The kidneys and the mycotoxins

The kidneys and the mycotoxins

Learn how the mycotoxins could affect your kidneys

Mycotoxins can also significantly affect the kidneys, because the kidneys filter the blood and concentrate toxins in the urine — which exposes kidney cells to high toxin levels. Some mycotoxins are directly nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging), especially ochratoxin A, citrinin, and certain fumonisins.

1. Oxidative Stress

Mycotoxins increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) → this injures the cells of the renal tubules.

· Leads to mitochondrial dysfunction

· Reduces ATP (cellular energy)

· Can trigger cell death (apoptosis/necrosis)

2. Impaired Filtration

Chronic exposure can damage the glomeruli (kidney filters):

· Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

· Retention of waste products in blood (urea, creatinine)

3. Tubular Toxicity

Many mycotoxins accumulate in the proximal tubules, causing:

· Impaired reabsorption and secretion

· Electrolyte imbalance (sodium, potassium loss)

· Increased urine output early on, then decreased output if fibrosis develops

4. Inflammation & Fibrosis

Long-term exposure → chronic low-grade inflammation in kidney tissue.

· Progresses to interstitial fibrosis

· Reduces kidney function over time

Symptoms of Mycotoxin-Related Kidney Stress

Early / Mild Symptoms (Often Overlooked)

These show up when the tubules are irritated but filtration is still mostly normal:

Increased thirst: because of early tubular irritation → mild dehydration

Frequent urination: because kidneys can’t reabsorb water efficiently

Dry mouth: Fluid and electrolyte loss

Mild flank or low back discomfort: due to Inflammation in kidney tissue

Unexplained fatigue: because of buildup of metabolic waste

Moderate symptoms (Kidney stress clearly affecting function)

As toxin exposure continues and filtration declines:

Foamy or bubbly urine: Protein leaking through damaged glomeruli

Swelling (legs, ankles, eyelids): Fluid retention

Muscle cramps: Loss of minerals (Mg, K, Ca)

Rising blood pressure: Kidneys regulate vascular tone and salt balance

Dark or cloudy urine: Concentrated waste / tubular injury

Nausea or loss of appetite: Waste products in bloodstream (uremia)

Severe / chronic exposure: Seen when inflammation progresses to fibrosis or early kidney failure:

Reduced urination: Significant filtration decline

Persistent swelling / edema: Sodium and water retention

Shortness of breath: Fluid shifts and metabolic acidosis

Severe fatigue / brain fog: Toxin buildup in blood

Metallic taste in mouth: Uremic toxins

Itching (uremic pruritus): Waste products released through skin

Sleep disturbances / restlessness: Electrolyte imbalance + uremia

Which Mycotoxins Most Strongly Affect Kidneys

Ochratoxin A: Strongly nephrotoxic, fibrosis

Citrinin: Damages glomeruli and tubules

Fumonisins: Impairs renal cell membranes

Aflatoxins: Primarily liver toxin but also kidney oxidative stress

Clues That Point Specifically Toward Mycotoxin Involvement

You are more likely dealing with toxin-induced kidney stress if:

1. Symptoms fluctuate depending on environment (worse in moldy buildings)
   

2. You consume a lot of grains, nuts, coffee, spices, or rice stored in humid conditions
   

3. Liver symptoms or sensitivity to chemicals accompany the kidney issues
   

4. There is no obvious cause like diabetes, hypertension, or infections
   

5. You feel worse after being in damp indoor spaces

Please, don't overlook these symptoms and go to the doctor to run out some tests. After that, if you don't have clues and you still feel that you have some problems, we could run a mycotoxin test toguether to understand if this could ve the cause!