Mycotoxins and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Motor Neuron Disease (MND) are an overlooked but significant health risk. These toxic by-products of mould can silently damage the brain, accelerate cognitive decline, and worsen neurological symptoms.
We are living in an unprecedented time of environmental exposure. The World Health Organization estimates that over 90 percent of the global population now breathes polluted air every day. In the United States alone, researchers have identified more than 144,000 human-made chemicals in our air, water, food, and household products. Many of these have never been adequately tested for safety.
Mould toxins are just one part of this growing toxic burden. Heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are silently accumulating in our bodies. These toxins do not simply disappear over time. Many are fat-loving (lipophilic), embedding in brain tissue, fat cells, and vital organs where they can linger for years unless actively removed.
How widespread is mould?
Mould exposure is far more common than most people realise:
- In the United States, around 50 percent of buildings are considered water-damaged.
- In Australia, the situation is similar. During one house-hunting exercise in Sydney by a mould expert colleague of mine, 93.5 percent of homes inspected were visibly water-damaged, and 80 percent of mould problems were hidden and not visible at all.
- In humid climates such as Northern NSW Australia and above, most homes are impacted to some degree, even new ones, simply due to climate and building design.
This means many people are unknowingly exposed every day to toxic indoor environments that silently undermine their health.
Why mycotoxins are dangerous
Mycotoxins, the toxic by-products of mould, are among the most harmful and stubborn toxins in our environment. Once they enter the body, they:
- Disrupt immune function
- Damage cellular membranes
- Fuel systemic inflammation
- Alter the gut microbiome and increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”)
These effects can harm every system in the body.
How mould toxins affect the nervous system
For anyone with an existing neurodegenerative condition such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or Motor Neuron Disease (MND), mycotoxin exposure can significantly worsen symptoms and accelerate disease progression.
- Mycotoxins cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering chronic neuroinflammation.
- They damage mitochondria, the energy factories of brain cells, leading to energy failure and cell death.
- They disrupt neurotransmitter pathways, including dopamine production, which is already vulnerable in Parkinson’s.
- They increase oxidative stress and worsen nerve damage, contributing to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s and motor neuron damage in MND.
Even in those without a diagnosis, prolonged mould exposure can mimic early neurodegenerative symptoms such as brain fog, tremors, memory issues, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and unexplained fatigue. For someone already living with Parkinson’s or another neurological condition, mould toxins can make recovery or symptom management much harder.
Key facts you need to know
- Mycotoxins are toxic to everyone, but around one in four people (25%) have a genetic susceptibility (HLA haplotype) that makes them become ill faster and recover more slowly. So two people could be exposed to the same mycotoxins in their workplace however if one person has the HLA haplotype genes then they may have more severe symptoms than their colleague without these genes.
- Even those without this genetic vulnerability may still suffer delayed health damage from long-term mould exposure such as kidney or liver disease, autoimmune conditions, or even cancers years later.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is strongly linked to mould exposure. In one study, 90 percent of patients with chronic fatigue had current or past exposure to a water-damaged building, and 93 percent of urine samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin.
- Children living in water-damaged homes are 15 times more likely to develop moderate to severe eczema.
- Musty odours in homes are linked to asthma in both children and adults, and high mould scores in infancy predict asthma by age seven.
Recognising symptoms of mould toxicity
Mould-related illness can look like many other conditions, which is why it is often missed.
Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating
- Headaches or migraines
- Sinus congestion, coughing, or shortness of breath not linked to infection
- Heightened anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Unexplained joint or muscle pain
- Hormone imbalances or fertility issues
- Worsening autoimmune symptoms
- Symptoms that flare in specific environments (basements, older buildings, after rain)
If you recognise yourself in these symptoms, mould toxins may be an overlooked factor.
The hidden dangers in your home
Indoor humidity plays a key role in mould growth.
- When humidity rises above 60 percent, dust mites and mould spores start to grow rapidly.
- Above 70 percent, mould growth becomes almost unavoidable.
This is why it is essential to monitor humidity with a simple thermo-hygrometer in every room if possible and especially if you live in a humid climate.
Once mould grows on porous materials like plasterboard, mattresses, carpets, or soft furnishings, it must be removed and replaced. Mould must be physically removed not simply killed or painted over.
Mould is often hidden behind walls, under floors, or in air-conditioning systems, making it easy to miss.
Why you cannot heal while still being exposed
Even the best supplements, detoxification treatments, and binders will have little effect if you remain in a contaminated environment. You must first stop ongoing exposure.
- Inspect your home and workplace for leaks, condensation, and water damage.
- Never use bleach. It only ‘bleaches’ surface mould, causes it to release more toxins, and does not remove spores.
- Engage a qualified mould remediation professional or building biologist. In many cases, contaminated materials need to be cut out entirely.
- Maintain indoor humidity below 50 percent and improve ventilation.
- Clean and maintain heating/cooling systems, as ducts and air-conditioning units often harbour mould.
- Consider a low-mould diet during detoxification. Avoid dried fruits, grains, aged cheeses, fermented products, and alcohol, which can carry hidden mycotoxins.
How to detox safely
Clearing mould toxins must be done in the correct order to avoid making symptoms worse.
- Support detox pathways first
Prepare the liver, kidneys, gut, lymphatic system, and sweat pathways. Support bile flow, ensure daily bowel movements, stay hydrated, encourage lymphatic flow with gentle exercise or massage, and promote sweating through sauna therapy. - Bind and remove toxins
Once detox pathways are working well, binders can be introduced. Binders trap circulating mycotoxins in the gut and safely escort them out of the body. The correct binder is chosen based on your toxin profile with Naturopath Lisa. - Target mould in deeper tissues
After gut integrity is restored and detox pathways are functioning properly, targeted remedies can be introduced to gently eliminate mould toxins stored in deeper tissues. This must be done carefully to avoid a Herxheimer reaction, a temporary worsening of symptoms caused by toxins being released too quickly.
Why this matters for neurological conditions
For those living with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MND, or other neurodegenerative conditions, mould toxins can:
- Increase neuroinflammation, worsening tremors, cognitive decline, and movement symptoms.
- Reduce dopamine availability, making Parkinson’s symptoms more pronounced.
- Accelerate mitochondrial damage and cell death in brain regions already under strain.
- Increase oxidative stress that fuels ongoing neurodegeneration.
Addressing mould exposure and detoxifying mycotoxins is a crucial step in protecting the brain and slowing neurological decline.
Taking the next steps – Book an appointment with Naturopath Lisa
If you suspect mould toxins are affecting your health—or worsening your Parkinson’s or other neurological symptoms—it is important to get tailored support. Detoxifying from mycotoxins must be done carefully and in the correct order to avoid setbacks.
Book an appointment with naturopath Lisa today to create a personalised plan for:
- Identifying and reducing mould exposure
- Supporting detox pathways safely
- Choosing the right binders for your situation
- Introducing targeted remedies at the right time
Getting the right guidance can make all the difference in your recovery.
Want to discuss this further? Please book a consultation with Lisa.
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