Mould, the Immune System and Histamine: What You Need to Know
For centuries, humans have co-existed with mould. Typically, small amounts of environmental moulds don’t pose a significant issue. However, in some individuals who have a genetic predisposition, are under chronic stress, or who are vulnerable, mould can cause a significant impact. In this blog, we’ll discuss mould illness and symptoms as well as the effect that mould has on the immune system, detoxification pathways and the gut. We’ll look at the connection between mould, histamine intolerance and MCAS. I’ll also touch on a few tips on preventing mould in your environment and what to do if you already have it.
What is mould?
Mould refers to a type of fungus. It thrives in moist environments and can be found both indoors and outdoors. Mould plays a vital role in nature in breaking down organic matter. However, it can become a problem when it grows indoors, often causing damage to structures and posing health risks to humans and animals.
There are many different species of mould, and they come in various colours, including:
Green
Black
White
Orange
Blue
Mould reproduces by releasing spores into the air. These settle on surfaces and grow under the right conditions. Common indoor moulds include Aspergillus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys chartarum (often referred to as black mould). Often, mould is hidden inside walls, floors or ceilings, so sometimes it can be hard to see.
Symptoms of mould illness:
Exposure to mould can lead to various health issues, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Symptoms of mould exposure may include:
Asthma
Chest tightness
Altered growth of children
Frequent infections
Brain fog/issues with memory
Itchy eyes
Sneezing
Dry or scaly skin
Frequent coughs
Altered hormone function
How does mould illness affect the immune system?
Mould illness, also known as mould-related illness or mould toxicity, can impact the immune system in several ways:
Allergic Reactions:
Mould spores can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. When the immune system identifies mould spores as harmful, it initiates an allergic response. Leading to symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Repeated exposure to mould allergens can exacerbate allergic responses and strain the immune system over time.
Immune System Activation:
Mould exposure can activate the immune system, leading to inflammation as the body attempts to fight off perceived threats. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune response over time, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other health issues.
Immunosuppression:
Prolonged exposure to certain moulds, particularly those producing mycotoxins (toxic substances released by moulds), may suppress immune function. Mycotoxins can interfere with the normal functioning of immune cells, impairing their ability to combat pathogens and increasing the risk of infections.
Autoimmune Reactions:
Some individuals may develop autoimmune reactions triggered by mould exposure. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Increased Susceptibility to Infections:
Mould-related illness can compromise the immune system’s ability to defend against infections. Weakened immune function, inflammation, and impaired respiratory function due to mould exposure may create an environment conducive to bacterial or viral infections, leading to recurrent illnesses.
Overall, mould illness can dysregulate the immune system. This can lead to a range of immune-related symptoms and increased susceptibility to infections and other health complications. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with allergies, asthma, or underlying health conditions, may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of mould exposure. This also includes those with histamine intolerance and MCAS as I’ll discuss more in the section below.
Mould and the immune system, detoxification pathways and gut health:
Normally, the body relies on detoxification pathways to rid itself of toxins. Similarly, the microbiome, composed of diverse gut bacteria, influences gut health, either promoting wellness or predisposing to illness. Damage to gut wall integrity can exacerbate inflammation and compromise immune function.
However, when the body is affected by mould illness, the detoxification pathways and gut health can be affected in several ways:
Overloading Detoxification Systems:
Exposure to moulds, particularly those producing mycotoxins, can overwhelm the body’s natural detoxification pathways. Mycotoxins are toxic substances released by moulds as they grow, and they can tax the liver’s detoxification capabilities.
Inhibiting Enzyme Activity:
Mycotoxins can inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in detoxification processes. For example, certain mycotoxins may interfere with the function of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a crucial role in metabolizing toxins and drugs in the liver.
Disrupting Gut Microbiota:
Mould exposure can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, which plays a vital role in the immune system. Additionally, mould exposure may contribute to intestinal permeability (leaky gut), allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and creating more inflammation and a reactive immune system.
Generating Oxidative Stress:
Mycotoxins produced by moulds can induce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defenses. Excessive oxidative stress can damage cells and tissues, impairing detoxification pathways and leading to inflammation and further oxidative damage.
Mould illness, histamine intolerance and MCAs
One significant aspect of mould illness involves its interaction with histamine and mast cell activation (MCAS). Histamine is a compound released by mast cells in response to allergens, pathogens, and other triggers. In individuals with mould illness, exposure to moulds can lead to the release of histamine and activation of mast cells, contributing to symptoms such as inflammation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues.
For those with histamine intolerance and MCAS, mould exposure can be particularly bad because it heightens the reactions even more.
What to look out for in your environment:
Indoor environments can be a breeding ground for mould. Often influenced by the weather conditions, the age of the building as well as past water damage.
