I have seen many patients over my years of practice that have complex and confusing symptoms that don’t fit any medical diagnosis. As an expert in Environmental Medicine, the first areas I explore are what environmental exposures might have contributed to the problem. Often there is a history of water damage in the home or office that wasn’t fully remediated, leading to an insidious onset of problems. This is an area that most physicians, not trained in these techniques, don’t think to inquire about.
Mold and other toxins are a major factor in the epidemic of problems ranging from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, chronic fatigue, atypical neurological diseases, allergies and atypical rheumatological disorders like connective tissue disease and arthritis. One reason toxins are an increasing cause of illness is the sheer number of chemicals we are exposed to, overwhelming our detoxification capacity.
There are about 85,000 chemicals discharged into the environment on a daily basis of which only about 2,000 have been thoroughly studied. In addition, pesticides such as glyphosate (in Roundup), have multiple effects that make us more vulnerable to other chemicals. Add to this the impact of energy efficient building techniques which prevent normal air circulation from removing mold toxins while increasing volatile organic compounds, leading to the detoxification pathways being overwhelmed.
Genetically about 25% of the population is at risk for chronic inflammation from toxin exposure, especially mold toxins. This differs from being allergic to molds with symptoms like sneezing and congestion. Mold toxin illness includes symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, sharp, shooting pains, digestive upset, weakness, depression and anxiety.
To evaluate the underlying causes of chronic symptoms is not a simple task. However, with clinical experience and the right tests we can often identify the direction treatment should take, leading to an approach that can make a big difference. The first step is to identify the source of mold exposure (if that is the major toxin exposure) and to eliminate this from the home or workplace. We then use both natural and prescriptive substances to bind toxins in the gut and assist the liver in clearing them from the body. If needed, anti-fungal medications can be used.
In some cases the body only needs a minor assist to resolve these problems, in others it is a slow process. However, with the right treatments and a comprehensive approach, regaining robust health is possible for many people. Through supporting the body’s natural detoxification process and assisting where needed, many people find these elusive and life changing symptoms can improve.