Natural Treatment for Mold Exposure in NYC 

Do you wake up with a stuffy, runny nose, post-nasal drip? Do you experience itching, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, headache, or fatigue when you’re in the basement, only for it to disappear once you go to a different part of the house? Or, feel better when you leave the house or vacation? Do you get sick all the time even though you eat well and exercise? If so, you could be experiencing a reaction to mold exposure. 

Molds are a natural and common part of the environment. Mold thrives where there is a lot of moisture, especially in places with little sunlight. Mold produces harmful toxic chemicals, called mycotoxins that can be dangerous to health. When exposed, mycotoxins can cause an immune response in both humans and animals.

The doctors at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC are mold exposure specialists. Dr. Sparks is a Certified Mold Literate Practitioner. We offer naturopathic treatment for mold exposure in-person and online nationwide! 

We can help you recover from mold toxicity naturally and holistically. As Naturopathic doctors, we understand that each patient is different and has their own needs and reactions to mold. 

Our patient-centered approach to mold care gets to the underlying cause of your mold toxicity symptoms. We take the time to listen carefully to our patients and make sure they feel understood. 

Get started now with an individualized health plan for mold toxicity in NYC.

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Understanding Mold Exposure

Mold is very common in the environment, but it belongs outside. It thrives in moist, dark places, like basements, behind walls and counters, and underneath sinks. Common causes of mold include: 

• Persistent humidity
• Poor ventilation, especially in bathrooms and kitchens
• Damp basements
• Leaky foundations
• Broken walls
• Leaking roofs and windows
• Leaky water pipes
• Poor construction of walls

When mold builds up, it creates spores, which is how mold reproduces and spreads. People are exposed to mold regularly, usually by breathing it in or by touch. When someone is exposed regularly, it can impact your health and can cause symptoms similar to allergies or asthma. Mold toxicity can also cause other symptoms that may seem unrelated:

• Respiratory illness, like sneezing, coughing, congestion, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
• Digestive issues
• Fatigue
• Dizziness 
• Brain fog or confusion
• Headaches
• Skin conditions
• Insomnia
• Frequent urination, especially at night. 
• Rashes 

Mold exposure can trigger asthma and can often mimic many other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, or autoimmune disorders. Mold toxicity can also make conditions like Lyme disease, food allergies, and viral infections worse. Mold can reactivate a dormant Lyme infection. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of mold toxicity, and suspect you’ve been exposed to mold, the practitioners at Naturally Sue have expertise in treating mold toxicity and preventing future risk using a naturopathic approach to mold exposure.

Naturopathic Approach to Mold Exposure

When it comes to mold-related illness, naturopathic medicine uses a comprehensive, multi-step approach that includes supporting immunity and enhancing the body’s natural detoxification systems. 

Treatments will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and exposure. A personalized plan may include dietary changes, herbal supplements, detoxification strategies, acupuncture, and other natural therapies. 

Encouraging patients to remediate the source of mold to prevent further exposure is also part of a naturopathic plan. 

This holistic approach to mold exposure care is why our patients at Naturally Sue Wellness have seen significant improvements in their health and vitality. 

The practitioners at Naturally Sue are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mold-related illnesses. As naturopaths, we take into account the whole person, not just the symptoms. We use various therapeutic methods and substances to foster your body’s inherent self-healing process for mold exposure care.

Diagnostic Process

Our practitioners at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC dig deep and investigate symptoms to create a unique treatment plan just for you. During the initial assessment, a patient with symptoms of a mold-related illness will be given a comprehensive evaluation of health, health history, and physical exam. 

As we explore your symptoms, we may discuss the following: 

• Details about how your symptoms have been impacting daily life 
• Current or past medications and treatments
• Management of expectations and goals for treatment 
• History of past diseases or infections that may have similar symptoms, such as Lyme, autoimmune, chronic fatigue, or other conditions 
• Assessment of current diet and lifestyle 

We will also explore several areas for testing, including:

• Environmental testing
• Mycotoxin testing 
• Visual contrast sensitivity test
• Nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to symptoms
• Food allergy testing 
• Chronic infections, like Lyme disease, or viral reactivations, like Epstein-Barr virus

Treatment Options

A Naturopathic approach to treating mold toxicity may encompass herbal remedies, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental, and mental health. Acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and other natural mold detox therapies may also be recommended. 

Mold is a fungus, so treatments are focused on treating the fungal infections, as well as detoxification, and immune function. 

Herbal Therapies: Herbal remedies are very effective at treating mold toxicity. Herbs have many versatile and healing properties, such as: 

• Antifungal, like oregano oil, garlic, and grapefruit seed extract 
• Immune boosting, as with medicinal mushrooms, probiotics, monolaurin
• Detoxifying, like turmeric, cilantro, dandelion, and milk thistle, bio-therapeutic drainage, 
• Antimicrobials, such as echinacea, tea tree, thyme, and oregano

However, most herbs have all of the above qualities. 

Herbs can be used in cooking, teas, tinctures, and supplements. 

Nutritional Therapies: Mold toxicity can deplete essential nutrients. Following a low-mold, whole-foods diet will ensure you are getting key nutrients to manage mold exposure symptoms and detox from mold toxicity: 

• Lots of colorful fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens to help detoxify the liver
• Good quality lean meats and fish for the Omega-3 fatty acids
• Fiber is important to help bind to the mycotoxins and eliminate them through waste. Seeds are especially useful binders.
• Hydration is important for detoxification

Nutritional supplements may be used to address deficiencies that may be contributing to symptoms. A few supplements that we rely on for mold toxicity at Naturally Sue include:

• Liposomal glutathione
• Bioflavonoids
• omega 3 fatty acids
• Vitamins D & E
• Melatonin. 

