Several years ago, I had a man seeking asparagus for a friend who had cancer. He gave me a photocopied copy of an article,entitled: "Asparagus for cancer" printed in Cancer News Journal, December 1979.
I will share it here, just as it was shared with me: I am a biochemist, and have specialized in the relation of diet to health for over 50 years. Several years ago, I learned of the discovery of Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S. that asparagus might cure cancer. Since then, I have worked with him on his project. We have accumulated a number of favorable case histories.
Here are a few examples:
Case No. 1,
A man with an almost hopeless case of Hodgkin's disease (cancer of the lymph glands) who was completely incapacitated. Within 1 year of starting the asparagus therapy, his doctors were unable to detect any signs of cancer, and he was back on a schedule of strenuous exercise.
Case No. 2,
A successful businessman 68 years old who suffered from cancer of the bladder for 16 years. After years of medical treatments, including radiation without improvement, he went on asparagus. Within 3 months, examinations revealed that his bladder tumor had disappeared and that his kidneys were normal.
Case No. 3,
A man who had lung cancer. On March 5th 1971, he was put on the operating table where they found lung cancer so widely spread that it was inoperable. The surgeon sewed him up and declared his case hopeless. On April 5th he heard about the asparagus therapy and immediately started taking it. By August, x-ray pictures revealed that all signs of the cancer had disappeared. He is back at his regular business routine.
Case No. 4,
A woman who was troubled for a number of years with skin cancer. She finally developed different skin cancers which were diagnosed by asking specialist as advanced. Within 3 months after starting on asparagus, her skin specialist said that her skin looked fine and no more skin lesions. This woman reported that the asparagus therapy also cured her kidney disease which started in 1949. She had over 10 operations for kidney stones, and was receiving government disability payments for an inoperable, terminal, kidney condition. She attributes the cure of this kidney trouble entirely to the asparagus.
I was not surprised at this result, as 'The elements of Materia Medica', edited in 1854 by a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania , stated that asparagus was used as a popular remedy for kidney stones. He even referred to experiments, in 1739, on the power of asparagus in dissolving stones.
We would have other case histories but the medical establishment has interfered with our obtaining some of the records. I am therefore appealing to readers to spread this good news and help us to gather a large number of case histories that will overwhelm the medical skeptics about this unbelievably simple and natural remedy. For the treatment, asparagus should be cooked before using, and therefore canned asparagus is just as good as fresh.
I have corresponded with the two leading canners of asparagus, Giant Giant and Stokely, and I am satisfied that these brands contain no pesticides or preservatives.
PROCEDURE:
1) Place the cooked asparagus in a blender and liquefy to make a puree, and store in the refrigerator.
2) Give the patient 4 full tablespoons twice daily, morning and evening.
Patients usually show some improvement in from 2-4 weeks. It can be diluted with water and used as a cold or hot drink. This suggested dosage is based on present experience, but certainly larger amounts can do no harm and may be needed in some cases.
As a biochemist I am convinced of the old saying that `what cures can prevent'. Based on this theory, my wife and I have been using asparagus puree as a beverage with our meals.
We take 2 tablespoons diluted in water to suit our taste with breakfast and
with dinner. I take mine hot and my wife prefers hers cold.
For years we have made it a practice to have blood surveys taken as part of
our regular checkups.
The last blood survey, taken by a medical doctor who specializes in the nutritional approach to health, showed substantial improvements in all categories over the last one, and we can attribute these improvements to nothing but the asparagus drink...
As a biochemist, I have made an extensive study of all aspects of cancer, and all of the proposed cures. As a result, I am convinced that asparagus fits in better with the latest theories about cancer. Asparagus contains a good supply of protein called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth. For that reason, I believe asparagus can be said to contain a substance that I call cell growth normalizer. That accounts for its action on cancer and enacting as a general body tonic. In any event, regardless of theory,asparagus used as we suggest, is a harmless substance.
The FDA cannot prevent you from using it and it may do you much good.. It has been reported by the US National Cancer Institute, that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is considered one of the body's most potent anticarcinogens and antioxidants.
Please spread the news (at your discretion)...
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Saturday 5 September 2009
It's time to lead with laughter!
It's time to lead with laughter!
Develop healthy laughter and be the leader you are meant to be! Build balance and better relationships, increase productivity and confidence simply by using laughter skills spontaneously and strategically in the workplace. Mirth, laughter, celebration, festivity, hilarity, and joking – in the proper context and setting – is a great catalyst for creating positive work environments.
Reasons We Stop Laughing
We lose permission to laugh as we get older, and past beliefs tell us not to be silly, or to get serious. We have been told to “grow up” and have fallen prey to the belief that in order to be taken seriously, everyone should be serious! In 1983, Josef Scheppach stated in an article that despite huge rises in our standard of living we only laugh 6 minutes a day and 40 years ago it was 18 minutes. At international congresses dealing with therapeutic humour in Switzerland and Germany, Dr. William Fry and Patch Adams have said that children laugh 400 times a day and adults only 17 times. We choose to do this because we want to be taken seriously.
Children laugh all the time. They can be playing very seriously and one of them will just laugh. The laugh will come from way down in the belly. For children, laughter is very natural and free flowing. There are four key reasons why we as adults laugh less – especially in the workplace, here are two of them:
#1 Fear of Looking Bad
As adults our laughter is often not free flowing. We hold it back, suppress it or change it, making sure that it’s a good laugh: not too loud and not too long, avoiding all inclinations of spitting, coughing, snorting and other unmentionables. As well, the laugh has to be appropriate and at the right time. If the boss is telling a joke, one has to make sure to laugh at the appropriate time and for the same amount of time as the co-workers. We are also afraid of wasting time, being talked about, laughed at, not taken seriously, losing our teeth and looking stupid.
Everyone wants to look their best. When we are laughing, we are sometimes afraid that the people around us might find us silly or ridiculous. The truth is that we are not going to be looking our best as we are bent over and roaring with laughter. Laughter is about letting go, letting it rip and just going with the moment. As we start laughing the mind will say: Stop it, I think I look stupid. We have to learn to ignore the mind and answer back with “So what!” Furthermore; everyone around us that is joining in the laughter is actually not looking their best either. Take a bit of time to reflect on this: why would anyone judge laughter as being ridiculous?
# 2 We Disconnect from Our Smile Sources
A few years ago, I realised that I had become a dysfunctional leader, life was not funny. I realized that I needed to reconnect to activities and things that generated a smile for me. They worked when I was a younger, so I figured; why wouldn’t they still work today?
Do you remember what tingled your senses as a child? Take a few minutes to relive these moments. What where the sounds, smells, movements/touches, tastes and sights that generated a smile for you as a child? As a child, my body, mind and spirit came alive through the sounds of birds, the smell of sweet clover, playing baseball, eating fresh bread and looking at sunsets.
These are some of my smile sources.
Start by making a list of the sources that do create a smile for you. If your list is not very long, don’t worry; this is where the begging, borrowing and stealing come in. Talk to your family members, partner, friends or co-workers about your smile sources and ask them what puts a smile on their face. In doing so the energy created will not only change your world, it will change the whole world around you. This will make your sources grow. I know, it sounds crazy but it works!
When the laughter goes away
Getting through life’s ups and downs isn’t always easy. When I am going through life’s many challenges the laughter disappears and this is very scary! What’s even scarier is that sometimes, the laughter does not want to come back. I have learnt that preparing myself for these difficult times is not only possible it’s mandatory.
Disaster proofing ourselves will get us through these difficult times.
Being disaster proof means surrounding myself with my smile sources, whether it's family, music or sunsets. As well, I play and practise laughter yoga each day and when things are not going well I know that it’s time to clean-up! Rainy days are perfect for clean-ups. I have also learnt that balancing my life is not only fun; it’s easy and most importantly I have learnt that having a dream is what makes me feel alive. Every day, I work on disaster proofing myself because the next time life throws me a challenge I will be ready for it. I will get through it because I know that the laughter is still there and it’s waiting for me. Disaster-proofing myself has been so powerful, I now work with my clients to help them become disaster proof.
