The Ultimate Guide to Mold Toxicity - Symptoms, Testing, & Elimination

Jan 16

Mold is a type of fungus that plays a natural role in breaking down organic matter and thrives in warm, damp environments. However, when certain types of mold make their way into our homes and workplaces, they can release harmful byproducts known as mycotoxins. The insidious nature of mold lies in its ability to lurk within walls and everyday appliances, unseen yet silenting poisoning those who are exposed to it.

What is Mold Toxicity And What Does it Do to Your Body?

When mycotoxins are inhaled, they can have profound negative health effects on the body. Mycotoxins cause an inflammatory cascade that may be particularly damaging to the brain (think: brain fog, anxiety), lungs (think: coughing, difficulty breathing), and kidneys (think: water retention, frequent urination), and may be the cause of a variety of your seemingly unrelated and unexplained symptoms [4]. Additionally, mycotoxins have been found to reduce beneficial bacteria in the GI tract and enhance the virulence of intestinal parasites. Unfortunately, conventional medicine has been slow to recognize the prevalence and severity of mold toxicity. Understanding how mold exposure happens and identifying signs and symptoms early on is paramount in protecting yourself from mold toxicity.

Mold Poisoning vs Toxicity vs Exposure - Which Am I Experiencing?

The terms “mold poisoning”, “mold toxicity”, and “mold exposure” often seem to be used interchangeably. So what is the difference? There is no true technical differentiation between the three terms, although they are often used to refer to varying degrees of mold exposure symptoms, with mold poisoning and mold toxicity being on the more extreme end of the spectrum. Additionally, mold exposure (being in the presence of mold for an extended time period) does not always lead to mold toxicity. In fact, some individuals appear to have a more severe reaction to mold exposure than others. In a home with high levels of mold, it is even possible that not all members of a household will get sick or test positive for mold toxicity. A number of factors may influence your body’s ability to detoxify from mold. Individuals suffering from allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, sluggish liver function and those with a pre-existing mold allergy or with a weakened immune system or certain genetic predispositions may have a more extreme reaction to mold exposure [3]. The severity of your symptoms and the results of mycotoxin testing can help determine whether or not you have mold toxicity.

Signs & Symptoms of Mold Toxicity

Symptoms of mold exposure may range from mild to severe and even deadly. Because mold toxicity is only just starting to be taken seriously by some conventional doctors, mold toxicity is often misdiagnosed as other conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and chronic fatigue syndrome [2,5]. Signs and symptoms of mold toxicity may include:

Persistent coughing, wheezing, and sneezing
Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Skin rashes
Memory loss, confusion, brain fog
Anxiety
Depression
Headaches or chronic persistent migraines
Insomnia
Joint pain
Immune dysfunction
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Digestive issues - leaky gut, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Histamine intolerance / Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

How to Test for Mold Poisoning in Your Body & Home

If you suspect mold exposure may be making you sick, the first step is to test for mold exposure in your home and in your body. Keep in mind that you may also be exposed to mold in your workplace, or may be experiencing symptoms from previous mold exposure. Working with a Naturopathic Physician or Functional Medicine Doctor is the best way to determine whether you have mold toxicity in your body.

To Identify Mold within the Body:

To Identify Mold Around the Home (ranging from most affordable to most expensive):

Check for musty smells, dark splotches, gray or white powdery substances that darken over time (mildew). Common areas for mold growth include HVAC systems, leaking roofs, pipes, refrigerators, bathrooms, and washer/dryer units. Keep in mind, however, mold is not always visible.
Try at home petri dish mold testing.
Consider ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) testing.
Send a dust sample to a specialized mold testing lab.
Have a professional service come in to test for mold presence (check out this mold inspector by state map or Yes We Inspect to find a qualified mold inspector).

Start From the Source: How to Remove Toxic Mold From Your Home

It is always recommended to work with a professional when removing toxic mold from the home. Following your inspection and mold toxicity testing, it is best to hire a remediation service to thoroughly remove all mold from the home. Home Cleanse is an example of a reputable remediation service.

Tips to Keep Your Home Mold Free:

Invest in a high-quality HEPA air filter - make sure it’s sized appropriately for your space & change filter every 3 months.
Take care of any water leaks right away to prevent mold growth.
Turn on the bathroom fan while showering.
Place air-purifying plants around your home (snake plants, aloe vera, spider plants, etc.).
Use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture in the air such as Homelabs.
Dust all surfaces regularly and keep your home clean.
Utilize at-home mold test kits such as Mold Armor.
Clean your home with Micro Balance Health natural anti-mold products.
Regularly clean all appliances including coffee makers, dishwashers, refrigerators, reusable water bottles, and reusable straws.
Wash your clothes with a laundry additive and / or mold-fighting detergent as mold can stick to clothing.
Utilize air purifying candles.
Do not try to kill mold with bleach.

How to Eliminate Toxic Mold From Your Body

A targeted supplement protocol, dietary directions, and adopting specific lifestyle routines can optimize your body’s ability to heal from mold toxicity. Any supplement regimen should be created and monitored by an expert due to the higher potential for individuals to experience Herxheimer reactions, also known as “die off” that can occur during a mold eradication protocol. At DLW, we recommend using a phased approach to tackle mold toxicity to optimize the detoxification process and limit die off symptoms.

