Is Mold and Mycotoxin Illness a Real Thing?

In a short answer – YES. Mold and Mycotoxin Illness is a real thing. I have personally experienced this within my immediate family as well as have worked with many clients on personalized mold protocols. And the numbers in my practice just keep growing. Currently, 60% of my client caseload are those that are dealing with mold illness.

As awareness surrounding mold illness and mycotoxins continues to grow, it is still an area that many doctors are unfamiliar with in recognizing the impact that mold and mycotoxins can have on the body. Unfortunately, mold illness is commonly misdiagnosed due to its similar symptoms to other major illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and more. Mold illness, also known as mold toxicity or biotoxin illness, occurs when exposure to mold spores or mycotoxins triggers adverse health effects in susceptible individuals. These effects can range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe neurological issues, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Unfortunately, mold illness can show up as different symptoms between people – even in the same household. This makes it even more challenging to determine if mold is at the core of the problem. Symptoms of neurological issues, digestive, pain, ear nose and throat, skin issues, musculoskeletal symptoms, lung and more. And because the symptoms present differently, it can easily be perceived that only one or two people in the household are experiencing something and the others are not -when that is far from the truth. Mold exposure has been linked to a variety of conditions.

Mold Illness Symptoms

Symptoms fall into a wide range of categories.

Neurological symptoms:

Balance issues

Brain Fog / Memory Impairment

Sensation of internal vibrations

Vertigo

Numbness or tingling

Unexplained sudden anxiety

Unusual tics, spasms, seizure like activity

Digestive Symptoms:

Gluten sensitivity

Multiple food sensitivities

Frequent unexplained nausea, diarrhea or vomiting

Abdominal bloating or pain

Pain Symptoms:

Ice-pick type pain sensations

Electric shock-like pain

Ear, Nose, Throat, Skin Symptoms:

Nasal Polyps

Frequent nose bleeds

Vision changes

Chronic Sinusitis

Metallic Taste in Mouth

Recurrent hives or itchy skin

Musculoskeletal Symptoms:

Loose ligaments

Unexplained muscle weakness or soreness

Morning muscle stiffness with joint pain

Lung Symptoms:

Chronic Cough

Frequent recurring shortness of breath

General Symptoms:

Chronic fatigue

Chronic swollen lymph nodes

Light sensitivity (eyes or skin)

Night sweats

Sensitivite to static shocks

Intolerance to steroids

Intolerance to sugar and refined carbohydrates

Diagnosis of histamine intolerance

Bleeding disorder

Chronic vitamin D deficiency

Bed wetting

Discovering the link between mold and someone’s health takes time. It’s asking the right questions and listening to what the client is saying about their health and their environment.

Why am I the only one having symptoms in my household?

Someone that is reacting to the environment could be considered a mold canary. It all relates back to the canary in the coal mine theory. In the 1800’s, coal miners would bring a caged canary into the coal mine with them. The canary, more sensitive to noxious gases than humans, would stop singing or would die if the gases become too much for their system. This would alert the coal miners that they were in danger and would give them time to leave the mine before they were struck with the same fate as the poor bird. Similarly, individuals with mold sensitivity act as modern-day “canaries”, manifesting symptoms in response to mold’s presence long before others notice adverse effects. Their sensitivity could be due to genetics, issues with detoxing or their overall toxic load. More often than not, those who are most sensitive to mold (our mold canaries) are women and children.

What do you do if you find out you have mold?

When it comes to treatment, a comprehensive approach is essential. This often involves addressing both the underlying mold exposure and supporting the body’s detoxification pathways. Strategies may include mold remediation, dietary modifications, nutritional supplementation, detoxification protocols, and lifestyle adjustments. Working with practitioners who are knowledgeable about mold illness and its treatment is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

According to the National Institute for Health and Safety, as many as 50% of US buildings have water damage and mold issues. Leaving nearly 160 million people at risk for developing mold related illnesses.

If you’re curious about if mold could be behind your mystery symptoms, download my FREE

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