The negative effects of mould are becoming ever more apparent. Meanwhile, birth rates are falling in the UK, with women nowadays having an average of just 1.4 babies. While there are many nuanced reasons for this, our practitioners often work with women who want to maximise their chances of having a baby.
With recent research revealing that mould is directly connected with fertility issues, it might be one overlooked factor in your fertility journey.
Mould is a type of fungus living alongside people, in homes and even on food.
The most well-known is the troublesome black mould lurking in your bathroom or washing machine. While mould might not cause problems in small amounts, if you are exposed to a lot of it, or you’re particularly sensitive to mould, it can impact your health.
This is because mould releases spores, as well as chemicals known as mycotoxins. Both these float in the air and are easily inhaled or can be consumed with food. They can then enter your bloodstream via your lungs or digestive system and travel around your body. Mould spores can spark off allergic reactions, like sneezing or coughing, while the effects of mycotoxins are more insidious.
Your body will naturally detoxify and expel these mould-related toxins. However, certain genetic variations mean some people are less efficient at doing this.
Although research on moulds is still in its infancy, mycotoxins are known to disrupt hormone balance by various means. Firstly, they set off a cascade of inflammation within the body. This signals to your brain that you’re in danger, increasing the release of stress hormones 1. This then has a knock-on effect on the balance of all the other hormones in your body, including the reproductive hormones.
Studies have shown mycotoxins are capable of blocking and mimicking the activity of hormones, including oestrogen and testosterone 2 3. Being a similar potency to the body’s oestrogen they have the effect of pushing up levels. In turn, progesterone decreases in women and testosterone nosedives in men.
Mycotoxins seem to affect the placenta, too, reducing the number of sites available for the egg to implant, as well as increasing the risk of preterm birth 4. Mycotoxins can also affect the maturation of both eggs and sperm.
Certain mycotoxins have been shown in research to have detrimental effects on sperm quality, decreasing its motility. In other words, the sperm must work harder to reach an egg.
Finally, mycotoxins can affect thyroid hormones 5 and blood sugar control, both of these processes impacting fertility.
The net result of all this disruption can be difficulties in conceiving.
Mould lurks in damp places. Therefore, dealing with any visible damp areas is important. It’s also important to ensure areas are well-ventilated, helping moisture to escape. Consider using a dehumidifier.
Favourite areas for mould to collect unseen include fridges, washing machines and around window frames. However, mould might not always be visible: it often collects behind wallpaper or alongside insulating materials.
White vinegar is a non-toxic way to kill small amounts of visible mould. Bleach isn’t recommended because it doesn’t kill mould, it merely removes the black pigment. In doing so it stresses out the mould, actually making it produce more toxic substances.
Certain foods tend to harbour moulds arising from their production and storage. Grains, particularly those stored for long periods, often carry moulds, and these aren’t destroyed by cooking.
If, however, mould is negatively affecting your health, the only way to permanently eradicate it is to hire a professional mould remediation service such as Pure Maintenance. They can survey your home for mould, eradicate it and prevent it from coming back. This is especially relevant if you have health issues caused by mould, as around 95% of mould in most properties is not visible to the naked eye.
If you’re looking to maximise your fertility, it’s important to consider the health of your whole body. The negative effects of mould are often overlooked and may be the missing piece of your jigsaw puzzle. For example, combatting oxidative stress by emphasising antioxidant-rich foods, supporting detoxification pathways, consuming plenty of anti-inflammatory nutrients, and prioritising gut health can all help the body better process mould-related toxins.
We can guide you through the maze and help you come out the other side with a healthy baby.
From a thorough consultation to specific testing to establish whether moulds are an issue for you, to recommending the best way to reduce your exposure to any moulds impacting your health, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Book a consultation with Ryre to start you fertility journey.
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