Mold is a normal part of everyday life. It grows outdoors and you may find it indoors, in damp areas. Health issues can arise when there are water-damaged buildings that grow toxic mold unbeknownst to occupants. There are also cases where folks don’t have water damage, but they have high humidity where mold can grow. Some molds are harmless while others can produce allergenic or toxic substances. It is essential to eliminate mold from indoor spaces where water damage has occurred.
While the CDC and mainstream medicine promote the idea that mold only causes a mold allergy from inhalation of spores; mold-literate Naturopathic Doctors and Functional Medicine Doctors see patients with symptoms in almost every organ system that are caused by toxic mold substances called mycotoxins. Some of these health issues include:
1. Respiratory issues: coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, or sinusitis.
2. Allergic reactions: including itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, throat irritation, skin rashes, or hives.
3. Fatigue and weakness, lethargy, or a general feeling of malaise.
4. Headaches: Recurring headaches or migraines can be a symptom of mold exposure for some individuals.
6. Asthma exacerbation: Individuals with asthma may experience worsened symptoms or an increased frequency of attacks.
7. Digestive issues: Mold toxins can affect the gastrointestinal system and lead to digestive problems such as gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or even food intolerance.
8. Skin irritation: Mycotoxins can disrupt the immune system causing issues like eczema and psoriasis.
9. Immune system reactions: Mold exposure may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, frequent colds, or other viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. Joint pain can also be caused by system inflammation.
Ready to take your detox journey further? Tune in to ‘Mold & Mycotoxins with Dr. Sparks’ on The Modern Day Naturopath podcast, where we uncover more about how mold affects your health and the naturopathic strategies you need to protect and heal your body.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MYCOTOXINS & MOLD SPORES
Mold spores are the reproducing part of the mold. They are between 1 and 20 microns. They float in the air and land on surfaces. If those surfaces are damp and can be digested by the mold, then the mold grows and forms colonies. Spores are not able to go through walls. They need to be moved through the air by vents and HVAC systems or floating in the room that is damaged.
For most people inhaling mold spores may cause minor allergic reactions such as
sneezing, coughing, or nasal congestion. However, people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, other lung issues, and weakened immune systems may develop more serious health concerns.
Mycotoxins are chemical substances, or secondary metabolites, that the mold makes to defend its space from other fungi or bacteria. They are made to literally kill competitors. They cause major health issues for people too. Mycotoxins are .1-.001 microns and therefore most air filters will not be able to filter mycotoxins out of the air.
The molds that produce dangerous mold toxins are:
Stachybotrys
Alternaria
Aspergillus
Chaetomium
Cladosporium
Fusarium
Myrothecium
Penicillium
Trichoderma
Thrichothecium
IDENTIFY THE MOISTURE SOURCE
It is important to keep your indoor humidity below 60% to keep mold from growing. It is also important to check places that can collect moisture like kitchens, showers, laundry areas, basements, windows, attics, roofs, and HVAC systems. If you think you may have a problem, it is important to get your home inspected and possibly remediated.
MOLD TOXINS CAN CAUSE A TOXIC BURDEN ON THE BODY
Toxic molds produce the mycotoxins listed above that can cause a host of symptoms in all organ systems. They also contribute to the overall toxic burden in the body. Imagine your body like a bathtub with a drain. If you fill it faster than it can drain, then the tub will overflow. The body is the same way. If we have more toxins than we can effectively eliminate then we too will overflow with debilitating symptoms.
At Naturally Sue we work on opening the main organs of elimination so that they can effectively drain the toxic burden of the body. The Liver is the only detox organ but after it packs up the toxins it will make them water soluble for the kidneys to eliminate or fat-soluble to be eliminated in the bile through bowel movements. While effective detox is important, elimination is equally as important.
Have yourself checked for the effects of mold and secure a free consultation with us, here.
DETOX WITH GLUTATHIONE & OTHER SUPPLEMENTS
Another important factor for toxic mold exposure and detox is having enough co-factors to help with detox and elimination. Here are some of the basics that we use to help people get healthy enough to detox from mold.
Glutathione is the most potent antioxidant in the body. When we are inundated with toxic mold our reserves can be drained. Liposomal glutathione is our favorite as the fat is delivered it through the intestinal wall as a complete molecule. If it is not liposomal then it will break down into its 3 amino acids, cysteine, glutamate, and glycine. The body then needs to put them back together to create glutathione.
Bioflavonoids are a great first step in the mold detox process. They support the body and help with protection against the oxidative stress of mycotoxins.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: mycotoxins, from mold exposure, are fat soluble. By increasing healthy fats you dilute the potency of the mycotoxins.
Binders: some binders can be helpful when you are dealing with mold and mycotoxins in the gut. One of the ways we detox from toxic mold is through the liver and the bile. It is important to have daily bowel movements to get this out, but you may also benefit from a binder if you have severe symptoms. Be careful with binders, like clays or activated charcoal, as they will also bind medications, including birth control, supplements, and nutrients. We recommend fiber from fruits and vegetables or ground seeds like sesame, sunflower, or flaxseed. If you decide to use supplemental binders, you should do this only under the guidance of a professional. Foods are safe to do at home.
