You might think of mold as just an unsightly inconvenience, but what if it’s silently harming your health?
Mold toxicity is a hidden yet serious issue that can lead to chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and a wide range of unexplained symptoms—from brain fog and fatigue to respiratory issues and joint pain.
If you've been struggling with persistent health issues with no clear cause, mold exposure could be the missing link.
In this blog, we’ll dive into what mold toxicity is, how it affects the body, and what you can do to protect yourself and start healing. And, if you’re looking for more on this topic, check out my podcast episode on mold toxicity on The Dr. Josh Axe Show.
What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold isn’t just an unsightly nuisance, and it can pose a serious threat to your health.
Certain types of mold produce harmful compounds called mycotoxins, which can weaken the immune system, trigger inflammation, and damage cells and organs.
Mold exposure: Whether through touch, inhalation, or ingestion—can lead to a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body.
Affects in the body: It can impact the respiratory system (sinuses and lungs), musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, and connective tissues), and nervous system (brain, spine, and nerves).
Mycotoxins: They are particularly dangerous because they interfere with the body's natural defenses. They damage the protective barriers in organs, disrupt immune function, and contribute to widespread inflammation, making it harder for the body to heal and stay resilient.
What Are Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
Symptoms are often general/vague and confused with other health issues. According to Dr. Osborne, some develop neurological issues that could even be mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Mental health and cognitive changes
- Digestive issues, such as IBD
Mold can also exacerbate conditions like allergies, asthma, chronic inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders. People with poor immune function are most susceptible to mold toxicity.
How Does Moisture Fuel Mold Growth in Your Home and Body?
Moisture creates the perfect environment for microorganisms to thrive—not just in your home, but also in your body. When your body becomes “damp” due to excess humidity, poor detoxification, or an imbalanced microbiome, harmful microorganisms, including mold-related toxins, can take hold. The same thing happens in your living space. A dark, damp, and poorly ventilated home encourages mold growth, leading to potential health risks.
Mold is most commonly found in areas with excess moisture, such as basements, bathrooms, and spaces with water damage from leaks, flooding, or poor drainage. According to an article published in Environmental Research, key risk factors for mold growth in homes include:
- Older homes with outdated ventilation systems
- Roof leaks and basement flooding
- Water damage from damaged showers, tubs, or pipes
- High indoor humidity with no air conditioning or dehumidification
Mold has become a widespread issue in humid regions like Georgia and other Southeastern states, as well as the Pacific Northwest, where frequent rainfall and flooding create the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. If you live in these areas—or have experienced water damage in your home—it’s crucial to take proactive steps to prevent mold exposure and protect your health.
How to Spot Mold in Your Home: What to Look For?
Mold often hides in places you wouldn't expect, making it tricky to detect. However, there are several signs you can watch out for to identify potential mold growth.
The most obvious clues are visible patches of mold, which can appear in a variety of colors—black, green, white, or orange—and typically show up as spots or stains on walls, ceilings, or floors. In addition to visible growth, a musty odor is a strong indicator of mold. If you notice water damage, such as staining or peeling paint, it's also a red flag.
However, mold doesn't always make itself visible. It can grow in hidden places like behind walls, under carpets, or inside air vents, where it may be harder to detect. If your symptoms—like headaches, fatigue, or respiratory issues—improve when you're away from your home, it's a strong sign that mold could be the culprit.
To confirm the presence of mold in your home, consider testing for mycotoxins. I highly recommend Vibrant Wellness's Mycotoxins Panel, which measures the levels of 29 different mycotoxins (such as Aflatoxins, Trichothecenes, and Fumonisins) that may be affecting your health. This simple, at-home test requires just a urine sample, which you send back for analysis. From there, you can work with your healthcare provider to interpret the results and develop an effective treatment plan.
To get started, visit vibrant-wellness.com to open a provider account or be connected with a provider who can help you order the Mycotoxin test today.
What Are Solutions For Mold in Your Home?
Priority #1: Clean out the mold:
You first need to remove the mold from your environment to heal because continued exposure to mold and mycotoxins can impede the body’s recovery process, perpetuating inflammation, allergic reactions, and toxicity symptoms.
Follow these steps to clean out mold.
- Determine if you need professional help: If the moldy area is less than 10 square feet, the EPA says you can tackle it yourself.
