Mold/Microtoxin Poisoning

G-Ju,

The main issue with mold and mycotoxins is accurately determining where you’re being exposed (usually home or workplace or both). Then deciding your best course of action - remediation or moving (or changing job locations).

This is usually done via an ERMI test through Mycometrics Lab. The limitation of the ERMI is mainly that while it will give you a good idea of what you’re being exposed to and how much, it won’t reveal the location of the mold contamination. That will require the help of a very good mold inspector.

I get the sense that there are lots of practitioners out there now who are testing their patients for mycotoxins and putting them on binders, but I don’t hear people saying anything about their ERMI tests and what they’re doing to get out of exposure. Are practitioners not addressing mold exposure? I can’t even comprehend that. Am I missing something? Is there some new ideology among practitioners now that removal from exposure is not necessary?

Just wanted to add something about exposure to mold that you might not realize.

These are some things that often harbor mold or mildew or bacteria. If you have these, take them completely apart and clean them regularly. Maybe use vinegar or something that will break down the film. Denture cleaner might even work.

1. Coffee makers of any kind. Take them apart, dry them out inside, and lay them on their side open to air out and dry after use or ditch them altogether.

2. Water Piks, Electric Toothbrushes, etc. - take them apart and clean and dry regularly.

3. Water pitcher filters, shower head filters, Humidifiers, room dehumidifiers, vaporizers, essential oil machines, etc. Anything that uses water or draws water out of the air can get mold and mildew.

4. Refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, blenders, etc. Keep them clean and dry them out. Clean off food, dirt, dust, and detergent residue.

Just some tips to avoid mold at home. Office coffee pots, refrigerators, and microwaves can be super gross if you’re not the one regularly cleaning them.

G-Ju said...

Are you saying you think the mold is in my house, urine tests are no good, and nothing will help my health other than moving? Sounds horrible.

No, not at all. I’m saying that without doing an ERMI test on your current home that you have no way to verify you are not being exposed there.

The thing is, you recently retested mycotoxins, and you still have them, even though you treated in the past with Cholestyramine without any benefit. That raises the suspicion that you have current exposure somewhere.

WalkingbyFaith thank you so much for your helpful comments.

In regards to the coffee makers, could you explain where the mold grows?

Thank you.

KellyR,

Thank you for sharing that. Do you know what binders are best for zearalenone and gliotoxin? Those were my highest. I have used a variety of binders. Most recently, I have been taking charcoal, bentonite, and MetChem (fulcic/humic acid) one capsule each taken together.

Honestly, I have never felt beneficial effects from taking any binders except Zeobind and only for the first couple of weeks.

TUDCA Plus helped me more than anything else, but I don’t know exactly why or how. Not sure if it’s because of helping the liver detox or its possible effects on histamine/MCAS.

Rainycloud,

With the coffee maker, I had used like a regular type of coffee maker (not Keirig). You pour water into a section of the machine and place coffee filters with the coffee in it. When it’s done making coffee, the inside area (inside the plastic machine casing) is wet from the water and steam. It was like a narrow section in the backside of the machine that would have water and dampness in addition to the top section where the filters go. I would turn the machine on its side and shove paper towels or a rag in there to mop up the water and leave it laying there with the lid open to air out. It was hard to do because of the narrow and deep shape of the area.

Most people just throw away the used filter and wash the pot and never think about the inside of the machine.

I suppose if you live in a very dry climate, the inside might dry out quickly if the lid is left open, but in most environments, I don’t think it would. That lingering wetness can contribute to mildew and bacteria.

I have heard the Keirig’s go moldy, too, but I have never had one. I think I read that people concerned about mold switch from coffee maker to a French press. I guess they have less cavernous parts and are easier to keep clean and dry after use.

Basically, any kind of machine or gadget that comes in contact with water or other liquid most likely needs to be taken apart in order to get everything clean and all the moisture out.

Hi KellyR.

Thank you for responding. I've looked the book up on Amazon, and I have it in my cart. Could you tell me how this book reads? Is it easy to read and follow? Will I be able to look up a specific Mycotoxin and understand what would work best for it?

One more question... Did you test your house with the ERMI test?

Thank you!

KellyR said...
Hi,

A really good resource is Dr Neil Nathan. He wrote a book about mycotins a couple of years ago which helped me so much (I think it is called Toxic).

WalkingbyFaith thank you so much for your help in regards to mold in coffee machines. It's super helpful.

Based on what you said, I think I'm going to buy a french press.

I don't trust myself in cleaning my coffee machines well enough (I have both a regular one and a keurig).