Category: Mold Detox

How to detox your body from mold: a step by step summary of our evidence-based natural mold detox protocol.

Protocol | Diet | Supplements | Symptoms | Mold in Home | Statistics | References

Mold Detox Protocol, Summary

• Designed to help your body to naturally and safely eliminate mold using natural foods and supplements.
• Supports all key elimination organs and pathways that play a key role in your body’s ability to detox mold.
• Addresses mold toxicity damage, especially your immune system, mitochondria, gut microbiome and other critical elements that are often affected by mold toxicity.

How to Detox Your Body from Mold

Duration: 3-6 weeks.
(*See the timeline section below).

1. Stop mold exposure

   The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that 50% of American buildings have a history of water damage. Indoor mold can develop as quickly as 24 hours after the water damage. Indoor mold is not always visible or has a musty smell.^[1]
   If you suspect you have an indoor mold problem, it is always best to work with professionals to evaluate and correct the damage.
   As this may take time, try to secure a clean room in your home where you spend the most time during the day and night.

2. Optimize digestive system to detox mold

   Oxy-powder®: Take 4 capsules before bedtime, for 5 days, and when needed.
   Oxy-powder releases oxygen in the intestines to loosen waste buildup, mold and yeast that tend to stick to the intestinal wall. Expect the next day to have a series of bowel movements. First time users usually report eliminating large amount of stored waste. You may notice mold, yeast and candida in your stool. This is common.

3. Remove mold with antifungal & mold detox supplements

   Mycozil®: Take 3 capsules twice a day before your meals for 6 weeks.
   Mycozil is a blend of wildcrafted and organic antifungal herbs with an ability to detox fungus, mold, candida and yeast in the body. The formula is enhanced with natural enzymes that break down the fungal cell wall, and soil-based probiotics to help balance fungal candida yeast imbalance in the gut.^[2,3,4]

4. Increase chlorophyll intake (natural mold binder agent)

   E3Live®: Take 1-2 tbsp in the morning on an empty stomach for 6 weeks.
   Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants is shown in studies to bind to mold toxins which can help the body to eliminate them.^[5] Gentle, yet effective, Chlorophyll may offer one of the safest way to bind to mold.
   E3Live® is a blue-green algae that has the highest Chlorophyll content and the only option in north america that comes fresh. (It is frozen-liquid, not a powder).
   Due to its superior nutritional profile with unique nutrients we rarely get from the western diet, E3Live® can help support multiple body systems.
   If it’s not available in your area, you can take a clean source of chlorella as an alternative.

5. Start the mold detox diet

   Mold detox diet: 6 weeks.
   Remove foods and drinks that tend to have have mold in them, eat healthy whole foods to support your body natural detoxification and elimination pathways.

6. Address individual concerns and imbalances

   We are all unique in the way our body responds to mold. This can also affect the ability of our body to detox mold. Some people may need additional steps. See the section below.

Specific Concerns During & After the Mold Detox

See which of the following scenarios may apply to you, and tailor the mold detox protocol to your body’s needs:

Mold symptoms don’t go away

Some people with a slow detoxification function may find that their body needs more time to detox mold.

If you haven’t made any progress 2 weeks after you started the mold detox protocol above, below steps may help to naturally accelerate your body’s ability to detox mold:

1. Liposomal glutathione: Take 4 ml a day, in the morning on an empty stomach.
   Glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidants and cellular detoxifiers found in every cell in the body. Glutathione has the ability to neutralize and bind to water-soluble toxins including mold toxins.
   Liposomal delivery system offers higher absorption compared to traditional supplements. The research does suggest liposomal glutathione my offer a natural way to manage mycotoxin-related issues.^[6,7,8] Dr. Blair’s Valimenta Liposomal glutathione. A very clean professional strength  source that uses the patented Setria® Glutathione with non GMO European sunflower seed lecithin.
2. Active Charcoal: Take in the morning on an empty stomach, for up to 5 days.
   Ideally: an hour after you take E3Live® & Liposomal glutathione.
   Active Charcoal can help to bind to mycotoxins in the digestive tract which can help the body eliminate them through normal bowel movements
   Side Effects: Active Charcoal can prevent the absorption of other supplements, so always take it on an empty stomach by itself.
   Active Charcoal can also lead to constipation, so always take Oxy-powder the night before and the night after. Make sure to increase your water intake.

