The definition of mycotoxins is as follows: toxic compounds that are naturally produced by certain types of molds (fungi). Mycotoxins are the off-gasses of mold that can contribute to disease within humans, especially if someone previously had mold exposure. We are exposed to mycotoxins through foods, and many are
Mycotoxins are also found in many foods, such as grains, coffee, and even meat and dairy, but these sources rarely negatively impact people due to the low amount. It's not necessarily beneficial to be too focused on every possible mycotoxin source, but instead, focus on the foods with the highest concentration.
The highest amount of mycotoxins are found in:
Coffee is one food item that is notorious for having high levels of mycotoxins. This is partly due to the way that beans are stored and transported. Any humid environment can contribute to the proliferation of mold, and it's essential to be cautious with the kind of coffee you drink. Many people (especially women, who can be more mold sensitive) experience strong reactions to coffee, not because of the caffeine, but because of the mold and mold off-gasses found in coffee. I suggest avoiding coffee that has not been tested for mold as much as possible, although there might be times when coffee on the go is unavoidable. I like Purity Organics coffee - you can use code "KALEMEKOURT" to save if you want to try it out.
Wheat and other grains like corn and barley often have high levels of mold mycotoxins. Many people with autoimmunity experience relief when they begin eating fewer grains, and I believe that this has a lot to do with the high amount of mold found in these grains that can trigger an immune response.
Chocolate is notorious for having high levels of mold, and if you are eating conventional chocolate from the US, the risk of mold increases due to low testing standards. HU kitchen chocolate is one of the best low mold options available.
Nuts are often very, very high in mycotoxins. Many attribute the "PUFAs" in nuts for their ability to impact health negatively, but from my observations, the mold will have more of a negative impact. Polyunsaturated fatty acids will still technically lower (suppress) inflammation when found in whole-food form, so it would not be logical to say that they cause the issues they are blamed for - such as joint pain, gut issues, and their ability to suppress thyroid function. It's essential to avoid nuts that have been roasted (they will mold more rapidly post roasting), but also, many benefit from avoiding them entirely or having them in extreme moderation.
If you have had mold exposure, your reaction to these high-mold foods will probably be more severe due to the overwhelm of the immune system. If you think you have had mold exposure, you can take this eye test to confirm. I will often look at functional testing to ensure exposure and create custom protocols based on an individual's needs. Mold in any form can be harmful, and if you think you have had exposure, it's wise to reach out to a functional practitioner. Mold exposure has been linked to diseases such as cancer, Hashimoto's, and liver cancer. Stay tuned for an upcoming post sharing more info + tips for all things mold-related.
