Leaky lungs - the hidden link between mould exposure & autoimmunity

the role of our lungs

Many people are familiar with leaky gut, but may not know that our lungs have a barrier too.

This alveolar-capillary membrane protects us from airborne threats like mould spores, toxins and pollutants. When it becomes 'leaky', or overly permeable, things that should stay out of our bloodstream start getting through.

mould & mycotoxins

One of the most concerning triggers is MOULD.

Mould toxins (mycotoxins) and mould spores are easily inhaled, especially in damp indoor environments. When the lung lining is damaged – by stress, inflammation, or environmental toxicity – it becomes easier for these toxins to enter systemic circulation, bypassing your usual defences.

What happens next

Next, our immune system recognises these invaders as threats, but struggles to neutralise them, especially if exposure is ongoing and we have susceptible genetics.

This creates immune confusion and our immune system becomes overactive, attacking healthy tissues in the process.

Chronic exposure and barrier breakdown can contribute to autoimmune flares or even initiate autoimmunity in genetically vulnerable individuals.

The result is persistent fatigue, brain fog, food sensitivities, skin issues, breathing problems, and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, RA, or MS eventuate, or worsen.

What helps with leaky lungs and mould?

• Remediate or leave the mouldy environment

• Support lung barrier integrity eg glutathione, NAC, quercetin

• Heal the gut-lung axis

• Regulate immune function with nervous system and limbic support

• Address root beliefs and chronic stress patterns like I cannot heal with eg PSYCH-K, breathwork, other mindset work