Low Energy & Mitochondria Support

A common symptom of mold toxicity is low energy and fatigue. This may happen when the mycotoxins affect the mitochondria. Mitochondria is the part in our cells that produces energy.

To help regenerate and support your mitochondria:

Dr. Group’s COQ10 & PQQ: Take 1 capsule twice daily for 3-6 weeks.
Dr. Group formula combines three patented extracts clinically studied for their effect on the mitochondrial health.

• BioPQQ®. Shown to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, the cellular process that produces new mitochondria.^[9]
• Kaneka Q10®. World’s purest, most thoroughly researched CoQ10 shown to protect the mitochondria from oxidative stress and tissue death.^[10,11]
• PrimaVie®. Organic purified shilajit shown to improve the bioavailability of CoQ10 and boost energy production in the mitochondria.^[12]

Mold Detox, Probiotics & Candida Overgrowth

Sometimes mold toxicity can impair the good bacteria in the gut and create imbalances. As a result, you may be more susceptible to candida overgrowth and yeast infections.

If that’s the case, you can continue with the mold detox protocol with the following changes:

• Mycozil: 3 capsules twice a day before your meals for six weeks.
  Mycozil is a blend of wildcrafted and organic antifungal herbs known for their ability to kill candida yeast, natural systemic enzymes that break down candida cell wall, and soil-based probiotics to help balance the candida yeast imbalance in the gut.^[13,14,15]
• Floratrex: Take 2 capsules daily, 20 minutes before your first meal, for six weeks.
  Floratrex is a professional strength complex of 75 billion CFUs 25-Strain Probiotic & Prebiotics, designed to promote healthy bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics serve as a food source for probiotics that supports the good bacteria growth in your gut. Taking prebiotics together with probiotics is a common best practice that according to research, can enhance the effectiveness of the probiotic supplements.
• Candida diet: switch to the candida diet, or limit the carbs in your mold detox diet. Intermittent fasting may help to augment the results.

For the complete candida-yeast protocol: candida cleanse.

Immune Support During The Mold Detox Protocol

When: If you find that you easily catch viral infections such as the common cold or have a weak immune system.

Risk factors for low immune function may include: nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and certain medical conditions.
Always consult with your doctor if you are concerned about your immune system.

With that said, here are the best natural ways to support your immune system:

• Avoid the most common nutritional deficiencies.
  All play a major rule in our immune system: Vitamin D, Zinc, Iodine.
• Support with extra vitamin C.
  Vitamin C deficiency has been linked to a reduced resistance against certain pathogens. Liposomal delivery system offers higher absorption compared to traditional vitamin C supplements.^[16,17].
  Dr. Blair’s Valimenta Liposomal C: A good clean source of liposomal C supplements that was clinically tested, made from non GMO European sunflower seed lecithin.
• Take probiotics daily. 80% of the immune system resides in the gut.
  Floratrex: Take 2 capsules daily, 20 minutes before your first meal.
• Avoid processed foods and simple sugars.

How Long Does It Take for Mold to Get Out of Your System?

The way you may respond to mycotoxins (toxins produced by mold) may be very different from your friends and family.

Your genetics, immune system, nutritional status and other factors can all affect the body’s ability to eliminate mold and mycotoxins.

An Example of a Typical Mold Detox Protocol

Based on your many questions, below you can see a typical mold detox day with the basic supplements. As mentioned on the previous section, you may need to tailor your plan.

Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Mold Detox Protocol

Help your body to naturally and safely eliminate mold using natural foods and supplements. An example of a typical daily supplements protocol.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Mold Detox

Servings: 1

Author: Cleanse Joy

Ingredients

Morning

• 1 tbsp E3Live® Mold binder, nutritional support
• 4 ml Liposomal glutathione Detox mold

1 Hour Later, 20 minutes before breakfast

• 2 capsules Floratrex Probiotics & prebiotics blend

Lunch

• 3 capsules Mycozil® Antifungal & mold detox complex

Dinner

• 3 capsules Mycozil® Antifungal & mold detox complex

Before bedtime

• 4-8 capsules Oxy-powder® Oxygen intestinal cleanse

Mold Detox Protocol: The Complete Plan

Important: Some people are extremely sensitive to mold, and as such, may experience a severe reaction after mold exposure. If you suspect you are allergic or sensitive to mold, we highly recommend to see a specialist. You may need an immediate medical attention or a specific treatment plan.

1: Stop Mold Exposure

While our protocol focuses on how to detox your body from mold, it will not make sense to continue without considering the source of the mold exposure.

A common way we are exposed to mold in breathing indoor mold.^[18] As the mold spores break away, they become airborne and enter our bodies through the air we breathe.

Many people experience “musty” smell, although you may not always notice any odor. Common symptoms of mold exposure may affect the respiratory system, although not in all cases.

Exposure to indoor mold can occur in residential homes, as well as in commercial buildings. So it is also important to consider your workplace or school as potential sources of mold exposure.

If you have a mold problem in your home, it is always best to have professionals handle the damage. If you decide to clean up the mold yourself,  protect yourself by wearing gloves and avoid staying in the affected areas for too long.

We’ll cover more details on this topic in the “clear your home from mold” section in this article.

2: Mold Detox Diet

Weeks 1-6

The purpose of the mold detox diet is to help your body cleanse excess mold naturally and safely. In the diet you:

1. Remove foods and drinks that tend to have have mold in them
2. Limit common allergens and inflaming foods known to cause sensitivities, weaken the immune system and stress the body
3. Eat healthy whole foods to support your body natural detoxification and elimination pathways including the immune system.

Foods to Eat During the Mold Detox Protocol

The foods you will be eating while on the mold detox diet are known for their ability to:

• Bind to toxins and encourage gut health (high in fiber)
• Reduce inflammation (healthy omega 3 fatty acids)
• Balance cellular damage (high in antioxidants)
• Promote tissue healing (high in protein).

Bare in mind, diet should always be tailored to the individual. The plan below is a great place to start for most people.

Important: pay close attention to both the  source and freshness of your foods. Make sure they are always fresh and properly stored. Especially when you eat out. At home, avoid keeping cooked foods for more than a few days to minimize chances that mold will develop.

Foods To Eat on the Mold Detox Diet Include:

• All organic raw/steamed vegetables.
  Ideally from the rainbow, as each color represents different plant pigment that have different phytonutrients and antioxidants.
• Dark leafy greens.
  Kale, spinach and other are high in chlorophyll which can bind to aflatoxins and reduce their bioavailability. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain types of mold.^[19]
• Algae.
  E3Live®  blue-green algae has the highest Chlorophyll content and the only option in north america that comes fresh. (It is frozen-liquid, not a powder).
  If you can’t get E3Live where you live, try to get high quality chlorella.
• Healthy fats.
  Coconut oil, olive oil, whole avocado (watch for mold) are all great choices. Coconut oil has natural antifungal properties.
• Fresh nuts and seeds.
  Make sure they are fresh and from a trusted source. Mold often develops in old nuts and seeds, so if you are not sure about the source of these, it is best to avoid.
• Wild caught fish. (2-3 times a week)
  Wild alaskan salmon is a great option. Always look for small fish to minimize mercury exposure, always from a trusted source to make sure they are kept in good conditions. Wild fatty fish are high in anti inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, and are also high in proteins, vitamins and minerals.
• Animal proteins.
  Grass fed beef may be ok, always from a trusted source.
• Fresh whole low sugar fruits. (In moderation).
  Good options: cinnamon apples, berries, blueberries, blackberries.
  Ideally eat fruits in the morning, always on an empty stomach.
  Always watch for mold, especially on berries.
• Complex whole carbs. (In moderation).
  Small amounts of quinoa or rice (wild  or brown) are ok for most people.
  Make sure they are fresh and avoid keeping them in the fridge for more than two days.

