Toxic mold affects everyone in unique ways. One person may have debilitating fatigue and brain fog, while someone else may have skin rashes and anxiety.
However, people with certain genetics can be hit by mold illness especially hard. Wondering if you’re one of them? This article will uncover four genes that can amplify your reaction to mold and offer a helpful resource to get your body on the path to healing.
Mold & Your Genetics
There are a handful of ways your unique genes can play a role in your response to toxic mold:
HLA-DR Gene (Human Leukocyte Antigen – DR isotype)
There has been much focus on a certain gene that, if expressed, can hinder your ability to identify mycotoxins: the HLA-DR gene. If this gene is missing or poorly functioning, it can increase your sensitivity to mold and its biotoxins.
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) is the protein the HLA-DR gene expresses and is found on most cells in your body. It sends alarm bells to your immune system to tag problematic cells.
Without proper HLA production, mycotoxins can be stored in the body. And since mycotoxins are a lipophilic (fat-loving) compound, they have an affinity for the brain. The body can also begin to exhibit autoimmune behaviors with an HLA-DR issue.
I never used this test myself because:
It’s expensive
I was clearly sick and knew I had mold in the home
We had other types of mold testing we were investing in at the time
No matter your genes, immunity is compromised by the presence of mycotoxins. A genetic issue will likely magnify your overall response, but you can get quite sick without an HLA-DR genetic problem.
MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene
Another genetic variant that can affect mold detox is the MTHFR gene. This gene converts folic acid to folate and assists in glutathione production. Glutathione is an important detox antioxidant for mold.
COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene
COMT is a gene that supports methylation, one of the processes in phase II liver detoxification that removes organic compounds called catechols. A slow-functioning COMT gene can also impair mold detox.
GCLC (Glutamate-cysteine ligase regulatory subunit) gene
GCLC is a gene that supports glutathione production and an appropriate response to inflammation. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on this gene could impair your detox ability.
Although it’s interesting to learn about genes, they are not the only factors at play in your health. They may influence how sick you become and how well, or poorly, you respond to different treatments.
The combination of elements needed to repair the body will vary from person to person. It’s more important to focus on your actual symptoms and responses to treatment.
Feeling Lost on Your Toxic Mold Journey? Join the Toxic Mold Masterclass
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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.
Check our her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!
I was introduced to CoQ10 as an supplement about 4 years ago. At the time, I was in the middle of detoxing from mold, and I had already spent a lot of money on trying to heal. I was skeptical to try yet another thing, but the truth was that I was only about 50% better, which is not enough at all. So I tried it…