Leaky lungs are linked to mould illness, brain fog & long COVID

what are leaky lungs

Leaky lungs refers to a state where the alveolar-capillary barrier (the thin membrane that separates air from blood in the lungs) becomes more permeable than it should be.

This allows toxins, pathogens, allergens, and inflammatory molecules to pass into lung tissue or the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses.

This is important as, just like with our gut, our lungs have a protective barrier designed to filter out harmful substances while letting in oxygen. When that barrier is weakened

  1. Pathogens can enter easier

  2. Inflammation increases

  3. Immune responses become dysregulated

  4. It can worsen or trigger asthma, allergies, long COVID, mould illness, brain fog, and even autoimmunity

What Causes Leaky Lungs?

  • Environmental toxins - pollution, smoke, mould

  • Viral infections - SARS-CoV-2

  • Chronic inflammation - poor diet, stress, or systemic disease

  • Histamine intolerance or mast cell activation

  • Leaky gut via the gut-lung axis

  • Overuse of certain medications - NSAIDs, corticosteroids

improve lung barrier health with

  1. Anti-inflammatory foods - ginger, turmeric, garlic, non-starchy veggies

  2. Nutrients - glutathione, NAC, quercetin, omega-3s

  3. Breathwork and vagal nerve stimulation to reduce stress

  4. Address gut health - they’re deeply connected

  5. Avoid triggers like mould, synthetic fragrances, pollution, smoking

AUTOIMMUNITY, CHRONIC ILLNESS, CIRS, COVID-19, MOULD / CIRSGutsy by Nutritionleaky lungs, Long COVID, mould, CIRSComment