What Can Happen If You’re Exposed to Mould?

You may not be aware of it, but mould could be affecting your health. Mould toxicity or exposure is often misdiagnosed, as it can act like many other conditions.  

Mould exposure can cause:

• Irritated eyes
• A sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
• Dry, scaly skin
• Digestive problems 

These symptoms can vary from person to person and range from mild to more severe. 

Moulds produce allergens, irritants and toxic substances and can induce asthma, trigger sinusitis and even contribute to lung disease. Some people are more sensitive to moulds than others. 

How to Alleviate Mould in the Home After Flooding 

The most common indoor moulds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Stachybotrys, or black mold, is the most dangerous type.  Mycotoxins are produced which if inhaled, eaten, or touched are toxic to humans. Getting on top of mould issues is really important.

If there are signs of mould in your house due to flooding, be sure to do the following:

• Cut the plasterboard about 50 centimetres above the waterline and remove it.  
• Remove any wall insulation as this can store bacteria and dampness.
• For any timber or metal studs, try using a pressure wash. Then, spray the studs with antimicrobial disinfectant and leave them to dry completely.
• If you have any hardwood furnishings such as tables, you may be able to save them through proper scrubbing with hot water and antimicrobial disinfectant to wipe the mould away from the surface.
• It’s not worth trying to salvage any soft furnishings, such as couches or mattresses.
• Replace or remove carpets that have been soaked and can’t be dried right away. 

How to Stop Mould from Growing

• Use a dehumidifier in your home to keep humidity levels as low as you can. I have been running my dehumidifier ongoing since the floods and it's amazing how much water it's collecting.
• Consider installing an air conditioner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter attachment – this can trap mould spores from the outdoor air before they circulate inside the home.
• Ventilate all bathrooms and run the exhaust fan during and after a shower or bath to dry the air. If you don’t have a fan, open a window or door while you’re showering or bathing.
• Fix any leaks in the roof, walls or plumbing.  

How to Internally Treat Mould

Even if you don’t feel particularly sensitive to mould, your body may still need help safely clearing it out of your system. 

To help your body detox mould, it is a good idea to focus on the following:

1. Reducing inflammation

Prolonged mould exposure can trigger and exacerbate chronic inflammation, so I encourage you to focus on getting enough anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.

Anti-inflammatory bone broth, my omega-rich crispy salmon, and this delicious smoothie are all sure-fire ways to help lower your inflammation. 

2. Strengthening your gut microbiome

A healthy gut may just be able to save you from mould toxicity. The research shows that the gut microbiome can eliminate toxins from the body if the gut bacteria is in a healthy balance.¹

To give yourself the best chance against mould toxicity, add Love Your Gut powder or Love Your Gut capsules to your regime. Love Your Gut can help strengthen the lining of the gut walls and remove a build-up of plaque, bacteria and waste. Plus, Love Your Gut improves your digestion capacity, which means you’ll be able to eliminate toxins faster.  

How to Know When You Need Expert Help

While you may be able to tackle mould extermination yourself, it’s best to call a professional if you find mould that’s larger than the size of your hand, as this means the mould has a constant source of moisture and may be spreading across ceilings and walls.

Lee x

References 

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5834427/