Leaders Need to Know, Identify and Avoid Toxic Humour
Moving a troubled and sensitive situation towards laughter is high risk. When laughter is used to exclude or hurt someone it becomes toxic. We know that we ALL resort to toxic humour at one point or another. "Humour is a tool like any other," says Robert L. Weiss, a psychologist at the University of Oregon who studies humour in relationships. "People use humour in lots of different ways, including some negative ones. Almost every sweet, supportive way of using it has an evil twin; an aggressive, selfish or manipulative version. And like those teasing comments in the workplace that can just as easily feel like flattery or an attack, the two sides of humour are so intimately intertwined, it almost isn't funny.” The following story demonstrates how a leader’s misuse of laughter turns toxic.
Derrick is the marketing director for a big company in Toronto. He has been with the company for 3 months and is adapting well to all of the different tasks and responsibilities he has within the company. He likes the company and wants to succeed.
A staff meeting has been called, Derrick walks into the board room and see’s an empty chair beside Susan. Susan, the head of the Human Resources Department invites him over. Mr. Harris, the company CEO walks in; he is looking worried. Everyone is anxiously awaiting his announcement.
Mr. Harris hands out the annual report with next year’s projections. It has been a difficult year therefore changes have to be implemented in order to adjust. Mr. Harris blames no one but jokingly adds that if the company had a better Human Resources Department things might be different. Everyone laughs, except for Susan. After all, it is a really funny comment and it did relieve some of the tension.
When the meeting is adjourned, Derrick turns to Susan; she is upset. Susan is wondering why she is the target of Mr. Harris’s joke. Derrick understands her frustration and makes his excuses for laughing along at Mr. Harris’s joke. Derrick is wondering how he can change this environment.
Often, the person in a group who takes a stand is not necessarily in a leadership position; they are however demonstrating good leadership skills. It is the actions we take that make us a leader. Derrick did the right thing in recognizing Susan’s feelings. Should Derrick talk to Mr. Harris about his use of toxic humour? Will Mr. Harris listen and accept his comments?
People in official leadership positions must be prepared to be challenged and accept constructive comments from their co-workers in order to change a toxic environment into a positive work environment. Using the energy of our co-workers to promote healthy laughter and build positive work environments is crucial.
Studies have found that dominant individuals do use humour more than their subordinates. If you've often thought that everyone in the office laughs when the boss laughs, you're very perceptive. Philosopher John Morreall says, controlling the laughter of a group becomes a way of exercising power by controlling the emotional climate of the group. When laughter is generated with sexist, racist, sarcastic or ironic comments you can be sure that someone out there is not laughing! The long-term side effects of toxic humour are devastating; it destroys morale, creates cliques; the workplace becomes blasé and eventually laughter diminishes all together.
When we assume leadership positions we sometimes bring with us the tendency to use toxic humour. It has more power than a bag of peanuts in a zoo! Many leaders walk away from humour and laughter in the fear that they might use toxic humour. Don’t do it! Keep building your laughter skills! Laughter must be sustained and nurtured, not suppressed. Leaders need to take a bold stand and create healthy laughter for themselves and the people around them.
The Benefits of Laughter in the Workplace
Laughter in the workplace is being rediscovered as an innovative way to fight stress, improve morale, increase camaraderie and to increase motivation.
When I make presentations clients ask me what I think can be done with people who do not want to laugh. The agonizing grouches, the persistent pessimists and eternal criers will not go away. Furthermore, given all the time in the world they will not change. These difficult people choose to spend most of their time living in this state. Our choice is whether or not we accept this state of mind for our own lives.
Laughter is contagious; so are negative states of minds; they will impact on the overall energy of the group. Trying to change the state of mind of difficult people can be a total lost of energy. We have to accept that other people’s state of mind is not our responsibility. The fact remains, people change because they want to change. However, remember that working on maintaining our own positive state of mind will inspire others to do the same. Staying focused on feeling good is a good example to set and will help some difficult people to seek and maintain a positive state of mind.
Everyone must be committed to the process of creating and nurturing positive work environments in order to achieve any results. Difficult people need to know that they are not to interfere with the energy of the group. Clear boundaries need to be set. Sometimes we need to intervene; to take a stand and set the boundaries. Criticism, complaining and doomsday predictions must be checked at the door; only constructive ideas and solutions can be brought forward. People who are not committed to this process must be asked if they want to stay or leave. The question has to be addressed.
Take the Lead
Learning to laugh, giggle and smile has huge implications. Take it seriously; make a commitment to take the necessary steps towards building more laughter in your life and work environment. Leading with Laughter is a concept that needs to move from an idea to a core value for ourselves and our workplaces.
You are the captain of your ship, only you can make this commitment and set the course for smooth waters, gentle breezes and bleu skies. You have to eat, you have to sleep and you have to deal with everyday life; why not do it with a smile, giggle and a laugh. Your body, emotions, mind and spirit need regular nourishments, so refill with energy and start feeling good for a change! As a leader, you may need to take some bold steps to increase laughter in your own life in order to facilitate change and instill laughter as a way of life in your work environment. Get to know your staff, peers and colleagues. Observe what makes them tick and more importantly what makes them laugh!
What is it that put’s a smile on your face? How are you going to get the smiles going for everyone around you? What’s your favourite game? How many times did you laugh today? What needs to be cleaned up? What’s out of balance? What’s YOUR dream?
Great leaders desire to leave their mark – a legacy – in the workplace and on the people that they serve. How about being the leader who was not afraid to laugh?
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
~Victor Hugo
This piece was written by:
Rolande Kirouac
Member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS)
Co-author of "Leadership Gurus Speak Out"
+1 204 256 6215
www.spadrole.ca
Disaster proof yourself and be amazing!
Spadrole is a business dedicated to getting breakthrough results for high-performing individuals, companies and associations. We believe that leaders who dare to dream and implement real changes create a contagious environment, one that leads to healthy, satisfied, high-achieving teams—an inspired workforce! Creative thinking skyrockets. Cooperation soars. Job satisfaction goes through the roof!
Rolande Kirouac, president of Spadrole, co-authored Leadership Gurus Speak Out! and contributed a chapter with a unique approach to transformational change for individuals and organizations.
To celebrate its first anniversary, Spadrole launched HA!, a 70-minute Spontaneous Laughter Workout CD. It is an easy-to-follow, interactive experience to accessing your inexhaustible power source of laughter.
Spadrole provides unique consulting packages, dynamite keynotes, unforgettable interactive workshops and life-changing retreats.
For more information on laughter as a leadership tool, visit www.spadrole.ca
Develop healthy laughter and be the leader you are meant to be! Build balance and better relationships, increase productivity and confidence simply by using laughter skills spontaneously and strategically in the workplace. Mirth, laughter, celebration, festivity, hilarity, and joking – in the proper context and setting – is a great catalyst for creating positive work environments.
Reasons We Stop Laughing
We lose permission to laugh as we get older, and past beliefs tell us not to be silly, or to get serious. We have been told to “grow up” and have fallen prey to the belief that in order to be taken seriously, everyone should be serious! In 1983, Josef Scheppach stated in an article that despite huge rises in our standard of living we only laugh 6 minutes a day and 40 years ago it was 18 minutes. At international congresses dealing with therapeutic humour in Switzerland and Germany, Dr. William Fry and Patch Adams have said that children laugh 400 times a day and adults only 17 times. We choose to do this because we want to be taken seriously.
Children laugh all the time. They can be playing very seriously and one of them will just laugh. The laugh will come from way down in the belly. For children, laughter is very natural and free flowing. There are four key reasons why we as adults laugh less – especially in the workplace, here are two of them:
#1 Fear of Looking Bad
As adults our laughter is often not free flowing. We hold it back, suppress it or change it, making sure that it’s a good laugh: not too loud and not too long, avoiding all inclinations of spitting, coughing, snorting and other unmentionables. As well, the laugh has to be appropriate and at the right time. If the boss is telling a joke, one has to make sure to laugh at the appropriate time and for the same amount of time as the co-workers. We are also afraid of wasting time, being talked about, laughed at, not taken seriously, losing our teeth and looking stupid.
