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If you're a mold sensitive person you might want to avoid these foods that can contain mold, even on a good day!
Foods that may contain mold are:
> Coffee
> Peanuts
> Cheeses
> Mushrooms
> Fermented beverages - Wine and beer
> Dried fruits
> Processed meats, i.e. cold cuts
COFFEE - Because coffee beans are packaged in a hot and humid environment it makes them susceptible to mold growth. If you get the coffee pods for your machine, it may be worthwhile to contact the supplier to find out what their system is to avoid and test for mold in their products. This information should also be accessible online.
PEANUTS - While the US has one of the strictest processing for it's peanuts in the world, there have been outbreaks of aflatoxin in Asia and Africa. It's important to note that there is never zero presence of aflatoxin in peanut products but there is a considered safe level that the US is adamant on. So, if you're a mold sensitive person it's best to avoid peanuts (even cashews) since there is still a considered safe level present but there has never been a recorded outbreak of aflatoxin from US peanut products.
CHEESES - Moldy cheeses, like bleu, are obvious for mold growth and should be avoided by mold sensitive persons. "However, cheese, in general, is an excellent environment for mold growth. Between the moisture and nutrients in the dairy product, they can easily support these fungi." 1
MUSHROOMS - Mushrooms are a fungus, just like mold. Not only can mold spores live on mushrooms (which adds to the toxification in your body), adding more fungus on top of an existing fungus problem can aggravate it further.
WINE and BEER - "While some alcohols have less likelihood for mold and mycotoxin presence, like tequila and vodka. On the other hand, beer and wine can be pretty high up on the list. Between the fermentation process, which involves yeast and mold, and the sugars, mold loves alcohol.
Again, while some spirits may contain less mold and mycotoxins, they all contain some form of grain or fruit which makes them susceptible to mold exposure." 1
DRIED FRUITS - "Fruits naturally have a high moisture content so if they come into contact with mold spores while being prepped to dry, the spores can begin to grow and multiply.
The sugar content in fruits can also be a problem for trying to combat mold exposure. Like many of us, molds love sugar. They can eat the sugar molecules, creating the energy they need to survive, thrive, and multiply. Decreasing sugar intake helps to discourage their growth in the body. Unfortunately, most dried fruits have a high sugar content so staying away from them is the best option." 1
PROCESSED MEATS - "Between the high sugar content and presence of corn (in all kinds of forms) these products can be laden with mold and mycotoxins...Processed meats in particular can be ultra-mold-ridden. Animals often eat feed contaminated with mold growth and mycotoxin presence (like corn). That means that by the time they make it to be processed, they contain mold and its byproducts." 1
Essentially those foods that sit for awhile, ferment, long shelf life just offer greater opportunity for mold to grow.
If you are a mold sensitive person try and focus on a leafy green diet with fresh herbs, regenerative meats, spices and other vegetables.
