Why inflammation persists with chronic illness
Jan 15, 2024 4:00 pm
Happy Monday!
Welcome back to our newsletter! This edition is dedicated to shedding light on a fascinating and crucial aspect of cellular biology—the Cell Danger Response (CDR) and its intriguing connection to mold toxicity
Chronic inflammatory conditions are often misunderstood. The reason these symptoms persist is as a protective mechanism.
Which is why I want to focus today’s topic on our Cell Danger Response.
Mold toxicity, chronic viral infections, Lyme disease, all create an insult to the body producing a wide variety of symptoms.
Many things that we come into contact with, including environmental toxins and exposures create an alarm to our system that sometimes may never get shut off. Resulting in a wide variety of symptoms that can be difficult to pin down. This is often why SIBO, SIFO, and other gut symptoms will persist.
What is the cell danger response?
The Cell Danger Response is a biological reaction triggered by cells in response to stress, danger, or injury. This intricate defense mechanism is designed to protect cells from harm and maintain cellular homeostasis. In the face of threats, cells undergo various changes to adapt and ensure survival.
Linking CDR to Mold Toxicity:
Mold toxicity, often overlooked, is a health concern associated with exposure to molds and their mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are harmful substances produced by certain fungi, commonly found in damp environments. When our bodies come into contact with these molds, the immune system can initiate the Cell Danger Response as a protective measure.
What occurs in the cell danger response:
- The stressed cell tells the body to make more cortisol
- Sulfur metabolism shifts and glutathione, our body's master antioxidant, gets consumed. Hydrogen sulfide increases and this interferes with key aspects of liver detoxification, such as methylation
- Vitamin D metabolism is altered
- Histamine directly gets produced
- Porphyrin synthesis gets interfered with, resulting in a variety of symptoms
- Metabolism of tryptophan is altered inducing more inflammation
- Deficiencies of certain vitamins occur
- The gut microbiome becomes altered
Key Points to Consider:
- Inflammatory Response: Mold exposure can trigger an inflammatory response within the body, activating the Cell Danger Response. This inflammation is a natural defense mechanism, but chronic exposure may lead to prolonged CDR activation, impacting overall health. Keep in mind, mold exposure could have occurred 20 to 30 years ago.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The Cell Danger Response can affect mitochondrial function—the energy powerhouses of our cells. Mold toxicity may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, further exacerbating cellular stress.
- Neurological Impact: Research suggests a link between mold toxicity, CDR activation, and neurological symptoms. Individuals exposed to mold may experience cognitive issues, fatigue, and other neurological challenges.
- Individual Variability: It's important to note that individuals vary in their susceptibility to mold toxicity and the subsequent Cell Danger Response. Genetic factors, overall health, and duration of exposure all play a role.
When working on mold toxicity, it's important to be very careful in addressing which aspects of the body we are supporting first. By looking at the cell danger response model, if we try to interfere with something too soon it can create more inflammation.
For more info on Mold Toxicity, Mast Cell activation syndrome, and SIBO you can follow me on TikTok and Instagram where I regularly post about this!
Dr. Stephanie Peacock, DC