Everyone wants to look their best. When we are laughing, we are sometimes afraid that the people around us might find us silly or ridiculous. The truth is that we are not going to be looking our best as we are bent over and roaring with laughter. Laughter is about letting go, letting it rip and just going with the moment. As we start laughing the mind will say: Stop it, I think I look stupid. We have to learn to ignore the mind and answer back with “So what!” Furthermore; everyone around us that is joining in the laughter is actually not looking their best either. Take a bit of time to reflect on this: why would anyone judge laughter as being ridiculous?
# 2 We Disconnect from Our Smile Sources
A few years ago, I realised that I had become a dysfunctional leader, life was not funny. I realized that I needed to reconnect to activities and things that generated a smile for me. They worked when I was a younger, so I figured; why wouldn’t they still work today?
Do you remember what tingled your senses as a child? Take a few minutes to relive these moments. What where the sounds, smells, movements/touches, tastes and sights that generated a smile for you as a child? As a child, my body, mind and spirit came alive through the sounds of birds, the smell of sweet clover, playing baseball, eating fresh bread and looking at sunsets.
These are some of my smile sources.
Start by making a list of the sources that do create a smile for you. If your list is not very long, don’t worry; this is where the begging, borrowing and stealing come in. Talk to your family members, partner, friends or co-workers about your smile sources and ask them what puts a smile on their face. In doing so the energy created will not only change your world, it will change the whole world around you. This will make your sources grow. I know, it sounds crazy but it works!
When the laughter goes away
Getting through life’s ups and downs isn’t always easy. When I am going through life’s many challenges the laughter disappears and this is very scary! What’s even scarier is that sometimes, the laughter does not want to come back. I have learnt that preparing myself for these difficult times is not only possible it’s mandatory.
Disaster proofing ourselves will get us through these difficult times.
Being disaster proof means surrounding myself with my smile sources, whether it's family, music or sunsets. As well, I play and practise laughter yoga each day and when things are not going well I know that it’s time to clean-up! Rainy days are perfect for clean-ups. I have also learnt that balancing my life is not only fun; it’s easy and most importantly I have learnt that having a dream is what makes me feel alive. Every day, I work on disaster proofing myself because the next time life throws me a challenge I will be ready for it. I will get through it because I know that the laughter is still there and it’s waiting for me. Disaster-proofing myself has been so powerful, I now work with my clients to help them become disaster proof.
Leaders Need to Know, Identify and Avoid Toxic Humour
Moving a troubled and sensitive situation towards laughter is high risk. When laughter is used to exclude or hurt someone it becomes toxic. We know that we ALL resort to toxic humour at one point or another. "Humour is a tool like any other," says Robert L. Weiss, a psychologist at the University of Oregon who studies humour in relationships. "People use humour in lots of different ways, including some negative ones. Almost every sweet, supportive way of using it has an evil twin; an aggressive, selfish or manipulative version. And like those teasing comments in the workplace that can just as easily feel like flattery or an attack, the two sides of humour are so intimately intertwined, it almost isn't funny.” The following story demonstrates how a leader’s misuse of laughter turns toxic.
Derrick is the marketing director for a big company in Toronto. He has been with the company for 3 months and is adapting well to all of the different tasks and responsibilities he has within the company. He likes the company and wants to succeed.
A staff meeting has been called, Derrick walks into the board room and see’s an empty chair beside Susan. Susan, the head of the Human Resources Department invites him over. Mr. Harris, the company CEO walks in; he is looking worried. Everyone is anxiously awaiting his announcement.
Mr. Harris hands out the annual report with next year’s projections. It has been a difficult year therefore changes have to be implemented in order to adjust. Mr. Harris blames no one but jokingly adds that if the company had a better Human Resources Department things might be different. Everyone laughs, except for Susan. After all, it is a really funny comment and it did relieve some of the tension.
When the meeting is adjourned, Derrick turns to Susan; she is upset. Susan is wondering why she is the target of Mr. Harris’s joke. Derrick understands her frustration and makes his excuses for laughing along at Mr. Harris’s joke. Derrick is wondering how he can change this environment.
Often, the person in a group who takes a stand is not necessarily in a leadership position; they are however demonstrating good leadership skills. It is the actions we take that make us a leader. Derrick did the right thing in recognizing Susan’s feelings. Should Derrick talk to Mr. Harris about his use of toxic humour? Will Mr. Harris listen and accept his comments?
People in official leadership positions must be prepared to be challenged and accept constructive comments from their co-workers in order to change a toxic environment into a positive work environment. Using the energy of our co-workers to promote healthy laughter and build positive work environments is crucial.
Studies have found that dominant individuals do use humour more than their subordinates. If you've often thought that everyone in the office laughs when the boss laughs, you're very perceptive. Philosopher John Morreall says, controlling the laughter of a group becomes a way of exercising power by controlling the emotional climate of the group. When laughter is generated with sexist, racist, sarcastic or ironic comments you can be sure that someone out there is not laughing! The long-term side effects of toxic humour are devastating; it destroys morale, creates cliques; the workplace becomes blasé and eventually laughter diminishes all together.
When we assume leadership positions we sometimes bring with us the tendency to use toxic humour. It has more power than a bag of peanuts in a zoo! Many leaders walk away from humour and laughter in the fear that they might use toxic humour. Don’t do it! Keep building your laughter skills! Laughter must be sustained and nurtured, not suppressed. Leaders need to take a bold stand and create healthy laughter for themselves and the people around them.
The Benefits of Laughter in the Workplace
Laughter in the workplace is being rediscovered as an innovative way to fight stress, improve morale, increase camaraderie and to increase motivation.
When I make presentations clients ask me what I think can be done with people who do not want to laugh. The agonizing grouches, the persistent pessimists and eternal criers will not go away. Furthermore, given all the time in the world they will not change. These difficult people choose to spend most of their time living in this state. Our choice is whether or not we accept this state of mind for our own lives.
Laughter is contagious; so are negative states of minds; they will impact on the overall energy of the group. Trying to change the state of mind of difficult people can be a total lost of energy. We have to accept that other people’s state of mind is not our responsibility. The fact remains, people change because they want to change. However, remember that working on maintaining our own positive state of mind will inspire others to do the same. Staying focused on feeling good is a good example to set and will help some difficult people to seek and maintain a positive state of mind.
Everyone must be committed to the process of creating and nurturing positive work environments in order to achieve any results. Difficult people need to know that they are not to interfere with the energy of the group. Clear boundaries need to be set. Sometimes we need to intervene; to take a stand and set the boundaries. Criticism, complaining and doomsday predictions must be checked at the door; only constructive ideas and solutions can be brought forward. People who are not committed to this process must be asked if they want to stay or leave. The question has to be addressed.
Take the Lead
Learning to laugh, giggle and smile has huge implications. Take it seriously; make a commitment to take the necessary steps towards building more laughter in your life and work environment. Leading with Laughter is a concept that needs to move from an idea to a core value for ourselves and our workplaces.
You are the captain of your ship, only you can make this commitment and set the course for smooth waters, gentle breezes and bleu skies. You have to eat, you have to sleep and you have to deal with everyday life; why not do it with a smile, giggle and a laugh. Your body, emotions, mind and spirit need regular nourishments, so refill with energy and start feeling good for a change! As a leader, you may need to take some bold steps to increase laughter in your own life in order to facilitate change and instill laughter as a way of life in your work environment. Get to know your staff, peers and colleagues. Observe what makes them tick and more importantly what makes them laugh!
What is it that put’s a smile on your face? How are you going to get the smiles going for everyone around you? What’s your favourite game? How many times did you laugh today? What needs to be cleaned up? What’s out of balance? What’s YOUR dream?
Great leaders desire to leave their mark – a legacy – in the workplace and on the people that they serve. How about being the leader who was not afraid to laugh?
