Mold is a type of fungus that has been found on the surface of the earth for millions of years. They can get inside your home through open doors, windows, and air conditioning systems. Inhaling mold spores or coming into contact with mold can have severe adverse effects on your health. Beyond physical symptoms like headache and allergic symptoms, it can have a significant impact on the brain and nervous system. Symptoms may vary, from mild headaches to more severe issues like memory loss or difficulty walking. While it can affect anybody, certain groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

How can mold impact your neurological health?

Mold, such as Cladophialophora bantiana, can cause infections in the brain and spinal cord, leading to serious conditions like central nervous system (CNS) infections. While such infections are rare, they can be life-threatening.

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by certain mold types. These toxins can be released into the air when mold grows indoors, and breathing them in can have direct harmful effects on brain function. Studies indicate that mycotoxins may interfere with the nervous system’s communication pathways, leading to cognitive issues such as memory problems and mood swings.

In fact, long exposure to mold can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms, which can differ depending on an individual’s health and the severity of the mold exposure. Some of them are:

Headaches are one of the most frequent symptoms of mold exposure. While most of the time, these headaches are described as dull, constant, or pressure-like, they can sometimes mimic migraines, accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

Exposure to molds can also trigger seizures. Mold produces toxic substances like mycotoxins that may disrupt the brain’s electrical activity, leading to seizure episodes.

Mold exposure can cause brain fog, which results in concentration, memory, and mental clarity. Studies suggest that mycotoxins can disrupt normal brain function, making it challenging to process information and think clearly.

Exposure to this fungus can also lead to emotional problems. People with this kind of exposure have complained of anxiety, depression, irritability, and sudden mood swings. This could be due to mold toxins interfering with brain chemicals responsible for regulating emotions.

Mold exposure may trigger inflammation, leading to muscle and joint pain. In case of prolonged exposure, it could lead to the development or worsening of fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

In some cases, mold exposure may lead to tremors, difficulty walking, or problems with muscle coordination. These issues may be linked to mycotoxins affecting the brain or nervous system.

Mold exposure can impact the brain areas responsible for movement and balance, making it harder to stand, walk, or perform fine motor tasks. Individuals may feel unsteady or experience difficulty using devices like phones or computers.

Delirium is a condition wherein a person experiences confusion or disorientation. An abnormal immune response to mold could contribute to this condition. Delirium can make it difficult for individuals to think clearly or understand their surroundings.

Fatty liver disease, as a term, has been used for several years to describe a state of excess fat accumulation in the liver. However, the perception is changing—once known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the condition is now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The new term, according to leading diabetologist Dr V Mohan, offers more clarity because fatty liver is often associated with alcohol intake. However, even people who do not drink alcohol can develop this condition, and it has a metabolic angle to it. Despite the new name, the concern around fatty liver disease remains the same—can it be reversed?

Can MASLD be reversed?

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Tushar Madake, consultant in the Department of Transplant Hepatology at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, spoke about the new name for fatty liver disease and why the metabolic angle is important.

Fatty liver disease may have a new name, but the concern around it has not changed. The current medical nomenclature identifies this as steatotic liver disease (SLD), with the previously identified NAFLD referred to as metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This classification places emphasis on the true source of the disease—metabolic health—and not necessarily alcohol intake.

Symptoms and diagnosis of MASLD

One of the reasons why fatty liver disease is challenging to diagnose is the fact that it does not exhibit noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The organ functions without issues, and individuals might not suspect a problem. Unlike common assumptions, this condition affects people who are not necessarily overweight or who consume alcohol.

Some of the early symptoms include constant fatigue, an increase in abdominal fat storage, and a feeling of heaviness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Changes in the skin, such as discolouration around the neck and armpits and skin tag development, can also be among the symptoms of the condition. Individually, these signs do not necessarily indicate any cause for concern. However, when present together with metabolic issues such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high levels of cholesterol, and high blood pressure, they might signify liver impairment in the early stages.

Therefore, early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial. If you have these risk factors or experience these symptoms, it is recommended that you undergo tests for liver dysfunction and ultrasonography. In some cases, you may also need to undergo a scan, for instance, a FibroScan, for early detection of liver fibrosis.

Reversing MASLD is possible

Dr V Mohan, one of India’s leading diabetologists, said, “The encouraging news is that early-stage fatty liver is not a permanent condition. With consistent lifestyle changes, reversal is possible. Weight loss, regular physical activity, reduced intake of refined carbohydrates and fats, and higher protein consumption can all contribute to improved liver health.”

Many people follow what appears to be a reasonable eating pattern—meals at irregular hours, a light breakfast skipped in the name of time, and dinner pushed late into the evening. Yet the body, particularly the liver, does not respond well to such improvisation. What feels like a manageable routine on the surface can quietly accumulate into something more serious over months and years. The liver needs a consistent flow of nutrients to do its job, which includes managing blood sugar, breaking down fats, and supporting digestion. Long gaps between meals disrupt that rhythm.