Avoid Foods & Drinks with Mold

Many foods and drinks have small amounts of mold in them. This usually is not a problem to people who are not sensitive to mold. If you have some sensitivity, or are constantly exposed to mold, consuming food/drinks with mold may become an issue.

So as a part of the mold detox protocol, you may want to limit these foods for several weeks. Once you get well, you can slowly reintroduce your favorite foods back.

Common foods known to have mold (or easily develop mold) include:^[20]

• Cultured, aged or fermented foods and drinks such as: kombucha tea, sauerkraut, kimchee
• Luncheon meats, bacon, or hot dogs
• Hard salami and dry-cured country hams
• Cooked leftover meat and poultry
• Casseroles
• Grain and pasta (some are allowed, see foods to eat below)
• Hard cheese, cheese made with mold, soft cheese
• Yogurt and sour cream
• Jams and jellies
• Fruits and vegetables
• Bread and baked goods
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Legumes
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Yeast and yeast containing foods
• Old nuts or seeds (fresh nuts and seeds are usually ok for most people)
• Mushrooms

Limit Common Allergens & Food Sensitivities

Many people who experience issues with mold, also have sensitivities to other foods as well.

If you notice food senvities, or experience ongoing digestive issues such as bloating or excess gas, it is always best to work with a nutritionist to personalize your diet. This way, the diet is tailored to your body and also consider individual foods sensitivities you may have.

With that said, a good place to start is to eliminate common food allergens and irritating foods.

Depending on the severity of your mold exposure, and how fast your body clears the excess mold once you stop the exposure, you should follow the diet for 4-6 weeks.

Foods to avoid include:

• Processed foods or packaged foods
• Fried foods
• Bread
• Gluten
• Grains (some are allowed, see foods to eat below)
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Legumes
• Simple sugars
• Coffee
• Alcohol

3: Mold Detox Supplements

There are three types of supplements that can help you in the process of removing mold from your body:

1. Support organs of elimination and detoxification
2. Have specific ingredients known to bind and detox your body from mold
3. Support your immune system and other systems in your body that may be affected by the mold toxicity.

Important: Your body naturally eliminates mold toxins (mycotoxins) through the stool (gut), and urine (kidneys).

To minimize side effects from mycotoxins circulating or re-absorbing in your system, it is very important to optimize these pathways. We’ll cover these below.

Optimize Gut & Digestive System to Detox Mold

First 5 days, and when needed.

The first step to detox your body from mold, is to clear your colon and intestines from accumulated waste buildup, mold, yeast and other toxins. This can help the body to eliminate mold quicker with the stool and minimize “healing crisis” or other discomforts during the mold cleanse.

Oxygen Colon Cleanse (Oxy-powder) :
Releases natural oxygen in the entire digestive system to loosens waste buildup often with mold and yeast that tend to stick to the intestinal wall. This allows the body to flush out this waste naturally throughout normal bowel movements.

Expect the next day to have a series of bowel movements. First time users usually report eliminating large amount of stored waste. You may also notice mold, yeast and candida in your stool. This is common.

In addition to improving digestion, the removal of the accumulated waste by the oxygen may also create an ideal environment in your gut that can encourage friendly probiotic growth, which also play a key role in maintaining a healthy yeast-mold balance in the body.

Antifungal & Mold Detox Supplements

Duration: weeks 4-6

There are a number of unique herbs and plants with known antifungal properties that can help to naturally eliminate mold and yeast from the body.

Theses mold detox properties have been known for centuries and are also backed up by modern research. The idea is that the same mechanism that helps the plant against mold, may be useful when we consume the plants.

Just to give you an example, certain plants such as wild jatoba, are resistant to mold and fungus. They never develop mold even though they grow in a humid and wet environment. In fact, even after the tree dies, unlike most other rainforest trees, the wood of the jatoba tree does not rot.