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
~Victor Hugo
This piece was written by:
Rolande Kirouac
Member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS)
Co-author of "Leadership Gurus Speak Out"
+1 204 256 6215
www.spadrole.ca
Disaster proof yourself and be amazing!
Spadrole is a business dedicated to getting breakthrough results for high-performing individuals, companies and associations. We believe that leaders who dare to dream and implement real changes create a contagious environment, one that leads to healthy, satisfied, high-achieving teams—an inspired workforce! Creative thinking skyrockets. Cooperation soars. Job satisfaction goes through the roof!
Rolande Kirouac, president of Spadrole, co-authored Leadership Gurus Speak Out! and contributed a chapter with a unique approach to transformational change for individuals and organizations.
To celebrate its first anniversary, Spadrole launched HA!, a 70-minute Spontaneous Laughter Workout CD. It is an easy-to-follow, interactive experience to accessing your inexhaustible power source of laughter.
Spadrole provides unique consulting packages, dynamite keynotes, unforgettable interactive workshops and life-changing retreats.
For more information on laughter as a leadership tool, visit www.spadrole.ca
Monday 31 August 2009
Symptoms of Fungal Exposure
Symptoms of Fungal Exposure (Mycotoxicosis)
Susan Lillard-Roberts
Mold toxicity is often the end result with constant exposure to mold of a toxic substance. A common misconception among allergists who are untrained in this type of toxicity levels in humans, which is technically not their area of expertise unless they have trained specifically in environmental medicine with their background in immunology, is to do general allergen testing. Most tests usually result in an unequivocal result, a 2+ or less. This induces some physicians to order allergy shots, regardless. These shots are absolutely worthless (and could possibly be harmful) to a person who has been heavily exposed to these mycotoxins as they are already in a state of toxicity. If anything, this could exacerbate the problem. Because many doctors are not trained in this field, they may try to "guess" at a diagnosis.
In layman's terms, molds produce mycotoxins. These substances, although unseen by the naked eye, are ingested and then enter the body through the skin, mucous and airways. Once ingested, mold has the requirements to colonize and spread. In doing this, it can compromise the immune system and damage everyday processes of the body. Mold and yeast are interchangeable only in their dimorphic state, which is often a big misconception, although both are fungi. There has been a theory of a connection between Autism Spectrum Disorder onset and Candida Albicans in the body. New studies are being conducted during the first quarter of 2006. Updates will follow.
Fungi, which include yeasts, molds, smuts and mushrooms, are responsible for causing four types of mycotic (fungal) disease:
1. Hypersensitivity - an allergic reaction to molds and spores;
2. Mycotoxicosis - poisoning by food products contaminated by fungi
3. Mycetismus - the ingestion of preformed toxin (toadstool poisoning)
4. Infection (systemic) - (Mycotoxicosis; the subject below)
The following are a list of the most common symptoms of fungal exposure (bear in mind, people never fit all of below criteria). Most people with some forms of Mycotoxicosis meet at least 8 (recent symptoms) of the following criteria:
Fibromyalgia/mps (and several correlated symptoms)
Respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, sinusitis
Difficulty swallowing, choking, spitting up (vomiting) mucous
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Burning in the throat and lungs (similar to acid reflux and often misdiagnosed as such)
Asthmatic signs; wheezing, shortness in breath, coughing, burning in lungs, etc.
Irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, diarrhea, sharp abdominal pains, stomach lesions
Bladder, liver, spleen, or kidney pain
Dark or painful urine
Dirt-like taste in mouth, coated tongue
Food allergies/leaky gut syndrome/altered immunity
Memory loss; brain fog, slurred speech, occasionally leading to dementia
Vision problems
Swollen lymph nodes
Large boils on neck (often a sign of anaphylaxis)
Yellowing of nails, ridges, or white marks under nail
Thyroid irregularities, sometimes leading to complete dysfunction; adrenal problems
Headaches
Anxiety/depression, heart palpitations - confusion, PTSD
Extreme blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides irregularities
Ringing in ears, balance problems (very common), dizziness, loss of hearing (aspergillus niger)
Chronic fatigue (also included under this classification directional confusion)
Intermittent face flushing; almost always systemic, Called the Mylar Flush (neurological))
Night head sweats, and drooling while sleeping, profuse sweating
Multiple chemical sensitivity; only upon exposure to Stachybotrys and Chaetomium
Nose bleeds (stachybotrys)
Bruising/scarring easily; rash or hives, bloody lesions all over the skin (Often systemic, see images; skin)
Reproductive system complications; infertility, changes in menstrual cycles, miscarriage
Sudden weight changes (Detoxifier genotypes tend to gain weight, non-detoxifier genotypes tend to lose weight)
Cancer
Hair loss, very brittle nails, temporary loss of fingerprints (in rare cases)
Joint/muscle stiffness and pain
Irregular heart beat/heart attack
Seizures, inadvertent body jerking, twitching, inadvertent facial movements or numbness in face
Hypersensitivity when re-exposed to molds, which can lead to anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis upon re-exposure to mycotoxin producing molds
Death, in extreme cases
Note: despite inaccurate and misleading reports by theorists regarding immuno-compromised, babies, and the elderly being more susceptible, this is a big misconception as exposure to the T-2 mycotoxins found in many types of current indoor molds will poison anyone in time; no one is immune. The reason for this conflicting information is that studies have never been conducted to prove this. If so called experts are going to make such a broad and misleading statement, they may as well say that this same category of people is more susceptible to SARS, West Nile Virus, AIDS, and cancer. The T-2 mycotoxins found in many of these molds are the exact same T-2 mycotoxins that have killed widespread groups of innocent people with Yellow Rain, a biological warfare agent.
Different mold species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mold growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mold growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.
Aspergillus spp
Aspergillus is the most common genus of fungi in our environment with more than 160 different species of mold. Sixteen of these species have been documented as causing human disease. Aspergillosis is now the 2nd most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States. Exposure to aspergillus can often cause skin rashes and hair loss. Many people seek relief by taking 5,000 mgs. of biotin per day with 3,500 mgs. of MSM. Beware many vitamins and supplements are made with the aspergillus fermentation process or other types of fungi that the vitamin manufacturers fail to reveal. For a healthy source of vitamins with no fungi, please view www.mold-help.biz; the world's first nutricutical website for providing relief from fungal exposure. The site is in its initial stages at the moment, but by February 1, it will be an entire source for healthier eating and nutritional supplements related to fungal disease. Please register on the site if you would like an update when the Mold-Help Solutions Source is ready to assist.
Aspergillus fumigatus. The most encountered species causing infection. It is seen abundantly in decomposing organic material, such as self-heating compost piles, since it readily grows at temperatures up to 55 C. People who handle contaminated material often develop hypersensitivity to the spores of Aspergillus and may suffer severe allergic reactions upon exposure.
Aspergillus flavus. The 2nd most encountered fungi in cases of Aspergillus infection. It is also known to produce the mycotoxin aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. In the 1960s, 100,000 turkey poults in Great Britain died from ingesting contaminated feed. Most countries have established levels for aflatoxin in food. However, the risks associated with airborne exposure are not adequately studied and no exposure standards exist.
Aspergillus niger. The 3rd most common Aspergillus fungi associated with disease and the most common of any Aspergillus species in nature due to it’s ability to grow on a wide variety of substrates. This species may cause a “fungal ball”, which is a condition where the fungus actively proliferates in the human lung, forming a ball. It does so without invading the lung tissue. It has also been linked to hearing problems including tinnitus and hearing loss.
Aspergillus Versicolor. The most common species of Aspergillus. Among skin problems and hair loss, this fungus has been linked to severe abdominal pain, acid reflux, and vomiting.
Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) and Chaetomium globosum
This group of molds can thrive on water damaged, cellulose-rich material in buildings such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, wallpaper, etc. In the majority of cases where Stachybotrys is found indoors, water damage has gone unnoticed or ignored since it requires extended periods of time with increased levels of moisture for growth to occur. Stachybotrys is usually black and slimy in appearance. Events of water intrusion that are addressed quickly tends to support the growth of more xerophilic fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus.