- First find the source: Find and fix the source of moisture that allowed the mold to grow, such as leaks in pipes, roofs, or walls
- Wear protective gear: Like gloves, goggles, and an N95 mask to avoid inhaling spores or touching mold with bare skin
- Clean mold: With a mixture of detergent and water, or use a mold-specific cleaner. Avoid using bleach on porous surfaces as it can't effectively kill mold beneath the surface
- Tea tree oil mixture is one of several natural mold killers that you can employ instead of bleach. To put tea tree oil’s natural fungicide power to work, combine two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups water in a spray bottle, and shake well.
- Baking soda is another great natural anti-mold substance. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Make sure to shake the mixture well.
- Put undiluted white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle, and spray the vinegar directly on the moldy area(s). Let it set without any rinsing or scrubbing. This is a smelly natural mold remedy, but it’s said to be highly effective and the vinegar scent will fade.
- An excellent antifungal both internally and externally is grapefruit seed extract. Combine 20 drops with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture, and spray it directly on the mold. Do not rinse.
- Hydrogen peroxide is another odorless option that can be used to kill black mold. Pour a 3 percent concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, and spray the moldy areas until they are saturated.
- Dry the area thoroughly to prevent the mold from returning
- Get an air filter: A good quality air filter can trap mold spores circulating in the air, preventing them from settling and growing on surfaces around your home. Air filters like Air Doctor and Jaspr are designed to effectively capture a wide range of airborne particles, including mold spores, dust, pollen, and other allergens. Jaspr not only filters the air but also monitors the number of particles, providing real-time feedback on air quality.
- Discard infected materials, especially porous materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpeting, plus wet blankets and pillows
- Ventilate and dehumidify: Increase airflow and reduce humidity in your home by using fans, opening windows, and running a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels low and prevent future mold growth. Aim to keep indoor humidity low—between 30% and 50%. Consider getting an HVAC in your home to purify the air.
- Allow in fresh air and sunlight: Sunlight is a natural mold killer due to its UV rays. Opening curtains and letting sunlight in can help kill mold spores on surfaces and aid the air filtration system
If the mold contamination is extensive, hire professional mold specialists to handle the cleanup and ensure that the mold is completely removed
What is a Diet to Support Mold Toxicity Recovery?
According to TCM, reducing “dampness” within the body is the goal. Damp environments both inside and out can foster mold growth. Signs of dampness can include bloating, feelings of heaviness, thick coatings on the tongue, and sluggish metabolism.
Foods to Combat Dampness:
- Bitter foods, radishes, and green leafy vegetables can help enhance what is known as “Lung chi” which is vital for respiratory health.
- Antioxidant-rich foods, like greens, berries, and herbs, since mold can deplete antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.
- Light and dry foods also reduce fluid accumulation and improve digestion, like cooked whole grains, lean proteins, and diuretic vegetables like celery, pumpkin, and scallion.
- Immune-boosting foods: Echinacea, horseradish, chicken soup, and rice congee
- Avoid foods that promote dampness, such as dairy products, fried foods, sweets, and overly rich meals.
- Minimize the use of food potentially containing mold/mycotoxin such as peanuts, barley, wheat, corn, alcoholic beverages, beans, and bread.
- Herbs: Astragalus, Cordyceps, and Ginseng are known to support lung chi & boost immune function
Try a Temporary carnivore diet:
Adopting a carnivore diet for up to 90 days can help address gut health issues like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is common in people with mold toxicity.
- This diet involves consuming primarily only meat and animal products to reduce growth of microbes in the gut that can thrive off of plant foods.
- Supplementing with green powders and berry powders can help maintain nutrient intake, including electrolytes, during this period.
What Are Supplements to Take For Mold Toxicity?
Probiotics (like SBOs): Some studies indicate probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium can bind to mycotoxins such as aflatoxin in the gut, reducing their absorption and aiding in their excretion.
Soil-based organisms (SBOs) are recommended because they can survive stomach acid better than traditional probiotics, potentially restoring a healthy gut flora balance.
Supplements to address nutrient deficiencies commonly associated with mold toxicity:
- Vitamin D3
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- B vitamins
- Coenzyme Q10
Binders (sequestering agents) are also a great way to detox from mold.