Due to increased resistance to antifungal drugs, natural antifungals are extensively studied as alternative options. According to research, herbs such as pau d’arco, licorice root, jatoba, and others can offer an effective and safe way to improve the natural fungal, candida yeast balance in the body.^[21,22,23]

Not all natural antifungals, however, are safe. Some are even toxic. For this reason, and to avoid a negative reaction, we strongly recommend to get your antifungal supplements from a trusted source.

Mycozil is our recommended antifungal supplements during the 4-6 weeks of the mold detox. The formula combines wildcrafted and organic antifungal herbs, natural systemic enzymes that break down fungal cell wall, and probiotics to help balance the fungal, candida and yeast imbalance in the gut.

• Ingredients: jatoba bark, pau d’arco bark, licorice, anise seed, beta glucanase, hemicellulase, brevibacillus laterosporus, fulvic acid.
• Directions: Take 3 capsules 2 times daily before meals. If you have never used Mycozil before, start with 1 capsule twice a day and gradually increase each day.

Chlorophyll, Mold Detoxifier & Binder

E3Live®: Take 1-2 tbsp in the morning on an empty stomach for 6 weeks.

Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in plants is shown in studies to bind to mold toxins which can help the body to eliminate them.^[24] Gentle, yet effective, Chlorophyll may offer one of the safest way to bind to mold.

E3Live® is a blue-green algae that has the highest Chlorophyll content and the only option in north america that comes fresh. (It is frozen-liquid, not a powder). Due to its superior nutritional profile with unique nutrients we rarely get from the western diet, E3Live® can help support multiple body systems.
If it’s not available in your area, you can take a clean source of chlorella as an alternative.

Activated Carbons (Charcoal): Mold Binder

Several studies suggest that active charcoal can bind to mycotoxins in the gut and prevent from from reabsorbing back.^[25]

Most people do not need to take charcoal to get rid of mold. Due to some potential side effects (see below), we recommend to start with the mold detox protocol without the charcoal and see your progress.

Active Charcoal Side Effects:

• Active Charcoal can also prevent the absorption of other supplements. Always take it on a an empty stomach by itself.
• Active Charcoal can lead to constipation, so always take Oxy-powder the night before and the night after. Make sure to increase your water intake.
• Charcoal use is not intended for long term, and it is best to consult with a health practitioner before.

Probiotics

Week 3-6

Probiotics are well known for their ability to promote a healthy fungal and yeast balance in the body by altering toxins metabolism in the gut, including mold toxins (mycotoxins).^[26]

Good options of probiotics to detox your body of mold include the top studied probiotic strains such as lactobacillus strains. To avoid a reaction to the probiotics, always look for supplements that are free from common allergens, especially soy, dairy, gluten and wheat.

It is also important that the company who makes the probiotics also guarantees their stability and potency. One study that tested 15 different probiotic supplements found that only 4 out of the 15 products met their label ^[27].

Dr. Group Floratrex is good example of probiotics we use in many of our body cleanses to promote a normal yeast balance and good gut health.

The formula combines the highly studied lactobacillus probiotic strains with inulin prebiotic. Prebiotics serve as a food source for probiotics that supports the good bacteria growth in your gut. Taking prebiotics together with probiotics is a common best practice shown by studies to enhance the effectiveness of the probiotic supplements.^[28,29]

Important Facts, FAQ & Statistics About Mold Exposure

Mold Detox Diet vs. Candida Diet

The amount of carbs is a topic we are often asked about, usually in the context of the candida diet. 

People with candida overgrowth or excess yeast in their body usually get better when they limit their carbs and sugars which are the primary fuel source of candida yeast.

People that experience mold issues, also seem to be affected more by candida, or don’t get well when they eat more carbs. For this reason, we highly recommend to limit your carbs on the mold detox diet.

Remember that this is not a diet for life. Just for a short term to help your body get rid of the excess mold.

How Common is Mold Exposure?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 50% of American buildings have a history of water damage.

The water damage often occur from internal sources such as leaking pipes, bathtub leakage, or external sources like roof leaking from rainwater.

