Mold Toxicity and Thyroid Connection

The majority of the population, and even most medical doctors, are not aware of the health issues caused by mold toxicity. Allergies are typically the only symptom that conventional medical doctors may link to mold. Even if they run an IgE allergy panel and it comes back positive for a mold allergy, they will likely just refer you to an ENT or an allergist. This is what happened with my son. During his yearly check-up, I mentioned he was dealing with allergies and suspected hidden mold in our home as the cause. The doctor ran an IgE allergy panel, which came back positive for mold and oak allergy, and then referred us to an ENT physician.

Let's pause here. Suppose I took my son to get an evaluation. I can guarantee the only treatment options offered would be a steroidal nasal spray and possibly the removal of his tonsils and adenoids. This is the typical approach in conventional medicine: they look for a diagnosis to prescribe a drug or surgery to alleviate symptoms. That’s it. Occasionally, you might find a practitioner who advises you on testing your home for mold and provides resources to help the body detox from mold. Unfortunately, such cases are rare, and most individuals must seek advice elsewhere.

Mold toxicity, however, goes far beyond allergies. Here are some signs and symptoms of mold toxicity:

• Chronically sick
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Muscle aches and cramps
• Headaches
• Chronic sinus congestion
• Cognitive impairment
• Brain fog
• Numbness and tingling
• Weight gain
• Hormonal issues
• Mood swings
• Body temperature dysregulation
• Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
• Coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath
• Night sweats
• Heart palpitations
• Unusual pains
• Dizziness, vertigo
• Odd tics and spasms and seizure-like events
• Hair loss
• Loss of libido
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Rage

When people hear about mold, they often think of mold growing on food or in the shower. While that type of mold can affect health, the mold that causes chronic health issues is often hidden. This mold lurks behind walls and in crawlspaces, significantly affecting indoor air quality. Chronic exposure from water-damaged buildings is the type of mold I am referring to.

Thyroid-Mold Connection

If you look at the list of signs and symptoms of mold toxicity, you can identify several that are commonly associated with thyroid disease. While it is common to suffer from thyroid symptoms for many years before enough damage is done to the thyroid to warrant a diagnosis, the thyroid problem is not the ultimate issue. That’s why many individuals remain symptomatic even after being placed on thyroid medication. It is essential to address the underlying cause of harm to the thyroid gland. Mold is just one piece of the puzzle, as there are many other factors to consider.

Mold Testing

My favorite urine test for detecting mycotoxins in the body is the Vibrant Wellness Mycotoxins test, which tests for the presence of 29 of the most common mycotoxins produced by mold. This test has been invaluable in helping my clients, as well as my family, get answers to their chronic symptoms. 

Summary

Mold toxicity is a significant and often overlooked health issue that extends beyond common allergies. Chronic exposure to mold, especially from water-damaged buildings, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including those commonly associated with thyroid disease. Addressing mold toxicity is crucial for proper thyroid health, as simply treating thyroid symptoms without addressing the underlying cause often proves ineffective. Utilizing comprehensive mold testing, such as the Vibrant Wellness Mycotoxins test, can provide critical insights and help guide effective treatment strategies.