Overcoming Mould Toxicity
It often starts subtly. A persistent cough you can't shake, a deep fatigue that sleep doesn't touch, or a strange 'brain fog' that makes simple tasks feel impossible. You might visit doctor after doctor, only to be told your tests are 'normal.'
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone, and you are not imagining it. You could be dealing with Mould Toxicity, a complex and often misunderstood condition that can quietly devastate your health. As practitioners who have guided many through this confusing journey (including myself!), we want to provide you with a clear map, not just to understand what's happening, but to show you there is a path back to wellness.
If you know you have had Mould exposure and are feeling the effects but are not sure where to start, book a Free Discovery Call below. I am able to order and interpret functional medicine labs to identify mould exposure and the best route to tackle this issue. It is rough, I know how you feel!
What Exactly is Mould Toxicity?
When we talk about mould illness, it’s important to understand we're not just talking about a mould allergy (like hay fever). We are talking about a systemic inflammatory response to mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain types of mould found in water-damaged buildings.
Think of mycotoxins as tiny poisons. When you inhale them, they can trigger a massive inflammatory cascade in susceptible individuals, leading to a condition known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Your body's systems go into a state of high alert, and over time, this chronic inflammation can lead to a bewildering array of symptoms.
Could Mould Be the Cause of My Symptoms?
Mould illness is often called "The Great Imitator" because it can look like so many other conditions. The symptoms are widespread and can seem disconnected, which is why it's so frequently missed by conventional medicine.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Mould Illness
Profound Fatigue: A bone-deep exhaustion that isn't relieved by rest. Like a 23 hour, 7 day a week flu.
Brain Fog & Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, word-finding issues, and a feeling of being mentally "stuck."
Respiratory Problems: Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, sinus congestion, or asthma-like symptoms.
Nervous System Issues: Headaches, dizziness, tingling or numbness, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Mood Changes: Unexplained anxiety, depression, or irritability.
Digestive Problems: Abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Joint Pain & Muscle Aches: Widespread, persistent pain that can mimic fibromyalgia.
My Journey with Mould Toxicity: Recognising Symptoms, Effective Testing, and Steps to Recovery
Mould toxicity is an often overlooked health issue that can profoundly affect your quality of life. Many believe it’s only a concern in visibly damp environments or humid climates, but the truth is anyone can be exposed, often unknowingly. Whether from hidden leaks, poorly ventilated rooms, water-damaged buildings, or contaminated HVAC systems, mould may quietly invade your home and body.
Despite my extensive experience in health and wellness, mould toxicity significantly disrupted my life. Sharing my personal journey, symptoms, insights into effective testing, and the path to recovery, I hope to provide you with valuable tools to regain your health.
My Personal Experience with Mould Toxicity
My battle with mould began subtly. Initially, I experienced headaches, persistent sinus congestion, and exhaustion that wouldn't resolve despite ample rest. Over time, symptoms intensified, progressing into severe chronic fatigue, nervous system dysregulation, anxiety, mood swings, and blood sugar fluctuations. Even as a health professional, it was a significant challenge to pinpoint mould exposure as the root cause.
Eventually, I traced my exposure back to long-standing water infiltration hidden behind bedroom walls and in the basement, highlighting the fact that mould can exist unnoticed in seemingly clean, tidy homes.
Hear more about my journey in the video below.
The Path to Diagnosis: How We Uncover Mould Illness
Because the symptoms are so varied, a thorough investigation is key. We act like detectives, piecing together your story and using targeted testing to get a clear picture.
Step 1: Investigating Your Environment First and foremost, we look at your environment. We'll discuss the history of your home and workplace, looking for any past water damage, leaks, or musty smells. Specialised home tests, like an ERMI test, can help identify the types and concentration of mould in your space.
Step 2: Functional Medicine Testing To see what’s happening inside your body, we often use a simple urine mycotoxin test. This test can detect the specific mycotoxins your body is trying to eliminate, giving us concrete evidence of exposure and helping to guide your treatment protocol.
Step 3: Investigate other root causes, nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, histamine tolerance and more.