Phase 1: Foundations (≈ 4-6 weeks)

It is first recommended to get the body into a replenished, resilient state to allow for safe detoxification. This may include:

Activated B Vitamins
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Fish Oil (EPA + DHA)
Probiotics

Phase 2: Full Body Detox + Drainage (≈ 4-6 weeks)

Next we ensure that our emunctory organs are open and functioning at maximum capacity to support proper elimination and detoxification. Our main organs of detoxification are our liver, kidneys, bowels, lymph, lungs, bladder and skin). This may include:

Activated Charcoal
Glutathione
Chlorella
Milk Thistle
NAC / N-Acetyl Cysteine
ALA / Alpha Lipoic Acid
Curcumin

Phase 3: Immune Support + Antimicrobials (≈ 8-12 weeks, can take longer depending upon severity of case and sensitivity of the individual)

This is recommended to restore immune function (which is often damaged by mycotoxins) and kill off any remaining microbes. May include:

Oil of Oregano
Grape Seed Extract
Echinacea
Garlic / Allium
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver

Login or sign up for free to see Dr. Lana’s full mold protocol here on Fullscript

Lifestyle Tips to Support Mold Detoxification:

Regular moderate to high intensity exercise to increase blood flow and sweat production (note: this is important during all phases, but may be difficult during phase 3 depending upon severity of case. Either way daily movement is essential)
Regular infrared sauna (3-4x per week for 45 minutes) (note: this is especially important during phase 2 & 3)

Use code DRLANA75 for $ off an infrared sauna blanket from Higher Dose

Acupuncture
Epsom salt baths (consider adding 5-10 drops of tea tree oil or clove essential oil diluted in a carrier oil)
Dry brushing. Ending with legs up the wall. Followed with 20-32oz of water w/electrolytes (our favorite brand is LMNT!)
Increased hydration (at least 3 liters of water a day minimum)
Daily bowel movements (to ensure elimination via stool)
Prioritizing sleep (the body requires rest for maximum healing and a speedy recovery)

Nutrition Tips for Mold Toxicity

Unfortunately for us, mold exposure does not only come from the air we breathe, but also the food we eat. It has been found that up to 25% of the world’s crops are contaminated by mold or mycotoxins, especially coffee, grains, wine, hard cheeses, and nuts (especially peanuts) [6]. If you have tested positive for mold toxicity or a mold allergy, it is important to incorporate the following dietary recommendations to limit any further exposure to mold.

Avoid fermented foods while healing from mold exposure. Although fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, yogurt, kefir, miso, sourdough bread, malted foods / breads, etc.) contain beneficial bacteria and may be part of a healthy diet, it is possible for mold spores to grow during the fermentation process and should therefore be avoided by individuals with mold toxicity / allergy.
Eliminate or greatly reduce your consumption of grains, coffee, wine, mushrooms, chocolate, hard/ aged cheeses and nuts (especially peanuts). These foods are commonly contaminated with mold. Storing nuts in the fridge is ideal to prevent mold growth. Look for mold-tested products such as Biodynamic Coffee and Dry Farm Wines. White rice may be fine in moderation.
Avoid added sugar and high-sugar or tropical fruits such as banana, mango, grapes, and pineapples.
Avoid packaged and highly-processed foods.
Avoid dried fruits and cured or aged meats (smoked fish, salted fish, pepperoni, prosciutto, bologna, chorizo, etc.).
Increase your consumption of non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, arugula, swiss chard, spinach, bell peppers, asparagus), ginger, garlic, beets, artichokes and green tea to aid detoxification.
Consume bone broth regularly to help repair leaky gut, as mycotoxins have been shown to damage the lining of the GI tract.
Eat leftovers within 24 hours or freeze them. Always check leftovers and perishable foods for any visible signs of mold before consuming.

Understanding the hidden dangers of mold is critical for our overall health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and suspect you may have mold toxicity, we recommend checking your home for mold and working with a healthcare professional to test your body and build a personalized protocol. To work with the Dr. Lana Wellness team, click here. By prioritizing awareness, testing, and preventive measures, we can navigate the unseen threat of mold and foster a healthier, mold-free lifestyle.

Additional Resources

Books:

Websites:

References

Pizzorno J. (2016). Is Mold Toxicity Really a Problem for Our Patients? Part I-Respiratory Conditions. Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 15(2), 6–10.
Empting L. D. (2009). Neurologic and neuropsychiatric syndrome features of mold and mycotoxin exposure. Toxicology and industrial health, 25(9-10), 577–581. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233709348393
Edmondson, D. A., Nordness, M. E., Zacharisen, M. C., Kurup, V. P., & Fink, J. N. (2005). Allergy and "toxic mold syndrome". Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 94(2), 234–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1081-1206(10)61301-4
Kraft, S., Buchenauer, L., & Polte, T. (2021). Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern?. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(22), 12269. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212269
Brewer, J. H., Thrasher, J. D., Straus, D. C., Madison, R. A., & Hooper, D. (2013). Detection of mycotoxins in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Toxins, 5(4), 605–617. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins5040605
Omotayo, O. P., Omotayo, A. O., Mwanza, M., & Babalola, O. O. (2019). Prevalence of Mycotoxins and Their Consequences on Human Health. Toxicological research, 35(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.5487/TR.2019.35.1.001

Lana Butner