Spore probiotics: these are great for the intestines and overall health, and they also act as safe binders for many mycotoxins.
MOLD DETOX DIET: A POWERFUL WAY TO ELIMINATE MOLD FROM YOUR BODY
How much water should I drink during a mold detox?
It is important to drink half your body weight in ounces of filtered water per day. If you have kidney disease, heart failure, or other water metabolism issues you will need to talk to your doctor about what the proper amount of water intake is right for you. If you don’t have those issues, then it is important to drink plenty of water to help your cells work more effectively and to keep the lymph thin.
Lymph is the substance that is between cells and helps to bring nutrients to cells and toxins away from cells to go back into circulation and out of the kidneys. This is why water is crucial. Much of your immune system is housed in lymph nodes as well so you don’t want sludge filled with toxins to be collecting near your immune system. This can trigger more inflammation.
Our favorite water is spring water as it is loaded with needed minerals. When someone is dealing with toxic mold, they may have issues making ADH, an anti-diuretic hormone, that helps the body hold onto water. Water with minerals is a great way to keep absorption high. This is why We like spring water or filtered water with a pinch of sea salt or electrolytes.
Drinks That Help or Hinder Detox from Mold Exposure
As we said above, water is the best thing to drink when detoxing from mold. Another great thing to drink is organic green tea. Mold-free organic coffee is ok, but we do recommend limiting caffeine use. If you use decaf mold-free coffee look for water processed. Many polyphenols in green tea can help the body with oxidative stress from mold illness. Green tea has the following actions to combat damage from multiple mycotoxins. It is liver protecting against aflatoxin, cell protective for fusarium, muscle protective for citrinin, and anti-inflammatory in general. You will want to drink 16-32 ounces per day. Again, we recommend decaf if possible.
Some drinks to avoid while trying to heal from mycotoxin exposure include any sweetened beverages, moldy coffee, alcohol, black and oolong tea, and fermented drinks including kombucha. It is important to remember that mold and yeast like to eat carbohydrates and fermented foods. It is important to limit these drinks if you are symptomatic and completely avoid them if you are symptomatic.
FOODS TO LIMIT ON MOLD DETOX DIET
There are different types of food to limit on a mold detox diet. Some of the most important are foods that contain mycotoxins themselves. Many foods can be contaminated due to the way they are grown or stored. Here is a list of the most common foods known to have mycotoxins from toxic mold.
Corn
Dairy Products
Grains
Grapes
Orange Juice
Wheat
Wine
Apples
Beans (dried)
Coffee Beans
Dried Fruits
Lentils
Peas (dried)
Peanuts
Beets
Sugar Cane
Tea
Mushrooms
Potatoes
Mushroom Supplements
Benefits of a Low-Mold Diet
Many patients notice an improvement in overall symptoms when following a mold detox or low-mold diet. When we are trying to kill and eliminate mold and mycotoxins from the body we need to set the foundations for health. This way we will not be fighting an uphill battle. The biggest benefit of a low-mold diet is decreasing the duration of treatment.
Not only is important to avoid the foods listed above because they may have mycotoxins it is also important to avoid foods that feed mold and yeast. Sweet foods, carbohydrates, and fruits are all food sources for fungus. Fermented foods are also something the mold and yeast like to eat. So, while kombucha or sauerkraut may be considered healthy foods, they are not healthy for someone combating toxic mold illness.
Foods That Kill Mold in the Body: Tips for a Low-Mold Diet
Herbs can be your best friend when dealing with toxic mold illness. Feel free to load up your soups, stews, and roasted vegetables with these amazing mold-fighting herbs and seasonings.
Onion
Garlic
Leeks
Scallions
Chives
Ginger
Clove
Thyme
Rosemary
Sage
Oregano
Basil
Bay leaf
Cumin
Opt for These Foods Instead
We have spent so much time discussing what someone shouldn’t eat, but what should you eat if you are healing from mold illness? The best option is going to be a rainbow of color in vegetables and low glycemic fruits. Orange is a great color to eat to help the body eliminate Ochratoxin. The bioflavonoids in orange food like bell peppers and squash can break the bond of the ochratoxin and the protein that carries it through the blood. This will make it more available to be filtered out through the kidneys.
Grass-fed meat and wild-caught fish are great to add to your diet. Wild caught, or Alaskan Salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids. You can find it in cans instead of tuna fish. You can also snack on kipper snacks, sardines, or anchovies which are also loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids. 100% Grass-fed beef also has Omega-3 fatty acids and less saturated fat than grain-fed beef.
Stinky foods like eggs, broccoli cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage all have sulfur in them which is good for detox in the liver. The liver can be burdened by mycotoxins so supporting the liver is essential.
Leafy greens are worth their weight in gold. One cup of steamed kale has shown to be an effective binder of mycotoxins.
