Your

Complete
Mold
Exposure
Guide
Clean up, Detox & Diet
Your Complete
Mold Exposure Guide

What to Do if Mold is Making You Sick

If you know you’ve been exposed to mold and it’s making you sick or if you
suspect your illness has been caused by mold exposure, you’ve come to the right
place. This is the most definitive guide on mold toxicity.

First, here are the top mold exposure symptoms:

1. Fatigue and weakness

2. Headaches, light sensitivity
3. Poor memory, difficult word finding
4. Difficulty concentration
5. Morning stiffness, joint pain
6. Unusual skin sensations, tingling, and numbness
7. Shortness of breath, sinus congestion or a chronic cough
8. Appetite swings, body temperature regulation,
9. Increased urinary frequency or increased thirst
10. Red eyes, blurred vision, sweats, mood swings, sharp pains
11. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating
12. Tearing, disorientation, metallic taste in your mouth
13. Static shocks
14. Vertigo, feeling lightheaded

Do you have 5 or more of these symptoms? If so, let’s dig into what can be done
if you’ve been exposed to mold.

There are three major sections of Your Complete Mold Exposure Guide:

1. Suspect mold exposure is the cause of your symptoms? Your first

steps and testing
2. Mold clean up, step-by-step
3. The low mold diet

Let’s begin!

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Suspect mold exposure is the cause of your symptoms?

Here are your first steps, including testing.

1. Check your home and office for mold

We now spend about 90% of our time indoors and mold is estimated to be in
about 50% of homes. Together these two statistics create a perfect storm for
causing or aggravating CIRS symptoms. This is why I always recommend anyone
with mold toxicity or CIRS has their home and office checked.

You should have an ERMI mold test completed by a trusted inspector. If you find
your home or office contains mold spores, you must find the source and get a
certified specialist to properly remediate.   This includes removing yourself
temporarily from the environment, remediation, and removal of any porous
items from your abode.

Look, I get it.

Finding mold in your home or office can be scary. And the prospect of having to
uproot your life can seem like a nightmare, but I assure you it’s essential if you
want a full, healthy life.

When I discovered our office was moldy, I was unable to remediate so I left
immediately.  I left all of my belongings behind and moved on.  It was tough to
lose all of my twenty years of medical books I had acquired but regaining my
health was worth it in the end.   The benefits to the health of my staff and myself
(I’m the canary in the coal mine when it comes to mold) FAR outweighed the loss
of belongings or cost of remediation.

Life is too short to let the fear of finding mold in your home or office keep you
from finding solutions to your illness!  Your health is the most priceless thing you
own.

If you find mold, skip below to the section on Mold Clean Up Step-by-Step.

2. Get tested for mold exposure

There is no one definitive test for mold exposure. Instead, you’ll need a
combination of:

a. Medical and Environmental history

b. Physical exam
c. Screening tests:

Visual Contrast Sensitivity test 

Cluster symptom analysis

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2. Get tested for mold exposure (continued...)

d. Lab Testing:

CIRS labs
Biotoxin Mold Illness Panel 
HLA-DR Mold Genetic testing 
Great Plains MycoTox testing
RTL Mycotoxin testing
Immunolytics
EnviroBiomics 
Vibrant Mycotoxin testing
Mycometrics ERMI (for environmental home testing) and IEP inspector 

You’ll need the help of functional medicine doctor who is experienced with mold
illness to complete this process and confirm the diagnosis.  

3. Clean up your air

It’s a little-known fact that most indoor air is actually worse than the pollution
outside.

Even if your home and office pass the mold inspection, there are tons of other
indoor air contaminants worth worrying about, including volatile organic
compounds, gram negative and positive bacteria, glucans, endotoxins, microbial
particulates, non-microbial volatile organic compounds, and microbial volatile
organic compounds.

We haven’t evolved to live in contained spaces with recycled air and poor
ventilation. So, one of the best things you can do for yourself (and your family) is
investing in a high-quality air filter. I recommend Austin Air purifiers because they
filter ultra-tiny particles and I’ve had personal success with them. Though there
are other great options out there, just makes sure you find something that filters
at least 0.3 microns in size.

You’re in your home between 8 to 12 hours each day and in your office between
6 to 10 hours. That’s most of your life – don’t you think it’s worth it to clean up
your air? If you’re interested in an Austin Air purifier, you can call the office at
303-993-7910 and get a 10% discount.

4. Get on a low mold diet

A low mold diet reduces the likelihood that you’re going to be exposed to
inflammation causing foods. Even if your CIRS isn’t directly caused by mold
exposure, this is a beneficial diet regardless.

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4. Get on a low mold diet (continued)...

Avoid – 

Eliminate sugar in all forms.

Avoid processed foods – canned, boxed, bottled etc.
Avoid mold and yeast containing foods – cheese, alcohol, condiments,
fungi, cured and smoked meats, dried fruits.
Avoid gluten and grains.
Choose a mold-free coffee.

Enjoy – 

Organic, pasture raised animal products.

Low carbohydrate vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower,  chard, cabbage,
arugula, peppers, tomato (fresh only), cucumber, onion, kale,
asparagus, spinach, leeks, garlic, artichokes, etc.
Raw nuts and seeds –  sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia
seeds, almonds, and other low mold nuts (No peanuts, cashews,
walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts).
Healthy Fats – extra virgin olive oil, coconut milk, coconut oil, ghee,
avocado, organic butter.

