Understanding Detox and Mycotoxins—The Side Effects of Toxin Exposure

For many people who struggle with mold sensitivity, finding relief from the inflammatory symptoms can feel like a constant quest with no end in sight. That’s because mold produces highly toxic byproducts called mycotoxins that are some of the most damaging compounds we’re exposed to. For those who are susceptible, mycotoxins can wreak havoc on cells, tissues, and organs, causing the most trouble and serving as the biggest obstacle to healing, whether it be from mold sickness or any other condition.^1,2

The Impacts of Mold and Mycotoxins

But why do some people get so sick from mold exposure, while others don’t react at all? For  people who are highly sensitive to mold, even tiny amounts of exposure can trigger debilitating symptom flare-ups that knock them out for days.

Many people point to your genetics as the answer. Experts in the field of mold and mycotoxins have shown that some people carry specific genetic mutations that hinder the body’s ability to detoxify certain toxins through the correct detox pathways in the body. This data suggests that different mycotoxins need to be eliminated through different detox pathways, and if you carry genetic mutations that hinder that pathway, you may be more susceptible to certain mycotoxin exposure.

To make matters worse, it’s not just mycotoxins that can contribute to this heightened sensitivity. Other toxins—glyphosate and other pesticides, heavy metals, industrial chemicals and much more—can make the issue worse, contributing to a high toxic body burden that causes a cascade of inflammatory symptoms including pain, neurological problems, and fatigue—and can fuel chronic diseases like cancer.

Symptoms of Mycotoxin Exposure

In my practice, I’ve seen just how debilitating mycotoxins can be for patients who are extra sensitive. For these patients and so many others, an aggressive detox program that aims to fight fungal infections and activate certain detox pathways, often causes more harm than good. Complex protocols like these can trigger Herxhiemer reactions, aka detox crises, and cause symptoms to flare up and worsen.

Symptoms of mycotoxin issues and flare ups can include any of the following:

·  Exhaustion and fatigue

·  Brain fog and memory issues

·  Respiratory problems and asthma-like symptoms

·  Flu-like symptoms

·  Aches and pains, or sharp needle-like pain

·  Dizziness and loss of balance

·  Sinus infections and sinus problems

·  Sensitivity to bright light

·  Rashes

·  Digestive conditions

This is a fundamental aspect of what I call the survival paradox—i.e., how the body’s attempt to fight and survive can actually end up causing more harm and worsening our health. Fungus like candida in the body, also want to survive. That’s why adding in aggressive detox and treatment compounds can trigger the release of more mycotoxins and other byproducts by the fungus in an attempt to survive, fueling symptom flare-ups and systemic inflammation.

This is a primary reason why so many people struggle to get better in the face of mold and mycotoxins—because the treatments they may need are often too strong for their overloaded systems to handle.

The good news is, there’s a way around this risk of the double-edged sword with mycotoxin detox and recovery. Through extensive research and clinical work treating patients with mycotoxins and related issues, I’ve come to rely on a selection of unique natural compounds that provide powerful  detox support to lower toxic body burden, including mycotoxins, while simultaneously reducing inflammatory immune reactions and repairing the damage that’s been done.

The simplicity and efficacy of this approach makes it suitable for nearly everyone, regardless of their genetic susceptibility, sensitivity, toxic body burden, or compounding health issues.

Galectin-3—A Key Driver of Mycotoxin Illness

Extensive research shows that the body’s master “survival protein”, galectin-3, is the instigator and driving force behind so many chronic, inflammatory conditions, from cancer to kidney and cardiovascular disease—as well as mycotoxin illness.³

Galectin-3 is the upstream pilot light for the inflammatory cascade, and it gets activated in response to stress, infections, injury, toxin exposure, and more. The problem is, it can easily get out of control. When galectin-3 doesn’t turn off like it’s supposed to, it fuels uncontrolled inflammation, fibrosis, cytokine storms and sepsis, and cell, tissue, and organ damage.

Recent research shows that mycotoxins are linked with high levels of galectin-3 in the body, fueling uncontrolled inflammation, immune dysregulation, respiratory damage, and more.^4,5

When we bind and block galectin-3 with the most researched galectin-3 blocker, Modified Citrus Pectin, we’re able to greatly reduce immune reactivity to mycotoxins and other environmental triggers and restore healthy inflammatory and immune responses. Galectin-3 also forms the backbone of the biofilm structure, so binding with Modified Citrus Pectin helps to break up biofilms and mop up their toxic byproducts. And since galectin-3 is also implicated as a driving force in cancer and many other serious conditions, Modified Citrus Pectin adds additional protection and support for our most critical areas of health—many of which are aggravated by mycotoxins.

Clinically researched Modified Citrus Pectin also binds and removes toxins from the body including heavy metals, radioactive elements and other toxins, offering multi-targeted support against mycotoxin illness related issues.

Because of this unparalleled spectrum of health benefits, Modified Citrus Pectin remains the number one most important supplement in my protocols for mycotoxins, and any inflammatory disease—acute or chronic.⁶

Comprehensive Gut Detox Support

In addition to Modified Citrus Pectin, my other top recommendation for support against mycotoxins is a powerful gut binding and detox formula that targets pesticides including glyphosate, as well as mycotoxins and other environmental toxins. With a blend of broad-spectrum natural binders including fulvic acid, kelp, alginate, glycine, and unmodified citrus pectin, this formula works to bind toxins in the gut, including mycotoxins, for safe elimination, and prevent toxins like glyphosate from being stored in the body. It also supports gut wall integrity to reduce leaky gut, and provide powerful prebiotic nourishment to support healthy microbiome balance, which is essential in any detox program.

One of the most challenging aspects of mycotoxin recovery is the environmental component. Mold and mycotoxins can be found everywhere, and for people who have exposure from their homes, it can mean extensive repair and remodeling—or moving entirely. Traveling is basically out of the question for the most sensitive people.

But what I found using this simple mycotoxin protocol of taking modified citrus pectin and a blend of natural gut binders, is that it helps to reduce environmental sensitivity and triggers—meaning patients could face exposure without getting sick and knocked out like they used to.

While it’s always advisable to avoid mold exposure, especially in severe infestations, it’s not always possible to eliminate it completely. But when we tame our immune responses and reduce our reactivity to mycotoxins, we can strengthen our defenses and survive mold exposure— just like the people whose powerful detox abilities prevent them from experiencing mold reactions in the first place.

Sources:

1. Ülger TG, Uçar A, Çakıroğlu FP, Yilmaz S. Genotoxic effects of mycotoxins. Toxicon. 2020 Oct 15;185:104-113. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.004. Epub 2020 Jul 10. PMID: 32653416.
2. Harding CF, Pytte CL, Page KG, Ryberg KJ, Normand E, Remigio GJ, DeStefano RA, Morris DB, Voronina J, Lopez A, Stalbow LA, Williams EP, Abreu N. Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction. Brain Behav Immun. 2020 Jul;87:218-228. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.006. Epub 2019 Nov 18. PMID: 31751617; PMCID: PMC7231651.
3. Sciacchitano S, Lavra L, Morgante A, et al. Galectin-3: One Molecule for an Alphabet of Diseases, from A to Z. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jan 26;19(2):379. 
4. Croston TL, Lemons AR, Barnes MA, et al. Inhalation of Stachybotrys chartarum Fragments Induces Pulmonary Arterial Remodeling. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2020;62(5):563-576. 
5. Teirilä L, Karvala K, Ahonen N, et al. Proteomic changes of alveolar lining fluid in illnesses associated with exposure to inhaled non-infectious microbial particles. PLoS One. 2014 Jul 17;9(7):e102624. 
6. Eliaz I, Raz A. Pleiotropic Effects of Modified Citrus Pectin. Nutrients. 2019 Nov 1;11(11):2619.