Consult with a healthcare professional before taking supplements to be sure they will benefit you. 

Lifestyle Recommendations: When dealing with mold-related illness, you must take action to prevent further exposure to avoid additional health complications:

• Identify and treat the source of mold to prevent re-infection.
• Ensure proper humidity levels and utilize air filters to improve air quality to prevent continued exposure. 
  
• Talk to a mold specialist for additional remediation and preventive measures to take in your home or workplace.

Naturally Sue practitioners may recommend exercise and sauna for detoxification. Sweating is a natural detoxifier, and movement improves circulation, which helps move out the mold. Saunas, including infrared saunas, are also a good way to sweat out the toxins caused by mold.  

Mental Health Support: Symptoms of mold toxicity are often confused with anxiety. Also, the physical burden of mold toxicity can cause insomnia. Getting a good night’s sleep is imperative to healing. Practicing good sleep hygiene, exercising, and getting fresh air can help restore your natural body clock.  

Personalized Treatment Plans: Naturally Sue Wellness offers expert, personalized treatment plans for mold-related illnesses. We get to the reason for your symptoms, rather than just cover them up.

Case Studies/Testimonials

• Dr Sparks has helped many folks with toxic mold illness.  One patient was dealing with a current mold exposure and Dr. Sparks counseled her on finding the best mold inspector and remediator. During that time she was waiting on repairs. She did supportive treatments and lifestyle changes so her symptoms and fatigue would lessen.  Once she had the remediations and, then did a top-down clean of her home, most of her symptoms went away on their own.  Dr. Sparks gave her a few more items to help with a few lingering symptoms and within months she was clear.

   

• Another patient of Dr. Sparks has been dealing with chronic Lyme and mold exposure for years.  She has had remediation and is still chronically ill.  This case is taking longer because of the length of illness and severity of the disease but she is improving in a stepwise process. She can do more throughout the day and no longer needs naps. She had less viral infections this past winter than any winter in the past 7-10 years.  With someone like this, Dr. Sparks has to use a tiered approach where the foundations are set, then protection is enhanced and then finally the fight is on.  If the plan is not done in this order then patients can have a bad reaction called a Herxheimer reaction. The key to any toxic mold case is to take an individualized approach.
  

Why Choose Naturally Sue?

Our doctors are mold literate and are ready to help you at whatever stage of your mold illness you are in. Whether you have not yet been diagnosed, or know mold is the culprit, our doctors can help. Dr. Sparks underwent additional training to become mold-certified to be able to help our patients who have mold exposure and illness. 

Book a free consultation with Dr. Sparks today to see if she is the right fit for you!

FAQs – Common Questions About Natural Treatment for Mold Exposure:

How can naturopathic medicine help with mold exposure?

Naturopathic medicine uses an array of traditional therapies with research-backed modern therapies to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself and promote optimal health. 

Natural medicine helps the body detoxify from illness caused by mold, build immune strength, and recover from mold toxicity using diet, lifestyle, herbs, and others.

Are natural treatments for mold exposure safe?

Naturopathic treatments are a safe and effective way to address the wide range of health issues caused by exposure to mold. As naturopathic practitioners, we will treat using a blend of time-tested, traditional medicine and cutting-edge therapeutic tools that have been studied and backed by research.  

How long does it take to see results from natural treatments?

Naturopathic treatments for mold exposure are effective, quick, and long-lasting. Treatments can take effect within the first few days of treatment, depending on the severity of your illness. Just like with conventional medicine, if your illness is severe, it may take longer to treat. 

What should I expect during the first visit for mold exposure treatment?

During your first visit with us at Naturally Sue Wellness in NYC, we will have a thorough discussion of your health history to get a clear picture of your illness. 

We will discuss treatment options, such as dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, supplements, lifestyle recommendations, and other homeopathic, and strategize about short and long-term goals to support your health. 

If additional testing is appropriate, we will also make those suggestions. 

We provide solutions about how to address the source of mold and provide recommendations to additional professionals who can support you. 

As naturopaths, you take center stage and our approach will revolve around you and your specific needs. 

How can I prevent future mold exposure in my home?

Removing the source of mold in your home or workplace is an important part of your treatment plan. While mold is a normal part of our environment, too much is harmful to our health. It is important to get your home inspected by a mold professional who can look for the sources of mold you cannot see, as it grows in dark, moist areas, like under sinks and behind walls. 

Sign up here for our newsletter and you will get Dr. Sparks’ handout on how to choose a qualified mold inspector. 

However, there are a few steps you can take to check your home and control the spread of molds:

• Check the windows and doors of your home for any signs of mold growth
• Inspect thoroughly under carpets, under ceiling tiles, around roof leaks, or basement openings, especially if flooding has occurred in your home (past or present)
• Ventilate rooms prone to humidity, such as bathrooms, basements, laundry, and kitchens.
• Control the humidity levels as much as possible.
• Consider letting the professionals clean your mold so it is done correctly. 

You may need to invest in repairing any plumbing leaks or ventilation issues in the home. Replacing carpets, furniture, and windows is also within the realm of possibility.

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