When we wake up with a zit in the morning, we know exactly which skincare product will make it go away. Hair feeling a bit on the frizzy end? There’s a serum to fix that as well! Thanks to social media, skincare, and hair care have become synonymous with self-care, with people creating complex routines for glowing skin and shiny tresses.
Surprisingly, this hyper-awareness takes a backseat when we seem to be dealing with a bit of brain fog, mood swings, confusion, or even forgetfulness.
Silent symptoms such as these are red flags from your brain that need your urgent and immediate attention. Over time, these signs may imply that you may be dealing with neurological or cognitive impairment. While our brain is among the most complex organs in our body, it is susceptible to damage from many environmental factors. One of these factors is exposure to indoor mold and the mycotoxins that toxic mold releases.
At my functional medicine clinic in Houston, I see many patients who come in with complaints of disorientation, memory problems, dementia, mood problems, and more. After a thorough root cause analysis using the BREDESEN PROTOCOL, we discover that mycotoxin exposure is the root cause in many cases of neurocognitive decline especially in younger people presenting with memory problems.
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain types of fungi, such as molds and yeasts. They are commonly found in food, feed, and even the air we breathe. Some of the most well-known mycotoxins include T-2 toxin, macrocyclic trichothecenes, FB1, and OTA. These toxins can grow on a variety of surfaces, including grains, fruits, as well as in our homes and offices.
Mycotoxins can be found present in a variety of places; from the food we eat to the air we breathe. They are particularly common in crops such as corn, wheat, and peanuts, where they can contaminate the food supply and pose a risk to human health. Mycotoxins can also grow in damp environments, such as bathrooms and basements, and on surfaces such as walls and floors if there is moisture present.
Mycotoxins have been linked to a range of negative effects on brain health. One of the ways in which mycotoxins can impact brain health is by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, a protective membrane that separates the blood from the brain. This barrier helps to keep harmful substances out of the brain, but mycotoxins can weaken it, allowing toxins to enter the brain and cause damage.
Another way in which mycotoxins can affect brain health is by promoting inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Mycotoxins can trigger an immune response in the brain, leading to inflammation and damage to brain cells.
There are many different types of mycotoxins, each with its own unique properties and effects on the brain. Here are some of the most well-known mycotoxins and their effects:
T-2 toxin: T-2 toxin is the most toxic metabolite produced by certain types of Fusarium fungi. It also is the most common cause of poisoning among humans and animals resulting from eating contaminated cereals. T-2 toxin can also disrupt the blood-brain barrier, which can allow other harmful substances to enter the brain and cause further damage.
Macrocyclic trichothecenes: Macrocyclic trichothecenes are produced by a variety of fungi, including Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as “black mold.” These toxins can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and seizures. They are also linked to more serious conditions such as encephalopathy and cerebral edema. Macrocyclic trichothecenes can disrupt the synthesis of proteins, which can lead to cell death and damage in the brain.
AFB1: Alfatoxins are extremely hazardous fungal biometabolites and known carcinogens produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. AFB1 is commonly found in corn and other grains and in our environment and has been linked to a range of negative effects on brain health, including memory loss and other cognitive deficits. FB1 can also promote inflammation in the brain, which can lead to further damage.
OTA: OTA, or ochratoxin A, is a neurotoxin produced by certain types of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi, and it is commonly found in food such as coffee, wine, and dried fruits as well as our environment Exposure to OTA has been linked to a range of neurological symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and cognitive impairment. In genetically predisposed children, OTA was also studied as a possible factor in triggering autism.
If you have been exposed to mycotoxins, you may experience a range of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. You may also experience respiratory problems, such as coughing and sneezing, as well as skin irritation and other allergic reactions. Whatever your symptoms may be, it’s always a good idea to talk to a functional medicine doctor and get tested.
Preventing exposure to mycotoxins is the best way to protect yourself from their harmful effects. Keep your home and workplace clean and dry. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other fungi, so it’s important to keep your environment dry and well-ventilated. Always check for mold growth in your home whenever you clean.
Store food properly. Mycotoxins can contaminate food, so it is important to store it properly and throw away any food that appears to be moldy. If you have concerns, then avoid grains in your diet.
It’s high time to include some brain-care in our self-care routine! Functional medicine offers a bouquet of scientifically-proven therapies that can help reverse cognitive decline. If you have concerns that you may be dealing with mold toxicity symptoms, don’t hesitate to book a free 15-minute discovery call with me at 346-220-0201.
