What Is Phosphatidylcholine (PC)? Plus, Its Impressive Role in Healing Mold Illness

What do mood swings, sinus congestion, and increased thirst all have in common? The answer is – they can all be side effects of mold exposure. 

Mold illness is a serious and growing concern that can sometimes be challenging to treat. But there’s a new and promising treatment emerging that might just be the answer to kicking mold illness to the curb.

What exactly is this miraculous treatment bursting onto the scene? It comes in the form of a tiny molecule known as phosphatidylcholine. So let’s dive into exactly what this mighty molecule is and how it’s becoming an indispensable part of mold illness treatment. 

What Are Phosphatidylcholine (PC) And Phospholipids?

A phospholipid is a type of lipid molecule that’s the main building block of your cell membranes. Lipids are molecules that include fats, waxes, and some vitamins.¹

Four major phospholipids predominate in the plasma membrane of human cells. They are:² 

• Phosphatidylcholine
• Phosphatidylethanolamine
• Phosphatidylserine
• Sphingomyelin

Let’s take a little deeper look at how these molecules are structured.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phospholipid Structure

The structure of a phospholipid consists of two parts: the “head” and the “tail.” The tail is made up of two fatty acids. The head consists of a phosphate group and an alcohol (more on that in a second). Phospholipids are able to form cellular membranes specifically thanks to their head and tail structure. 

You see, the “head” of a phospholipid is what’s known as hydrophilic, meaning it is attracted to water, while the fatty acid “tail” is hydrophobic, meaning it’s repelled by water. Because of these properties, phospholipids automatically arrange themselves in a line to form a double layer known as a phospholipid bilayer – with heads on the “outside” mixing with intracellular and extracellular fluid, and tails on the “inside” where they’re shielded from the fluid.³

Now that you understand the structure of a phospholipid, you’re probably wondering exactly what is phosphatidylcholine then? Remember how I said phospholipids “heads” consist of a phosphate group and an alcohol? Well, when the phosphate group is linked to an alcohol named choline then the molecule becomes phosphatidylcholine.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phospholipid Function

Phospholipids’ primary function is making up cellular membranes – both outer membranes, and membranes that surround organelles and structures within your cells (like the mitochondria). So it makes sense that the better this structure works, the more efficient the overall function of each cell is. In addition, phospholipids:⁴

• Provide a supportive surface for numerous enzymatic and catalytic processes
• Participate in cellular signaling in response to both external and internal stimuli
• Act as a precursor for signaling processes and the production of certain molecular compounds

Apart from its role in maintaining cell structure, phosphatidylcholine:⁵

• Is an important component of lung surfactant – the mixture of fats and proteins that line your lungs and enable you to breath
• Makes up a large percentage of the mucus that lines and protects your digestive tract
• Boosts choline and acetylcholine levels in the brain – essentially shielding your nerves from damage and degeneration
• Plays a crucial role in protecting your liver and blocking the effects of hepatotoxins 
• Aids in the breakdown of dietary fats

With so many critical roles, it’s no surprise that a boost in your phosphatidylcholine levels can have some impressive health benefits.

Health Benefits Such and Improved Gut Health and Mold Illness Symptoms

As we age, it’s common for our phospholipid and phosphatidylcholine levels to decline. Taking steps to ensure you have plenty of phosphatidylcholine can yield some remarkable effects on your health. Some phosphatidylcholine benefits include:

• Boosting your brain health: Considering that your brain is made up of roughly 60% lipids, maintaining the right balance of phospholipids is particularly important for brain functioning. Plus, phosphatidylcholine functions as a source of choline to produce acetylcholine – which is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain. Studies have found that phosphatidylcholine helps maintain brain health while enhancing learning, memory, and overall cognitive function.^6,7
• Supporting gut health: Phosphatidylcholine makes up a whopping 90% of the phospholipids in your intestinal mucosa – the layer of mucus in your gut that acts as a protective lining. It’s been found that people with inflammatory bowel conditions have reduced phosphatidylcholine by up to 70% – and that replacing this crucial phospholipid can actually reverse and heal intestinal inflammation.⁸ 
• Supercharging your mitochondria: Your mitochondria are considered the “powerhouse” of your cells. They provide you and your cells with the energy to function. These mighty powerhouses play a critical role in keeping your cells healthy – and mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to nearly every chronic disease known to man. Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant phospholipid in the mitochondrial membrane – making it a crucial component of keeping your mitochondria running on all cylinders.⁹

But perhaps one of phosphatidylcholine’s most promising and impressive health benefits is its ability to help enhance detoxification and restore healthy cellular function in those struggling with a condition known as mold illness.  

What Exactly Is Mold Illness? 

Mold illness, sometimes referred to as mold toxicity, is caused when you’re exposed to mold spores and the biotoxins found within them. As the name implies, biotoxins are toxic substances naturally produced by biological organisms like mold, fungi, or bacteria. 

If you’re regularly exposed to these mold spores and biotoxins, it triggers an inflammatory response. Long-term exposure can cause this inflammation to spiral into more serious chronic inflammatory conditions with a wide range of symptoms. 

Let’s look at some of the symptoms and long-term effects of mold illness.

