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Healing from Mold- My Journey of Self-Discovery & Empowered Choices

Updated: 16 hours ago


Crystal Sonic Tunic Fork amidst sound waves

Healing from mold illness isn't just about eradicating toxins—it's about reclaiming your vitality, embracing the lessons along the way, and dancing in rhythm with your body's innate wisdom. For me, this journey began not with a diagnosis, but with whispers from my body telling me to "pay attention." Since 2017, I have had 6 serious mold exposures, from different homes and workplaces, that subsequently led to illness from an overload of mycotoxins and the flares it caused with the autoimmune disease I've experienced since childhood. As a highly sensitive individual, mold or most toxins are my cryptonite. I'm like the canary in the coal mine when it comes to toxins. For awhile, I believed I had Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), but it turns out, I just experience Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome. I can thrive and be whole, (I am!) but I have to take careful precautions for the types of environments where I live and work.


Embracing Nature's Healing Touch

Nature has always been my sanctuary. From grounding my bare feet on a dirt trail to immersing myself in the crystalline waters of glacial lakes and standing under ancient waterfalls, I've discovered that nature offers profound healing. The Earth's magnetic resonance, the purity of natural water, and the invigorating embrace of cold plunges have all played pivotal roles in my recovery. These natural elements support cellular and mitochondrial regeneration, reminding me that healing is not just physical—it's deeply spiritual.


Integrating Bioenergy Tools with Intention

While nature nurtured my spirit, bioenergy tools supported my body's healing at a cellular level. Devices like infrared saunas red light therapy, vibration plates, biofield tuning, sound bowl therapy and vibracoustic sound bed therapy became part of my healing rotation. These tools, which developed through trial and testing, when used mindfully and in conjunction with nature, helped me rebuild my energy reserves and restore balance.


Nourishing the Body: A Dietary Awakening

An essential shift in my healing journey was dietary. Early on, I went fully grain free and adopted the Whole30 plan for a period and then transitioned to a Whole Foods Paleo diet. This was a non-negotiable step. I also became very educated on exactly which foods which are often contaminated with mycotoxins. (ahem, 99% of coffee, even organic and free trade brands contain detectable mycotoxins) This dietary change reduced my toxic load and supported my body's detoxification processes.


In my previous role at a functional medicine clinic, we tested every patient for toxins—from foodborne to environmental. What stood out to me was the alarming number of patients, especially the most ill, who had elevated mycotoxin levels. This reinforced the importance of environmental awareness in our healing journey as well as showed me that the two were connected.


The Power of Personalized Supplementation

Healing from mold illness often requires more than just dietary changes. A tailored supplement protocol, including binders, supports the body's detoxification pathways. Working with a qualified functional medicine practitioner or naturopath ensures that these protocols are personalized and effective.


The Crucial Role of Your Environment: Mold's Hidden Impact on Health

If there's one takeaway from my journey, it's this: Pay attention to your environment. The air quality in your home and the spaces you frequent is vital to your health, especially if you have immune system concerns. Mold exposure is more than just an inconvenience—it's a silent saboteur that can wreak havoc on your body and mind.


Neurological and Cognitive Symptoms

Mold exposure has been linked to a range of neurological and cognitive issues, including:


Studies have shown that mold exposure can lead to cognitive deficits, similar to those observed in mild traumatic brain injury. Additionally, research indicates that mold inhalation can cause innate immune activation, leading to neural inflammation and impairments in learning and memory. Clinical TherapeuticsPMC


Exacerbation of Existing Health Conditions

For individuals with pre-existing autoimmune or chronic health issues, mold exposure can amplify symptoms and complicate recovery. Conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune diseases may worsen due to the inflammatory response triggered by mold toxins.


Children and Mold Exposure

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mold exposure. Studies have found that children who were exposed to mold during their first year of life had a significantly higher risk of developing autism compared to those who were not exposed. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Xenobiotics found that mothers who suffer from chemical intolerance have three times the odds of reporting a child diagnosed with autism and ADHD. The Treetop+1PMC+2ScienceDaily+2


Misdiagnosis and Diagnostic Overshadowing

Mold exposure can often be misdiagnosed or overlooked, especially when symptoms overlap with other conditions. This is particularly concerning for individuals with autism, as symptoms of mold toxicity may be misattributed to the underlying condition. This phenomenon, known as diagnostic overshadowing, can lead to untreated mold-related health issues. Wikipedia

Understanding the profound impact of mold on health underscores the importance of creating a safe and healthy living environment. If you suspect mold exposure is affecting your health, consider seeking guidance from a qualified functional medicine practitioner or naturopath who can provide personalized support.


Moreover, research has shown that parental avoidance of toxic exposures, including mold, could help prevent autism and ADHD in children. ScienceDaily+2UT Health San Antonio+2


Embracing the Journey with Empowerment

I don't view my repeated exposures and illnesses as misfortunes. Instead, I see them as invitations from my body and higher self to pause, reflect, and grow. Illness, in this light, becomes a teacher—offering lessons in resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of alignment with nature.


Healing is not linear. It's a dance of highs and lows, of learning and unlearning. But with the right tools, both natural and technological, and a deep commitment to self-care, restoration is not only possible—it's inevitable.


Empowered Action Steps:

  1. Seek Professional Guidance: Collaborate with functional medicine practitioners or naturopaths experienced in mold illness.

  2. Prioritize Environmental Health: Regularly test and improve air quality in your living spaces.

  3. Adopt a Healing Diet: Consider transitioning to a Whole30 or Whole Foods Paleo diet, eliminating foods prone to mycotoxin contamination.

  4. Integrate Nature's Healing: Spend time outdoors, engage in grounding practices, and immerse yourself in natural water sources.

  5. Utilize Biohacking Tools Mindfully: Incorporate devices like PEMF therapy and infrared saunas to support cellular regeneration.The Christ Hospital+1


Remember, your healing journey is uniquely yours. Trust in your body's wisdom, seek support when needed, and embrace the lessons along the way.


Walking the Healing Path with Openness

What I’ve learned through all of this is that healing is not linear—it’s layered, spiraled, and deeply personal. Mold toxicity has taught me patience and creativity. It has pushed me to explore therapies I might never have considered and to trust the body’s incredible ability to repair itself when given the right support. For me, healing has become less about “fighting illness” and more about creating an environment where my body, mind, and spirit feel safe enough to thrive.


If you’re navigating mold toxicity or any chronic condition, I want you to know—you’re not alone. There are many ways forward, and sometimes the most unexpected therapies can open the biggest doors.

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