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRIENTS FOR MYCOTOXIN ILLNESS
It is important to remember that nutrients like the fat-soluble vitamins D, A, K, and E can be dangerous if they are too high or taken while pregnant. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking something internally. That being said, here are some of my favorite supplements when working with mold-sick patients.
Liposomal Glutathione
Vitamin D
Bioflavonoids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Alpha lipoic acid
CoQ10
Melatonin
Vitamin E
CAN EXERCISE AND SWEATING AID IN THE MOLD DETOXIFICATION PROCESS?
Exercise is wonderful for folks dealing with mold exposure. Walking 10-30 minutes per day is a great way to start. It helps to move lymph and blood. Walking outside and getting fresh air can help with mental health and can regulate circadian rhythms that can get off while dealing with insomnia from mold.
Any type of exercise is also good to help you get tired enough for a good night’s sleep. When the body is exposed to mold it can wake with a start multiple times per night because it knows there is a threat. Many people think this is just anxiety, but it can be mold.
It is important not to do too much. If you are experiencing multiple health problems, including fatigue, then don’t overextend yourself with exercise like HIIT, marathon training, spin, Cross Fit, etc. Your body will need energy to heal.
Exercise is good to help one break a sweat. But there are other ways to break a good sweat without taxing the body. A traditional sauna is great. Infrared saunas are even better because they help the body create EZ water to help eliminate at a cellular level. Sweating is one of the five major ways to eliminate toxins from the body. Others include the lungs, the kidneys, the intestines with the liver, and the emotions. When our organs or elimination are not working effectively, we will not be able to eliminate mycotoxins and cellular waste. This can make us feel worse. When we activate the skin, we can eliminate toxins. Make sure that you are hydrated before and after a good sweat.
NATURAL HERBS & REMEDIES FOR MOLD DETOXIFICATION
Many herbs can help with toxic mold illness. Some of them work directly on mold and others support vital processes in the body. But if you want to get the maximum benefit from them, we do recommend working with a mold-literate Naturopathic Doctor or other mold-literate healthcare professional. There is a process to healing from mold illness that should be followed. If you use mold-killing herbs too early, then you may end up feeling worse before you feel better or you may not get full resolution.
We love herbs like milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion root, and nettle root as they support the liver with detoxification and bile release. The liver can be overburdened by mycotoxins so any liver support will be beneficial. Turmeric and Curcumin are great anti-inflammatories.
When it comes to actual antifungal herbs there are plenty. Here are a few of my favorites:
Garlic
Thyme
Holy Basil
Pau D’Arco
Neem
Olive Leaf
Oil of Oregano
Essential oils can also be a great addition to any mold protocol. I recommend a few drops in a bowl of steaming water and a towel over your head. Some humidifiers have places for essential oils. there are also other types of diffusers to help disperse essential oils around the home. If you are going to diffuse them or use them around the house be careful to pick oils that are safe for pets and children if you have them in the home. Some of my favorite antifungal essential oils.
Thyme leaf
Eucalyptus
Cedar leaf
Rosemary leaf
Holy Basil leaf
Cumin seed
Tea tree
Black cumin
Clove
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR MOLD DETOXIFICATION
Many practitioners out there offer some of these amazing treatments that can be helpful when healing from mold toxicity. It is important to work with a licensed healthcare practitioner.
Many beneficial treatments can be done at home. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be beneficial. I always say that it is what you do consistently that is more important than what you do occasionally. So, while an HBOT treatment is great you will get many benefits from a consistent use of castor oil packs, especially if you tend towards constipation.
Infrared Saunas
Epsom salt baths
Castor Oil Packs
12 NATURAL WAYS TO DEAL WITH BLACK MOLD SYMPTOMS
Drink plenty of clean water.
Sleep 8 hours
Move your body daily.
End your shower with a 30-60-second cool spray.
Dry skin brushing
Castor oil packs
Coffee enemas
Ditch your molded coffee.
Switch to green tea.
Eliminate sugar and sweet foods.
Eat a rainbow of vegetables.
Sweat 3-4 times per week.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR MOLD DETOXIFICATION
The biggest lifestyle change that needs to be implemented when you know you have been exposed to a water-damaged building and toxic mold or black mold, is to get out of the space. This is important to do before and during remediation. If you are renting you may be able to break your lease if they will not remediate, check with your county.
If you are being exposed to mycotoxins or spores faster than you can eliminate them you will remain ill. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is the case. As you read here, there are many things you can do to support your body and healing but until you have removed the mold from your environment or yourself from the mold, you can’t get full resolution.
It is important to do a top-down clean after the remediators fix your home. You may also want to google instructions from trusted mold inspectors, on what can be saved/ cleaned and what needs to be thrown out during remediation or a move. You don’t want to bring moldy items into a clean space.
We are professionals who help your body recover from toxic mold illness. It is important to also find an inspector and remediator to help you with your home. Our patients benefit from our years of experience and recommendations of top-notch mold professionals.
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