Skip to content
Call: 303-993-7910400 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 210, Louisville, Colorado 80027 | Get DirectionsFor Practitioners
Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowPinterest page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new windowRss page opens in new window
Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD
Your Functional Medicine Expert!
Dr. Jill Carnahan, MDDr. Jill Carnahan, MD

Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter

Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
  • HOME
  • MY STORY
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • What is Functional Medicine?
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet Dr. Jill C. Carnahan, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP
    • Meet The Team
    • Location
    • Fees
    • FAQs
    • Forms
    • Testimonials
    • For Practitioners
  • SERVICES
    • Services
    • Functional Medicine Consulting with Dr. Jill
    • Naturopathic Consulting with Dr. Nicole
    • Massage Therapy with Rene
    • Nutritional Consulting with Judy
    • Nutritional Consulting with Megan
    • Chiropractic Care with Dr. JoEllen
    • Nutrition therapy and Private Yoga with Haley
    • Infrared Sauna Detox Therapy
    • IV Infusion Therapy
  • PRESS KIT
    • Press Kit
    • In the Media
  • EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • DR. JILL’s BOOK
  • BLOG
    • Dr. Jill’s Blog
    • Dr. Jill’s Podcasts
    • Dr. Jill’s Recipes
    • Dr. Jill on Facebook
    • Dr. Jill’s Instagram
    • Dr. Jill on LinkedIn
    • Flatiron Functional Medicine on LinkedIn
  • ONLINE STORE
    • Online Store
    • Products We Love
    • Dr. Jill’s Book
  • CONTACT
  • HOME
  • MY STORY
  • ABOUT
    • About Us
    • What is Functional Medicine?
    • Mission Statement
    • Meet Dr. Jill C. Carnahan, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP
    • Meet The Team
    • Location
    • Fees
    • FAQs
    • Forms
    • Testimonials
    • For Practitioners
  • SERVICES
    • Services
    • Functional Medicine Consulting with Dr. Jill
    • Naturopathic Consulting with Dr. Nicole
    • Massage Therapy with Rene
    • Nutritional Consulting with Judy
    • Nutritional Consulting with Megan
    • Chiropractic Care with Dr. JoEllen
    • Nutrition therapy and Private Yoga with Haley
    • Infrared Sauna Detox Therapy
    • IV Infusion Therapy
  • PRESS KIT
    • Press Kit
    • In the Media
  • EVENTS
  • PODCAST
  • DR. JILL’s BOOK
  • BLOG
    • Dr. Jill’s Blog
    • Dr. Jill’s Podcasts
    • Dr. Jill’s Recipes
    • Dr. Jill on Facebook
    • Dr. Jill’s Instagram
    • Dr. Jill on LinkedIn
    • Flatiron Functional Medicine on LinkedIn
  • ONLINE STORE
    • Online Store
    • Products We Love
    • Dr. Jill’s Book
  • CONTACT

The Toxic Red Tide is a Warning for Everyone

You are here:
  1. Home
  2. Environmental Toxicity
  3. The Toxic Red Tide is…
red tide

Last November, a tide of microorganisms hit the gulf coast of Mexico and spread over 130 miles along Florida’s southwest coast. The Florida toxic red tide is caused by a marine algae called Karenia brevis, which emits brevetoxins harmful to human health.

Similar to how mold emits mycotoxins, this algae produces a biotoxin that can be inhaled and cause lung related symptoms. They can also cause massive fish kills and harm marine mammals, seabirds, and sea turtles. Manatees are also affected and have had to be placed in critical care treatment facilities and relocated.

Toxic red tide isn’t the only harmful bloom that can happen. In fact, harmful algae blooms have been reported in all 50 states. Blue-green algae, red tides, and other cyanobacteria are all potential blooms that can negatively affect human health and aquatic ecosystems. When algaes and cyanobacteria bloom in waterways it chokes the natural processes and sometimes emits harmful biotoxins.

The problem with the red tide, is it’s persistent. The red tide has even forced the governor Florida to declare a state of emergency in seven counties. Florida’s red tide serves as a warning to all of us about the ever changing landscape of our environment and potential impacts they environmental has on our health.

