What are mycotoxins, and exactly how can they affect my health?
Mycotoxins are chemicals that many molds produce as a natural part of their life cycle. The chemicals are primarily the by-products of the digestion of the molds food source but are also thought to be released as a defense mechanism against other molds and micro-organisms such as bacteria. Many factors affect when and what type of mycotoxins is released, including the species, the daily and seasonal cycles for the mold, temperature and its food source. In laboratory tests, mycotoxins have been shown to have adverse health effects on the major bodily systems including vascular, digestive, respiratory, nervous, urinary, reproductive, as well as skin. People having chronic immune-suppressive conditions appear to have an increased risk of developing adverse health conditions related to mycotoxins.
