The mycotoxins and your brain

The mycotoxins and your brain

Learn how the mycotoxins affect your brain

There are many "moldy" people with brain issues. Let's see why it happens and what are the symptoms. 

How mycotoxins reach the brain

Mycotoxins (like ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, aflatoxin B1, fumonisin B1, gliotoxin) can reach the brain through:

• Inhalation → cross from nasal passages into the olfactory nerve (direct route to brain)

• Circulation → cross a weakened blood–brain barrier (BBB)

• Inflammatory signals → the immune system releases cytokines that activate brain inflammation

Once inside, mycotoxins can disrupt nerve cells, energy production, and neurotransmitters.

Main mechanisms of brain injury

a. Neuroinflammation

Mycotoxins activate microglia (the brain’s immune cells).
These cells start releasing inflammatory molecules → swelling and oxidative stress in brain tissue.

Result: brain fog, irritability, headaches, poor concentration.

b. Oxidative stress & mitochondrial damage

The brain uses 20% of the body’s oxygen — and mycotoxins increase free radicals while lowering antioxidants (especially glutathione).

Result: Fatigue and “mental exhaustion”, Sensitivity to light/noise, Poor recovery after stress or effort.

c. Disruption of neurotransmitters

Mycotoxins can:

• Lower dopamine and serotonin (mood regulation)

• Alter GABA and glutamate balance (calm vs. excitatory signals)

• Interfere with acetylcholine (memory and focus)

Result: anxiety, mood swings, depression, brain fog, and even tremors in severe cases.

d. Damage to the blood–brain barrier (BBB)

Normally, the BBB protects the brain from toxins.
But mycotoxins (especially ochratoxin A and trichothecenes) make it “leaky”, allowing more toxins and immune cells to enter.

Result: chronic inflammation, “chemical sensitivity,” and neurological hypersensitivity.

e. Immune system dysregulation

The brain’s immune system becomes “on alert” all the time → hypersensitivity to smells, chemicals, lights, and sounds.

Result: “mold brain” or “toxic brain” symptoms — people feel foggy, reactive, overstimulated, and easily fatigued.

Common neurological and cognitive symptoms

Cognitive (“brain fog”)->Poor memory, confusion, slow thinking, difficulty focusing

Emotional->Anxiety, depression, irritability, emotional flatness

Sensory->Light/sound sensitivity, dizziness, blurred vision, tingling sensations

Sleep->Insomnia, vivid dreams, poor rest

Motor / coordination->Tremor, imbalance, muscle weakness

Head / pressure->Headaches, sinus pressure, “band around head” feeling

There are different ways to test if your brain is beeing damaged because of the mycotoxins. For example, urin mycotoxin panels, environmental testing, NeuroQuant MRI (quantitative brain MRI), QEEG (Quantitative EEG or Brain Mapping) and Neurocognitive testing.

Please, don't hesitate if you have those symptoms. You can recover. Ask your doctor about this. Some tests need to be done at a neurologist, some at a psychiater or psychologist. Others could be done with me.

Let's have a concious and healthy life!