Mold illness has been around for quite some time but, as it’s becoming more and more common, it poses a serious health threat to a lot more people. We have seen and helped many patients at our functional medicine in Orlando office affected by mold illness and are aware of the devastating consequences this illness delivers.
Toxic Mold
Certain types of mold produce toxins that can cause a lot of diseases, ranging from common colds and allergic reactions to more severe respiratory and reproductive illnesses, and may even result in death. Mold acts like a magnet, clinging to the body’s cells and eventually ending up in the liver. The liver isn’t able to metabolize toxic mold spores and, therefore, liver problems are one of the most frequent issues people with mold illness experience.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing mold illness can be complex as each type of mold can cause a variety of symptoms and affect multiple organs and systems within the body. The symptoms are often sporadic, coming and going at different times. And, to make matters worse, since the symptoms of mold illness closely resemble those of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, the chances of a misdiagnosis are very high.
Testing
Certain mold illnesses can return normal blood test results, making it critical to receive the proper testing to ensure a correct diagnosis.
At Cellular Health, part of our testing can include the Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test, a highly accurate and non-invasive neurological test that examines your ability to see details at low contrast levels. Since mold illness often produces a decline in the ability to see the edges of things, this test can determine deficiency in neurological function that often results from mold toxicity.
After a patient has been evaluated, blood tests may also be ordered, including:
- Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) – Mold illness can cause MSH levels to decrease, resulting in lower production of melatonin, pituitary hormones, and endorphins, causing numerous issues. The majority of people with mold illness have low levels of MSH.
- C3a and C4a – These complement split products from the immune system have various functions, including the activation of inflammation and stimulation of smooth muscle spasm in small blood vessels. While levels of C3a are typically low in those with mold illness, C4a levels are often high.
- Leptin – Leptin determines how tightly the body holds onto fatty acids, with high levels causing the body to store fatty acids, leading to weight gain. People with mold illness usually have an excess amount of leptin.
Once testing and evaluation are completed, and we identify what’s wrong, we can begin the appropriate treatment plan to get you back on the road to good health. For more inforamtion about functional medicine and Dr. Faria’s approach to treating mold illness, call (407) 862-2287 today.