Mycotoxins 

All organisms produce some kind of chemical substance during their metabolism. For the most part, these substances are necessary for survival and energy. However, science has found that some of these organisms also create a secondary metabolite. This secondary metabolite is a competitive advantage for the colony. More specifically, Fungi produces Mycotoxins. 

Route of Entry 

Toxic molds can be from ingestion but also can happen from the air we inhale. In the air, there are small particles of mold that enter our homes from windows, air conditioners, and even heating and ventilation systems. 

Molds are more prominent in areas that have excessive moisture. In these environments, the moisture acts like food to the mold and it grows from there. 

Health Effects 

Mycotoxins have been linked to many human illnesses. Some include aflatoxicosis (stomach pain, vomiting, hepatitis), anemia, pulmonary hemorrhages, cancer, and birth defects. Additionally, the WHO (world health organization) coined the term Sick Building Syndrome. This means when people who live in buildings with mold, they see the individuals suffer from itchy eyes, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. However, we have also seen mold toxicity linked to neurotoxicity and depression. 

Prevention / Intervention 

Over the years, we have learned how truly important lifestyle is when it comes to health. The first thing we want to do to lessen mold exposure is to be cautious of the food we eat and if there are moldy areas in our homes. Next, we can reduce exposure by keeping the insides of our home dry (bathrooms), fixing leaks as soon as they occur, and not smoking inside. 

InBody + LEVL 

One of the key risk factors for any type of health condition is an underlying issue. Underlying issues typically come from those who are suffering from metabolic syndrome or are overweight. The reason is, fat cells produce more cortisol, leading to more stress. This creates an ever-burning fire. Stress impacts health and fat cells are linked to inflammation. One way to check if you are at risk for an underlying condition is to have an InBody scan performed. We have an InBody 770 machine at our clinic and use it to assess our patient’s visceral fat levels as well as inflammation or edema. If a patient would like to lose weight to reduce their risk of underlying disease and conditions, the keto diet is well studied. We use technology from the company LEVL to measure the exact amount of ketones in the systems to make sure the patient is in ketosis for optimal results. 

We have seen just how much an environment can impact health. One of my first steps in coaching clients to be successful is to look at their environmental factors and start by making small, attainable steps. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach

References: 

Zava. “553A: Toxic Mold” FunctionalMedicineUniversity. Toxic Molds, 24 Feb. 2021. 

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Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico