MYCOTOXIN ALERT
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. It is simply information found through experience and/or research. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian nor the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
Mycotoxins, or metabolites created in the body as a result of intake of mold are something I deal with regularly in my practice. We often hear how toxic metals and pesticides are bad. Often, mycotoxins are overlooked. Yet, they impact nearly all people because of how easy it is to be exposed to them. They can be breathed in from air containing mold spores. They can be consumed from foods, especially foods containing grains and nuts. Mold spores can also be contracted by contact with moldy foods, and they can be absorbed by our skin.
So, let’s dive in. To help us learn about mycotoxins, I will be using information from an article written in 2003 and published by the American Society for Microbiology. All the quoted information below is from this article.
WHAT ARE MYCOTOXINS?
“Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by microfungi that are capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Because of their pharmacological activity, some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have found use as antibiotics, growth promotants, and other kinds of drugs; still others have been implicated as chemical warfare agents.”
Examples are “aflatoxin, citrinin, ergot akaloids, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone.”
When mycotoxins get into a person’s system they may be localized (as with athlete’s foot or a localized skin outbreak), or they may be more systemic (as with digestive issues or inflammation).
Like most issues of the body, the impact of these toxins and the interaction of mycotoxins with other toxins are poorly understood. Yet, that doesn’t negate their importance.
HOW DO WE GET MYCOTOXIN STRESS?
The article explains two types of mycotoxin-related issues – mycosis and mycotoxicoses. “In contrast to mycoses, mycotoxicoses are examples of “poisoning by natural means” and thus are analogous to the pathologies caused by exposure to pesticides or heavy metal residues.” This fits with what I see in testing. Often, toxic metals or chemicals are cohabiting the areas impacted by the mycotoxins.
“Mycoses are frequently acquired via inhalation of spores from an environmental reservoir or by unusual growth of a commensal species that is normally resident on human skin or the gastrointestinal tract. These commensal species become pathogenic in the presence of antibacterial, chemotherapeutic, or immunosuppressant drugs, human immunodeficiency virus infection, in-dwelling catheters, and other predisposing factors. The majority of mycotoxicoses, on the other hand, result from eating contaminated foods. Skin contact with mold-infested substrates and inhalation of spore-borne toxins are also important sources of exposure.”
Importantly, the authors also say that “the severity of mycotoxin poisoning can be compounded by factors such as vitamin deficiency, caloric deprivation, alcohol abuse, and infectious disease status.”
“Natural contamination of cereals, figs, oils, seeds, nuts, tobacco, and a long list of other commodities is a common occurrence.” The authors of the article also explain, “It is believed that a 1974 Indian outbreak of hepatitis in which 100 people died may have been due to the consumption of maize that was heavily contaminated with aflatoxin.“ (Aflatoxin is a mycotoxin that is produced by mold. It has been known to be carcinogenic.)
The article also mentions a case in which around 100,000 turkeys died, and it was attributed to mycotoxins in the food they were fed.
Another interesting tidbit from the article is that “several studies have linked liver cancer incidence to estimated aflatoxin consumption in the diet.” Wow. Perhaps addressing mycotoxins can play a role in decreasing the number of cancer cases we see. It sure makes me want to be proactive.
HOW DO WE DEAL WITH MYCOTOXINS?
It seems pretty clear that mycotoxins should be taken seriously. In our traditional health care model, there is currently no testing that I am aware of to reveal the presence of these menacing organisms. However, there are functional labs that can be run that may reveal mycotoxin levels or markers.
Perhaps the most economical option is to use applied kinesiology or muscle response testing to reveal mycotoxin stress. That is the technique I use to determine which toxins are impacting a person’s system. However, at times I do utilize functional labs in addition to using muscle testing, although it isn’t absolutely necessary.
If someone suspects or wants to rule out mycotoxin stress, I highly encourage using some sort of testing method to uncover its presence. Then you can take steps accordingly to address it. Mycotoxin stress is involved in an extremely high percent of the cases that I work with. I am thankful that there are natural tools and supplements that can support the body to remove mycotoxin stress.
I have found that people who test for mycotoxins may also have skin issues, digestive struggles, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, or cardiac stress. Mycotoxins are present in a wide variety of issues, as are other toxins (like toxic metals and chemicals). Biological toxins seem to be opportunistic and the body is wired for survival, thus the battle begins. Learn about other signs of mycotoxin stress here.
With the proper support, a person’s body can remove the toxins and rebalance itself, potentially relieving symptoms and warding off other conditions from developing in the future.
One of the key products I use to support people with mycotoxin stress is a binder called Biotoxin Binder. In fact, I regularly use this binder myself because it is almost impossible to completely avoid intake of mycotoxins. I love that Biotoxin Binder selectively binds to biological toxins, like mycotoxins, and helps ensure that the body will eliminate them. Along with the binder, the drainage or elimination pathway needs to be supported as well. Drainage or elimination support often includes products that support the kidneys, liver, and digestive tract to readily clear the toxins. (What is needed varies from person to person, be sure to talk with a practitioner to find out what is best for you.)
OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES OF MYCOTOXINS
beer, wine, or other grain or fruit-based beverages
coffee beans and coffee makers
flour (nut flours, grain flours, and coconut flour etc.)
pancake and waffle mixes
nuts
dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt
breads, crackers, noodles, and rolls
berries and other fruits
To learn more or to find out if Biotoxin Binder is right for you, reach out today.
Blessings,
Anita
Citation of article used: Bennett JW, Klich M. Mycotoxins. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2003 Jul;16(3):497-516. doi: 10.1128/CMR.16.3.497-516.2003. PMID: 12857779; PMCID: PMC164220. Article accessed on January 10, 2024.