Back when I was in my clinic rotations in medical school, I worked with a patient who experienced a slough of health issues. She gained 23 lbs of weight, had Hashimoto’s, chronic fatigue, brain fog, extreme digestive issues, over 45 food sensitivities/allergies, POTS, insomnia, insatiable thirst, and skin rashes. She was on a laundry list of medications to manage all her individual symptoms, and was ready to throw in the towel. Until we uncovered in her history that all her symptoms coincided with her moving into a new home that was water damaged. Everytime she would leave to go visit her nearby parents for a period of time, she would feel notably better. But was never able to truly pinpoint the issue.
It was through this that we ordered a series of tests that showed she had extreme mold illness due to Stachybotrys. It was so bad that she had to leave many of her belongings and clothes behind, but eventually moved completely into her parents home. We worked on slowly supporting her detox pathways to eliminate the toxins now that she was out of the inflammatory environment. Over just a few days, she noticed improvements in sleep and more energy. Over the next weeks, her mood lifted and she had a more positive outlook on life. We treated underlying gut imbalances and continued to slowly support her detoxification pathways until after 6 months, she was 80% better!
This patient’s story is a great example of the severity of mold illness and how our environment makes us sick.
What is Mold Illness?
Mold-related illness is a complex health condition often stemming from exposure to molds and their toxic byproducts (mycotoxins). Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments, and can colonize various surfaces, including walls, ceilings, HVAC systems, and even mattresses and furniture. This is especially important because 24% of Americans have the HLA-DR genetic predispositions that make them less able to appropriately clear mycotoxins.
While mold spores are ubiquitous in the environment, certain species of mold can produce bio toxins that pose severe health risks to humans. Mold toxicity is the perfect example of how our environment plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being.
Symptoms of Mold Illness
Biotoxins originating from mold, encompassing mycotoxins, mold spore fragments, and microbial volatile organic compounds, pose significant threats to human health. These substances, when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, can induce a range of adverse effects on the body. Mycotoxins, for instance, are known to disrupt various physiological functions, leading to respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and even carcinogenic effects.
Mold spore fragments, once airborne, can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory distress in susceptible individuals. Additionally, microbial volatile organic compounds emitted by mold contribute to indoor air pollution, exacerbating respiratory conditions and potentially causing systemic inflammation. The cumulative impact of these biotoxins can manifest as chronic illnesses, compromising overall well-being. Understanding the diverse mechanisms through which mold-derived biotoxins operate is essential for implementing effective mitigation strategies and safeguarding public health.
Here are just a few of the symptoms related to mold-illness:
Respiratory issues manifest as coughing, wheezing, sinus congestion, and shortness of breath, hindering normal breathing patterns.
Neurological issues encompass dizziness, memory/concentration issues, brain fog, headaches, and mood disturbances, affecting cognitive function and overall well-being. Persistent fatigue, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, debilitates energy levels and daily functioning.
Skin issues present as rashes, itchiness, and hives, causing discomfort and sometimes severe allergic reactions.
Digestive issues include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and heightened food sensitivities, disrupting normal digestive processes and causing discomfort after eating.
Physical issues such as joint pain, muscle aches, and stiffness contribute to overall discomfort and reduced mobility. An
Irregular heartbeat disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart, potentially leading to cardiovascular complications and diminished physical capacity.
Health Conditions Related to Mold-Illness
Mold not only triggers uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms, but is also linked to a ton of common, and very serious, medical conditions including:
Autoimmune disorders: Mold exposure can exacerbate autoimmune conditions, triggering immune system dysfunction and inflammation.
Dysautonomia/POTS: Mold can disrupt autonomic nervous system function, leading to symptoms like lightheadedness and heart palpitations.
Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS): Mold exposure can lead to a chronic inflammatory state in the body, resulting in a range of debilitating symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia: Mold may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases by promoting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Chronic fatigue syndrome/Fibromyalgia: Mold exposure can worsen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, leading to increased fatigue and pain.
Interstitial cystitis: Mold exposure may exacerbate symptoms of interstitial cystitis, including bladder pain and urinary urgency.
MCAS/Histamine issues: Mold can trigger mast cell activation, leading to histamine release and allergic-like symptoms.
Anxiety and other mental health issues: Mold exposure has been linked to increased anxiety and other mental health concerns, possibly due to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Insomnia: Mold-related symptoms such as respiratory issues and allergies can disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to insomnia.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Mold exposure may worsen symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, through immune system activation and inflammation.
Exacerbation of Lyme disease and reactive viruses: Mold exposure can weaken the immune system and exacerbate symptoms of Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes virus infections.
Chronic Inflammatory Response (CIRS)
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a condition caused from exposure to biotoxins produced by molds, particularly those found in water-damaged buildings. CIRS often presents itself as mysterious symptoms that conventional medicine struggles to diagnose. Mold toxicity is often overlooked – or misdiagnosed – and can lead to debilitating health issues.
In CIRS, the immune system becomes overwhelmed by the constant exposure to mold toxins, triggering high inflammatory responses throughout the body. Symptoms vary widely and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis that much more challenging.
Addressing CIRS requires going above and beyond symptom management and getting to the root cause. It is so important to identify and remove the source of mold exposure while supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways. This involves personalized treatment plans that may include dietary modifications, targeted supplementation, detoxification protocols, and lifestyle changes to restore balance and promote healing.
Determining if Mold is Your Root Cause
Mold toxicity is a very serious issue and, if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms chronically or have received a diagnosis of any of the above listed health conditions, it is crucial to investigate the root cause.