It appears that this red tide is caused by farming fertilizer runoff and other pollutants. This has resulted in people calling for stricter agriculture regulations. While this is a good start, chances are as our climate changes and we continue to affect the world’s ecosystems, we will continue to see consequences like these.

People close to the red tide are reporting symptoms, so it’s important to know what to look out for.

 

9 Toxic Red Tide Symptoms

If you notice any of the following symptoms you should seek medical attention immediately and reduce your activity near waterways. Symptoms of toxic red tide include:

  1. A ‘tickle’ in your throat, called ‘red tide tickle’
  2. Asthma-like symptoms
  3. Rashes and other skin irritation
  4. Red, itchy eyes
  5. Coughing
  6. Wheezing
  7. Brain fog
  8. Bronchial constriction
  9. Weak immune system

Children are especially susceptible to the effects of biotoxins because of their lower body weight and their malleable stages of development. Similar to other mycotoxins, it’s possible cumulative effects could cause more perplexing, chronic issues.

 

Effects of Toxic Red Tide

The main mechanism behind how this algae affects the human body occurs when airborne biotoxins are inhaled. They are then bound to voltage-gated sodium channels, which causes the depolarization of nerve cells – this process interferes with nerve transmission. This is why some of the symptoms of toxic red tide are neurological in nature.

The primary brevetoxin is called PbTx-2, which over time is converted into PbTx-3. This happens when the cells rupture, which releases the toxin into the environment where it can be inhaled.  People can also be affected by consuming shellfish that have been poisoned with this biotoxin, so it’s a good idea to check where your seafood is coming from.

At this point in time the main method for dealing with red tide is to personally avoid it. Scientists are hard at work trying to figure out how to get this problem under control but until then we have to take care of ourselves.

Similar to mold, I suspect some people are more sensitive to the biotoxin released by the algae more than others. If you are along Florida waterways and develop cold or flu-like symptoms or suddenly develop breathing issues I strongly suggest you consider relocating.

 

3 Steps to Reduce the Effects of Toxic Red Tide

If you can remove yourself from being close to the toxic red tide, that is the ideal scenario.  However, if you cannot relocate or you live in the proximity of the red tide but don’t necessarily feel the symptoms, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the effects on your body.

  1. Reduce toxin exposure – We are exposed to an unprecedented amount of chemicals each day. A lot of what I do for my patients involves reducing impacts of these chemicals in their life. I often say to think of your body is a bucket, and each chemical is a grain of sand. While a few grains here or there isn’t a big deal, when you pile on the toxins eventually it can become very heavy and seriously weigh your health down. You can learn more about how to reduce your toxin exposure with my free guide here: Reduce Your Daily Toxin Exposure
  2. Heal a leaky gut –  Making sure your gut is in tip-top shape is one of the best things you can do for your health. Unfortunately, due to the American diet and many other lifestyle factors (including how many toxins we’re exposed to) many of us are susceptible to what’s called ‘leaky gut.’ Leaky gut is when the gastrointestinal line is compromised and particles such as food, toxins, and proteins can leak through the lining into the bloodstream and cause widespread inflammation and health complications. If you live in the Florida area near the red tide I recommend looking into ways to support your gut. You can learn more in my blog: 9 Simple Steps to Heal Leaky Gut Syndrome Fast
  3. Take toxin binders and other detox supplements – Binders and detox supplements help your body eliminate harmful toxins more effectively. When it comes to reducing your overall toxic burden, supporting your body in every way possible really adds up, which is why I recommend: 
  • Restore
  • GI Detox
  • Activated Charcoal
  • Luteolin
  • Parsley
  • Chlorella

You can learn more about toxin binders in my blog: Safe and Effective Toxin Binders that Actually Work

Overall, the effects of the red tide on your health are very similar to the effects of mold, which I regularly write about. If you’ve been exposed to the red tide, you can read more about effective treatments in my free guide: Exposed to Mold? Now What? This is an excellent starting point for anyone who needs more information on what to do when they’ve been exposed to harmful biotoxins.

