The Toxin Nobody Thinks to Look For

Most people cleanse for parasites and heavy metals and never think about mould. Yet if you live in a humid part of Australia, or in an older building, you are probably breathing and eating some of it every day. This is a free guide to where it hides, how it gets in and what you can do about it.

What Mycotoxins Are and Why They Matter

Mould is a fungus. Some species produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds the mould makes as it grows. You take them in three ways: you breathe in spores and fragments, you eat contaminated food and you absorb them through your gut.

A small amount is a normal part of life. The concern is ongoing exposure, because mycotoxins add to the load your liver and gut already carry. People commonly report fatigue, brain fog, headaches and sinus trouble when exposure is high, though none of these symptoms point to mould on their own. As always - If you are unwell, see your doctor.

The Key Exposure Points

Start with the home, because that is where most of the exposure is:

• Bathrooms: shower grout, silicone seals, extractor fans and shower curtains.

• Washing machines: the rubber door seal and detergent drawer on front loaders.

• Air conditioners: split system filters and coils that are never cleaned.

• Windows: condensation pooling on frames and sills overnight.

• Wardrobes, bedding and storage: anything pushed against an external wall or stored in a damp room. Leather shoes and bags stored at the back of cupboards.

• Cars: damp carpets and air conditioning vents.

Then food. Mould grows on grains, peanuts, tree nuts, corn, dried fruit and spices, especially when stored for a long time or in warm conditions. Have you ever opened up a medjool date and seen black?

Easy Swaps

• Swap bulk bin nuts for small, fresh packs, and keep nuts in the fridge or freezer.

• Swap big bags of pantry grains for smaller amounts that you finish quickly.

• Swap a fabric shower curtain for glass, or wash the curtain monthly.

• Swap drying clothes indoors for the line outside, or a ventilated room.

• Swap a plain thermometer for a cheap hygrometer. Aim for indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent.

• Swap harsh bathroom cleaners for the spray below.

What to Do Every Day

These five habits take about ten minutes and can help enormously

• Run the bathroom fan during and for 20 minutes after every shower, then squeegee the walls if damp.

• Leave the washing machine door and detergent drawer open after each wash.

• Open windows for 10 minutes each morning to move damp air out.

• Wipe window condensation before it sits.

• Check under sinks, in wardrobes, behind picture frames and behind furniture each month for damp patches, signs of mould or a musty smell.

Homemade Mould Spray

This works on small areas of surface mould on hard, non porous surfaces such as tiles, grout, glass and sealed shower screens.

• 2 cups water

• 1 teaspoon clove essential oil

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar (optional, helps with soap scum and mineral build up)

Clove oil is the active ingredient here. Its main compound, eugenol, has well documented antifungal properties, and it is the same herb that we include in our Zeally Para Protocol. Add everything to a glass spray bottle, because essential oils can degrade plastic. Shake well before every use, since oil and water separate.

Spray the area, leave it for an hour, scrub with a brush and wipe clean. Wear gloves, a P2 mask and ventilate the room. Clove oil can irritate skin and is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep pets out of the room until it is dry.

Do not mix it with bleach, and do not use it on plasterboard, carpet or mould larger than about one square metre. Mould that keeps returning means there is a moisture problem behind it, and that needs fixing at the source. For larger or hidden mould, call a professional.

Supporting Your Body

Reducing exposure is the first step. Our Gut Guard is a high strength chlorophyllin, with 100 mg per serve, designed to interact with certain mycotoxins in the gut before they are absorbed. Our Deep Detox Bundle helps to balance the load and we encourage use every 6 or 12 months, taking gut guard daily between

Next Step

Pick one area of your home this week and fix it!