Demystifying Neuropathy: What Causes It and Who's at Risk?
Evangeline Lindorf
Part 1 on Neuropathy
Have you ever experienced tingling, numbness, or burning pain in your hands or feet? These could be signs of neuropathy, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what exactly is neuropathy, and what causes it? Let's explore the factors that contribute to this often misunderstood condition.
Understanding Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy, is a condition that occurs when nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. These peripheral nerves play a crucial role in transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. When they become damaged or dysfunctional, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
So, what causes neuropathy? The truth is, there isn't a single cause. Neuropathy can develop as a result of various underlying conditions, injuries, or lifestyle factors. Here are some common causes and risk factors to be aware of:
Diabetes: Perhaps the most well-known cause of neuropathy is diabetes. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the tiny blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to nerves, leading to nerve damage.
Injuries: Traumatic injuries, such as those sustained in car accidents or sports injuries, can directly damage nerves or put pressure on them, leading to neuropathic symptoms.
Infections: Certain infections, such as shingles, HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and hepatitis C, can cause nerve damage and lead to neuropathy.
Autoimmune Diseases:
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can trigger the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, including nerves, resulting in neuropathy.
Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and certain medications (e.g., chemotherapy drugs), can cause nerve damage and contribute to neuropathy.
Who's at Risk?
Neuropathy can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but certain factors may increase your risk of developing the condition. These include:
Age:
As we age, our risk of developing neuropathy increases. This is partly due to age-related changes in nerve function and circulation.
Family History: If you have a family history of neuropathy or related conditions like diabetes, you may be at higher risk.
Health Conditions: Individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and kidney disease are more susceptible to neuropathy.
Lifestyle Factors: Poorly managed diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can all increase your risk of developing neuropathy.
In the next blog post, I'll explore the wide range of symptoms that may indicate neuropathy and discuss why early detection is crucial for effective management. Stay tuned for "Recognizing Neuropathy Symptoms: What to Look For."
Remember, if you're experiencing symptoms of neuropathy or have concerns about your nerve health, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional (come in to see me for help!) for proper evaluation and personalized treatment. Stay informed, stay empowered, and take care of your nerves!
Mold Illness vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference? When people think of mold, they often assume it just causes seasonal allergies—sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. But mold illness goes far beyond typical allergic reactions, affecting multiple systems in the body and often mimicking chronic or autoimmune conditions. Mold Allergies: The Basics Mold allergies are an immune response to mold spores. Symptoms may include: Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Itchy, watery eyes Cough or post-nasal drip Mild fatigue These symptoms usually flare up in humid environments, basements, or during seasonal changes. They’re often treated with antihistamines or allergy shots. Mold Illness: A Deeper Toxic Load Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) , is triggered not by an allergic reaction, but by a toxic overload from mycotoxins —dangerous chemicals produced by certain molds . These toxins can accumulate in your body, especially if your detox pathways are compromised. Symptoms may include: Brain fog Chronic fatigue Digestive issues Hormonal imbalances Neurological symptoms like anxiety or depression Joint and muscle pain Key Differences Mold Allergy Mold Illness (CIRS) Involves histamine reaction Involves chronic inflammation Symptoms are seasonal or triggered by exposure Symptoms persist and worsen over time Usually treatable with OTC meds Requires detox, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment What If You Have Both? Some people suffer from both mold allergies and mold illness, making symptoms even more complex. If you’ve been treating allergies with little to no relief, it may be time to explore the possibility of deeper toxicity. If you have both mold allergies and mold illness, you will have to treat both. Remediate all mold out of your environment. Test for the presence of mold in your home and office environments. Remove high mold foods from your diet. What to Do Next If your symptoms go beyond allergy season and don’t improve with standard treatments, it’s time to consider mold testing and a functional approach to healing. At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold illness holistically. Detoxification strategies (sauna therapy, sweating, supplements, and binders), as well as dietary and environmental changes can help. Testing for the presence of specific mycotoxins is important to do as well and can be done through a simple urine test. Ready to feel better? Book a consultation today and let’s find out what’s really behind your symptoms.
Is Mold Making Me Sick? Common Symptoms & What to Watch For Mold exposure is more than just an allergy trigger—it can be a root cause of chronic illness that is often overlooked. If you’ve been experiencing persistent symptoms without a clear diagnosis, mold might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Let’s explore the most common signs of mold illness and how to determine if your environment is making you sick. Common Symptoms of Mold Illness Mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), can affect multiple systems in the body. Here are some of the most frequently reported symptoms: 1. Respiratory Issues– Chronic sinus congestion, shortness of breath, wheezing, or a persistent cough can indicate mold exposure. 2. Brain Fog & Cognitive Issues – Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion are common in mold toxicity. 3. Fatigue & Weakness – If you feel exhausted despite adequate rest, mold-related inflammation may be depleting your energy. 4. Skin Reactions – Unexplained rashes, itching, or increased sensitivity to chemicals could be linked to mold exposure. 5. Digestive Problems – Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be triggered by mold. 6. Muscle & Joint Pain – Widespread body aches, stiffness, and inflammation may indicate mold-induced toxicity. 7. Mood Changes – Anxiety, depression, or increased irritability can result from mold-related neuroinflammation. 8. Increased Sensitivity to Light, Sound, and Smells – Mold can affect the nervous system, making you more sensitive to stimuli. How to Determine If Mold is Making You Sick - Evaluate Your Environment – Have you noticed symptoms worsen at home, work, or school? Musty odors, water damage, or visible mold growth are red flags. - Track Your Symptoms – If symptoms improve when you leave a certain space for an extended period, mold may be a contributing factor. - Consider Testing – Mold illness isn’t always obvious on standard medical tests. Specialized urine mycotoxin tests and inflammatory marker panels can help confirm exposure. Next Steps: What You Can Do If you suspect mold is impacting your health, here’s what you can do: - Schedule a consultation for mold illness testing and a personalized treatment plan. - Take steps to assess and remediate mold in your environment. - Begin supporting your body’s detox pathways with proper nutrition, binders, and lifestyle changes. Ready to Get Answers? At Your Inspired Vitality, we specialize in identifying and treating mold-related illnesses. If you suspect mold exposure is affecting your health, contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your healing journey.