Bladder issues and mycotoxins

Bladder issues and mycotoxins

How it is going 10 times per night to the toiletHow Mycotoxins Can Affect the Bladder

Very often, people with mycotoxins have bladder issues. They go to many doctors, but noone can explain them why their symptoms persist many years. Their qualitiy of life is decrease because of the bladder pain and their urinatry frecuency. The causes for it are the following:

1. Increased Inflammation (Cytokine Response).Mycotoxins can stimulate the body to release inflammatory cytokines.For some people, this may cause:

• burning sensations

• urinary frequency

• irritation even without infection (similar to interstitial cystitis)

This is sometimes called “neurogenic inflammation.”

2. Mast-Cell Activation and Histamine Sensitivity

Many molds and mycotoxins can trigger mast-cell activation, especially in people with:

• MCS

• allergies

• Ehlers-Danlos

• chronic stress

• POTS/MCAS overlap

When mast cells activate in the bladder wall, they release histamine, leading to:

• urgency

• pelvic pressure

• pain

• increased sensitivity to foods (citrus, vinegar, coffee, artificial sweeteners, etc.)

This mechanism is well recognized in IC/BPS (interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome).

3. Irritation of the Pelvic Nervous System

Mycotoxins can influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates bladder function. A disrupted autonomic system may cause:

• overactive bladder

• difficulty relaxing the bladder

• pelvic floor tension

• hypersensitivity of pain pathways

This can create bladder symptoms even with no infection present.

4. Gut–Bladder Axis Disruption

Mycotoxins can harm the gut lining and microbiome. The gut and bladder communicate through immune signaling pathways. When the gut becomes inflamed or imbalanced, this can lead to:

• pelvic inflammation

• urinary urgency

• cross-organ sensitization

• increased bladder reactivity

This is similar to how IBS and IC often occur together.

5. Mycotoxin Excretion Through Urine

Some mycotoxins (ex: ochratoxin A) are partially excreted via the kidneys. For sensitive individuals, this can cause:

• irritation of the bladder lining

• a burning sensation during flare-ups

• transient pelvic discomfort

This is not the same as a UTI — it’s chemical irritation.

6. Common Bladder Symptoms Seen in Mold-Sensitive Individuals

People often report:

• Burning without infection

• Frequency & urgency

• Feeling of a “UTI that won’t go away”

• Pain after certain foods

• Pelvic floor spasms or tension

• Symptoms worsening in moldy environments

These symptoms often worsen when the immune system is hypersensitive.

7. Why People With MCS Often Feel It More

MCS and mold illness both involve:

• a sensitized nervous system

• mast-cell and histamine activation

• low threshold for chemical or environmental triggers

Because of this, the bladder becomes a target organ for irritation.

What can you do if it is the case? There are many friendly alternatives to help solve the problem.

Some solutions:

1. Hydration (But in a Bladder-Calming Way)

People with bladder irritation need hydration, but not all fluids are equal.

✔ Bladder-friendly hydration:

• filtered water

• warm water or herbal teas

• coconut water (if tolerated)

• electrolyte water without dyes/flavors

❌ Often irritating in MCAS or bladder sensitivity:

• carbonated drinks

• coffee

• tea with caffeine

• citrus drinks

• flavored waters with citric acid

• alcohol

• kombucha (acidic + histamine-producing)

2. MCAS-Friendly, Bladder-Friendly Foods

✔ Foods that are usually calming:

• zucchini

• cucumbers

• lettuce

• rice (white or jasmine)

• chicken or turkey (fresh, not processed)

• pears

• blueberries

• cauliflower

• potatoes & sweet potatoes

• gluten-free oats

These foods create less bladder irritation and are typically low-histamine.

❌ Foods that often trigger bladder flares: (Especially in people with mold sensitivity + MCAS)

• citrus (orange, lemon, lime)

• tomatoes

• vinegar & pickled foods

• soy sauce

• fermented foods (kefir, kombucha, kimchi)

• chocolate

• coffee

• spicy foods

• artificial sweeteners

These can irritate the bladder lining or activate mast cells.

3. Nervous System Calming (Huge for Both MCAS & Bladder Issues)

The bladder is strongly influenced by the autonomic nervous system.
In mold illness + MCAS, this system is often overstimulated.

Helpful calming strategies:

• slow nasal breathing (long exhale)

• warm compress over the pelvis

• gentle stretching of hip flexors

• vagus nerve–safe practices (humming, slow paced breathing)

• grounding or walking barefoot

• somatic tracking (noticing sensations without fear)

A calmer nervous system = calmer bladder.

4. Mast Cell Calming Approaches (Lifestyle-Based)

✔ Helpful non-supplement tools:

• cold pack to the lower abdomen during flares

• avoid scented laundry products

• avoid aerosols or strong cleaning chemicals

• use clothing without harsh dyes

• keep room temperature stable

• reduce mold exposure (air purifiers, ventilation)

Environmental triggers often activate mast cells faster than foods.

5. Bladder-Lining Support (Gentle + Non-Medication)

These are not treatments — just supportive practices.

✔ Supportive:

• heat applied to the lower belly

• baking soda foot bath (NOT ingested) to calm systemic acidity

• avoiding tight clothing

• urinating before the bladder is too full

✔ Diet-based lining protectors: Foods with soothing qualities:

• aloe (inner fillet only, in food-safe products)

• slippery elm tea (if tolerated)

• marshmallow root tea (calming to mucosa)

These help soothe mucosal surfaces from the mouth → gut → bladder.

6. Pelvic Floor Relaxation (Often Overlooked)

Chronic irritation leads to pelvic muscle tension, which worsens urgency. Helpful techniques:

• deep belly breathing

• hip-opening stretches

• warm baths

• lying with knees supported by a pillow

A tight pelvic floor can mimic UTI symptoms even when tests are clear.

7. Environmental Mold Management (Gentle Version)

For bladder or MCAS sensitivity, controlling mold exposure reduces inflammation globally, which often calms bladder symptoms. Gentle, non-triggering steps:

• HEPA + carbon air filter

• ventilating bathrooms

• reducing humidity (40–50%)

• cleaning AC filters regularly

• using unscented cleaning products

Even subtle improvements often reduce symptom frequency.

And the most important one: leaving the moldy environment and begining a detoxification protocol specially for mycotoxins!

Let's do it!