Stachybotrys is another fungi that has the ability to produce mycotoxins, ones that are extremely toxic, suspected carcinogens, and immuno-suppressive. Exposure to these mycotoxins can result through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. Symptoms of exposure include dermatitis, memory loss, balance issues, acid reflux, cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, bleeding lungs, general malaise, internal lesions, seizures, and fever. Long term exposure has shown that Stachybotrys and Chaetomium can destroy the myelin sheath, leading to autoimmune disease. These are the only two fungi that can also be linked MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). There is much confusion about Chaetomium, as it can be worse than Stachybotrys since it is so difficult to eradicate. Our mycologist tells us that it is like cast iron while Stachybotrys is easier.
Cladosporium spp.p.
These genera of mold are pigmented dark green to black in the front, and black on the reverse with a velvety to powdery texture. One of the most commonly isolated from indoor and outdoor air, Cladosporium spp. are found on decaying plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, textiles, and the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts.
There are over 30 species in the Cladosporium genus. The most common are C. elatum, C. herbarum, C. sphaerospermum, and C. cladosporioides. These fungi are the causative agents of skin lesions, keratitis, nail fungus, sinusitis, asthma, and pulmonary infections. Acute symptoms of exposure to Cladosporium are edema and bronchiospasms, and chronic exposure may lead to pulmonary emphysema. More commonly, it is a more causative factor for intrinsic asthma.
Fusarium spp.
A common soil fungus and inhabitant on a wide array of plants, this fungi is often found in humidifiers and has been isolated from water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building materials. Human exposure may occur through ingestion of contaminated grains and possibly through the inhalation of spores. Fusarium spp. are frequently involved with eye, skin, and nail infections. More severely it can produce hemorrhagic syndrome (alimentary toxic aleukia) in humans which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding.
Several species can produce the trichothecene toxins which target the circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous systems. Vomitoxin is one such tricothecene mycotoxin that has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. Zearalenone is another mycotoxin produced by Fusarium. It is similar in structure to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs.
Penicillium spp.
These fungi are commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint, carpet, wallpaper, interior fiberglass duct insulation, and decaying vegetation. Penicillium may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.
The genus Penicillium has several species. The most common ones include Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium marneffei, and Penicillium purpurogenum.
This fungi has been isolated from patients with keratitis, ear infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Penicillium infections are most commonly exhibited in immuno suppressed individuals. For example, P. marneffei is a fungus abundant in Southeast Asia that typically infects patients with AIDS in this area. Infection with P.marneffei is acquired via inhalation and initially results in a pulmonary infection and then spreads to other areas of the body (lymphatic system, liver, spleen, and bones), and is often fatal. An indication of infection is the appearance of papules that resemble acne on the face, trunk, and extremities.
Penicillium spp. do have the ability to produce mycotoxins. The mycotoxin known as Ochratoxin A, which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, may be produced by Penicillium verrucosum. Verrucosidin is another mycotoxin produced by this fungus that exhibits neurotoxity. Penicillic acid is another mycotoxin that is nephrotoxic (causes kidney and liver damage).
Permanent problems sometimes associated with fungal exposure after treatment:
Balance
Short term memory
Hearing
Sight
See Associated Illnesses after Fungal Exposure
Note: Many of these symptoms could also be the onset of other illnesses, as well, and only a skilled physician is diagnosed to give you a full and qualified diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to know that much of these symptoms will deplete after vacating the building. Diet, nutrition, and medical assistance are extremely important.
Go to Mold Help Nutricutical
Go to Mold Help Resources
References
Ammann, Harriet, Is indoor mold contamination a threat to health?
Auger PL, Gourdeau P, Miller D, "Clinical experience with patients suffering from a chronic fatigue-like syndrome and repeated upper respiratory infections in relation to airborne molds". Am. J. of Indust. Medicine 1994; 25:41-42
Bennett, J. W., Klich, M. (2003). Mycotoxins. Clin. Micro-biol. Rev. 16: 497-516 [Abstract] [Full Text]
Bisby GR., 1943 Stachybotrys Trans Brit Mycol Soc 26:133-143
Bitnum A, Nosal R. 1999. Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) contamination of the indoor environment: health implications. Pediatric Child Health. 4(2):125-129.
Brautbar, Nachman 2002 Toxic molds - The killer within us: Indoor molds and their symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology associated with eating burritos, United States, October 1997October 1998. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1999;48:210-213. [Medline]
Corrier DE. "Mycotoxicosis: mechanism of immunosuppression". Vet Immunol Immunopathol 1991; 30:73-87
Dearborn DG, Yike I, Sorenson WG, Miller MJ, Etzel RA., 1999 Overview of investigations into pulmonary hemorrhage among infants in Cleveland, Ohio Env Health Persp 107:S495-S499
Etzel, Ruth, J.A.M.A.; mycotoxins - linking evidence and experience
Flannigan B, Miller JD., 1994 Health implications of fungi in indoor environments—An overview In: Samson RA, Flannigan B, Flannigan ME, Verhoeff AP, Adan OCG, eds. Health implications of fungi in indoor air environment. 1th ed. Elsevier, Amsterdam. p 3–26
Flannigan B, McCabe EM, McGarry F. "Allergenic and toxigenic micro-organisms in houses". J Appl Bact Symp (Suppl) 1991; 70:61S-73S
Forgacs J, Carll WT., 1962 Mycotoxicosis Adv Vet Sci 7:273-293
Gray, Dr. Michael 2001 Mold, mycotoxins and Human Health
Gray, Dr. Michael July 2003 Interview
Hodgson MG, Morey P, Leung WY. Building-associated pulmonary disease from exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor. J Occup Enivron Med. 1998;40:241-249
Horner WE, Helbling A, Salvaggio JE, Lehrer SB. Fungal allergens. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1995;8(2):161-179
Human health effects of indoor mycotoxin exposure in fungi-contaminated indoor environments
Jarvis BB. Mycotoxins--an overview. In: Ownby CA, Odell GV (eds). Natural Toxins. New York, NY: Pergamon Press, 1988:17-29.
Johanning E, Biagini RE, Hull D, Morey PR, Jarvis BB, Landsbergis P., 1996 Health and immunology study following exposure to toxigenic fungi (Stachybotrys chartarum) in a water-damaged office environment Int Arch Occup Health 68:207-218
Johanning E, Landsbergis P, Gareis M, Yang CS, Olmsted E. Clinical experience and results of a sentinel health investigation related to indoor fungal exposure. Environ Health Perspect. 1999;107(3):489-494
Johanning E, Morey PR, Jarvis BB. "Clinical Epidemiological Investigation of Health Effects caused by Stachybotrys Atra Building Contamination", Proceedings of Indoor Air, 1993; Vol. 1: 225-230
Jong SC, Davis EE., 1976 Contribution to the knowledge of Stachybotrys and Memnoniella in culture Mycotoxin 3:409-485
Kozak PP, Gallup J, Cummins LH, Gillman SA. Endogenous mold exposure: environmental risk to atopic and nonatopic patients. In: Gammage RB, Kay SV (eds). Indoor Air and Human Health. Chelsea, Mich: Lewis Publishers; 1985:149-170
Marinkovich, Vincent, Sorenson, S.G., Gordon, Wayne A.,Johanning, Eckardt,Haddad, Lisa, Khaboshany, A, Omidi, A, Morsali,S.M., Craner, J.,Stetzenbach, Linda, D., Berek L, Petri IB, Mesterhazy A A, Teren J, Molnar J., Withanage GS, Murata H, Koyama T, Ishiwata I., Pitt JI., Wild CP, Turner PC., Massey TE, Smith GB, Tam AS, Georggiett OC, Muino JC, Montrull H, Brizuela N, Avalos S, Gomez RM., S. Bernardini, G. Falck, A. Hirvonen, H. Järventaus, J. Tuimala, Samson, Robert, A., Kari Reijula, Nolard, nicole, Anna-Liisa Pasanen, Johanning, Eckardt, Landsbergis, Paul, Etzel, Ruth A, Dearborn, Dorr, Ammann, Harriet, Bünger, J., Müller, M., Stalder, K., Hallier E., Medical abstracts on medical aspects of fungal exposure from around the world
Mayo Clinic on mold exposure
Peltola J, Anderson MA, Raimo M, Mussalo-Rauhamaa H, Salkinoja-Salonen M., 1999 Membrane toxic substances in water-damaged construction materials and fungal pure cultures In: Johanning E. Bioaerosols, Fungi, Mycotoxins: Health effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control 1. New York: Eastern New York Occupational & Environmental Health Center. p 432–443
Peraica, M.; Radic, B.; Lucic, A.; Pavlovic, M. , September 1, 1999, Diseases Caused by Molds in Humans, Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Reshetilova TA, Soloveva TF, Baskunov BP, Kozlovskii AG., 1992 Investigation of alkaloid formation by certain species of fungi of the Penicillium genus Mikrobiologiya 61:873-879
This site is not intended to give medical advice. Seek the advice of a professional for medication, treatment options, and complete knowledge of any illness. The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions do not necessarily reflect my peers or professional affiliates. The information here does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supersede the professional advice of others.
