What is a mycotoxin and what is it doing in my coffee

Berthoud Weekly Surveyor September 30, 2021 Page 9 What is a mycotoxin and what is it doing in my coffee?

By Amber McIver-Traywick

The Surveyor

You may have heard of mycotoxins and you may not but they could be affecting your health. Learning about these potentially harmful substances and where they might be lurking is the fi rst step to avoiding exposure.

What is it?

Mycotoxins are metabolic byproducts of mold and other fungi and are known to cause serious health problems for animals like horses and livestock as well as humans. These mycotoxins have names like afl atoxin, fumonisin, patulin, and trichothecenes but there are more than 400 different types that have been identifi ed. They can be found in animal feed and foods intended for humans. It’s estimated that around 25% of crops around the world are affected. The contamination can occur anywhere from before the food is harvested or down the line in the supply chain during transportation or storage. The conditions that the food is processed in also play a major role. Crops that are damaged or stored in warm, humid conditions have a higher likelihood to develop mold. Aside from food, mycotoxins can also be present in water-damaged buildings or other damp indoor environments.

What does it do?

The World Health Organization says that mycotoxins in contaminated food can cause “adverse health effects” in both humans and animals, including immune defi ciency liver, kidney, and/or spleen damage; negative effects on fetal development; nausea and other gastrointestinal disturbances; hormonal imbalances; neurological problems; blood infections; skin dis-

eases; fertility problems; DNA damage and cancer.

If you have been exposed symptoms may appear quickly after acute exposure or develop over time as a result of chronic low-dose mycotoxin ingestion. Some people with chronic health issues including fatigue, allergies, headaches, itchy or painful skin rashes, anxiety, brain fog, and worsening autoimmune conditions might be suffering from mycotoxin poisoning and not know it. It’s also worth noting that people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to mycotoxin illness.

Where do you fi nd it?

Some foods tend to be more prone to containing mycotoxins. These include rice, dried fruit, grains like corn, oats, barley and wheat, nuts, coffee beans, sugar cane, hard cheeses, dried spices and herbs, wine and beer and meat and dairy from grain-fed animals.

If you are a coffee drinker like I am you may have perked up hearing it’s a culprit. Research has shown that only 70 to 80% of mycotoxins found on green coffee beans are destroyed during the roasting process. Because the mycotoxin-producing mold grows on green coffee beans before they are roasted, it is a good idea to know that your coffee is coming from a safe and reliable source that screens for mycotoxins. A quick internet search or simply asking local roasters what their testing practices are can let you know what brands are a better option.

The FDA tests samples of corn and other products for mycotoxins and gives regulatory guidance including a determined amount that is considered safe for human and animal consumption.

What do I do about it?

Sometimes it feels like when it comes to health there is something wrong with everything but taking a few basic steps can help decrease the likelihood of exposure. According to Dr. Amy Myers a functional medicine expert and bestselling author, you might consider doing the following. uy your food fresh and local, directly from the source if possible. Get to know the farmers in your area at to know the farmers in your area at local farmers markets and talk local farmers markets and talk to them about how they grow to them about how they grow and store their products. and store their products. • Use your food promptly to avoid storing it for an ly to avoid storing it for an extended time. extended time. • Improve your health by eating a wide variety of by eating a wide variety of anti-infl ammatory foods that anti-infl ammatory foods that aid in detoxifi cation like cruciaid in detoxifi cation like cruciferous vegetables. And a variety of ferous vegetables. And a variety of food ensures less of any form of mycofood ensures less of any form of mycotoxin accumulating in your body. • Take care of your immune system so it can fi ght back when any invaders like mold try to compromise your health. Your body is made to neutralize these types of substances as long as it is healthy and the exposure remains low. • Be mindful of the air quality in your indoor space. Make sure there is adequate airfl ow and no water damage. • Incorporate foods into your diet that are naturally anti-fungal like: Coconut oil, garlic, raw honey, turmeric, and cinnamon.

The good news is if you have been exposed or are suffering from issues related to mycotoxins there are ways to get better including lifestyle changes, supplementation, building up the immune system improving your liver health, and eliminating any mold from your home or workplace. Talking to your doctor is always a good start.