Mould/Myctoxin Illness
A Functional Medicine Approach to Mould and Mycotoxins
Moulds are microscopic fungi that decompose organic matter. They are made of clusters of fine fibres and release tiny spores that float in the air. There are thousands of species, and they all need moisture to grow. Indoors, mould thrives in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and even the soil of plant pots. Outdoors, it appears on rotting logs and wet leaves. Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) is just one type that grows on materials like wood, paper or drywall in the presence of moisture, but it isn’t necessarily more dangerous than other moulds.
Causes of mould growth
Mould spores are everywhere and can enter homes through windows, doors and on clothing or pets. When spores find moisture, oxygen and a food source (often cellulose), they grow. Common sources of moisture include leaks, flooding, high indoor humidity and poor ventilation. Indoors, mould often flourishes behind walls, on carpet pads, and in basements, bathrooms or other damp spaces.
Health Effects and Symptoms of Mould Exposure
Mould produces allergens and irritants. Breathing or touching mould can cause:
- Digestive Issues such as bloating, gas, loose stools or constipation
- Chronic Fatigue affects Mitochondrial disruption: mycotoxins interfere with ATP production (energy) leading to oxidative stress, constant inflammation that drains antioxidants and energy reserves
- Brain fog due to Neurotoxic effects: ochratoxin, trichothecenes, and others cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Joint Pain due to Mould toxins driving chronic inflammation and cytokine release which can trigger autoimmune-like reactions, leading to stiffness and pain.
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Respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Exposure can also contribute to or worsen asthma, allergic rhinitis and bronchitis.
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Allergic reactions like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and skin rash. Many people experience hay‑fever‑like symptoms when exposed to mould.
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Asthma flares, with coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath, especially in people who already have asthma or allergies.
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Eye and skin irritation; mould exposure can irritate the eyes, cause eczema or skin rashes, and may lead to fungal infections in people with weakened immune systems.
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Mental health effects; living in damp, mould‑infested homes can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression.
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Long‑term risks, such as a higher likelihood of developing asthma and possible mood and immune‑system changes with chronic exposure.
People at increased risk
Certain groups are more vulnerable to mould’s effects: those with allergies or asthma, chronic lung diseases like COPD or cystic fibrosis, or cardiovascular disease; people with weakened immune systems due to medications or illnesses; pregnant women; infants and children; and older adults. A family history of allergies, occupations with high mould exposure, living in buildings with water damage or poor ventilation, and high indoor humidity also increase risk.
Mould Testing
Our approach at the clinic to diagnose mould allergy or sensitivity is to take a detailed history and run either urine and/or specific IgE/IgG blood tests . These tests look for allergic and immune responses. There are no simple tests for “mould toxicity” or systemic mould illness. Home mould test kits are generally not recommended; if you see or smell mould, fix the moisture problem and remove the mould rather than relying on kits.
Treatment and Management
The most important step is to avoid further exposure by finding and removing mould sources, fixing leaks promptly, improving ventilation and using dehumidifiers. For symptom relief, options include nasal irrigation, antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants and other medications. People with mould allergy and asthma should ensure good asthma control and may need reliever, preventer or combination inhalers. In some cases, allergists may offer immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Prevention and reducing exposure
Keep indoor humidity below 50 % using dehumidifiers or air conditioning.
Repair water leaks quickly and ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
Change HVAC filters regularly and consider using HEPA filters.
Avoid carpeting in bathrooms or basements and ensure ground drainage slopes away from the house.
Remove or discard mould‑contaminated materials. If you see or smell mould, clean it safely and fix the underlying moisture problem.
Clean and dry plant containers and avoid damp organic materials that can harbour mould.
Our Approach
Optimal Nutrition and Absorption
One of the main aspects of a successful recovery is a diet that includes avoiding or heavily reducing foods that feed mould and yeast such as sugar and refined carbohydrates inlcuding a diet full of immune fighting foods and fibre.
Supplement Support
When it comes to supporting someone dealing with mould (mould) exposure or mould-related illness, the main goals are usually: - Bind toxins - Support detox pathways (liver, bile, kidneys, lymph) - Reduce inflammation/oxidative stress - Support the immune system - Rebuild nutrients depleted by mold toxins
Testing
Mould and Mycotoxin testing is done though Urinary Organic acids or blood test
Targeted Treatments
Our practitioners can recommend additional treatment or lifestyle interventions that have proven effects to help you overcome mould infections such as infra red saunas.
Our Client's Feedback
Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.
Experience
We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.
Custom Approach
There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.
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Causes of mould growth
Mould spores are everywhere and can enter homes through windows, doors and on clothing or pets. When spores find moisture, oxygen and a food source (often cellulose), they grow. Common sources of moisture include leaks, flooding, high indoor humidity and poor ventilation. Indoors, mould often flourishes behind walls, on carpet pads, and in basements, bathrooms or other damp spaces.