Even if you aren’t feeling the effects of the toxic red tide on your health and live near the affect areas, I strongly recommend you support your natural detox pathways to the best of your ability.

I believe we are only going to continue seeing more situations like the red tide. So it’s up to us to spread the word about reducing the burden of these assaults on our health.

Do you know anyone in the Florida area? Be sure to share this article with them.

 

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2683401/

https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/toxic-red-tide-florida-researchers-investigate-what-s-making-it-n900771

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24439026

https://www.whoi.edu/fileserver.do?id=45545&pt=10&p=18553

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2015.00225/full

 

RESOLVE YOUR MOLD EXPOSURE SYMPTOMS
Dr. Jill's long-awaited Miracle Mold Detox Box is finally here. This handcrafted and researched bundle includes all of the crucial pieces you need to release and flush out toxins in 30 days.
SHOP NOW

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.   The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician.  Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.

Categories: Environmental Toxicity, Gut HealthBy Dr. Jill C. Carnahan, MD, ABIHM, IFMCPSeptember 9, 20181 Comment
Tags: algae bloomsfloridafort myers beachred tidered tide tickletoxictoxic red tidetoxin exposure
Share this post
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook TweetShare on Twitter Pin itShare on Pinterest Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

Author: Dr. Jill C. Carnahan, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP

https://www.jillcarnahan.com/

Dr. Jill is Your Functional Medicine Expert! She uses functional medicine to help you find answers to the cause of your illness and addresses the biochemical imbalances that may be making you feel ill. She'll help you search for underlying triggers contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual. She may use diet, supplements, lifestyle changes or medication to treat your illness but will seek the most gentle way to help your body restore balance along with the least invasive treatment possible. Dr. Jill is a functional medicine expert consultant and treats environmental and mold-related illness as well

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:Your Ultimate Preventative Testing Guide for Optimal Health! 22 Things to Check When You Turn 30NextNext post:Grain Free Granola

Related posts

Celiac Disease
How Celiac Disease Ups the Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vice Versa
January 25, 2023
Limbic System
How Multiple Chemical Sensitivities May Be Linked to Your Limbic System
December 19, 2022
Mycotoxins and the Microbiome
Mycotoxins and the Microbiome: A Fascinating Look at How They Affect One Another
December 14, 2022
Is Gadolinium Helpful or Harmful
Is Gadolinium Helpful or Harmful? An Exploration of Gadolinium Retention and Toxicity
November 27, 2022
Give the Gift of Wellness this Season: Dr. Jill’s Personal Picks for 2022!
November 21, 2022
Immunotoxicity
Immunotoxicity: Are Environmental Toxins Throwing Your Immune System Off-Kilter?
November 3, 2022

1 Comment

  1. Bob Tyler says:
    September 15, 2018 at 10:26 am

    My wife and I rented a house in July in Cape Coral which had a canal behind it. Our first exposure to red tide was when we went to the beach and we both started coughing as we approached it. At the time we never even heard of red tide. The day before we were to leave the red tide entered the canal behind our house. On the 29th of July I started having terrible symptoms: a persistent cough, fatigue, no stamina, shortness of breath and a racing heart after doing anything the least strenuous. On our return home I saw several doctors and one had me admitted to the hospital due to rapid heartbeat. I remained in the hospital where they performed a barrage of tests which basically turned up nothing. I’ve lost 20lbs. and have no appetite. I believe my immune system has been compromised and will continue to seek medical attention. Just a warning to those in SW Florida coast to be very careful in exposing yourselves to this toxic algae. Not everyone reacts the same. It can be very debilitating.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Post comment

Search
Dr. Jill
Dr. Jill will help you search for underlying triggers contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual.
  • Address:
    400 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 210, Louisville, Colorado 80027
  • Get Directions
  • Phone:
    (303) 993-7910
  • Fax:
    (303) 993-4674
  • Specialty
    Functional Medicine Expert Trained in Family Medicine Board Certified Trained in Integrative Holistic Medicine

Find us on:

Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new windowRss page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new windowPinterest page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new window
Testimonials

I certainly understand how Dr. Jill got so popular! Love watching her very interesting videos on the site and have signed up for the newsletter. She exudes such an air of competence, authenticity, intelligence and humility!

