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Alex Manos | 24 Jan 2025 | Gut Health

Can Mould Cause Gut Issues?

Can Mould Cause Gut Issues?

Mould exposure and the ingestion, or inhalation, of mycotoxins—toxic compounds produced by certain types of mould—have increasingly been recognised as significant contributors to gastrointestinal issues. These compounds can adversely affect the gut lining, disrupt the microbiome, and contribute to systemic inflammation (source). Below, we explore the evidence-based mechanisms through which mould and mycotoxins exert their effects on gut health, and most importantly consider how to regain our health after mould exposure.

It’s important to highlight at the beginning that we are all being exposed to mycotoxins in our diet, hopefully at safe levels (although this is debated in the research). The ‘bigger’ problem may come from living in a water damaged property. Unfortunately, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, 50% of the time mould is not visible – it’s in the wall cavity, under floor boards, behind the washing machine etc. This is why it is so important to consider only hiring a reputable company inspect your home.

Understanding Mould and Mycotoxins

Moulds are fungi that thrive in damp, warm environments and release spores into the air. Common indoor mould species include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys (black mould), and Fusarium. While exposure to mould spores can cause respiratory and allergic reactions, ingestion or inhalation of their secondary metabolites—mycotoxins—poses a different and often overlooked health risk.

Mycotoxins such as aflatoxins, ochratoxins, zearalenone, and trichothecenes can contaminate foods like grains, nuts, coffee, and spices. They are resistant to high temperatures and food processing, making them persistent threats to health.

How Mould and Mycotoxins Damage the Gut

Disruption of the Gut Lining

The gut lining is a critical barrier that regulates the passage of nutrients while preventing the entry of harmful substances. Mycotoxins can compromise this barrier, leading to increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut” (source).

Deoxynivalenol (DON): A trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, DON has been shown to disrupt tight junction proteins in the intestinal lining, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream (source).

Ochratoxin A (OTA): Produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium species, OTA induces oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells (cells that line the intestine), further weakening the gut barrier (source).

Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation

Mycotoxins can trigger chronic inflammation in the gut by activating immune pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB).

In animal studies, DON exposure has been associated with the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, leading to intestinal inflammation (source).

OTA has been shown to modulate immune responses, contributing to gut inflammation and systemic immune dysregulation (source).

Oxidative Stress

Many mycotoxins induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress. This damages intestinal cells and exacerbates inflammation.

Aflatoxins have been found to impair antioxidant defences in the gut, contributing to cellular damage and increased permeability (source).

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Impact on the Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome—a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms—plays a crucial role in digestion, immune regulation, and overall health. Exposure to mould and mycotoxins can disrupt this delicate balance.

Alteration of Microbial Composition

Studies have shown that DON and OTA reduce beneficial bacterial populations like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, while promoting the growth of opportunistic pathogens (source).

Zearalenone has been reported to shift microbial diversity, leading to dysbiosis (source).

Metabolic Disruption

Mycotoxins can interfere with the metabolic activity of gut microbes, reducing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate. SCFAs are essential for maintaining gut health and protecting the intestinal barrier (source).

Promotion of Pathogenic Fungi

Mould exposure may encourage fungal overgrowth in the gut, such as Candida albicans. This can further compromise gut health and contribute to conditions like small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) (source).

For a more comprehensive discussion on the symptoms of mould read our blog here.

Systemic Implications of Gut Damage

Toxin Absorption

Increased intestinal permeability due to mycotoxin exposure allows these toxins, along with other harmful substances, to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to systemic effects, including neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Immune Dysregulation

Gut dysbiosis and leaky gut contribute to immune dysregulation, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and chronic inflammation (Venter et al., 2020).

Neurological Effects

The gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain—can be affected by mycotoxin-induced gut damage. For instance, OTA and DON have been implicated in mood disorders and cognitive dysfunction via gut-mediated mechanisms (Smith & Kullman, 2015).

Mitigating the Effects of Mould and Mycotoxins

Dietary Interventions

Consuming a diet rich in prebiotic fibers and fermented foods can support beneficial gut bacteria.

Activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and other mycotoxin binders may help reduce toxin absorption.

Liposomal Glutathione

Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, essential for detoxification and reducing oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins.

Why Liposomal? Liposomal glutathione is a more bioavailable form, ensuring it is absorbed efficiently by the body. This is particularly important for individuals with compromised gut health, a common issue in mould illness.

Benefits: It supports liver function, neutralises free radicals, and enhances the excretion of mycotoxins through bile and urine.

Dr. Crista emphasises glutathione as a cornerstone therapy for patients suffering from mould illness, as it helps restore cellular health and reduce inflammation.

Recommended Product: Liposomal Glutathione

Phosphatidylcholine and Bile Support

Mycotoxins often impair bile flow and damage cell membranes. Phosphatidylcholine and bile-supporting therapies play a vital role in restoring these functions.

Phosphatidylcholine: A key component of cell membranes, phosphatidylcholine aids in membrane repair and supports the detoxification process by improving bile production and liver function.

Bile Support: Supporting bile flow is essential for removing fat-soluble mycotoxins. Supplements like ox bile, taurine, or bitters can assist with this process.

Recommended Product: Phosphatidylcholine or Bitters.

I appreciate the phosphatidylcholine is incredibly expensive (!) but it lasts 88 days and I have seen excellent results with it in clinic. When budget allows, it is worth the investment. If not, then the bitters is a great option.

Probiotics

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in detoxifying mycotoxins and mitigating their harmful effects. Certain probiotic strains have shown promise in binding and breaking down mycotoxins.

Recommended Strains: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve are particularly effective in neutralising mycotoxins.

Gut Restoration: Probiotics also help rebuild gut integrity and balance microbiota disrupted by mould exposure.

Recommended Product: Probiospore. Dr. Crista, a leading expert in treating mould illness, often recommends spore based probiotics. Animal research does demonstrate that lactobacillus and bifidobacteria probiotics may be helpful also however.

Binders for Mycotoxin Removal

Binders are substances that trap mycotoxins in the gut and prevent their reabsorption. They are often a key part of mould detox protocols.

Examples: Activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella, or a combination product. Dr. Nathan claims that we should use specific binders for specific mycotoxins. In this case, you would need to do a test to understand what mycotoxins you have been exposed too.

Usage Tip: Binders should be taken away from food and other supplements to avoid interference with nutrient absorption. Binders should also not be used if you are constipated.

Recommended Product: Activated Charcoal

Dietary fibre can also act as a binder however. Consider ground flaxseed and psyllium husk powder., rice bran and oat bran and ground seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin.

Infrared Sauna Therapy

Sweating is another effective way to eliminate mycotoxins. Infrared saunas promote sweating at a cellular level, helping to release toxins stored in fat tissues.

Benefits: Increases circulation, supports lymphatic drainage, and reduces toxin burden.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Support

Foods To Avoid: Sweets of any kind, dried fruits, leavened bread, yeast, simple carbohydrates, baked goodies, mushrooms, corn, potatoes, pickles & pickled foods, vinegar, soy sauce, cantaloupe, grapes, apples, aged cheeses, peanuts and peanut butter, salami and cured meats, coffee unless tested to be free from mycotoxins,

Eat an anti-inflammatory diet: Reducing inflammatory foods like sugar, processed foods, and dairy can help lower the overall toxic burden. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, and turmeric as well as healthy fats from foods like avocados, olive oil, eggs and oily fish can support recovery.

Foods To Fight Mould: Include garlic, onions, shallots, scallions, chives, leeks.

Hydration: Adequate water intake is critical to support kidney function and toxin excretion.

Sleep and Stress Management: Restorative sleep and stress reduction are essential for healing. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation can support the body’s recovery processes.

Conclusion

Mould and mycotoxins represent a significant, yet often underestimated, threat to gut health. By damaging the intestinal lining, disrupting the microbiome, and triggering inflammation, they can contribute to a wide range of gastrointestinal and systemic health issues. Awareness, preventive strategies, and targeted interventions are essential to mitigate their impact and protect gut health.

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