Anshul Gupta, MD: The Link Between Mold Toxins And Hashimoto's Disease

Today I had an amazing conversation with Dr. Anshul Gupta about Hashimoto's disease and the significant role mold toxins play in autoimmune conditions.

Here are the highlights from our chat:

🔹 Dr. Gupta's interest in Hashimoto's disease was ignited by seeing numerous patients with similar symptoms at the Cleveland Clinic Functional Medicine Department, who were often dismissed or misdiagnosed by traditional doctors.

🔹 Hashimoto's is the most common autoimmune disease and affects the thyroid gland. It's caused by a combination of genetic makeup and environmental triggers, leading to antibody production and the destruction of the thyroid gland.

🔹 Dr. Gupta identified five major categories of environmental triggers for Hashimoto's:

Food sensitivities (e.g., gluten, dairy, soy, corn, processed meats, and sugars)Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., selenium, magnesium, B vitamins)StressInfections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus, parasites, Candida, Lyme)Toxins (e.g., heavy metals, environmental toxins, mold toxins)

🏠 Mold toxins are a significant trigger for autoimmune conditions and can be found in various places like insulation walls, floors, and workplaces. Testing for mold exposure and mycotoxins is essential, as individuals' reactions can vary greatly.

🔎 Symptoms that might indicate mold exposure include sensitivity to random foods or smells, skin rashes, mood swings, brain fog, and inflammation. Mold allergy testing is different from mold toxin testing, and labs like Great Plains Lab and Real Time Labs offer urine tests to check mold toxin levels in the body.

🔄 Retesting typically happens every four to six months because mold toxins are difficult to eliminate. It's crucial to address not only the mold toxins but also the damage they cause to the body, which can include chronic inflammatory response syndrome, gut issues like leaky gut, and cellular apoptosis (cell death) that can impact thyroid function.

⚠️ When it comes to detoxification, Dr. Gupta warns against self-administered detox protocols, as they can cause severe side effects and even hospitalization. Detox should be done under the guidance of a qualified professional.

🏡 Determining whether mold exposure is current or past can be challenging. Two ways to check a house or building for mold include hiring a contractor for a visual inspection or using an ERMI test that analyzes dust and air samples. However, both methods have drawbacks. It's crucial to hire a mold specialist for remediation.

🌱 Simple ways to improve detoxification include drinking water, exercising or practicing yoga, and eating a high-fiber diet. Focus on the basics to help reduce the toxic burden on the body and prevent the need for advanced detoxification treatments.

In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of the potential impact of mold toxins on autoimmune conditions and take the necessary steps to address them. Remember to always consult with a qualified professional before attempting any detoxification process.