system, can also augment mold’s effects. Adding the direct chemical effects of mold toxins on the limbic system’s fight or flight response together with the emotional stressor sets the stage for chronic neurologic and emotional symptoms.
With the reality of COVID since 2020, this coronavirus and its often-persisting Long Covid syndrome adds another complicating exposome factor. Early in the pandemic we discovered that the virus was triggering strong biotoxin reactions. Wile any viral infection will temporarily elevate TGF beta 1, we found that our patients who were reporting relapses in their mold toxicity symptoms had higher TGF beta 1 levels for longer periods of time. When reports of Long COVID patterns were published, we realized that the list of symptoms almost perfectly overlapped with mold toxicity and Lyme disease. Basically, post COVID is a biotoxin illness, likely from the spike protein. With these realizations, we also found that most of our mold toxicity therapies were helping the post COVID patients. We just needed to make some adjustments and ramp up therapies for a time.
As the pandemic has continued, we are now seeing many first present with Long COVID without their knowing about a pre-existing mold toxicity or Lyme disease. They had been living life relatively well, maybe with minor symptoms, when COVID knocked them off their feet. Then Long COVID keeps them pinned. To help these patients overcome, we look for the pre-existing conditions that predisposed them to Long COVID. In order to help them overcome Long COVID, we also have to address the mold toxicity. Without addressing this underlying mold toxicity, we don’t see as much improvement in their condition and they seem to worsen again every time they get COVID acutely. Only by addressing the whole picture do these patients have a chance at full recovery.
Next: Types of Mold