Prevent and Treat Mold Allergies

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in filaments and reproduces via spores. These spores are present in the air and they eventually make their way to your nose. This triggers an allergic reaction that can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, a runny nose, eye irritation, a cough, congestion, post-nasal drip and asthma.

In fact, prolonged exposure can lead to immune suppression and progressive lung conditions.

Mild mold allergy symptoms are generally not life-threatening, however they can affect your comfortable daily life. The symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Some may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year, such as the rainy season.

The problem with mold allergy symptoms is that people often initially mistake them for a cold or sinus infection, since the symptoms can mirror each other.

Certain factors increase the risk of suffering from a mold allergy, including a family history of allergies, a weak immune system, living in a house with high humidity or poor ventilation, and living or working in a mold-infested building.

With the help of lifestyle changes as well as natural remedies, supplements and cleanses, you can effectively eliminate the debilitating symptoms. However, you also need to take steps to solve the mold problem to prevent future allergy outbreaks.

1. Garlic

Garlic is one of the most powerful antifungal herbs, and including it in your diet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of suffering from mold allergies. Plus, garlic is a good source of quercetin, a natural antihistamine that can help reduce the severity of the symptoms after exposure to mold.

This antifungal herb also gives a boost to your immunity, which helps fight allergy symptoms.

2. Ginger

Both fresh as well as supplemental forms of ginger can help with different types of allergies, including a mold allergy. Ginger can strengthen the immune system and also act as a natural antihistamine.

It is effective at reducing symptoms, such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, a cough and even a headache.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural detoxifying agent that helps flush the system of mold spores and other irritants.

It also contains antibiotic and antihistamine properties that help reduce the intensity of symptoms like frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, headaches and others. It plays a key role in regulating the body’s immune response system.

4. Colloidal Silver

This natural antibiotic aids in eliminating toxins from the body, including mold spores. Another plus of colloidal silver is that it does not create resistance or immunity in the pathogens it kills.

Colloidal silver can help mold-allergy sufferers in a number of ways. It can provide support to the immune system, which in turn can help limit allergic reactions.

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also useful for preventing mold allergies. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reports that vitamin D may be an effective therapeutic agent to treat or prevent allergy to a common mold that can complicate asthma and frequently affects patients with cystic fibrosis.

n this study, the researchers found that vitamin D not only reduced the production of a protein driving the allergic response to mold, it also increased production of the proteins that promote tolerance.

Another important thing is that vitamin D is imperative for proper functioning of your immune system.

6. Borax

Though borax will not provide relief from mold allergy symptoms, it can effectively kill the harmful agent that causes the problem.

It is a natural cleaning agent composed of minerals that can eliminate the mold spores and prevent further development. When there are no spores, your chance of suffering from a mold allergy automatically gets reduces.

7. Stinging Nettle

Being a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory herb, stinging nettle also plays a key role in dealing with the symptoms of a mold allergy.

This herb can ease nasal congestion and provide quick relief from symptoms like coughing, sneezing and itching.

Note: Stinging nettle is not recommended for pregnant women and young children.

8. Echinacea

Echinacea boosts the immune system, aiding the body’s ability to fight off the fungi that is the main reason behind the problem.

This herb can help ease the symptoms as well as promote recovery.

Add 3 or 4 drops of echinacea tincture to a glass of water. Drink it 3 or 4 times a day for not more than 1 week.

You can also take echinacea supplements, after consulting your doctor.

9. Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Eating more foods rich in vitamin C can help your body fight off the mold spores, as well as minimize the symptoms.

This vitamin is a natural antihistamine that can help fight off the symptoms. Also, as vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it boosts the immune system and builds resistance to allergies.

Eat more vitamin C-rich foods like lemons, oranges, bell peppers, kiwis, berries, dark leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes and papayas.
You can also take vitamin C supplements. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

10. Mold Cleanup and Removal

To prevent a mold allergy, the first step is to get rid of the mold where you live or work.

Prevention is the best treatment for mold allergies. So, you first need to find the source of it to keep it from happening again. Mold thrives in warm and damp areas, such as bathrooms and humid kitchens or basements.

Fix a water leak as soon as you notice it, as it can lead to moisture buildup in a basement or damp areas under carpets that can easily go unnoticed.
Make your home less mold-friendly by controlling the amount of moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners will help.
An exhaust fan or open window in the bathroom will help cut down on humidity.
In the kitchen, keep an eye out for mold in refrigerator drip pans, door seals and garbage pails.
If you spot mold on a hard surface in your home like glass, plastic or tile, clean it using a bleach solution.
Throw out old carpets, bedding and mattresses that have become infested with mold.
Avoid piles of damp leaves in your yard and garden. If you need to mow the lawn, dig up plants, or rake leaves during the rainy days, wear a dust mask.
Keep things in airtight, waterproof containers, so mold can’t sneak in.

Additional Tips

It’s also advisable to remain in air-conditioned spaces with closed windows as much as possible. Make sure you use high-quality filters in your air conditioner.
Keep the air conditioning set at a lower temperature to reduce moisture around the home.
Use dehumidifiers around your house to help reduce both mold and dust mites.
Choose flooring, such as linoleum or concrete, that doesn’t hold in moisture.
To reduce allergy symptoms, eat a moderately low-fat, high-complex-carbohydrate diet.
Make sure to drink enough water to keep your body as well as nasal passages well-hydrated. Dehydration can aggravate your symptoms and make the condition worse.
Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce allergic reactions.
Cut down on your sugar intake to prevent fungi, such as mold, from surviving.
To help lessen the severity of mold allergies, limit the amount of fermented foods in your diet.
Mold spores get stirred up every time you sweep, vacuum or do yard work, so it is recommended to wear a mask.
Sleep with your windows closed to keep out outdoor mold. The concentration of airborne mold spores tends to be higher at night, when the weather is cool and damp.
Avoid going outdoors at certain times, such as immediately after a rainstorm and in foggy or damp weather.

This article was compiled from multiple resources for HeartToHeartMessages.com (Dee Jensen)

Resources:

http://www.jci.org/articles/view/42388
http://www.aafa.org/page/mold-allergy.aspx