Here are a few options to consider:
Hire an indoor environmental professional (IEP): Hire a professional to inspect your living situation. You can find resources here.
Run your own indoor mold testing: The Environmental Relative Moldiness Index test (ERMI) is the indoor air quality mold test with the best data to support it. You can order your own kit here.
Assess your current levels: By providing an at home urine sample, you can assess what the level of mycotoxins are in your body. Here is a link to a urine test I’ve personally used.
Preventative Measures to Reduce Mold Exposure
Here are recommendations to help you keep your environment mold free:
Maintain Optimal Indoor Humidity Levels: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50% can help prevent mold growth.
Use Exhaust Fans in Bathrooms and Kitchens: Proper ventilation is crucial for preventing moisture buildup in high-humidity areas.
Address Water Leaks Promptly: Promptly repair any leaks in plumbing, roofs, or windows to prevent moisture from seeping into walls and ceilings.
Use Mold-Resistant Building Materials: When renovating or building a home, consider using mold-resistant materials such as mold-resistant drywall and paint.
Regularly Clean and Inspect HVAC Systems: Mold can thrive in HVAC systems if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning and inspection of HVAC ducts and filters can prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.
Minimize Clutter and Moisture in Basements and Attics: Keep basements and attics clean and dry to prevent mold growth on stored items and structural surfaces.
Monitor Indoor Air Quality: Consider using air purifiers and indoor air quality monitors to reduce mold spores and other indoor pollutants. AirDoctor air filtration systems are my favorite air purifiers out there currently.
Using Food as Medicine to Support Mold Detox
When healing from mold-related illness, the diet choices you make are paramount to avoid exacerbating symptoms. Mold and fungal byproducts are frequently found in various foods. For instance, baked goods commonly incorporate amylases and maltoses to hasten baking processes, while frozen meals often contain citric acid for preservation – both of which should be avoided during mold detox.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of common offenders that should be avoided:
Fermented Foods: The fermentation process in foods like chocolate, black tea, soy sauce, beer, wine, spirits, cheese, and lactaid milk fosters an environment conducive to mold growth. Consuming these items can introduce mold toxins into the body, hindering recovery from mold-related illness.
Processed Foods: Processed foods harbor hidden sources of mold and fungal byproducts. Frozen dinners often contain preservatives and additives that may promote mold proliferation. Similarly, bread, including the more gut healthy varieties like sourdough, frequently contain mold inhibitors and other additives that could exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, malted cereals and deli meats may harbor mold spores, posing a risk to those sensitive to mold exposure.
Contaminated Foods: Overripe fruits and vegetables are particularly susceptible to mold growth, making them unfit for consumption by those seeking to avoid mold exposure. Aged meats and tomato products may contain mold spores, compromising their safety for those with mold-related sensitivities. Leftover foods, especially when stored improperly, are prone to mold contamination and should be discarded to prevent inadvertent exposure. Multi-B vitamins, dried fruits, peanuts, cashews, and pistachios have also been implicated in mold-related illnesses due to their susceptibility to mold growth during processing and storage.
By steering clear of these common sources of mold contamination, individuals can minimize their exposure to mold toxins and facilitate the healing process. Implementing a mold-conscious diet not only supports recovery but also fosters overall well-being by mitigating the risk of mold-related complications.
Adhering to a mold-conscious diet can be challenging but is essential for those striving to recover from mold-related illness. By prioritizing fresh, whole foods and reviewing ingredient labels for potential contaminants, individuals can steer clear of foods that may exacerbate mold symptoms.
Supplements, Products, and Practices to Help You Heal
Your allostatic load is the sum of environmental and internal factors that place a burden on your body. In terms of mold-illness, your ability to detox and the effort it takes to clear them will be impacted by this. The greater the load your body carries, the more time and energy it takes to heal. This means, you might need to start slow, be gentle, and approach this as a long term game as opposed to a short term solution.
We’re all different, which means we all respond differently to treatment approaches and will likely need different levels of support – detoxification can be heavily impacted by your body’s level of sensitivity. For example, even though glutathione (our master antioxidant) can be a helpful agent for liver detoxification, it may be too strong for some and cause a herxheimer reaction (a temporary worsening of symptoms from liberating toxins into the bloodstream without sufficient routes for elimination).
For those individuals, they may have to start with glutathione’s precursor, N-acetyl-cysteine, or liver supporting herbal agents like milk thistle. Binders are also essential in order to mop up these toxins for excretion and minimize symptoms.
The main goal of detoxification is to package up these toxicants to be eliminated through major drainage pathways (skin, liver, colon, kidneys/bladder, lymph). Here is a list of supplements, most of which can be found in my Mold Support Supplement Protocol and other practices to support your body’s detox processes from mold:
- Liver Support
- Mitochondrial Support
- ATP Fuel
- CellCore BC ATP
- MTHFR/Methylation Support
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Support
- Intranasal Treatment (3-6 months to ongoing)
- Intranasal antifungal agents like Itraconazole, Nystatin, or Amphotericin B
- Biofilm agents such as EDTA, NAC, Xylitol, or Mupirocin
- Colloidal silver nasal sprays
- Intranasal ozone therapy
- Treat the Gut
- Prescription antifungals
- Natural antifungal supplements like pau d’arco, olive leaf, oil of oregano, and holy basil
As someone who has personally dealt with mold-illness, I know how daunting and exhausting it can be. It can seem like it’s impossible to escape, no matter what supplements you take or changes you make. But, I can promise you that healing is possible.
If you think you may be suffering from mycotoxin illness, it’s crucial to work with an experienced holistic health practitioner who can guide you and support you on your journey in healing.
