How To Combat Toxic Mold

We have all been naturally programmed to associate mold with a major negative connotation, noting that it could make you seriously ill if ingested. Many molds can produce something called mycotoxins, which are certain types of mold that can grow on numerous types of foods such as cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and species. However, just because mold is present does not mean mycotoxins have produced.

But with this being said, it is probably wise to avoid ingesting any types of mold. This is because mycotoxicosis can occur from eating moldy food with mycotoxins, which can cause some unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, ADHD, COPD, and depression. More severe, long-term effects are noted as Parkinson’s disease and even cancer.

Sources of mold and how to avoid them.

Mold is something that can not only grow on foods, but it can grow in your natural living space… in your bathroom, in your kitchen, and especially in your basement. Mold and mold spores found in the air can then result in some serious respiratory health problems such as coughing, wheezing, other upper respiratory symptoms in otherwise extremely healthy people. If left unchecked, that white mold or mildew can form into brown or even black mold, which can be incredibly life-threatening.

Some of the best ways you can prevent mold or mildew from forming include the following:

❏ Keeping a healthy humidity level in the home

❏ Keeping natural ventilation through the home, i.e. opening windows

❏ Using organic, non-toxic cleaning products (water-based and non-aerosol)

❏ Eliminate wet areas in the home… wet areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew

❏ Keep indoor plants

❏ Locate any leaks and be sure to fix them promptly

Symptoms of mold exposure.

As mentioned, mold exposure can cause a lot of health issues, mostly upper respiratory. This includes sneezing, runny, or stuffy nose, cough/post-nasal drip, dry skin, etc. If any of these symptoms (or previously mentioned side effects) continue, it is best to see a doctor right away.

Some of the best ways to reduce the onset of mold in the home can include things like using a dehumidifier, keeping all areas of the house dry and not wet, fixing leaks, regular checking and keeping up maintenance on heating and cooling systems, and increasing circulation/ventilation.

This was just a brief intro to the danger of toxic mold and what you can do about it, whether you test positive or negative for mycotoxins. It is important to do everything you can to prevent the onset of mold in the home so you and others can stay feeling well and not having to make a trip to the doctor! While outdoor molds can be extremely beneficial, anything inside the home should not be taken lightly and should be treated immediately to prevent any further, serious issues.

How To Stay Healthy in Our Modern World.

Living in today’s world, holistically and healthily, has become challenging considering there are pollutants in almost everything. From the food we eat to the cleaning products we use, we could all be making better choices that benefit us from the inside out. One of the best ways to become truly healthy is to enjoy the benefits that nature has to offer us - this means making moves to go more green and natural. And it is possible to do so, even in today’s modern world!

Find a green market.

Farmer’s markets are everywhere. Just look one up in a simple Google search and chances are, you will find one nearby! However, green markets are a bit different in that it refers to previously owned products that have been previously used and put back into productive use. The products are environmentally friendly and the techniques of ‘going green’ are especially popular these days as people become more aware and concerned of environmental issues. People can be sure that their money is going towards a service that is environmentally friendly to the planet, while also benefiting their own health.

Clean out your medicine cabinet.

Most medicine cabinets can be jam-packed with a lot of medication that benefits the big, pharmaceutical companies. But, in today’s modern world, more holistic methods of medicinal purposes are coming into play and taking over medicine cabinets worldwide. There are tons of natural remedies for things that don’t even require looking into other methods such as essential oils. Simply look in your pantry and chances are, you might have some at-home remedies for killing a sore throat or even treating acid reflux.

Freshen up!

Adding indoor plants to your home is a great way to freshen things up, clear the sinuses and congestion, and more. Indoor plants such as Jasmine, Lilies, and Rosemary can not only help add a little bit of fun decor in the house, but they are proven to help improve the air quality inside a house as they can absorb up to 90% of pollutants and chemicals that are present.

In conclusion, exposure to nature and the natural world can truly help your overall health and well-being. From helping you feel better emotionally to helping to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension, being present in nature in as many ways as possible can be one of the best things you can do for yourself.

~Shelly Werts