Identifying Mold/Fungi/Yeast & How it Behaves
Most of us have seen mold in one form or another on some item throughout our days, moldy bread, black mold creeping up the wall, I have actually seen it on decaying animals. “GROSS!!” Did you know mold, yeast and fungus can enter into your body through multiple entry routes and can wreak havoc on your body. In this article I want to define what mold is, discuss the difference between bacteria and mold, and then bring it all together for you so when someone asks you about mold, yeast or fungus you have something to tell them.
What Is Mold?
Mold is classified as an opportunistic pathogen meaning, if the environment is right it will move in! First thing to know about “Mold,” what is it?
For simplicity sake the term “mold” encompasses all of the following: yeast, fungi and fungus.
Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter in a moist environment either warm or cold. When humidity is high there is a high potential for mold. No one knows how many species of fungi exist, but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps 300,000 or more. Most are filamentous (thread-like) organisms and the production of spores is characteristic of fungi in general. These spores can be transported by water or insects. An interesting characteristic of mold is that it can travel via airborne. Mold travels a lot like dandelion seeds blowing across a meadow.(1)
Detection of species
In our office we rely heavily on laboratory findings of our patient’s labs to determine their internal biochemistry, mainly blood-serum tests, but here lately we have been diving deeper into patients that have chronic infections using the Gastrointestinal Full Profile. We are able to determine what type of species is being inhabited and if the patient has any drug resistant genes. With this information we are able to open a full arsenal to both the patient and the treating medical physician.
Unlike bacteria and viruses, molds unfortunately share the same cell characteristics to humans. Humans and molds are eukaryotic cells which are further evolved and much more sophisticated than the prokaryotic cells being bacteria.
This patient has a chronic infection, parasites and a positive DNA finding of Yeast/Fungi.
Common Question:
If mold is found on our food, bread or jelly, can we cut off the moldy portion and eat the rest?
Answer:
NO!! Molds are microscopic organisms therefore they are not visible to the naked eye but they are still present.(1) When a mold spore lands on an apple for instance, the first strand that grows out is called a hypha. Then those mold threads continue to spread and grow throughout the whole apple which is similar to a root system of a tree and this becomes hyphae. Then as more hyphae grow throughout the whole apple, this is called mycelium. As conditions continue to remain favorable to the mold, the mycelium must spread throughout the whole apple before they sprout their reproductive bodies which produces mold spores. This is what is visible to the naked eye as black fuzz or white cotton balls. Remember just because you slice that visible portion of mold off of the apple, you are only slicing off the reproductive bodies of the mold. The mold has spread all over the apple which is why that mold infested food must be thrown out. My botany professor always used to tell us, “when in doubt, throw it out.”
Difference between Bacteria and Mold: Diagnosis and Treatment
Bacteria species such as Streptococcus is responsible for strep throat (sore throat) which typically results in the patient feeling feverish, malaise and fatigued. Bacterial infections can infiltrate sinuses, throat, lungs, gastrointestinal, reproductive organs, and skin. Mold species may infect the same areas.
Chronic yeast infections: (a) is due to ingestion of mold resulting in itchy, dry and flaking skin. (b) mold allergies affecting nasal cavities. (c ) candida infection in the mouth.
Exposure to high levels of fungi can be a health threat from inhalation, ingestion or skin contact involving tiny mold spores (invisible to the naked eye), mold toxins (mycotoxins) or mold bodies themselves. Initial symptoms vary depending on entry point but if inhaled; sore throats, hoarseness, cough and nasal congestion. In time as infection progresses symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, rashes, dizziness, shortness of breath, sinus infections, ear pain, muscle and joint pain, and fever. These are symptoms of direct mycotoxin exposure. (2)
As mold conditions go untreated the immune system is overloaded and becomes overzealous. Clinical manifestations of this overloaded immune system result in an unrelenting flu syndrome. This has an effect on one’s daily life because it affects their thinking ability (cognition), energy levels, sleeping patterns, etc. According to research, these changes can be reversible, at least in part, but they can take years to resolve. Correcting digestive chemistry such as low stomach acid is critical for patient recovery.
Diagnosis of mold hypersensitivity syndrome rests on three criteria:(2)
1. An identified heavily contaminated source
b. Found on food
2. Appropriate symptoms temporally related to exposure
a. Difficulty losing weight, chronic allergies, skin problems (dried, rashes, red bumps), chronic headaches, chronic sinusitis, chronic yeast infections, ringworm, etc.
3. Positive lab results
b. Postive IgG antibody test - Serum blood test
Additional Information:
Molds are highly cross-reactive, which means that an antibody response on exposure to mold A may show significant reactivity on the IgG panel test to mold B as well. This means that people who have a mold allergy are more sensitive to food allergies involving grains i.e. bread.
Molds can be VERY difficult to get rid of. If you notice the “Diagnosis” listed above, you have to identify it, figure about where you caught it, check for any other exposure and stop feeding it. Diets high in fermented foods such as cheeses, bread, or beer and those high in sugars, including fruits, fats and oils increase internal fungal growth, according to the website Healing Cancer Naturally.(3)
Garlic and onions, sources of manganese, B6, flavonoids and Vitamin C are said to retard viruses and yeast. Other foods that help combat molds include: shallots, ginger, leeks, green vegetables, soy products, and fish. (3)
A product we carry in the office called “Yeastonil.” This scientifically backed formula helps to establish a broad spectrum anti-fungus, anti-mold, and anti-ova intestinal environment. It provides natural compounds that have shown powerful mold, yeast, and fungus growth inhibition, and help modulate the unhealthy microbial environment produced by these microorganisms.
Conclusion
Foods and supplements alone are not enough to combat mold. In patients with a chronic history of mold must check their home and office for mold spores. This is best left to a professional but there are kits such as Boomerang Air Quality Test that may indicate the need for mold removal.
The first approach to getting rid of mold is to confirm that you have a mold problem through laboratory testing. Second is to identify its source or entry. Third stage is correction.
There is an abundant amount of information on Yeast, Mold, and Fungi that is not discussed here. If you wish to know more about what you can do to keep from getting “old and moldy” contact our office today and get assessed the correct way. If you are not in the Sacramento region, do not worry ~ 40% of patients we take care of in the office are out of state.
Thank you!
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