Overtime dampness becomes a problem as various materials in buildings (rugs, walls, ceiling tiles) become wet, creating ideal conditions for mold to develop.^[30]

Water damage and indoor mold can occur in residential homes, as well as in commercial buildings. So it is also important to consider your workplace or school as potential sources of mold exposure.

Mold Exposure Symptoms

Certain types of mold are highly toxic and may cause severe issues to people who are allergic to mold. Other risk factors include existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, and a weakened immune system.

People who are not allergic or sensitive to mold may not experience any symptoms when in the presence of mold. It is possible however, to develop mold sensitivity overtime due to ongoing exposure.

This may explain why some people who move to a new home with a mold problem may feel fine in the first few months, or even years, but start to develop some symptoms overtime.

Mold exposure symptoms may change from one person to another but usually include:

Respiratory symptoms:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Wheezing.

If you experience respiratory issues and looking for natural ways to support your lungs and clear your airwaves, see: lung cleanse.

Other symptoms:

• Red or watery eyes
• Skin rashes
• Mood swings
• Body aches and pains
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Memory loss, confusion, “brain fog”.

How to Detox Your Home from Mold

If you think you may have a mold problem in your home, it is always best to have professionals evaluate and correct the damage.

In many cases, the mold grow inside the walls, circulate in the HVAC system or may occur due to an ongoing leaking problem from your neighbor’s bathtub. All these are not issues you can easily repair, and often present a challenge even to professionals.

On the other hand, if you see visible signs of mold, such as black mold in your bathtub or kitchen, do not wait. Remove as soon as you can using hot soapy water, bleach, or commercial mold removal products.

Clear your Bedroom from Mold

Clearing your home from mold often takes time. In the process, a good option to help minimize the exposure is to clear your bedroom from mold. Certain air purifiers and dehumidifiers (if you live in a humid place) can help to remove some of mold particles from the air.

Mold Testing

If you are not sure if there’s mold issue, there are several mold testing kits available online. We are still in the process of researching their effectiveness. Make sure to subscribe to read our findings.

Further reading: mold toxicity: Symptoms, Testing & Treatment.

Mold Detox, References

1. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), indoor environmental quality.
2. Antimicrobial potential of some plant extracts against Candida species.
3. Leaves Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
4. Antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of the fresh xylem sap of Hymenaea courbaril L. and its major constituent fisetin.
5. A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins.
6. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, Glutathione! Joseph Pizzorno, ND, Editor in Chief.
7. Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury.
8. Deficient Glutathione in the Pathophysiology of Mycotoxin-Related Illness.
9. Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis through cAMP Response Element-binding Protein Phosphorylation and Increased PGC-1α Expression.
10. Effect of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on mitochondrial function after myocardial ischemia reperfusion.
11. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on mitochondrial electron transport chain activity and mitochondrial oxidative stress in Coenzyme Q10 deficient human neuronal cells.
12. The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels.
13. Antimicrobial potential of some plant extracts against Candida species.
14. Leaves Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
15. Antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of the fresh xylem sap of Hymenaea courbaril L. and its major constituent fisetin.
16. Liposomal-encapsulated Ascorbic Acid: Influence on Vitamin C Bioavailability and Capacity to Protect Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury.
17. Vitamin C and immune function.
18. National toxicology program, what is mold.
19. A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins.
20. United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Molds On Food: Are They Dangerous?
21. Antimicrobial potential of some plant extracts against Candida species.
22. Leaves Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
23. Antifungal and cytotoxicity activities of the fresh xylem sap of Hymenaea courbaril L. and its major constituent fisetin.
24. A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins.
25. Efficacy of Active Carbon towards the Absorption of Deoxynivalenol in Pigs.
26. A Review of the Mechanism of Injury and Treatment Approaches for Illness Resulting from Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings, Mold, and Mycotoxins.
27. Assessment of commercial probiotic bacterial contents and label accuracy.
28. Prebiotic effects of inulin and oligofructose.
29. Combining prebiotics with probiotic bacteria can enhance bacterial growth and secretion of bacteriocins.
30. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), indoor environmental quality.

