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About 30 species of fungi live in our bodies. They are microscopic molds that grow on us as miniature filaments. We present to you the representatives of this kingdom and reveal which of them harm us and which may be needed.
The human body can be inhabited by various fungi: molds and yeasts. They cause mycoses, otherwise known as mycoses. Ringworm can occur on the surface of the skin, subcutaneously or deep inside our organs. Molds can also attack the lymphatic system, but the most common are various forms of dermatophytosis.
We have a whole microworld within us
Although it is hard to believe, our body contains 10 times more bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms than we have our own cells. Most of them are harmless, and many are quite the opposite – they help our digestion and support our immune system. However, there are microorganisms that harm us and cause serious diseases. Some molds belong to them. Mold spores are easily airborne and extremely resistant. They can settle on the surface of our body and then penetrate our internal organs.
Where is the danger?
Molds can attack virtually every organ in our body. They can end up in the urinary system, intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and even the heart. There are fibrous fungi and yeasts among them. Fibrous fungi are microscopic multicellular fibers called hyphae. Mold spores can be transmitted, for example, through the air, so it can even be dangerous to stay in the room where they occur. If they enter our respiratory system, they cause an allergy that can manifest as runny nose, asthma and pneumonia. This group of mold fungi includes mainly the species: Cladosporium, Penicillium, Botrytis, Mucor and Aspergillus.
Which help us and which harm?
Some of the fungi that find a home in our body work for the benefit of the host. Some of the oral yeast helps to break up and pre-digest food and even recognize certain flavors. One of them is Candida albicans, commonly found in the mouth and digestive system of many people. It helps to break down sugars and starches, which give our body energy. Until the time when this yeast multiplies too much, it becomes dangerous. It causes a disease called candidiasis or thrush. It can attack externally, for example on nails, develop on the mucosa of various parts of the body or take the form of a dangerous general infection. The latter manifests itself, among others, with weakening of the body, headaches, memory problems, abnormal heart rate.
How to protect yourself against mold fungi?
Doctors often say that the best medicine is prevention, and the same is true for mushrooms. The best defense is proper nutrition and avoiding rooms or food products infected with mold. A diet rich in fiber, which has a great effect on the digestive system, brings good results. If there is an outbreak of mold in your home, remove it immediately. When it comes to places with a high risk of fungal contamination, hygiene is key.
Where are we at risk of infection?
– swimming pools, water parks, shared showers
– equipment rentals, e.g. ski, especially boots
– damp rooms with fungus
– in nature, with spores in the air
– by eating food contaminated with fungi
Mushrooms are poisonous!
What threatens us from fungi are the so-called mycotoxins. These are substances that attack our immune system and cause serious diseases. Many mycotoxins also have proven carcinogenic properties. Science knows a total of 50 such substances, produced by a number of mold species. The most poisonous are aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus fungi, which we can become infected by eating contaminated grain products, legumes, nuts or dried fruit. Another dangerous mycotoxin is patulin, a product of some Penicillium fungi. It can contain, for example, apples, pears, vegetables and also cheese.