Mycotoxins are one of the most common health issues from mold exposure. Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that can cause various symptoms in humans, including fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and cancer. Mycotoxicosis is a severe condition that can occur when someone becomes exposed to high levels of mycotoxins over an extended period. The most common types of mycotoxins include aflatoxin, trichothecene, ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1. However, Candida Albicans is a significant problem affecting many Americans. Are you suffering from Candida Albicans and concerned that Mold overgrowth can worsen your condition? Read along for further information.
What is Candida Albicans?
Candida is a fungus that thrives in the warm, moist areas of the body. Generally found on the skin and in mucous membranes, it can cause infections when introduced into the bloodstream or urinary tract. When these infections occur, Candida albicans can grow unchecked.
Candida albicans produce its unique mycotoxin called acetaldehyde (or acetaldehyde). This mycotoxin makes Candida much more harmful than other fungi because it can damage your DNA and disrupt your immune system.
Candida is one of the most common causes of fungal infections. It may be introduced into the body through an abrasion, cut, or scrape on skin or a weakened immune system. Candidiasis can occur in any part of your body, and symptoms range from mild itching to severe discomfort and pain.
Candida Albicans Symptoms
Candida symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms, while others can experience more severe symptoms. Candida overgrowth symptoms include:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Sinus infections
- Digestive issues, e.g., studies have linked Candida to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- Skin and nail fungal infections (especially intertrigo)
- Oral thrush or Candidiasis of the mouth (also known as white tongue)
- Recurring genital or urinary tract infections (e.g., vaginitis)
- Joint pain and Candida arthritis (also known as candidal arthritis or pseudogout)
If you are living in a moldy environment, then there’s a chance that you will become exposed to high levels of mycotoxins which could lead to an overgrowth of Candida albicans.
Is Mold in Your Home Contributing to Candida Albicans Overgrowth?
The first way that the Mold in your house could contribute to a Candida overgrowth is by causing an allergic reaction. People with Candida are prone to allergies which may include certain molds. You may not realize it, but if you’re suffering from Candida overgrowth and allergies, there’s a good chance that some of those allergies result from mold spores.
The second way Mold can contribute to Candida overgrowth is by lowering your immune system. Just like Candida feeds off sugar and carbs, it also provides your body’s energy reserves, such as vitamins and minerals. So if you don’t have enough of these in your body, then Candida can take over more quickly than expected.
While it may seem like Mold in your home is causing Candida overgrowth, the truth is that it’s the other way around. Just as yeast infections result from Candida albicans overgrowth and are not necessarily a cause, Mold can also affect your body. But while an active fungal infection may worsen symptoms such as bloating and fatigue, there isn’t much evidence that Mold can directly trigger Candida in most people.
Reducing Mold Exposure
Mold spores are all around us, but when conditions are right, they can start growing into molds. For example, if you have a leaky roof, water drips down onto the walls and furniture inside your home. If there is moisture in these areas long enough, mold spores will begin to grow into full-blown molds, triggering allergic reactions in those sensitive to them.
Preventing Mold is all about preventing moisture from building up in your house. It applies particularly to those areas where water accumulates (for example, your basement floors or bathrooms). Here are five simple tips that you can follow to prevent moisture build-up in your home.
So how do we reduce our exposure to Mold? Here are some tips:
Inspect Your Home for Mold
You first must inspect your house for any water damage or mold problems. You should also check for leaks around plumbing fixtures and cracks in the walls, windows, and ceilings. If there are any signs of water damage, then you need to take action immediately!
Monitor Humidity Level
The best way to prevent Mold is to ensure that there is no excess humidity in the air. If you have problems with moisture, use a hygrometer to measure it. Also, pay attention to whether there is any condensation on windows and walls. If there is, you’ll need to find out where the moisture is coming from and fix it immediately.
Use Proper Ventilation
If you don’t want Mold inside your home, it’s essential to use proper ventilation when necessary. For example, if you’ve got a basement prone to flooding or leaking pipes, you should open some windows for ventilation purposes. Another good idea would be to use an exhaust fan in the bathroom after showering (this will help clear away excess moisture).
Clean up Excess Water and Spills Immediately
If there’s any spillage in your house (especially around bathtubs or sinks), make sure that you clean it up as soon as possible so that there’s no chance for Mold to begin growing on top of it.
Repair Leaky Gutters
Your gutters must work adequately to channel rainwater away from your roof, so it doesn’t build up on the roof surface. If there are leaks or holes in the gutters, this will allow rainwater to get into the house instead of downspouts, which can cause even more damage than just simple leaks alone would cause. If you notice any leaks in your gutters, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately!
Reduce moisture levels in your home by using dehumidifiers and air conditioning systems. Also, use antibacterial products when cleaning to kill off Mold and use.
Free Consultation with MAS
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an essential issue in domestic and commercial settings. To ensure that you and your family are breathing clean air, you need to test the indoor environment and take steps to remove all sources of contamination.
Our Miami team specializes in indoor air quality testing, mold sampling, and remediation services for all residential properties in Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas, including Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Pompano Beach, and Cutler Ridge. To schedule your indoor air quality testing in Miami or throughout Florida, contact us or call us today at 305-244-7379.