Dr Babu U V, Director of R&D, Research & Development Centre, Himalaya Wellness Company, in an interview with Health and Me, spoke about the early symptoms of liver damage and explained how herbs can play a role in reversing it.

Symptoms of Early Liver Damage

Before most people realise that something is wrong with their liver, they may already be experiencing symptoms that indicate potential liver issues. These symptoms may include fatigue, bloating, digestive discomfort, or feeling heavy after eating. Most of the time, these signs are dismissed as minor concerns.

When these issues are ignored or go unnoticed, it becomes difficult to recognise that the liver may be weakened by stress and not functioning optimally. If these problems persist over time, fat can begin to accumulate in the liver, along with other types of metabolic imbalances throughout the body.

To restore balance in the body, small changes in daily habits can lead to significant improvements. For example, eating at regular intervals helps the body maintain a consistent metabolism. Similarly, having lighter dinners and avoiding late-night eating can support better digestion and metabolism of food.

Herbs That Strengthen Liver Health

Some herbs commonly used in Indian households and traditional medicine may help support the liver’s healing process, especially when it is under stress.

1. Bhumi Amla (Bhumyamalaki) has been used for centuries in traditional remedies for liver health. It supports the body’s natural detoxification processes and liver function.
2. Punarnava is another well-known herb that promotes both liver and kidney health. It is believed to help reduce inflammation and restore balance in the body.
3. Turmeric (Haldi), found in almost every Indian kitchen, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It supports metabolism and helps the body respond to oxidative stress.
4. Chicory (Kasani) has long been associated with liver support. It helps the body manage toxin-related stress and supports overall liver function.

Each of these herbs works in different ways—some aid digestion, while others help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—thereby supporting a healthier lifestyle.

The liver is highly resilient; however, it requires consistent care. An irregular dietary pattern may not affect the liver immediately, but over time it can have a significant impact. Paying attention to simple habits—such as when and how you eat—and choosing foods that support liver health can go a long way in maintaining optimal liver function over the long term.

World Liver Day 2026 is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness of the importance of liver health, focusing on preventing diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver through healthy lifestyles.

The liver is a key organ that filters blood, breaks down food, stores energy, and keeps the human body in balance.

However, rising metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar and obesity, are increasingly driving cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Nearly one-third of the global adult population today lives with MASLD, which can remain asymptomatic for years but turn into deadly scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis (advanced fibrosis and loss of some of the liver function), or even liver cancer.

World Liver Day: Origin

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) launched World Liver Day in 2010. The day was established on April 19 to commemorate the EASL's founding in 1966.

World Liver Day 2026: Theme

This year, 2026, the World Liver Day theme is “Solid Habits, Strong Liver”. It emphasizes building consistent lifestyle habits, such as balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and routine check-ups, to strengthen liver health and prevent diseases.

Burden Of Liver Diseases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zklb3ZCyX2o

From filtering toxins to aiding in digestion and metabolism, the liver silently performs over 500 crucial functions in the body. The organ is also blessed with the ability to regenerate itself.

Yet data shows that 2 million lives worldwide are lost each year to liver disease. About 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic liver disease.

MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as the most common liver condition worldwide. These patients suffer from either obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or cholesterol problems.

According to a recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, MASLD affected 1.3 billion people around the globe in 2023.

The alarming study estimates the numbers to further spike by over 38 percent to reach 1.8 billion cases by 2050, causing substantial health and economic impacts worldwide.

MASLD remains one of the most prevalent and rapidly growing liver conditions worldwide, with its prevalence marking a 143 percent increase between 1990 and 2023.

Also read: Why Regular Scans Are Crucial for Liver Cancer Patients: Doctors Explain

People with obesity, diabetes, central or abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance are more likely to have MASLD. Obesity is the strongest risk factor, with the likelihood rising steeply from overweight to severe obesity.

Other signs to watch for include

• persistent fatigue
• Digestive issues and bloating
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Skin changes

Everyday Habits That Harm The Liver

Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate liver damage, such as:

• Overeating processed or fried foods
• High sugar intake (soft drinks, sweets, desserts)
• Physical inactivity or prolonged sitting
• Ignoring health issues like diabetes or hypertension
• Crash dieting or taking unprescribed supplements.

How To Improve Liver Health?

Early screening and detection are key to prevent irreversible stages. Yet liver disease can be prevented with lifestyle changes such as:

• Eating a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein
• Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Staying hydrated to help the liver flush out toxins
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Avoiding self-medication and unnecessary pills
• Getting routine health screenings.