- Activated charcoal and bentonite clay are effective binders that help absorb and remove toxins, including mycotoxins, from the body. These are particularly useful in cases of mold toxicity as they help reduce the load of circulating toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cholestyramine: This is a bile acid sequestrant used primarily to lower cholesterol, but it also binds to a variety of toxins, including mycotoxins, in the gastrointestinal tract. It prevents the reabsorption of these compounds from the intestines.
- Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin: These agents are studied for their anticarcinogenic properties and effectiveness against aflatoxin toxicity. They bind with aflatoxins, reducing their bioavailability and subsequent biomarkers in humans.
- Taurine: Can help boost bile acid production to aid mycotoxin removal from the liver.
- Herbs to support the liver: Milk thistle, N-acetylcysteine, alpha lipoic acid, and dandelion root: all help activate liver detoxification enzymes.
Healing Naturally: What Are Herbal Remedies For Mold Toxicity?
Olive Leaf, Oregano, Neem, and Sarsaparilla have antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight the microorganisms involved in mold illnesses.
One study reported a 34.1% inhibition of fungal growth when treated with neem leaf extract, indicating its potential in controlling mold infections.
- Many of the same herbs and foods used to treat candida can also help fight fungal infections, including garlic, green tea, propolis, curcumin, licorice root, cinnamon, resveratrol, ginger, and berberine
- Raw garlic also possesses natural antifungal properties.
- Garlic (Allium sativum): Contains ajoene, a compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
1. Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): Widely recognized for its antifungal activity, tea tree oil has been shown to inhibit the growth of various mold species. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that tea tree oil effectively inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger, a common mold.
2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme essential oil contains thymol, a compound with strong antifungal properties. Research in the International Journal of Food Microbiology demonstrated that thyme oil was effective against Penicillium and Aspergillus species.
3. Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Oregano oil is rich in carvacrol and thymol, both of which exhibit potent antifungal effects. A study in the Journal of Food Protection showed that oregano oil inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
4. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): Cinnamon oil has been found to possess antifungal activity against mold species. Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicated that cinnamon oil was effective against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum.
5. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum): Clove oil contains eugenol, known for its antifungal properties. A study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology reported that clove oil inhibited the growth of Aspergillus and Penicillium species.
6. Neem (Azadirachta indica): In Ayurvedic medicine, neem is used for its antifungal properties. Studies have shown that neem leaf extracts can inhibit the growth of various fungi, including molds.
7. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): Also known as Tulsi, this herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine and has demonstrated antifungal activity. Research indicates that holy basil extracts can inhibit the growth of mold species.
8. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Used in TCM, licorice root has shown antifungal properties. Studies have found that licorice extracts can inhibit the growth of mold species.
How Does Grapefruit Seed Extract & Caprylic Acid Aid in Natural Antifungal Support?
When it comes to fighting mold-related fungal overgrowth, certain natural compounds have shown promising antimicrobial effects. Two noteworthy options are grapefruit seed extract (GSE) and caprylic acid.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): Known for its potent antimicrobial properties, GSE has been studied for its ability to combat fungal pathogens like Candida albicans. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that GSE can be effective against Candida, though some commercial formulations contain synthetic preservatives that may enhance their antimicrobial activity.
- Caprylic Acid: Found in coconut oil, this medium-chain fatty acid has been shown to possess antifungal properties. A study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that caprylic acid effectively targets Candida albicans, making it a popular supplement for supporting gut health and reducing fungal overgrowth.
By incorporating these natural antifungal agents into your wellness plan, you may support your body's ability to combat mold-related fungal imbalances.
Can You Get Advanced Therapies to Heal From Mold?
If you've been struggling with the effects of mold exposure, you may be wondering whether advanced therapies can help your body heal more effectively.
While detox protocols and lifestyle changes play a crucial role, some therapies—like ozone IVs, saunas, and exercise—may offer additional support by enhancing detoxification and reducing oxidative stress.
Here’s how these approaches might aid in your recovery:
- Ozone IVs:
- Ozone therapy involves administering ozone gas into the body to disrupt harmful pathogens. Ozone IVs are considered by some practitioners to directly detoxify the blood of various toxins, including those from mold.
- Saunas can help the body get rid of toxins through induced sweating.
- Exercise helps mitigate the oxidative stress associated with toxin exposure.
What Should You Expect For Mold Recovery?
Recovery from mold toxicity varies. While some might see improvements within days, others may take months.
Genetic factors might play a role in how well you detoxify from mold. Not everyone processes toxins the same way, which is why personalized approaches to treatment are essential.