Mould loves to thrive where there’s moisture indoors, including in:
Doorways
Windowsills
Basements
Cellars
Beneath carpets and upholstery
Vents
Within ceilings.
Plus areas affected by flooding are prone to mould growth.
How to prevent mould:
While mould can thrive in various environments, it depends on moisture to proliferate. To prevent mould growth and reduce dampness in your home, consider the following measures:
Maintain adequate ventilation:
Use exhaust fans, especially during activities like bathing, showering, cooking, doing laundry, and drying clothes. Open Windows if you don’t have fans.
Improve cross ventilation:
Open windows when weather conditions allow.
Reduce humidity:
Limit the use of humidifiers, minimizing the number of indoor plants and fish tanks, and avoiding excessive use of unflued gas heaters. Dehumidifiers can be useful if you live in a humid climate or notice dampness or condensation on your windows. Most moulds like a damp environment, drying it out inhibits growth.
Prompt repairs:
Take control of moisture and dampness by promptly repairing any water leaks or plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, roof leaks, or blocked rain gutters. Sometimes these are not obvious, such as a leak at the back of a fridge or icemaker, roof leaks or leaks behind walls or in the basement or attics.
In case of flooding, thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials, and discard items that cannot be effectively cleaned and dried.
Address rising and lateral damp:
These indicate ground moisture seeping up brick or stone walls. This problem can worsen due to poor sub-floor ventilation or moisture in the sub-floor area. Solutions may include installing a new damp course or waterproof barrier in the wall and ensuring that weep holes and air vents at the base of your home remain unobstructed.
What can I do if I suspect mould in my house/environment?
If you are concerned about your house, place of work etc, then you can always get your house assessed by a building biologist. The Australasian Society of Building Biologists (ASBB) has information on their website about getting your environment assessed for electromagnetic fields, mould, allergens, drinking water quality, chemicals and air quality and can provide advice about building healthier homes.
Read more about Mould and Moisture Assessments here.
Another option is to use an air filter.
The best one to get is one with a carbon filter and HEPA filter. Carbon filters out odours, smoke, fumes, mould byproducts and other chemicals. Whereas a HEPA filters remove dust and other allergens, such as mould spores.
Innova Air has carbon and HEPA purifiers in Australia. Have a look at their range here.
You can also get tested to see if you have mould mycotoxins that might be in your body and work with practitioners like us who are used to working with Mould and histamine. Improving detoxification systems and regulating the nervous system and immune systems, while also working on the gut to strengthen the body’s defences against mould, can get you back to feeling good again.
I had my own experience with multiple mould exposures which contributed to my cluster of symptoms and conditions. Helping my clients find out if mould is contributing to their issues and getting them back to health is a passion of mine!
Mould illness can have far-reaching effects on the body, impacting the immune system, detoxification pathways, and gut health. Mould and the immune system are closely intertwined, as excessive exposure can exacerbate symptoms, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, histamine intolerance, or mast cell activation.
Prevention strategies, such as maintaining proper ventilation and addressing water damage promptly, are crucial for reducing mould growth in indoor environments. Understanding the connection between mould and the immune system is essential for addressing and mitigating the health risks associated with mould toxicity. If you suspect mould in your environment, consider seeking professional assessment with a building biologist for guidance to ensure a healthier living space.
The good news is we can do a lot to reduce the body’s sensitivity to mould and improve our detoxification systems even if we are unable to make significant changes to our living environment. In BrainFood you learn simple Neuroscience tools to reduce sensitivity to Mould and other environmental irritants as well as balance the hypersensitive immune system and increase the effectiveness of detox pathways or treatment protocols. You can learn all about these tools in BrainFood.
Struggling to get answers about your histamine intolerance symptoms?
Watch my free Masterclass – The 5 Steps to Healing from Histamine Intolerance.
You will learn my 5-Step plan, the exact same method I used to recover from histamine intolerance. These 5 steps everyone with histamine intolerance must know to resolve all those confusing symptoms and get back to eating foods you love without fear!
About Luanne Hopkinson
Luanne Hopkinson (GradDipHumNutr, BSc, ADipNutrMed) is a clinical nutritionist, neuroplasticity coach, and founder of Happy Without Histamine. After navigating her own MCAS and histamine intolerance journey, she now helps women with MCAS and histamine sensitivity stop chasing triggers and start creating real healing.
Through her 5R Histamine Modulation Protocol™, Luanne combines gut microbiome repair with nervous system regulation to help the body feel safe again, so reactions settle, and life expands.
Because healing histamine intolerance isn’t about shrinking your world, it’s about getting back into it.
Educational information only. This content is provided for informational purposes by Luanne Hopkinson, Clinical Nutritionist & Member of ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society). It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner before changing your diet, starting supplements, or making health decisions. Individual experiences may vary.
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Sam
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