©2001-2006 Mold-Help. All rights reserved
Susan Lillard-Roberts
Mold toxicity is often the end result with constant exposure to mold of a toxic substance. A common misconception among allergists who are untrained in this type of toxicity levels in humans, which is technically not their area of expertise unless they have trained specifically in environmental medicine with their background in immunology, is to do general allergen testing. Most tests usually result in an unequivocal result, a 2+ or less. This induces some physicians to order allergy shots, regardless. These shots are absolutely worthless (and could possibly be harmful) to a person who has been heavily exposed to these mycotoxins as they are already in a state of toxicity. If anything, this could exacerbate the problem. Because many doctors are not trained in this field, they may try to "guess" at a diagnosis.
In layman's terms, molds produce mycotoxins. These substances, although unseen by the naked eye, are ingested and then enter the body through the skin, mucous and airways. Once ingested, mold has the requirements to colonize and spread. In doing this, it can compromise the immune system and damage everyday processes of the body. Mold and yeast are interchangeable only in their dimorphic state, which is often a big misconception, although both are fungi. There has been a theory of a connection between Autism Spectrum Disorder onset and Candida Albicans in the body. New studies are being conducted during the first quarter of 2006. Updates will follow.
Fungi, which include yeasts, molds, smuts and mushrooms, are responsible for causing four types of mycotic (fungal) disease:
1. Hypersensitivity - an allergic reaction to molds and spores;
2. Mycotoxicosis - poisoning by food products contaminated by fungi
3. Mycetismus - the ingestion of preformed toxin (toadstool poisoning)
4. Infection (systemic) - (Mycotoxicosis; the subject below)
The following are a list of the most common symptoms of fungal exposure (bear in mind, people never fit all of below criteria). Most people with some forms of Mycotoxicosis meet at least 8 (recent symptoms) of the following criteria:
Fibromyalgia/mps (and several correlated symptoms)
Respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, sinusitis
Difficulty swallowing, choking, spitting up (vomiting) mucous
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Burning in the throat and lungs (similar to acid reflux and often misdiagnosed as such)
Asthmatic signs; wheezing, shortness in breath, coughing, burning in lungs, etc.
Irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, diarrhea, sharp abdominal pains, stomach lesions
Bladder, liver, spleen, or kidney pain
Dark or painful urine
Dirt-like taste in mouth, coated tongue
Food allergies/leaky gut syndrome/altered immunity
Memory loss; brain fog, slurred speech, occasionally leading to dementia
Vision problems
Swollen lymph nodes
Large boils on neck (often a sign of anaphylaxis)
Yellowing of nails, ridges, or white marks under nail
Thyroid irregularities, sometimes leading to complete dysfunction; adrenal problems
Headaches
Anxiety/depression, heart palpitations - confusion, PTSD
Extreme blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides irregularities
Ringing in ears, balance problems (very common), dizziness, loss of hearing (aspergillus niger)
Chronic fatigue (also included under this classification directional confusion)
Intermittent face flushing; almost always systemic, Called the Mylar Flush (neurological))
Night head sweats, and drooling while sleeping, profuse sweating
Multiple chemical sensitivity; only upon exposure to Stachybotrys and Chaetomium
Nose bleeds (stachybotrys)
Bruising/scarring easily; rash or hives, bloody lesions all over the skin (Often systemic, see images; skin)
Reproductive system complications; infertility, changes in menstrual cycles, miscarriage
Sudden weight changes (Detoxifier genotypes tend to gain weight, non-detoxifier genotypes tend to lose weight)
Cancer
Hair loss, very brittle nails, temporary loss of fingerprints (in rare cases)
Joint/muscle stiffness and pain
Irregular heart beat/heart attack
Seizures, inadvertent body jerking, twitching, inadvertent facial movements or numbness in face
Hypersensitivity when re-exposed to molds, which can lead to anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis upon re-exposure to mycotoxin producing molds
Death, in extreme cases
Note: despite inaccurate and misleading reports by theorists regarding immuno-compromised, babies, and the elderly being more susceptible, this is a big misconception as exposure to the T-2 mycotoxins found in many types of current indoor molds will poison anyone in time; no one is immune. The reason for this conflicting information is that studies have never been conducted to prove this. If so called experts are going to make such a broad and misleading statement, they may as well say that this same category of people is more susceptible to SARS, West Nile Virus, AIDS, and cancer. The T-2 mycotoxins found in many of these molds are the exact same T-2 mycotoxins that have killed widespread groups of innocent people with Yellow Rain, a biological warfare agent.
Different mold species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mold growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mold growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.
Aspergillus spp
Aspergillus is the most common genus of fungi in our environment with more than 160 different species of mold. Sixteen of these species have been documented as causing human disease. Aspergillosis is now the 2nd most common fungal infection requiring hospitalization in the United States. Exposure to aspergillus can often cause skin rashes and hair loss. Many people seek relief by taking 5,000 mgs. of biotin per day with 3,500 mgs. of MSM. Beware many vitamins and supplements are made with the aspergillus fermentation process or other types of fungi that the vitamin manufacturers fail to reveal. For a healthy source of vitamins with no fungi, please view www.mold-help.biz; the world's first nutricutical website for providing relief from fungal exposure. The site is in its initial stages at the moment, but by February 1, it will be an entire source for healthier eating and nutritional supplements related to fungal disease. Please register on the site if you would like an update when the Mold-Help Solutions Source is ready to assist.
Aspergillus fumigatus. The most encountered species causing infection. It is seen abundantly in decomposing organic material, such as self-heating compost piles, since it readily grows at temperatures up to 55 C. People who handle contaminated material often develop hypersensitivity to the spores of Aspergillus and may suffer severe allergic reactions upon exposure.
Aspergillus flavus. The 2nd most encountered fungi in cases of Aspergillus infection. It is also known to produce the mycotoxin aflatoxin, one of the most potent carcinogens known to man. In the 1960s, 100,000 turkey poults in Great Britain died from ingesting contaminated feed. Most countries have established levels for aflatoxin in food. However, the risks associated with airborne exposure are not adequately studied and no exposure standards exist.
Aspergillus niger. The 3rd most common Aspergillus fungi associated with disease and the most common of any Aspergillus species in nature due to it’s ability to grow on a wide variety of substrates. This species may cause a “fungal ball”, which is a condition where the fungus actively proliferates in the human lung, forming a ball. It does so without invading the lung tissue. It has also been linked to hearing problems including tinnitus and hearing loss.
Aspergillus Versicolor. The most common species of Aspergillus. Among skin problems and hair loss, this fungus has been linked to severe abdominal pain, acid reflux, and vomiting.
Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) and Chaetomium globosum
This group of molds can thrive on water damaged, cellulose-rich material in buildings such as sheet rock, paper, ceiling tiles, insulation backing, wallpaper, etc. In the majority of cases where Stachybotrys is found indoors, water damage has gone unnoticed or ignored since it requires extended periods of time with increased levels of moisture for growth to occur. Stachybotrys is usually black and slimy in appearance. Events of water intrusion that are addressed quickly tends to support the growth of more xerophilic fungi such as Penicillium and Aspergillus.
Stachybotrys is another fungi that has the ability to produce mycotoxins, ones that are extremely toxic, suspected carcinogens, and immuno-suppressive. Exposure to these mycotoxins can result through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. Symptoms of exposure include dermatitis, memory loss, balance issues, acid reflux, cough, rhinitis, nose bleeds, cold and flu-like symptoms, headache, bleeding lungs, general malaise, internal lesions, seizures, and fever. Long term exposure has shown that Stachybotrys and Chaetomium can destroy the myelin sheath, leading to autoimmune disease. These are the only two fungi that can also be linked MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). There is much confusion about Chaetomium, as it can be worse than Stachybotrys since it is so difficult to eradicate. Our mycologist tells us that it is like cast iron while Stachybotrys is easier.
Cladosporium spp.p.
These genera of mold are pigmented dark green to black in the front, and black on the reverse with a velvety to powdery texture. One of the most commonly isolated from indoor and outdoor air, Cladosporium spp. are found on decaying plants, woody plants, food, straw, soil, paint, textiles, and the surface of fiberglass duct liner in the interior of supply ducts.
There are over 30 species in the Cladosporium genus. The most common are C. elatum, C. herbarum, C. sphaerospermum, and C. cladosporioides. These fungi are the causative agents of skin lesions, keratitis, nail fungus, sinusitis, asthma, and pulmonary infections. Acute symptoms of exposure to Cladosporium are edema and bronchiospasms, and chronic exposure may lead to pulmonary emphysema. More commonly, it is a more causative factor for intrinsic asthma.
Fusarium spp.
A common soil fungus and inhabitant on a wide array of plants, this fungi is often found in humidifiers and has been isolated from water-damaged carpets and a variety of other building materials. Human exposure may occur through ingestion of contaminated grains and possibly through the inhalation of spores. Fusarium spp. are frequently involved with eye, skin, and nail infections. More severely it can produce hemorrhagic syndrome (alimentary toxic aleukia) in humans which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, and extensive internal bleeding.
Several species can produce the trichothecene toxins which target the circulatory, alimentary, skin, and nervous systems. Vomitoxin is one such tricothecene mycotoxin that has been associated with outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness in humans. Zearalenone is another mycotoxin produced by Fusarium. It is similar in structure to the female sex hormone estrogen and targets the reproductive organs.
Penicillium spp.
These fungi are commonly found in soil, food, cellulose, grains, paint, carpet, wallpaper, interior fiberglass duct insulation, and decaying vegetation. Penicillium may cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, asthma, and allergic alveolitis in susceptible individuals.
The genus Penicillium has several species. The most common ones include Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium janthinellum, Penicillium marneffei, and Penicillium purpurogenum.
This fungi has been isolated from patients with keratitis, ear infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections. Penicillium infections are most commonly exhibited in immuno suppressed individuals. For example, P. marneffei is a fungus abundant in Southeast Asia that typically infects patients with AIDS in this area. Infection with P.marneffei is acquired via inhalation and initially results in a pulmonary infection and then spreads to other areas of the body (lymphatic system, liver, spleen, and bones), and is often fatal. An indication of infection is the appearance of papules that resemble acne on the face, trunk, and extremities.
Penicillium spp. do have the ability to produce mycotoxins. The mycotoxin known as Ochratoxin A, which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, may be produced by Penicillium verrucosum. Verrucosidin is another mycotoxin produced by this fungus that exhibits neurotoxity. Penicillic acid is another mycotoxin that is nephrotoxic (causes kidney and liver damage).
Permanent problems sometimes associated with fungal exposure after treatment:
Balance
Short term memory
Hearing
Sight
See Associated Illnesses after Fungal Exposure
Note: Many of these symptoms could also be the onset of other illnesses, as well, and only a skilled physician is diagnosed to give you a full and qualified diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to know that much of these symptoms will deplete after vacating the building. Diet, nutrition, and medical assistance are extremely important.
Go to Mold Help Nutricutical
Go to Mold Help Resources
References
Ammann, Harriet, Is indoor mold contamination a threat to health?
Auger PL, Gourdeau P, Miller D, "Clinical experience with patients suffering from a chronic fatigue-like syndrome and repeated upper respiratory infections in relation to airborne molds". Am. J. of Indust. Medicine 1994; 25:41-42
Bennett, J. W., Klich, M. (2003). Mycotoxins. Clin. Micro-biol. Rev. 16: 497-516 [Abstract] [Full Text]
Bisby GR., 1943 Stachybotrys Trans Brit Mycol Soc 26:133-143
Bitnum A, Nosal R. 1999. Stachybotrys chartarum (atra) contamination of the indoor environment: health implications. Pediatric Child Health. 4(2):125-129.
Brautbar, Nachman 2002 Toxic molds - The killer within us: Indoor molds and their symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness of unknown etiology associated with eating burritos, United States, October 1997October 1998. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1999;48:210-213. [Medline]
Corrier DE. "Mycotoxicosis: mechanism of immunosuppression". Vet Immunol Immunopathol 1991; 30:73-87
Dearborn DG, Yike I, Sorenson WG, Miller MJ, Etzel RA., 1999 Overview of investigations into pulmonary hemorrhage among infants in Cleveland, Ohio Env Health Persp 107:S495-S499
Etzel, Ruth, J.A.M.A.; mycotoxins - linking evidence and experience
Flannigan B, Miller JD., 1994 Health implications of fungi in indoor environments—An overview In: Samson RA, Flannigan B, Flannigan ME, Verhoeff AP, Adan OCG, eds. Health implications of fungi in indoor air environment. 1th ed. Elsevier, Amsterdam. p 3–26
Flannigan B, McCabe EM, McGarry F. "Allergenic and toxigenic micro-organisms in houses". J Appl Bact Symp (Suppl) 1991; 70:61S-73S
Forgacs J, Carll WT., 1962 Mycotoxicosis Adv Vet Sci 7:273-293
Gray, Dr. Michael 2001 Mold, mycotoxins and Human Health
Gray, Dr. Michael July 2003 Interview
Hodgson MG, Morey P, Leung WY. Building-associated pulmonary disease from exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus versicolor. J Occup Enivron Med. 1998;40:241-249
Horner WE, Helbling A, Salvaggio JE, Lehrer SB. Fungal allergens. Clin Microbiol Rev. 1995;8(2):161-179
Human health effects of indoor mycotoxin exposure in fungi-contaminated indoor environments
Jarvis BB. Mycotoxins--an overview. In: Ownby CA, Odell GV (eds). Natural Toxins. New York, NY: Pergamon Press, 1988:17-29.