Dr Eric Wood, ND, MA Naturopathic Doctor Mold Toxicity Expert

Reviewed by:
CleanseJoy Editorial Team.

Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Mold in homes

Did you read one of the many mold toxicity stories, and wondered if it’s possible that your symptoms may be caused by mold exposure?

I can assure you that mold toxicity is real. In fact, mold toxicity is much more common than many people realize. Yet, it doesn’t always get the proper attention by medical professionals who are not specialized in mold related illnesses.

In this article, I will review some of the most commonly asked questions about mold toxicity. We’ll look into health issues that can arise due to mold exposure, how to know if mold is making you sick, treatment considerations and more.

Related posts: How to Detox Your Body from Mold

Water damaged buildings: An unrecognized epidemic

To many individuals’ surprise, it is estimated that close to 50 percent of buildings in the US have water damage. This means there are literally millions of buildings across the country with the potential for harboring and growing mold within their spaces.  And this is not just homes or apartment buildings. Think about churches, workplaces, malls, theaters, and other public places people often spend time in every day.

Despite the statistics, most Americans are unaware they are exposed to mold. Mold growth in homes is not always visible or has a musty smell. Moreover, building owners are not always aware of the threats that mold may pose to both themselves as well as any tenants. As a result, they may not take the issue of mold seriously and properly address it.

Symptoms of Mold Toxicity

There are multiple ways mold can affect an individual. It is very important therefore, to know the differences between them, as each may require a different treatment approach.

Mold Allergy

Mold exposure can can cause a mild to severe allergic reaction, and can be tested by an allergist using a standard mold allergy panel.

With mold allergy, there are usually symptoms of an allergic reaction after the exposure such as:

• A runny nose
• Stuffiness and congestion
• Itchy eyes and throat
• Sneezing

Mold allergies are common.  However, they are very different from mold toxicity, which typically cause many other symptoms that may affect the entire body.

Mold Toxicity

Some species of mold can induce what we term as ‘mold toxicity’.  This is where individuals get sick by the poisons certain types of mold produce, also called mycotoxins.

Some of the most common culprit molds that are known biotoxin producers include Stachybotrys (commonly known as ‘black mold’), Aspergillus, and Penicillium.

Unlike mold allergy that causes respiratory symptoms, mold toxicity may affect the entire body with symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• “Brain fog”
• Increased urinary frequency
• Muscle twitching
• Anxiety
• Pain
• Sleep issues
• Visual and aural disturbances
• Dizziness
• Nosebleeds
• Sinus problems
• Heightened inflammation
• Digestive issues

Mold Toxicity Risk Factors

Risk factors for mold toxicity include:

• Individuals who have a high toxic burden due to other exposures. (Heavy metals, pesticides, etc.)
• Certain genetic profiles that do not filter mycotoxins as readily
• People over 65 or young children are generally at risk for more severe reactions to toxic mold exposure.

Mold Toxicity Diagnosis & Testing

There are a number of tests that can help identify potential adverse reactions to mold and mold poisoning, and guide the treatment. Some of the common tests may include:

• Mold allergy test. A complete mold allergen panel
• Urine tests for mycotoxins.
• HLA genetic haplotype. about 25 percent of the population is genetically susceptible to mold toxicity. These individuals do not metabolize mycotoxins very effectively and usually experience severe reactions when exposed to mold.
• Indirect markers of mold exposure. Can help determine other imbalances in the body that mold toxicity can cause. As these can get very specific, it is best to see a practitioner specializes in mold toxicity and biotoxin illness.
  Just to give you an idea, some of these tests look into antidiuretic hormone, TGF Beta-1, Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone, VEGF, C3a, and others.

Treatment Considerations for Mold Toxicity

Since mold toxicity affect people differently, the treatment may vary from one person to another. Thus, more advanced functional medicine testing that look at toxicity levels, nutritional stores, genetics and other factors more may help to personalize the ideal plan for each patient.

