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Overview of Biotoxin Illness

In this comprehensive article, we will go over everything you need to know about biotoxin and biotoxin illness, what a typical treatment is, and how Mitogenesis can help you.

What are biotoxins?

A biotoxin is considered any toxic substance produced by a biological organism (plants, fungi, animals, or microorganisms). To defend themselves or hunt, insects and snakes can produce biotoxins, but they can also be produced by decomposing dead organisms and metabolizing toxic materials.

All biotoxins cause a reaction if they come into contact with the body. Generally, it is an acute reaction that causes pain, allergies, or more severe situations that require immediate medical attention. There is no safe minimum value for contact with biotoxins; all of them, even in small quantities, are dangerous. Despite the immune system's ability to metabolize them in most cases, they still pose a threat. But when toxins are in constant contact with the body, they can cause a chronic condition if the appropriate treatment is not received and the source of toxicity is not eliminated.

Most biotoxins are neither volatile nor cutaneously active, with their respective exceptions. Therefore, they usually only represent a severe risk when transmitted through the digestive, respiratory, or parenteral routes. If you think you have been exposed to toxins, it is necessary to see your doctor immediately for a comprehensive review, whether or not you have any obvious symptoms. At Mitogenesis, we have a specialized team that can attend to you and advise you in case you have a disease caused by biotoxins.

Types of biotoxins that can cause biotoxin illness

There is a large amount of biotoxins in the environment that cause biotoxin illness. Common organisms in the environment, mainly bacteria, fungi, and algae, cause the toxins. The most common ones found in the environment include:

  • Mycotoxins. They are toxins produced by fungi. You can find them in a variety of foods, mainly grains, nuts, and spices, along with their derivatives. If foods and products are not produced, transported, and stored properly, they tend to produce mycotoxins that end up being ingested by people. If the intake is constant or there is a weakened immune system, they will cause severe and chronic diseases.
  • Endotoxins. Bacteria in highly humid environments produce them. Houses damaged by moisture, in addition to the appearance of mold, can have accumulations of bacteria that generate endotoxins. They are particularly harmful to people with a weakened immune system or chronic diseases, such as immunodeficiency, diabetes, hypertension, lung problems, or others.
  • Algal toxins. Decomposing or diseased algae produce toxins. When consumed by fish and other marine animals, the toxins enter the food chain and can reach humans. Consuming fish or seafood without proper hygiene or cooking allows biotoxins to enter the body and cause diseases.

Biotoxin illness is caused by a combination of different biotoxins if you have a weakened immune system or genetic predisposition. People with higher sensitivity to biotoxins will develop illnesses even after being exposed to small amounts of toxins, while other people do not develop diseases unless their exposure is constant or in large quantities.

Common sources of exposure to biotoxins

Biotoxins can be present in a variety of places, both indoors and outdoors. American homes are exposed to the contamination of these toxins due to factors that no one can control. We can divide the most common spaces into two categories:

Interiors

  • Mold. It is the main source of biotoxins in buildings. It grows in damp and dark places, such as basements or bathrooms. Areas with leaks or water pooling are the perfect place for its development. Mold releases spores and toxins into the air that come into contact with the skin or eyes or are inhaled.
  • Dust. Dust is a collection of particles composed of dirt, debris, dead skin, pollen, insect fragments, and other things. This microenvironment is ideal for the development of dust mites, pet dander, and other microorganisms that release toxins. Constant exposure to dust causes allergies, asthma, and other diseases.
  • Carpets and upholstery. They accumulate dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens. If we neglect to clean them properly, they turn into a haven for biotoxins.
  • Ventilation systems. They are spaces that are constantly changing in the environment, and if they do not receive proper maintenance, they will harbor mold, bacteria, and a large number of microorganisms that release biotoxins into the air. It is important to change and clean the ducts, filters, and areas that may suffer damage.

Outdoors

  • Gardens and yards. Plants and grass are common habitats for insects and other microorganisms, but there are also places that contain high levels of pollen, mold spores, and other biotoxins. These spaces should be maintained and regularly fumigated to ensure they are safe places.
  • Pet areas. Homes with pets that have designated outdoor areas where they spend time can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that develop in feces and urine. Periodic cleaning with specialized products will keep the place safe for you and your pet.

How to identify environmental sources?

It is very important to conduct periodic inspections at home, school, and work. In most cases, the sources of biotoxins are visible, generate characteristic odors, and are near damaged areas (mainly due to water or high humidity levels). Evaluation of personal items, such as clothing or objects stored for more than three months, is also necessary.

In case you detect any source of biotoxins, you should contact a specialist to carry out the appropriate assessment and cleaning. It is important not to try to clean it yourself, as you may expose yourself to a greater amount of toxins.

What is biotoxin illness?

