Mold is a fungus that grows in damp environments, indoors and outdoors. When certain types of mold begin to grow inside your home, you may develop mold-related illness. Most people have heard of black mold; however, there are many other types of toxic molds found indoors, including Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, and Wallemia. Molds produce two types of toxins – mycotoxins and microbial volatile organic compounds. Both of these types of mold toxins can be inhaled or swallowed. When this occurs, mold can begin to form colonies inside the body. Mold-induced toxicity is very misunderstood. Mold produces poisons that can cause long-term problems. CIRS, or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, is caused by exposure to mold and other biotoxin producers. You are at increased risk if you suffer from allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, or a weakened immune system. It is essential to detox mold from the body to start feeling better.

Symptoms of Mold Toxicity

Doctors often misdiagnose mold illness due to its many symptoms. Toxic mold stores can cause the body to experience an inflammatory cascade that can cause several symptoms, including-

mold illness
    • Concentration difficulties or memory loss
    • Eye irritations – itchy eyes, watery eyes and red eyes
    • Edema
    • Fatigue or unexplained weakness
      • Hay fever symptoms- sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion
    • Headaches
    • Hoarseness and Sore throat
  • Insomnia
  • Joint Pain or Inflammation
  • Mood swings
    • Respiratory Disturbances – coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks and difficulty breathing

Once you have been diagnosed with mold toxicity or biotoxin illness, you should take an integrative approach to eliminate the toxins in your body. Treating mold toxicity can be challenging, so contact a functional medicine doctor for help.

Detoxify Toxicity

Eliminate the Source of Mold

Studies have shown that approximately 50 percent of homes and places of business have water damage. Those suffering from chronic respiratory issues, including asthma and recurrent bronchitis, may be experiencing the symptoms of mold toxicity.

Once you have been diagnosed with biotoxin illness, you will need to ensure your home is free of mold. Inspect your home for signs of dampness. Look at your roof. Are there any missing or loose shingles? Check your plumbing pipes for dampness or leaks. Check your basement or crawlspace for standing water or moisture.

If you find traces of mold or dampness, scrub the area with a mixture of bleach and water. Then, place fans in the area to dry the moisture. Proper ventilation and drying of the region can take 24 to 48 hours. If you suspect mold in your HVAC system, turn off your heating and cooling system and contact an HVAC professional immediately.

Detoxify to Remove Mold Toxins

Mold doctors can help you detoxify by using a combination of binders to help remove toxins from your body. Some of the standard binders used to help remove mold are:

  • Activated charcoal—You must administer activated charcoal carefully because it binds to toxins, vitamins, minerals, and other medications. Your integrative physician must carefully monitor your nutrition and supplements when using activated charcoal in acute situations.
  • Bentonite Clay—Bentonite clay comes from volcano ash and has been used worldwide for many years to help detoxify the body. It absorbs heavy metals, toxins, and other harmful materials. It also provides the body with various minerals, including magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and sodium. It also has some antibacterial and antiviral properties.
  • Chlorella—Chlorella is an alga that does a great job of detoxifying the body. Chlorella binds to toxins and heavy metals in the digestive tract and helps transport them out of the body. Unlike other types of binders (activated charcoal, bentonite clay, etc.), chlorella does not remove minerals and nutrients from the body. Chlorella can help boost immunity naturally. Because there is no risk of nutritional deficiencies with long-term use, integrative practitioners use it as a popular binder.
Detoxify Mold Toxicity
  • Pectin—Fruits, including oranges, apples, and plums, contain pectin. People use dehydrated pectin as a fiber supplement. It sweeps biotoxins from the gastrointestinal tract and binds with heavy metals. Pectin is inexpensive and works well with other binders. However, it can cause gastrointestinal issues like gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
  • Zeolite—Zeolite is a powder comprised of several natural minerals. This popular detoxification powder binds with heavy metals and toxins and draws them from the body. Functional medicine combines Zeolite with other binders to provide a balanced detoxification plan. There are 49 forms of Zeolite; therefore, you should seek out the help of a knowledgeable integrative practitioner familiar with detoxification and binders.

In addition to the binders listed above that help detoxify the body, your integrative mold specialists may recommend a nasal spray, such as Cholagogues, to decrease sinus inflammation. Cholagogues help promote bile discharge, pull toxins from the body, and send them into the digestive tract for elimination. You can use antifungals, antioxidants, colloidal silver, and essential oils to improve health and relieve mold toxicity.

Toxicity Questionnaire

The Toxicity Screening Questionnaire helps identify symptoms and helps detect underlying causes of illnesses.

Click Here for the Toxicity Questionnaire

How Can We Help?

Our team of integrative doctors specializing in the treatment of CIRS and Biotoxin illnesses uses the latest proven therapies in functional medicine to help repair the damage caused by mold toxicity. Through nutritional supplementation, lifestyle modifications, acupuncture, and detoxification, our practitioners can help you get your life back.