Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of symptoms ranging from weight gain and bloating to unusual emotional swings and anxiety. It affects nearly 85 percent of woman in their childbearing years to some degree.
Symptoms of PMS include a wide range of physical and mental aliments. Bloating, weight gain, increased appetite and food cravings are common symptoms. Headaches, back pain, anxiety and irritability are also symptoms of PMS. The degree in which you have PMS can vary from month by month. Not everyone will have every symptom and not everyone will have the same symptoms each month. The cause for PMS is not known. Certain factors however are known to have an effect on the severity of the symptoms including diet and exercise and environmental toxins such as mold.
How exactly are molds responsible?
Molds are organisms that feed, reproduce and also excrete waste material known as mycotoxins. Though some mycotoxins are used in the production of medications such as penicillin, others are used to produce cheeses and other foods. The human immune system is sensitive to most mycotoxins. A buildup of these toxins in your body can lead to serious health issues. The effect on the immune system should not be your only concern as these mycotoxins can disrupt every system in your body. Mycotoxins can affect your metabolism; triggering inflammation and altering your brain chemistry. They can also act like as parasites, unsettling the balance of micro flora in your digestive tract.
Mycotoxins from mold and PMS
Mycotoxins should be filtered out of the body through the liver. For many of you, the liver is unable to cope with the amount of mycotoxins present and does not excrete them all. The mycotoxins produced by molds are left to congregate in the liver, further reducing its ability to filter waste. As the liver becomes overwhelmed, it becomes inefficient at filtering out toxins and hormones alike. For you the problem is compounded. A sluggish liver, due to toxic overload, does not process estrogen as quickly as it should. This creates further stress upon the liver and the body. Excessive estrogen in your body will encourage PMS symptoms. From headaches to bloating to breast tenderness, many symptoms of PMS are heightened by a body overwhelmed by mycotoxins.
How you can reduce the risks
Possibly the easiest way to reduce the risk of mold is to air out your home. Sunshine and fresh air, at least an hour each week, will help to eliminate damp spots your home and clear away bad air. Pay particularly close attention to damp areas such as bathrooms and laundry areas. Under the kitchen sink is a prime location for mold to grow. Keep a spray bottle filled with bleach water for a quick cleanup around these areas to inhibit mold growth. Of course it is crucial to replace leaking roof, pipes and windows as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. Many retailers now offer in-home test kits for mold. Use these to identify areas where mold is suspect. While this is a good place to start it is important to note that it may not be the only source of mold in your life.
Molds can also be found in many foods. If you are sensitive to molds it would be very beneficial to exclude moldy foods from your diet. These foods include some fruits such as grapes, as well as raisins, cantaloupe and strawberries. It also includes several grains: corn, oats and wheat that are susceptible to grain-specific smut. Avoiding these foods can help to eliminate the health issues that arise from an imbalanced digestive tract due to mycotoxins. This can further reduce bloating and other symptoms associated with PMS.
The author, Helen Marino, is working closely with a mold removal service on a mission to educate people about the risks of mold exposure. Helen is also well aware of the PMS related problems, and she believes that anything that can bring relief to the women can be a valuable piece of info.