Biotoxin illness is a series of medical conditions triggered by exposure to toxins found in the environment. Environmental biotoxins affect the body directly or indirectly in a severe manner, leading to a complex spectrum of symptoms that can present to varying degrees.

Biotoxins enter the body mainly through inhalation, ingestion, or, in some cases, direct contact with the skin. Depending on the origin of the infection and the type of biotoxin, there will be different health problems, and they can lead to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) in genetically susceptible individuals. While most biotoxins can be eliminated by the immune system, constant exposure will lead to severe and chronic inflammation, hormonal balance disturbances, and drug resistance.

Symptoms of biotoxin illness

Biotoxin illness manifests through multiple symptoms, and they do not appear in a specific order or group. The main symptoms focus on certain systems, such as neurological problems, respiratory problems, digestive problems, psychological symptoms, hormonal disorders, immune dysregulation, and pain in the musculoskeletal system.

People who suffer from this disease exhibit several of the following symptoms:

  • Brain fog
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches
  • Neuropathy
  • Chronic cough
  • Sinus congestion
  • Asthma
  • Shortness of breath
  • Leaky gut
  • Abdominal pain
  • Food sensitivities
  • Recurrent infections
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Adrenal fatigue
  • Disrupted menstrual cycles
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Weakness

The symptoms cause a multifaceted impact, resulting in a low quality of life and limiting the physical activity that the patient can engage in.

Difficulties in diagnosis

Often, the symptoms mimic other conditions, so they can be misdiagnosed, causing patients to suffer constantly until an accurate diagnosis is obtained. At Mitogenesis, we are constantly developing diagnostic and treatment methods for people suffering from biotoxin illness, cancer, mold illness, Lyme disease, and mast cell activation.

The non-specific symptoms, or those that overlap with other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or others, cause doctors to overlook this disease or consider that the symptoms are related to other ailments. Traditional medical training does not cover all these conditions, hence the misattribution of symptoms to other diseases, such as hormonal imbalance, PCOS, or stress-related disorders.

In those cases, if the standard treatment for individual symptoms does not take effect over a long period of time, it is advisable to seek a second option, analyze the environment for possible sources of biotoxins, and make the changes recommended by specialists, such as dietary changes and increased non-self-medicating, among others. It is vital that patients consider further investigations if the symptoms persist or are multifaceted.

Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol

Once a biotoxin illness is identified, a treatment plan must be followed. This plan will be different depending on the types of toxins present, the symptoms, and the multisystemic damage found.

First step (the most important): elimination of exposure

The first step in treating this disease is finding and eliminating the toxin. Treatment won't have the necessary effect if you continue to expose yourself to the toxic source.

Second step: elimination of toxins from the body

Once the source is identified, the next step is to eliminate the toxins from the body. In patients who are genetically predisposed, toxins are not recognized as harmful, so it is necessary to use medications to remove the toxins from the body. You will also be recommended a change in diet, the consumption of certain foods, and comprehensive health care. At Mitogenesis, our team will be able to recommend the best comprehensive treatment to help you regain your health.

Third step: hormonal and biomarker correction

This is the most complex stage of the treatment. The biotoxin has affected hormones and biomarkers, necessitating a series of processes for correction and regulation. The processes of this stage include:

  • Correction of antigliadin antibodies
  • Androgen correction
  • Correction of osmolality/ADH dysregulation
  • Correct MMP and VEGF
  • Correct C3a
  • Correct C4a
  • Correct TGF beta-1
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)

Contact our Mitogenesis medical expert in Scottsdale, Arizona.

According to recent studies, biotoxin illness has a severe impact on human health. These toxins can disrupt multiple systems in the body, complicating diagnosis and treatment. However, by properly diagnosing the condition and adhering to the recommended treatment protocols, you can restore your quality of life.

We recommend making changes to diet and lifestyle to reduce the total burden of stressors on the body, the presence of biotoxins, and risk factors. We also recommend a continuous inspection of everyday spaces to minimize exposure to biotoxins.

At Mitogenesis Regenerative Medicine, we can find a comprehensive strategy that can transform your life, alleviate inflammatory processes, and detoxify the body to improve overall well-being and quality of life. If you wish to contact Dr. Mel Schottenstein at Mitogenesis or learn more about the treatments we offer, please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!

Sources:

Biotoxins (indoor damp and mould) Clinical Pathway (https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/biotoxins-indoor-damp-and-mould-clinical-pathway.pdf)

A Physician’s Guide to Biotoxin Illness (https://www.survivingmold.com/legal-resources/works-citing-dr.-shoemaker/a-physicians-guide-to-biotoxin-illness)

Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol (https://www.survivingmold.com/BIOTOXIN_PROTOCOL.pdf)

What is Mold Illness? Better yet, do people get sick after being exposed to water-damaged buildings? (https://www.survivingmold.com/resources-for-patients/diagnosis)

Reviewed by:

Dr. Mel Schottenstein

Naturopathic Doctor

NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.

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