A: Many commonly consumed foods can be contaminated with molds that will increase the toxic burden on the body. Some foodborne molds are obvious. White fuzz on the casserole you found in the back of the refrigerator should probably be avoided! But other foods may contain molds that aren’t visible to the eye. If consumed regularly, these molds can become problematic.
Common mold-contaminated foods include:
Coffee
Aged cheeses
Alcoholic beverages
Wine vinegar
Condiments
Processed meats
Mushrooms
Packaged fruit juices
Dried fruit
Leftovers (eat within 24 hours or freeze)
Overripe fruit and vegetables (avoid produce that is wilted, discolored, or mushy)
Bread
Tomato products
Multi-B vitamins
Products of Aspergillus fermentation (soy sauce, chocolate, black tea, malt extract, Lactaid, citric acid)
All foods will become moldy with time. Therefore, it is important to shop frequently and buy in small quantities. When in doubt about the freshness of the food at your local market, don’t hesitate to ask the vendors about the freshness of their products. Also be aware that organic foods are more likely to mold quickly.
For more information about mold and Hashimoto’s, check out my article here.