Mold Toxicity
What Does It Mean?
- Mold toxicity, or chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), occurs when the body is exposed to biotoxins from mold growth in water-damaged buildings.
- It can trigger immune dysregulation, neurological symptoms, chronic fatigue, and multi-system inflammation.
- Functional medicine aims to identify mold exposure, eliminate toxins, and restore proper immune and detoxification function.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Exposure to Water-Damaged Buildings: Mold spores release mycotoxins that impair immune function.
- Poor Detoxification Pathways: Genetic predispositions (e.g., HLA-DR genes) can impair toxin clearance.
- Immune System Dysfunction: Chronic mold exposure suppresses immune function and increases susceptibility to infections.
- Gut Dysbiosis: Mycotoxins disrupt gut microbiota, leading to inflammation and increased intestinal permeability.
- Oxidative Stress & Inflammation: Biotoxins trigger systemic oxidative damage and chronic inflammation.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue and brain fog
- Sinus congestion and respiratory issues
- Headaches and neurological symptoms
- Digestive disturbances (e.g., bloating, food sensitivities)
- Muscle weakness and joint pain
- Sleep disturbances and mood changes
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help assess mold toxicity:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Altered | 35.00-150.00 U/L |
| Alternaria Alternata (M6) | Increased | 0-0.10 IU/mL |
| Aspergillus Fumigatus (M3) | Increased | 0-0.10 IU/mL |
| AST (SGOT) | Increased | 10.00-35.00 U/L |
| Carbon Dioxide | Altered | 19.00-30.00 mEq/L |
| Cladosporium Herbarum (M2) IgE | Increased | 0-0.10 IU/mL |
| Copper, Serum | Altered | 70.00-175.00 µg/dL |
| Globulin | Altered | 1.90-3.70 g/dL |
| Glutathione | Decreased | 373.00-838.00 µM |
| MCHC | Altered | 32.00-36.00 g/dL |
| MCV | Altered | 80.00-100.00 fL |
| Penicillium Notatum (M1) | Increased | 0-0.10 IU/mL |
| Total Protein | Altered | 6.10-8.10 g/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on removing mold exposure, detoxifying mycotoxins, and restoring immune function.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports gut microbiome & immune function | 1 capsule with food daily |
| Endura | Supports hydration and adrenal function | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Supports urinary and immune health | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita Microbe | Promotes gut microbiome balance | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Antioxidant and immune support | ¼ scoop of powder with food, three times daily |
| V-Pax | Supports immune function | 2 capsules without food, twice daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, twice daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Supports digestion and nutrient absorption | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Candid | Aids in fungal balance | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant protection and toxin clearance | 4 capsules with or without food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports mitochondrial ATP production | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Advaclear | Supports liver detox pathways | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Enhances immune resilience | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation and detoxification | 1 capsule without food, twice daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports hormonal detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
| Vita-Binder | Binds mycotoxins and aids detoxification | 2 capsules (2 hours away from supplements or food), daily |
| Magnesium | Supports detox pathways & reduces inflammation | 2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
| SBI Powder | Supports gut barrier function | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Enhances glutathione levels for detoxification | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Supports tissue repair and immune function | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Probiotic support for immune and gut health | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Enhances circulation and detoxification | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Remove Mold Exposure: Test for mold in the home and remediate any contamination.
- Bind & Remove Toxins: Use natural binders (e.g., activated charcoal, bentonite clay) to assist detox.
- Support Liver & Kidney Detoxification: Increase hydration, use sauna therapy, and consume cruciferous vegetables.
- Strengthen Immune Function: Optimize gut health, reduce inflammatory foods, and focus on restorative sleep.
- Monitor & Retest: Regular follow-up lab testing to assess toxin clearance and immune recovery.