The Mold We Eat: Hidden Toxins in our food and how to reduce them

 

When you think of mold, you probably picture fuzzy green spots on spoiled bread or cheese. But what if we told you that mold and its byproducts are hiding in foods you consume daily? From coffee and soft drinks to processed snacks and condiments, mold-derived substances and allowable mold contamination are more common than most people realize.

 

As Dr. Joseph Mercola states in Fat for Fuel, “Our modern diet is riddled with hidden toxins, many of which come from substances we’re unaware of.” By understanding the sources and impacts of mold in food, you can make more informed choices to improve your health and reduce your body’s toxic load.

 

How Synthetic Citric Acid is Made and Its Hidden Origins

 

Synthetic citric acid is a ubiquitous food additive found in everything from sodas to salad dressings. While it may sound natural—as it’s associated with citrus fruits—most citric acid on the market is synthetically produced. There isn’t enough citrus in the world to make the citric acid we consume. Adding to your mold toxic load may not be doing you a favor.

 

The Industrial Process of Citric Acid Production

 

The majority of citric acid today is produced through a fermentation process using the mold Aspergillus niger. This mold is fed a sugar solution, often derived from GMO corn, to create citric acid as a byproduct. While the end product is purified, trace residues of mold and the chemical processes involved can remain.

 

WATCH VIDEO ON SYNTHETIC CITRIC ACID

 

Foods That Contain Citric Acid:

• Soft drinks and fruit juices
• Candy and ice cream
• Baked goods
• Packaged sauces and condiments
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Many, many more... Please check your food labels

Dr. Mark Hyman, author of Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?, warns, “The chemicals and additives in processed foods disrupt our body’s natural detoxification processes.” While citric acid may seem harmless, its widespread use contributes to cumulative exposure that may affect sensitive individuals. Sensitivity may compound over time due to increased exposure.

 

Mold Levels Allowed in Foods

 

Even when mold is not an intentional ingredient, trace amounts are allowed in many foods under U.S. regulations. The FDA sets specific limits for mold contamination to ensure safety, but these limits may surprise you. Compared to other countries around the world, see how the United States ranks in their mold limits. This might make you uncomfortable.

 

Mold in Coffee:

Coffee beans are particularly susceptible to mold contamination during growth, storage, and processing. Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by mold, are often found in coffee. While regulations limit allowable levels, even small amounts of mycotoxins can contribute to your toxic load over time.

 

Mold in Other Foods:

• Peanuts: A common source of aflatoxins, a dangerous mycotoxin. *Sorry to the peanut butter lovers!
• Grains: Corn, wheat, and oats can harbor mold during storage.
• Cheese: Mold is intentionally used in some varieties but can also occur unintentionally in others. If your toxic load is high, you may have trouble eating different aged cheeses.
• Dried fruits: Often contain mold due to improper drying techniques. Make sure it's done right.

 

According to Dr. David Asprey, founder of Bulletproof, “Even low levels of mycotoxins can have cumulative effects, contributing to fatigue, brain fog, and immune dysfunction.”

 

The Health Impact of Mold and Mycotoxins

 

Consuming foods contaminated with mold or mycotoxins can lead to a range of health issues, many of which may go unnoticed or be misattributed to other conditions. Here's an expanded look at how mold and mycotoxins affect the body:

 

1. Digestive Problems

Mold-contaminated foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins has been linked to increased gut permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut syndrome,” which can exacerbate food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions.

 

According to Dr. Robert Morse, author of The Detox Miracle Sourcebook, “The gut is the center of health, and any compromise to its integrity can cascade into systemic issues.”

 

2. Neurological Symptoms

Mycotoxins have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurological effects. Symptoms can include brain fog, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression. Chronic exposure may even contribute to neurodegenerative diseases over time.

 

A study published in Toxins journal highlights that mycotoxins like ochratoxin A and aflatoxins can interfere with neurotransmitter pathways, disrupting brain function and emotional stability.

 

3. Immune Suppression

Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and chronic illnesses. Mycotoxins suppress the production of key immune cells like T-cells, which are vital for fighting pathogens. This suppression can lead to recurrent respiratory infections, sinusitis, and even prolonged recovery from common illnesses.

 

Dr. Neil Nathan, author of Toxic, explains, “Mycotoxins are some of the most immunosuppressive agents we encounter in modern environments.”

 

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Mycotoxins have been found to disrupt endocrine function, affecting hormone regulation and metabolism. This can result in fatigue, weight gain, and disruptions in menstrual cycles for women. Mycotoxins like zearalenone mimic estrogen in the body, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect both men and women. These disruptions can further impair energy levels and metabolism, creating a cycle of fatigue and weight fluctuations.

 

5. Respiratory Issues

Inhalation of mold spores, often accompanying ingestion of contaminated foods, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic sinus infections. Studies have shown that mycotoxins can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract, leading to difficulty breathing and persistent coughing.

 

6. Chronic Fatigue and Systemic Inflammation

Exposure to mycotoxins often results in systemic inflammation, which can manifest as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and muscle aches. Persistent inflammation affects the body’s ability to repair itself and can contribute to long-term health challenges, including cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.

 

Dr. Jill Carnahan, a functional medicine expert, states, “Mycotoxin exposure is a significant contributor to chronic inflammation and must be addressed for true healing to occur.”

 

Think mold might be contributing to your health concerns? Get your Toxin Eposure Assessment