When most people think about mycotoxins, they picture a water-damaged home. But what about the food sitting in your pantry?
Our consulting physician, Dr. Racheal Onah, joined hosts Adam Horn and Shawn McGrath on The Mold Show to talk about how mycotoxins end up in our food, what happens when they reach the gut, and simple ways to lower everyday exposure. Dr. Onah is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Canada and the UK and reviews mycotoxin and GI reports with practitioners.
Watch the full episode on YouTube: Mycotoxins in food with Dr. Racheal Onah | The Mold Show
What they covered
Mycotoxins aren’t mold. They’re compounds that mold produces. That’s why removing visible mold doesn’t always mean the exposure is gone.
Food is a common source. Dr. Onah says crops are one of the biggest sources of mycotoxin exposure. Coffee, spices, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and cereal grains came up, along with meat and dairy from animals that eat moldy feed.
Why levels can stay high after remediation. Some patients are surprised to see high mycotoxin levels in their urine test long after their home was remediated. One possible reason is that items like spices from a moldy cupboard can still carry mycotoxins.
Mold and your gut. Dr. Onah explains how the gut’s immune defenses respond to mycotoxins, and why slow digestion can give mold a place to linger. In her words, “mold loves constipation.”
Everyone is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What helped a friend or an influencer may not be what you need.
Simple ways to reduce exposure (without fearing food)
- Don’t eat visibly moldy or spoiled food, and don’t just cut off the moldy part.
- Check the packaging on grains, nuts, and dried fruit for damage or moisture.
- Store food in a cool, dry place and keep lids closed.
- Use a dry spoon in your coffee grounds.
- Clean your coffee maker, water bottles, and appliances regularly.
- Rotate your foods instead of eating the same thing every day.
Find out where your exposure is coming from
As Dr. Onah explains, testing both your body and your home helps you figure out whether the source is your food, your environment, or both.
- Test your body: Our mycotoxin urine test shows which mycotoxins your body is excreting. It’s processed in a CLIA/CAP-certified lab, and the results are reviewed by a physician.
- Test your home: EMMA is a simple dust test that checks your home for mold and mycotoxins.
This post is for educational purposes and isn’t medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
