The current trend is do-it-yourself even for health issues. People search Dr Google and try to match up their symptoms with diagnosable diseases then proceed to search for remedies – all too often falling prey to very clever marketing. End result is a worsening of symptoms and illness.
When it comes to your health, it is essential that you seek the advice of a qualified health professional. General Practitioners are usually the first port of call, but don’t forget that qualified naturopaths offer a wealth of knowledge – including functional medicine.
Treating mould is not simple yet essential if you would like to regain health following exposure.
Mould, when it enters your body, produces metabolic waste products the most abundant of which are gliotoxins. The presence of Gliotoxin can make you sulfur sensitive. Sulfur sensitivity symptoms look a lot like histamine sensitivity symptoms, which you could be making worse if you add sulfur. Widely promoted health supports are glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid – both of which are sulfur based and would make people suffering from mould toxicity and elevated gliotoxin levels even more unwell.
Mould will consume these sulfur-containing usually health supportive nutrients to make more gliotoxin. Gliotoxin in turn impairs your immune system giving mould free-reign to proliferate.
So, you see, it is rarely (if ever) one-size-fits-all when it comes to treating symptoms. Mould illness is particularly challenging but with the right support it can be overcome.
How do you know if you have mould illness?
Ask yourself a few questions – have you ever lived or worked in a mouldy environment?
Mould is not always obvious but if spending time in a particular room, building, vehicle or location causes you to feel unwell, consider the possibility that it could be mould.
If you would like to receive a questionnaire to help identify the possibility of mould illness, please email the clinic.
Hidden sources of mould
Air conditioners – whether individual units or ducted – are a source of mould. Have a look at yours and if you can’t reach the internals, call in the professionals.
Wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, basements, or rooms that don’t get used regularly.
Carpets, mattresses, curtains and other textiles need to be washed, flipped, vacuumed and cleaned regularly.
Carpet in your car can become mouldy due to damp. Have your car’s air conditioning cleaned next time you have it serviced.
Once you start looking for mould, you’ll find it in the most surprising places.
Fresh air, good ventilation and regular dusting are excellent ways to prevent mould from forming. Remember, mould spores live on dust and feed on moisture.