Some of the key components of mold toxicity treatment include:

Stop mold exposure

In order to effectively recover from mold toxicity, its essential to identify and stop the source of mold exposure. You may need to address the mold issue in your home, or avoid being in the building if possible.

Support Detoxification Pathways

There are several ways that can help support the organs and pathways of elimination such as the liver, kidneys, and bowels.

• Glutathione, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Play a key role in the body’s ability to detox. Can help to eliminate more mycotoxins.
• Milk thistle. Support normal liver function.
• Burdock root. Support normal kidney function.
• Activated charcoal, charged clay. Bind to mycotoxins in the gut so the body can eliminate them with the stool.
• Physical strategies. Coffee enemas, epsom salt baths, infrared saunas.
• IV therapy can help accelerate treatment progress in certain cases.

Diet for Mold Toxicity

There is no one diet that works for everyone, although some of the things you can do for mold toxicity include:

• Remove inflammatory triggers. May help to quell some of the inflammatory driven symptoms associated with mycotoxin exposure. Main foods to avoid include: refined sugars, gluten, and dairy.
• Eat more cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli , broccoli sprouts and kale can help to naturally support detoxification.

Manage stress

Ongoing biotoxin and mold exposure typically upregulates the stress response. As a result, many individuals develop chronic sleep issues, anxiety, mood swings, emotional lability, and more.

Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing and others can help calm down neurological and endocrine changes.

Personalize the Treatment

Depending on the individual, there can be considerable variation in symptoms and the way the mold exposure affects each person. So, the treatment should carefully be tailored to the individual and consider the whole person.

Testing Mold in Homes

To properly inspect buildings for potential mold, it is always best to work with professionals specialize in mold, who are well educated in the medical and building biology research.

For instance, when a building has had water damage, humidity levels, moisture readings in walls, ceilings, floorings and everywhere must be done. It is essential to screen for surreptitious sources of water infiltration that could fuel mold blooms.

Mold is incredibly stealthy, and can grow under and around caulking, A/C vents and ducts, under flooring, behind walls and showers/tubs, and under leaking roofs. Even faulty dishwashers and washing machines can be affected. Thus, it is not enough that you know you have a mold problem, you must find out where the problem(s) are!

So mold in a building requires much more expertise than standard repair tasks. Just to give you an idea, some of the tests and tools these companies use include:

• Infrared camera. Assess non-obvious potential growth points.
• Test levels of mycotoxins. These account not just spore counts but rather spore counts AND mycotoxin levels. Many companies only test for spores, which will not tell you if your building is harboring substantial levels of mycotoxins. Keep in mind, mycotoxins are the toxins that actually make someone ill.

Mold remediation

The goal of mold remediation is to:

• Fix any structural issues of the dwelling to stop water intrusion and mold growth
• Eliminate and rid the building of mycotoxin and spore residues, which provoke the allergies and toxicity responses.

Also here, mold remediation requires a high level of expertise and specialized equipment and procedures. Ultra-fine vacuuming via an ULPA filter, surface and aerosolized treatment of the entire space, cleaning and treatment of all venting, ductwork, and furnace/AC units and more.

After mold remediation

Post-testing is essential to ensure that mycotoxin and spores counts have dropped to negligible levels. While this is not something many companies do, it is an absolute must. You have to ensure successful remediation. Otherwise all the treatment efforts may be in vain if the space hasn’t been fully remediated. As a result, individuals in that space may continue to get and/or stay ill and affected.

The bottom line: find a highly qualified and well trained mold company to deal with your remediation issues. You do not want to leave this to chance or inexperienced individuals.

In Conclusion

Mold toxicity can severely affect your quality of life and even lead to potentially life-threatening symptoms.

If you or a loved one suspect your symptoms may be related to mold exposure, do not wait. Connect with a doctor specializes in mold illness. An experienced physician can guide you through the many challenges in the diagnosis and treatment, and help you recover and claim back your health.

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How to Detox Your Body from Mold. A step by step protocol to help your body naturally eliminate mold using diet and supplements.