Johanning E, Biagini RE, Hull D, Morey PR, Jarvis BB, Landsbergis P., 1996 Health and immunology study following exposure to toxigenic fungi (Stachybotrys chartarum) in a water-damaged office environment Int Arch Occup Health 68:207-218
Johanning E, Landsbergis P, Gareis M, Yang CS, Olmsted E. Clinical experience and results of a sentinel health investigation related to indoor fungal exposure. Environ Health Perspect. 1999;107(3):489-494
Johanning E, Morey PR, Jarvis BB. "Clinical Epidemiological Investigation of Health Effects caused by Stachybotrys Atra Building Contamination", Proceedings of Indoor Air, 1993; Vol. 1: 225-230
Jong SC, Davis EE., 1976 Contribution to the knowledge of Stachybotrys and Memnoniella in culture Mycotoxin 3:409-485
Kozak PP, Gallup J, Cummins LH, Gillman SA. Endogenous mold exposure: environmental risk to atopic and nonatopic patients. In: Gammage RB, Kay SV (eds). Indoor Air and Human Health. Chelsea, Mich: Lewis Publishers; 1985:149-170
Marinkovich, Vincent, Sorenson, S.G., Gordon, Wayne A.,Johanning, Eckardt,Haddad, Lisa, Khaboshany, A, Omidi, A, Morsali,S.M., Craner, J.,Stetzenbach, Linda, D., Berek L, Petri IB, Mesterhazy A A, Teren J, Molnar J., Withanage GS, Murata H, Koyama T, Ishiwata I., Pitt JI., Wild CP, Turner PC., Massey TE, Smith GB, Tam AS, Georggiett OC, Muino JC, Montrull H, Brizuela N, Avalos S, Gomez RM., S. Bernardini, G. Falck, A. Hirvonen, H. Järventaus, J. Tuimala, Samson, Robert, A., Kari Reijula, Nolard, nicole, Anna-Liisa Pasanen, Johanning, Eckardt, Landsbergis, Paul, Etzel, Ruth A, Dearborn, Dorr, Ammann, Harriet, Bünger, J., Müller, M., Stalder, K., Hallier E., Medical abstracts on medical aspects of fungal exposure from around the world
Mayo Clinic on mold exposure
Peltola J, Anderson MA, Raimo M, Mussalo-Rauhamaa H, Salkinoja-Salonen M., 1999 Membrane toxic substances in water-damaged construction materials and fungal pure cultures In: Johanning E. Bioaerosols, Fungi, Mycotoxins: Health effects, Assessment, Prevention and Control 1. New York: Eastern New York Occupational & Environmental Health Center. p 432–443
Peraica, M.; Radic, B.; Lucic, A.; Pavlovic, M. , September 1, 1999, Diseases Caused by Molds in Humans, Bulletin of the World Health Organization
Reshetilova TA, Soloveva TF, Baskunov BP, Kozlovskii AG., 1992 Investigation of alkaloid formation by certain species of fungi of the Penicillium genus Mikrobiologiya 61:873-879
This site is not intended to give medical advice. Seek the advice of a professional for medication, treatment options, and complete knowledge of any illness. The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions do not necessarily reflect my peers or professional affiliates. The information here does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supersede the professional advice of others.
©2001-2006 Mold-Help. All rights reserved
Ten things you're not supposed to know about the swine flu vaccine
Check out this info folks and ways to prepare this fall rather than lining up for the new flu shot which the facts indicate it may not be as healthy as we have been sold/told.. Be well and make informed decisions.
Ten things you're not supposed to know about the swine flu vaccine
#1 - The vaccine production was "rushed" and the vaccine has never been tested on humans. Do you like to play guinea pig for Big Pharma? If so, line up for your swine flu vaccine this fall...
#2 - Swine flu vaccines contain dangerous adjuvants that cause an inflammatory response in the body. This is why they are suspected of causing autism and other neurological disorders.
#3 - The swine flu vaccine could actually increase your risk of death from swine flu by altering (or suppressing) your immune system response. There is zero evidence that even seasonal flu shots offer any meaningful protection for people who take the jabs. Vaccines are the snake oil of modern medicine.
#4 - Doctors still don't know why the 1976 swine flu vaccines paralyzed so many people. And that means they really have no clue whether the upcoming vaccine might cause the same devastating side effects. (And they're not testing it, either...)
#5 - Even if the swine flu vaccine kills you, the drug companies aren't responsible. The U.S. government has granted drug companies complete immunity against vaccine product liability. Thanks to that blanket immunity, drug companies have no incentive to make safe vaccines, because they only get paid based on quantity, not safety (zero liability).
#6 - No swine flu vaccine works as well as vitamin D to protect you from influenza. That's an inconvenient scientific fact that the U.S. government, the FDA and Big Pharma hope the people never realize.
#7 - Even if the swine flu vaccine actually works, mathematically speaking if everyone else around you gets the vaccine, you don't need one! (Because it can't spread through the population you hang with.) So even if you believe in the vaccine, all you need to do is encourage your friends to go get vaccinated...
#8 - Drug companies are making billions of dollars from the production of swine flu vaccines. That money comes out of your pocket -- even if you don't get the jab -- because it's all paid by the taxpayers. It was announced that the Canadian gov’t is spending a mere $400 million this fall of our dollars!!
#9 - When people start dying in larger numbers from the swine flu, rest assured that many of them will be the very people who got the swine flu vaccine. Doctors will explain this away with their typical Big Pharma logic: "The number saved is far greater than the number lost." Of course, the number "saved" is entirely fictional... imaginary... and exists only in their own warped heads.
#10 - The swine flu vaccine centers that will crop up all over the world in the coming months aren't completely useless: They will provide an easy way to identify large groups of really stupid people. (Too bad there isn't some sort of blue dye that we could tag 'em with for future reference...)
The lottery, they say, is a tax on people who can't do math. Similarly, flu vaccines are a tax on people who don't understand health
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored more than 1,500 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He's also a veteran of the software technology industry, having founded a personalized mass email software product used to deliver email newsletters to subscribers. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and pursues hobbies such as Pilates, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org
Ten things you're not supposed to know about the swine flu vaccine
#1 - The vaccine production was "rushed" and the vaccine has never been tested on humans. Do you like to play guinea pig for Big Pharma? If so, line up for your swine flu vaccine this fall...
#2 - Swine flu vaccines contain dangerous adjuvants that cause an inflammatory response in the body. This is why they are suspected of causing autism and other neurological disorders.
#3 - The swine flu vaccine could actually increase your risk of death from swine flu by altering (or suppressing) your immune system response. There is zero evidence that even seasonal flu shots offer any meaningful protection for people who take the jabs. Vaccines are the snake oil of modern medicine.
#4 - Doctors still don't know why the 1976 swine flu vaccines paralyzed so many people. And that means they really have no clue whether the upcoming vaccine might cause the same devastating side effects. (And they're not testing it, either...)
#5 - Even if the swine flu vaccine kills you, the drug companies aren't responsible. The U.S. government has granted drug companies complete immunity against vaccine product liability. Thanks to that blanket immunity, drug companies have no incentive to make safe vaccines, because they only get paid based on quantity, not safety (zero liability).
#6 - No swine flu vaccine works as well as vitamin D to protect you from influenza. That's an inconvenient scientific fact that the U.S. government, the FDA and Big Pharma hope the people never realize.
#7 - Even if the swine flu vaccine actually works, mathematically speaking if everyone else around you gets the vaccine, you don't need one! (Because it can't spread through the population you hang with.) So even if you believe in the vaccine, all you need to do is encourage your friends to go get vaccinated...
#8 - Drug companies are making billions of dollars from the production of swine flu vaccines. That money comes out of your pocket -- even if you don't get the jab -- because it's all paid by the taxpayers. It was announced that the Canadian gov’t is spending a mere $400 million this fall of our dollars!!
#9 - When people start dying in larger numbers from the swine flu, rest assured that many of them will be the very people who got the swine flu vaccine. Doctors will explain this away with their typical Big Pharma logic: "The number saved is far greater than the number lost." Of course, the number "saved" is entirely fictional... imaginary... and exists only in their own warped heads.
#10 - The swine flu vaccine centers that will crop up all over the world in the coming months aren't completely useless: They will provide an easy way to identify large groups of really stupid people. (Too bad there isn't some sort of blue dye that we could tag 'em with for future reference...)
The lottery, they say, is a tax on people who can't do math. Similarly, flu vaccines are a tax on people who don't understand health
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher and author with a strong interest in personal health, the environment and the power of nature to help us all heal He has authored more than 1,500 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He's also a veteran of the software technology industry, having founded a personalized mass email software product used to deliver email newsletters to subscribers. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and pursues hobbies such as Pilates, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. Known by his callsign, the 'Health Ranger,' Adams posts his missions statements, health statistics and health photos at www.HealthRanger.org
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