Methlyation Imbalance and it’s effect on Mental Health
Methylation – a general guide
Recommendations for Treatment of Mycotoxins
HPA Axis Support
- Those with chronic mould exposure may have inefficient immune systems and impaired HPA Axis function contributing to chronic fatigue and other symptoms.
Energy Production/Mitochondrial Function
- Mycotoxins have the ability to bind to DNA and RNA, alter protein synthesis and act as potent mitochondrial toxins, affecting mitochondrial function and ATP production.
Gastro Intestinal Support
- GI support is required to help repair the damaged intestinal lining and leaky cell membranes that may result from mycotoxin exposure. Nutrients such as glutamine will improve GI health by providing fuel to the intestines to rebuild and repair and improve cellular detoxification. Probiotics aid repopulating your GI tract with beneficial bacteria and help keep other organisms (like mould and yeast) in check.
Anti Inflammatory Support
- Chronic inflammation is the underlying commonality in diseases caused by mould and other fungi. The toxins produced by these microorganisms cause our innate immune system to respond to the foreign antigens, resulting in inflammation.
Anti Viral/Bacterial Support
- Microbes exist in communities. Bacterial infections/viruses may surround themselves with other microbes including mould.
- Neurological symptoms are commonly seen with mould toxicity as fungal toxins can affect our brain. There are specific nutrients to reduce the free radical inflammation in the cells that surround and support the brain cells.
- Mycotoxins create oxidative stress. A major mechanism in the cellular defense against oxidative stress is activation of the Nrf2-antioxidant signalling pathway, involved in detoxification.
Dietary recommendations (short-term to support elimination and recovery)
- Follow a strict ‘Mould Detox Diet’ and avoid foods that fuel fungal growth—i.e. junk foods, processed foods, takeaways, left overs, foods containing sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, grains and yeast, edible fungi such as mushrooms, peanuts, beans, cheese, fruit (high in sugar), processed meat, starchy vegetables (corn and root vegetables) coffee, tea, alcohol, fruit juices and soft drinks. Be careful with fermented foods (i.e. tofu, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, tempeh, miso, coconut kefir).
- Do eat: high fibre / low starch vegetables, un-processed meat, fish, eggs.
- Increase antioxidant and anti inflammatory rich foods.
- Increase water intake (filtered/mineralized) – to help flush out organs and prevent dehydration.
- Support the liver, kidneys, gall bladder, lymph system to detox with raw vegetable juices (fruit juices may be too high in sugar), herb teas.
- Avoid smoking, drinking or drug use.