Karin
Karin

Good day Jill, you Motivated me very much. In the Last years, I prepared to become a registered German Naturopath (Heilpraktiker). The webinars of Functional Medicine Practitioners I attended as often as I could. Best wishes from Europe.

Norbert
Norbert

In my many years and many experiences with doctors… you guys have them beat, hands down. You guys are great.

Jessica Hull
Jessica Hull

I just wanted to thank Dr. Carnahan and all the staff for a wonderful visit. What a great experience from start to finish. Of course, Dr. Carnahan is the icing on the cake! (Hmmm …need a healthier analogy) Anyway, I’m feeling excited optimistic, and hopeful after all these years of being sick. Again my thanks and blessings to you all. Warmly, Roberta

Roberta
Roberta

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for your time and advice today. I am so appreciative and I feel hopeful that the plan we have can really help me. I’ve been sick for a long time and recently I’ve been rather discouraged with where I’m at with my health. I believe that God has allowed our paths to cross and that He is going to use you help restore my body to health. Thank you for giving me hope. Blessings, Kara

Kara
Kara

I wanted to let you know you did an outstanding job at this past weekend at the IFM {Reversing Cognitive Decline} conference. I appreciate you sharing your personal health journey. You are a true inspiration!

Ronald Grisanti
Dr. Ronald GrisantiBoard Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist
Facebook
Jill Carnahan, MD
Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Dr. Jill
Dr. Jill will help you search for underlying triggers contributing to your illness through cutting edge lab testing and tailor the intervention to your specific needs as an individual.
  • Address:
    400 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite 210, Louisville, Colorado 80027
  • Phone:
    (303) 993-7910
  • Fax:
    (303) 993-4674

Find us on:

Facebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowYouTube page opens in new windowRss page opens in new windowLinkedin page opens in new windowPinterest page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new windowSoundCloud page opens in new window
Latest Podcasts
  • 131: Dr. Jill interviews Dr. Shelese Pratt on Gut Health with a Microbiome Deep Dive
    131: Dr. Jill interviews Dr. Shelese Pratt on Gut Health with a Microbiome Deep Dive
    December 1, 2022
  • Shaina Cahill
    130: Dr. Jill interviews Shaina Cahill, PhD on Fecal Microbiota Transplant
    November 28, 2022
  • #129: Dr. Jill interviews author Steven Kotler on Using Peak Performance & Flow States
    129: Dr. Jill interviews author Steven Kotler on Using Peak Performance & Flow States
    November 24, 2022
  • #128: Dr. Jill interviews Dr. Terry Wahls on Recovery from Multiple Sclerosis & Wahl’s Protocol
    128: Dr. Jill interviews Dr. Terry Wahls on Recovery from Multiple Sclerosis & Wahl’s Protocol
    November 19, 2022
Facebook
Jill Carnahan, MD
Dr. Jill Carnahan, MD

© 2023 Jill Carnahan. All Rights Reserved | Site by Yakadanda  | FAQS | Disclaimer | Financial Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions

| Dr. Jill works as a functional medicine consultant in conjunction with your current health care team and is not considered a replacement for your primary care physician. She requires all new patients to have a primary care physician to cover emergencies and routine care and screening.

Go to Top
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Thanks for Joining Me in the Microbiome Summit. Get Your Free Download Here
Join new and get your free copy of Paleolicious Snack Ideas. We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and get SEVEN FREE health downloads
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Newsletter
Join Dr. Jills' health community today and receive health tips, recipes and recommended products for a healthier you!
Join today and get Dr. Jill's Paleo-licious Snack Ideas for free! We promise never to share your email with anyone.
Flatiron Functional Medicine Holiday Giveaway
Enter now to win your free Berkey Water Filtration Sysyem (my personal favorite).
We promise never to share your email with anyone.
RESOLVE YOUR MOLD EXPOSURE SYMPTOMS
Dr. Jill's long-awaited Miracle Mold Detox Box is finally here. This handcrafted and researched bundle includes all of the crucial pieces you need to release and flush out toxins in 30 days.
SHOP NOW