Mycotoxins
Mold's chemical warfare. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi to kill competing organisms. They're incredibly small, fat-soluble, and toxic at very low concentrations. Exposure occurs through inhalation in moldy buildings or ingestion of contaminated foods.
Major Mycotoxin Classes
Trichothecenes
From Stachybotrys (black mold), Fusarium. Most toxic. Inhibit protein synthesis. DNA damage.
Ochratoxin A
From Aspergillus, Penicillium. Kidney toxin. Also in coffee, wine, grains. Very common.
Aflatoxins
From Aspergillus. Liver carcinogen. Found in peanuts, corn, grains. Highly regulated.
Gliotoxin
From Aspergillus. Immunosuppressive. Depletes glutathione. Kills immune cells.
Zearalenone
From Fusarium. Estrogenic effects. Binds estrogen receptors. Endocrine disruption.
Chaetoglobosin
From Chaetomium. Disrupts cell division. Cytotoxic. Common in water damage.
Mechanisms of Damage
Cellular Effects
- Oxidative stress: Deplete antioxidants, generate ROS
- Mitochondrial damage: Impair energy production
- DNA damage: Some are carcinogenic
- Protein synthesis inhibition: Trichothecenes especially
- Cell membrane disruption: Alter permeability
Systemic Effects
- Immune suppression: Gliotoxin kills immune cells
- Hormone disruption: Zearalenone binds estrogen receptors
- Neurotoxicity: Cross blood-brain barrier
- Liver damage: Primary detox organ affected
- Kidney damage: Ochratoxin especially nephrotoxic
Mycotoxins in Food
Beyond water-damaged buildings, mycotoxins commonly contaminate these foods:
Coffee
Often contaminated with ochratoxin. Choose quality, tested brands.
Grains
Corn, wheat, barley. Store in dry conditions. Watch for visible mold.
Nuts
Peanuts, tree nuts. Aflatoxin risk. Brazil nuts especially problematic.
Wine
Ochratoxin from grape mold. Red wine higher than white.
Dried Fruits
Raisins, figs, dates. Mold grows during drying process.
Spices
Paprika, pepper, nutmeg. Tropical origins = mold exposure.
Supporting Mycotoxin Clearance
Binders
Cholestyramine, activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella. Bind toxins in gut for elimination.
Glutathione
Master antioxidant depleted by mycotoxins. Liposomal or IV forms. NAC as precursor.
Sweating
Sauna therapy helps excrete some mycotoxins through skin. Far-infrared preferred.
Liver Support
Milk thistle, NAC, alpha-lipoic acid. Support Phase 1 and 2 detox pathways.