Mold Toxicity

MOLD?! I mean I may have accidentally eaten something with a little fuzz before, but I thought my body would have taken care of that by now. Well yes, common food-borne mold can definitely be a problem, but we aren’t quite talking about it like that.

If we aren’t talking about an accidental run-in with a piece of moldy food…what are we talking about?

Mold can be found both outdoors and indoors, and when these certain types of mold are present- they can create toxic constituents that can really create a large barrier to achieving true healing. As exposure to mold increases, so does the likelihood that mold toxicity is setting in.

So, like a mold allergy?

No, not quite a mold allergy. Allergies to mold are typically a reaction to the lightweight spores that travel through the air and cause an eye, respiratory, and/or skin reaction. 

Mold toxicity, on the other hand, is a result of the actively growing colony of mold and the toxins they produce (mycotoxins, VOCs, etc). The toxins they produce are what cause a host of different symptoms within the body.

Ew, my areas are clean…I don’t see any “colonies” of growing mold?!

Don’t worry! We are not calling you dirty, nor is this any kind of reflection of YOU! One of the largest hurdles with mold toxicity is finding the issue. WHY? Because mold can be obvious…or VERY sneaky! 

Mold toxins are most often harbored in areas that have had any kind of water disturbance. (think: minor or major flooding, leaky pipes, heavy rain, melting snow, poor ventilation in bathrooms) The “perfect” environment is what mold looks for and thrives in…warm and humid. 

Your potential mold exposure is obviously not limited to only being in your current home; workplaces, schools, or previous residences or other buildings you frequent can be a source of exposure as well. 

Studies suggest that up to 50% of buildings may have water damage.  Take that high percentage of water-damaged buildings and mix it with improper eradication of mold once it is found, or possible issues before you were ever aware (previous tenants, mishaps during construction, etc). Realistically, when it comes to deciding whether or not this may be an issue, it’s almost more accurate to automatically assume it is!

WOW! Ok, so why was this my result?

Symptoms can range with a dependency on specific exposure, genetics, nutritional status, other factors that are hindering the person’s system, and overall the person’s unique biochemistry. 

Some common symptoms are vague and can be easily attributed to other illnesses, and that’s what makes moly toxicity fly under the radar WAY TOO OFTEN!

Symptoms often related to mold toxicity:

  • Brain function: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, trouble finding words, problems taking in new information

  • Digestive system: Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, food sensitivities, leaky gut, metallic taste in mouth, nausea, vomiting

  • Eyes: Blurred vision, eye irritation, itchy eyes, sensitivity to bright light

  • Energy: Excessive fatigue, thyroid dysfunction

  • Immune system: Autoimmune conditions, flu-like symptoms, over-reactivity to foods and chemicals, poor immunity

  • Mental state: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings

  • Muscles and skeleton: Muscle pain, joint pain, morning stiffness

  • Nervous system: Dizziness, headaches, “ice-pick-like” pain, numbness, poor balance and coordination, seizure-like events, skin sensitivity to light touch, static shocks, temperature regulation problems, tingling, tremors

  • Respiratory system: Chest tightness, chronic sinus congestion, cough, new-onset or worsening asthma, runny nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, sore throat

  • Scent sensitivity: Unpleasant symptoms upon exposure to chemicals, fragrances, and other odors (multiple chemical sensitivity)

  • Skin: Dryness, irritation, rashes

  • Sleep: Frequent waking during sleep, insomnia, night sweats

  • Urinary system: Incontinence, increased urination, urgency 

  • Weight: Appetite swings, weight gain or weight loss resistance

Source: CellCore Biosciences

Can I test for it?

YES! But, mold testing is unfortunately not always reliable due to the professionals performing the tests in your specific environment and the internal tests that are chosen to utilize. However there are options, and these are our most trusted options:

Internal testing :

  • Urine Mycotoxin tests through: Great Plains Laboratory or Real-time Laboratories 

Environmental Testing:

  • Dust samples: A quality dust sample test is the Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI). After vacuuming or wiping up dust with a special cloth, it is sent to a lab. Using DNA analysis explains the types of mold and density. This is more accurate than tape and mold plate samples. It also may be a more accurate test for mold than indoor air sampling used by professional inspectors. (source) 

  • Moisture meter,  Mold plates, Professional inspection (even better when combined with ERMI) , Tape samples

Ok you convinced me, what the heck do I do?

Meet the heavy hitters for combatting mold toxicity (not listed in order or priority):

  • BIND

    We want to aid the body in getting RID of these mycotoxins held within the body. When it comes to binding out the mold, we can’t go with the lower-strength traditional binders like charcoals and clays mainly because the toxicity is held beyond just the intestines, we need something that will go beyond the gut.

  • RESTORE MITOCHONDRIA

    Mold can do quite a number on our mitochondria. (remember how many symptoms had to do with lack of energy and focus, this is why!) Less energy means less ability to fight mold toxicity!

  • SUPPORT DETOXIFICATION

    Mainly the liver and bile. Being the body’s largest detox organ, the liver is dealing with a heavy load. Adding mycotoxins into the mix may cause extra damage (by depleting major antioxidants like glutathione) that needs to be restored and supported. Supported and optimal bile flow will then provide a “river” for these toxins to be excreted.

  • DRAINAGE!

    Speaking of excretion; HELLO DRAINAGE!- drainage is something you’ve heard a lot about if you’ve hung around here for any given amount of time. Drainage is literally what it sounds like- how we DRAIN those toxins from our bodies via stools, lymphatics, urination..all the avenues! When it comes to detoxing mold… drainage HAS TO BE the #1 priority! If we are moving those toxins, we need to ensure they’re actually exiting. Sweating has an added benefit when it comes to detoxing mold because certain types of mycotoxins have actually been found through the sweat…so have access to a sauna? Awesome! But you’re going to want to take it slow, we don’t want to release toxins too fast and get you feeling worse!

I’ve heard you talk about this very specific “roadmap” thing, so where does mold come in?

root cause protocol, roadmap

Okay, I’m tired of my symptoms, I want help getting this handled!

Because where mold is on the Roadmap, we don’t suggest getting straight to it! Thats why we created our comprehensive hybrid program. Not sure its the best choice for you? Book a free discovery call with us and get all your questions answered!

Online Group Coaching Program

  • This option is a 12 week online program filled with tons of information to not only help knock out parasites, but other potential root causes that may be hindering your healing! We go from the basics of proper nutrition to the importance of your intricate detox systems and beyond! Also included is a functional blood work analysis and 3 private consults with our practitioners providing you with very personalized protocols. Book a discovery call with us for more information or head to our group coaching page.

  • Cost of program: $1,499

    Cost of supplements: $75 - $250 per month