Mold Illness Symptoms

Mold illness symptoms can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint because they’re often vague and have a slow insidious onset. Some of the most common mold toxicity symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Headaches, sensitivity to light 
• Poor memory, difficulty with word finding and/or concentration, disorientation
• Joint pain and stiffness 
• Unusual skin sensations, tingling, and numbness 
• Shortness of breath, sinus congestion, and/or a chronic cough 
• Appetite swings
• Difficulty with body temperature regulation
• Increased urinary frequency and/or increased thirst
• Red eyes, blurred vision
• Mood swings
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating 
• Metallic taste in your mouth 
• Static shocks 
• Vertigo or feeling lightheaded

These symptoms can range in severity from barely noticeable to life-altering. And if not addressed, the chronic inflammation triggered by mold toxicity can snowball into more serious conditions. So what are your options for treating mold illness?

Mold Illness Treatment

In a nutshell, mold illness treatment requires a big-picture approach built on three foundational principles:

1. Removing sources of exposure: This includes clean-up/remediation efforts to remove mold from your home or any other places you might be exposed.
2. Optimizing your environment: This means taking steps to minimize mold exposure. This often includes things like following a low-mold diet and investing in a quality air filtration system.
3. Boosting your body’s ability to heal and detox: Mold illness and chronic inflammation can cause a lot of damage and create a build-up of harmful toxins in your body. Giving your body the tools it needs to heal from inflammation and properly detox from these toxins is crucial. This typically includes incorporating lots of anti-inflammatory foods, getting plenty of rest, and strategically incorporating some supplements and detox techniques.

To learn more about mold illness and how to heal from it, you can head to my toxic mold guide resource page.

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) For Mold Toxicity: How It Can Help

Phosphatidylcholine is an indispensable part of mold illness treatment thanks to its ability to amplify your own natural detoxification abilities while restoring healthy cellular function. So how exactly does phosphatidylcholine accomplish this?

You see, because phosphatidylcholine makes up the majority of your cell membranes, supplementing this crucial phospholipid gives your cells the supplies they need to replace the old and damaged parts of the cell membrane. And as those old worn-out parts of the cell are replaced with brand new membranes, everything within your cells simply works better. Plus, this new and improved membrane strengthens your cellular defenses – shielding your cells from harmful toxins

And as an added benefit, as these membranes are replaced and discarded, the toxins and biotoxins attached to them are also eliminated. This allows your body to effectively process out toxins that have been accumulating over time.

So, Should I Be Taking Phosphatidylcholine (PC) if I’m Concerned About Mold Illness?

The short answer is – yes. 

If you’re concerned that you are battling mold illness, I first and foremost recommend seeking out the guidance of an experienced Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner. They’ll help you create a comprehensive plan specific to your unique needs which will likely include IV infusions of concentrated doses of phosphatidylcholine to provide your cells with an abundant amount of these crucial phospholipids. Treatment should also include oral supplements that provide a hefty dose of high-quality phosphatidylcholine.

One supplement company, in particular, that is leading the way in utilizing phosphatidylcholine’s potent detoxification and healing capabilities – especially in the treatment of mold illness – is a company known as BodyBio. BodyBio’s PC (phosphatidylcholine) supplement combines four different forms of pure phospholipids designed for maximal absorption to fuel and support every cell in your body.

Just one easy-to-take daily dose of BodyBio’s PC supplement (available in a bottle of 100 softgels or 300 softgels)  is clinically proven to:

• Bolster the integrity and function of your cell membranes
• Boost mitochondrial function
• Promote brain health, neurotransmission, and memory
• Amplify detoxification and cellular repair

Or if you prefer your supplements in liquid form, I recommend Quicksilver’s Micellized Pure PC to deliver the highest-quality pure phosphatidylcholine without the hassle of adding another pill to your supplement routine. You can find both of these superior PC supplements on my online store. And you can even snag 10% off your first order by clicking right here.

When It Comes to Your Health, You’re in the Driver’s Seat

There’s no denying that phosphatidylcholine is a powerful supplement that plays a vital role in healing from mold illness. But with that being said, phosphatidylcholine is not a cure-all or magic fix – it’s a tool in our tool belt.

So if you’re concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling with mold illness, phosphatidylcholine can certainly be a key part of your recovery if combined with a comprehensive plan for whole-body healing. And I cannot overemphasize the importance of seeking out the guidance of an experienced Integrative and Functional Medicine Doctor to help you create this comprehensive plan.

If you’re looking for more information on how you can begin healing, I strongly encourage you to head over to my blog – it’s chock-full of resources to help you heal from mold illness, optimize your health, and even figure out how to choose the right Functional Medicine Doctor. And if you want access to even more resources, you can sign up for my email newsletter by entering your name and email address in the form below.

Now it’s time to hear from you. Were you surprised to learn about the impressive benefits of phosphatidylcholine? What steps are you taking to protect yourself from mold and other biotoxins? Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below!

References:

1. Phospholipid: Definition, Structure, Function | Biology Dictionary
2. The Lipid Bilayer – Molecular Biology of the Cell – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
3. Phospholipids | Introduction to Chemistry (lumenlearning.com)
4. The role of phospholipids in cell function – ScienceDirect
5. 7 Phosphatidylcholine Benefits + Dosage & Side Effects – SelfHacked
6. Administration of phosphatidylcholine increases brain acetylcholine concentration and improves memory in mice with dementia – PubMed (nih.gov)
7. Effects of different fatty acids composition of phosphatidylcholine on brain function of dementia mice induced by scopolamine (nih.gov)
8. Mucosal protection by phosphatidylcholine – PubMed (nih.gov)
9. Phosphatidylcholine Affects Inner Membrane Protein Translocases of Mitochondria (nih.gov)