Your Recovery Plan: A Step-by-Step Approach
Recovering from mould illness is a journey, not a sprint. We use a phased, structured approach to ensure your body can heal safely and sustainably.
Phase 1: Remove the Source
This is the non-negotiable first step. You cannot get well in a sick environment. The source of the mould exposure must be professionally identified and remediated. Sometimes this is simple, but other times it can be a complex process. We guide you on how to approach this critical step.
Continued exposure significantly delays recovery. Once identified, prompt mould removal is essential:
Professional remediation: recommended for extensive mould growth. Contaminated drywall, carpets, and furniture may need removal.
Prevention: improve ventilation, address leaks promptly, use air purifiers, and manage indoor humidity levels below 60%.
Phase 2: Open Your Drainage Pathways
Before we try to "detox," we have to make sure the body’s exit routes are open. Think of it like this: you wouldn't try to clear a traffic jam by sending more cars onto a blocked highway. We first focus on gently supporting your primary drainage pathways—the liver, kidneys, gut, and lymphatic system—to ensure they are ready to handle the toxins we’ll be moving out.
Phase 3: Use Binders to Gently Remove Toxins
Once your pathways are open, we introduce "binders." These are substances like activated charcoal, bentonite clay, or specific supplements that act like sponges in your digestive tract. They "mop up" the mycotoxins so they can be safely escorted out of the body, preventing them from being reabsorbed. This process is always done gently and at a pace your body can tolerate.
Phase 4: Repair & Rebuild the Body
After the toxic load has been reduced, we focus on healing. This involves repairing the gut lining, supporting your mitochondria (the energy factories in your cells), down-regulating the inflammatory response, and restoring balance to your nervous system. This is where deep, lasting wellness is built.
Supplements That Supported My Recovery (and other clients)
Certain supplements can significantly support your body's detoxification processes and recovery:
Biocidin®: A potent herbal supplement effective against mould, biofilms, bacteria, and Candida. It also boosts immune function.
Glutathione: Known as the body's master antioxidant, vital for detoxifying mycotoxins and reducing inflammation.
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine): A precursor to glutathione, supporting detoxification pathways, respiratory health, and immune system balance.
Binders: When dealing with mould detox it is imperative to use a binder to help capture and eliminate mycotoxins from the body. Common binders may be activated charcoal, zeolite clay or betonite.
This is a very basic protocol and may need additional supplements/ herbs like mast cell stabilisers/ histamine blockers and more liver/ gall bladder support. The approach for any person should consider the WHOLE body, symptoms, history and more when looking at dealing with mould exposure.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Overcoming mould illness is a complex journey that requires a knowledgeable and compassionate guide. If this article resonates with you and you're ready to take the next step toward getting your health back, we are here to help.
Book a discovery call to discuss your story and learn how our structured, supportive approach can guide you back to clarity and vitality.
Safely Cleaning Mould at Home
If addressing small areas of mould yourself, follow these safety guidelines, if you are sick and very sensitive to mould, do not try and clean it yourself or be in the house while the house is being cleaned. If you have to clean mould, use gloves a mask and glasses:
Protect yourself: always wear an N95 mask, gloves, and protective clothing.
Natural cleaning agents:
White vinegar: effectively eliminates mould. Spray directly, leave for an hour, wipe clean.
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda): mix with water into a paste, scrub affected surfaces, rinse thoroughly.
Commercial mould removal products: use mould-specific solutions that safely eliminate mould and spores.
Avoid using bleach, it does not effectively kill mould spores and can exacerbate exposure by releasing spores into the air.
Every individual has unique needs, personalised guidance from a professional is vital when choosing supplements/ herbs, creating protocols. No one size fits all!
Fed up of brain fog and exhaustion? Book a Free Discovery Call below.
References:
Borchers, A.T., Chang, C., Gershwin, M.E. (2017). Mould and Human Health: a Reality Check. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 52(3), pp.305-322. DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8601-z.
Guerre, P. (2020). Mycotoxin and Gut Microbiota Interactions. Toxins, 12(12), p.769. DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120769.
PLRMines (n.d.). Black Mould, Its Effects & How To Rid Your Home Of It. PLRMines eBook.
