Article by Luke Curtis, M.D., C.I.H.



Exposure to molds can worsen nasal sinus problems. Molds contain many allergens and mycotoxins which can irritate the nose mucosa (mucosa= skin like structure). In addition, some molds can cause localized or systemic infection in the nose. Many people notice worsened nasal problems when they stay in moldy buildings and/or during late summer and early fall when outdoor mold levels tend to be highest. Nasal problems are also common to those occupationally exposed to molds, such as farmers. Such nasal problems are often accompanied by other symptoms such as asthma, depression or fatigue. Allergens from the molds Alternaria (which grows on decaying vegetation in summer and early fall) and Aspergillus are believed to be particularly likely to cause nasal irritation and allergic reactions

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Article by Dr. Lynn Jennings, M.D.


Dear Readers,

I realize that Valentine's Day has come and gone but I still have "hearts" on my mind. Why? One of my patients came in and reported that her cardiologist had told her that "she didn't need to take any of the supplements or antifungals" I had recommended. Now that is what I call "job security". With that being said let's get started.

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Article by Doug Kaufmann



As many of you know, this has become my battle cry! What if mammography causes breast cancer? What if the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test isn't prostate specific? What if Amoxicillin, an antibiotic given to millions of children, causes hyperactivity? In this issue of KNOW THIS, we'll explore why, according to medical researchers, cancer is common and fungal infections are rare.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers have now identified how one deadly fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, hides from the immune system, enabling it to grow, unabated throughout the infected person's body. What begins as a tiny encapsulated spore, consisting of an outer membrane made up of a sort of sugar (polysaccharide), now attracts more and more of this sugar from somewhere inside the body, leading the once tiny single spore to become too large for the scavenger white blood cells (macrophages) to gobble them up and digest them! Eventually, this mass of cells strangles off normal human physiology and the patient dies. Lead researcher Dr. Arturo Casadevall says that the mechanism for capsule growth wasn't known until now. Of course, they have yet to identify where the other polysaccharides are coming from but, as you continue reading, you will see how, yet again, an exciting science has been touched upon. Could this discovery actually be a relevant cancer discovery? I think it is! I suspect that millions of other Cryptococcus neoformans cells are already inside our bodies and want nothing more than some bonding-time with their spore family members! Read on

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