Fungi and mold in the home: what health risks do they pose?

Mold and mildew are common problems in many homes, especially those with high humidity and inadequate ventilation. They affect not only the aesthetics of the interior but also the health of residents, especially children, the elderly, and allergy sufferers.

What causes fungi and mold to grow in homes?

Mold and mildew thrive in humid and warm conditions. Particularly susceptible to their growth are rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms, where evaporating water and a lack of adequate ventilation can create an ideal environment for fungi. Mold is also often visible on the walls of homes with external insulation, which limits ventilation, and on cold surfaces where water vapor condenses.

• high air humidity (above 60%)
• lack of adequate air circulation
• building leaks and leaks
• inadequate thermal insulation of walls and windows

Health risks associated with mold and fungi

Fungi that appear in living spaces produce spores that float in the air. Inhaling them can lead to various health problems. The most common ailments associated with exposure to fungi and mold in the home include:

• Allergy problems - people with allergies are particularly sensitive to mold spores, most of which are found in household dust (estimated to constitute as much as 5 to 20 percent of its composition). Symptoms of such an allergy include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Prolonged exposure to the allergen can lead to asthma;
• Respiratory diseases - in healthy individuals, prolonged inhalation of mold spores can cause upper respiratory tract infections. In extreme cases, fungal infections of the lungs can occur, especially in people with weakened immune systems;
• Skin and mucous membrane irritation - contact with mold can cause skin irritation, rashes, and inflammation. Fungal spores can also irritate the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and eyes, leading to redness, itching, and watery eyes;
• Impact on Mental Health - Research suggests that long-term exposure to mold in the home can impact mental health. Mold spores cause headaches, fatigue, and even mood swings. Staying in such spaces leads to a decline in quality of life and mental well-being.
• The toxic effects of mycotoxins . Some fungi, especially Stachybotrys and Aspergillus , produce mycotoxins—toxic substances. Exposure to mycotoxins can lead to serious health problems, including a weakened immune system, neurological problems, and lung disease.

Mold and fungi in the home and the human microbiome

Mold, especially when inhaled or consumed for prolonged periods (e.g., through contact with contaminated food), disrupts the balance of the gut microbiome. Due to the action of mycotoxins, harmful bacteria can grow in the body at the expense of beneficial ones, leading to intestinal dysbiosis. This is associated with a variety of ailments, including inflammation, digestive problems, and weakened immunity. Furthermore, exposure to mold leads to the activation of the immune system, which reacts to the presence of foreign microorganisms. Constant stimulation of the immune system can, over time, lead to an excessive immune response and the development of autoimmune diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergies. This condition disrupts the microbiome's balance because the body loses its ability to regulate its own defenses, promoting the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Prolonged exposure to damp rooms increases the risk of developing fungal infections. Fungi can more easily colonize the body, weakening protective barriers and the natural bacterial flora responsible for defense against infections. Furthermore, as we know, gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the so-called gut-brain axis, which connects the gut to the brain via neural and hormonal signals. Disrupting this balance can result in increased symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, and even depression, as the microbiome influences the production of serotonin and other mood-regulating neurotransmitters.

How to prevent the growth of mold and fungi in your home?

• Ensure adequate ventilation – regularly airing rooms, especially humid ones, is essential for mold prevention. It's worth investing in mechanical ventilation or moisture absorbers in rooms with high humidity.
• Control air humidity – keeping the humidity level in your home below 60% significantly reduces the risk of mold growth. This can be achieved by using dehumidifiers and regular airing;
• Repair leaks – mold can appear where there are leaks in pipes, roofs, or plumbing. Any leaks should be repaired immediately to prevent dampness in walls and floors;
• ensure proper building insulation - wall insulation and window insulation are extremely important to reduce condensation on cold surfaces such as windows and external walls;
• Clean and disinfect – Regularly cleaning surfaces exposed to moisture, such as tiles and grout, helps prevent mold from settling. It's a good idea to use disinfectants designed to combat mold and mildew.

Probiotic therapy in case of contact with mold and fungi

First and foremost, it's important to eliminate factors that contribute to the growth and spread of mold and fungi in the rooms where we spend time, especially where we sleep. Frequent ventilation, a constant air temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius, and regular vacuuming of carpets will help prevent the spread of mold. It's also worth supporting your body with a probiotic supplement, which will strengthen your bacterial flora and help repel pathogenic microorganisms. Candid Matsun is a multi-strain product that eliminates and limits the growth of fungi, including Candida, and promotes an environment unfavorable to pathogens. Matsun Lactobacterium mazuni "Karine" Str. contains a natural bouquet of bacteria that live in symbiosis. It consists of 19 probiotic strains from the mountainous regions of Armenia, known for thousands of years for their health-promoting properties.

Treatment:

Step 1:

Body cleansing:

Narum OFFToxic forte:
Adults and children over 12 years: Day 1-7: 1 capsule 2 times a day, Day 8-22: 2 capsules 2 times a day.

Narum Detox:
Adults and children over 12 years of age: first 7 days - 1 capsule 2 times a day; after 7 days - 2x2 capsules (for a minimum of 15 days).

Step 2:

Matsun 1 to 4 capsules for a minimum of 6 weeks

Note: In case of diarrhea, it is worth adding Narum Forte at night, 1 to 4-6 capsules.


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