For a more detailed version of the mold diet, skip to the section The Low Mold
Diet below.

5. Use detox binders

Binders like charcoal and bentonite clay are great for pulling toxins out of the
gut. Anyone living with CIRS should be working to support processes like this and
reducing the buildup of toxins, heavy metals, and other chemicals. Binders can
also be effective in reducing the impact of mold exposure and other unknown
impacts.

My two favorite binders are GI Detox and Upgraded Coconut Charcoal. These are
effective and can safely be taken daily (but not with other supplements). You can
read more about these in my article, Safe and Effective Detox Binders that
Actually Work.

6. Adopt detoxifying techniques

Incorporate detoxifying and anti-inflammatory techniques and lifestyle changes.

An added bonus is most of these improve health overall and some feel downright
great. Detox support can include:

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6. Adopt detoxifying techniques (continued...)

Infrared saunas
IV detoxification support (Meyer’s cocktails, IV glutathione, NAD, PC)
Dry brushing
Epsom Salt baths
Mineral or alkaline waters
Neti Pot
Supplements may include:

Liposomal glutathione
IV glutathione
N-acetylcysteine
Milk thistle 
Calcium-d-glucarate
Alpha lipoic acid
Glycine
Glutamine
Taurine
Cruciferous vegetables

CIRS is a war of attrition and the less you feed the inflammatory pathways
while supporting detox – the better off you’re going to be.

Other factors you might want to consider include:

Reducing chemical exposures – think plastics, cosmetics, cookware, and

cleaning products
Reducing EMF exposure
Filtering drinking water

UP NEXT: Mold Clean Up, Step-by-Step

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Mold Clean Up, Step-by-Step

Mold illness can be sneaky and symptoms may seemingly come from nowhere.
Mold illness symptoms can range from low level and feel like a bout of flu you
can’t shake to debilitating fatigue that makes getting through the day tough.

When you Google for more information, all you find are dramatic photographs of
black mold – something you just don’t see in your home. It’s important to know
that not all mold can be seen by the human eye.

Let’s look at ways to clean up harmful mold and reduce its impact on your life.

Targeting the Underlying Cause of Mold

Mold thrives in moist and warm conditions. When these conditions combine with
a suitable food source, mold can spread very quickly, often in unseen places.
Mold easily lives on paper, cardboard, wood, fabric, carpet, drywall, and many
other common building materials.

The underlying causes of mold include:

Moisture: Ensure any water pipe or roof leaks are fixed. If the property has a
history of flooding, you need to evaluate the risk of it happening again and
maybe even consider a house move. Extensive flooding increases the risk of
mold contamination. I recommend removing wet carpet from your property as
soon as possible, as they encourage not only the growth of mold but also
bacteria.

Holes and gaps in the walls: Look out for cracks in walls or windows – they
may be letting mold in through your external walls.

Condensation: If the warm air inside your property hits a colder surface, like
your windows, it causes interior condensation. This often leads to mold eating
away at wooden window frames. To specifically target your windowsills,
moisture eliminator products are useful. However, if you suspect mold
elsewhere in your house, they won’t be effective.

Air Conditioning units: Your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation unit
need regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure that it is not the culprit. It
could be circulating fungus spores around the house. Get an expert to look
into it and consider getting a HEPA air scrubber to clean the air.

Humidity: I advise you purchase one or more dehumidifier units, depending

on the size of your home. A dehumidifier ensures you can keep the humidity
of your property around the 50% mark – mold finds it harder to multiply in
drier air.

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If this list seems intimidating, bear in mind you can hire a remediation company
to assess, contain, and remove the mold. Make sure you pick a company certified
in mold remediation.

Removing Mold From Your Carpet

Mold loves fabric, making most furniture a potential hub for mold. If you are
cleaning up after a large leak, I recommend removing the carpet completely. In
mold infestation cases where the carpet has not gotten wet, it’s a good idea to
buy a high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) vacuum cleaner to clean your
carpet.

You must choose a true HEPA vacuum cleaner, not one that is labeled ‘HEPA like.’
HEPA vacuum cleaners utilize a strong motor and fine filter to suck up everything,
including mold spores, whereas regular vacuum cleaners suck up the mold
spores – only to deposit them back into the air.

When using your true HEPA vacuum cleaner:

1. Make sure you vacuum from every angle. When vacuuming it’s easy to get into
the habit of pushing the machine across your carpet in the same direction. Many
modern vacuum cleaners have a more flexible design, meant to get into difficult
corners or underneath furniture. Use it from every direction possible to remove
as many mold spores as possible.

2. Empty your vacuum cleaner outside. If your vacuum model is bagless, use a
disposable wipe to clean out the canister fully. Avoid breathing in the dust by
wearing an N-95 respirator. If your vacuum cleaner uses bags, ensure you wear
protective gloves, respirator, and clothing as you do so to avoid carrying the
spores back into your home.

3. As the dirt, dust and mold spores in the fibers may have been accumulating for
years, don’t be disheartened if you don’t see an immediate improvement in the
state of the carpet or your health. It may take several long sessions of vacuuming
before you start to feel the benefits. 

Removing Mold From Your Clothes and Soft Furnishings

Mold removal is not straightforward when it comes to soft furnishings and

clothes. If you use biocides such as diluted bleach and vinegar, the mold on the
fabric dies, but the mycotoxins continue to be an allergen. It is not enough to kill
the mold, it needs to be completely removed.

Also, using harsh chemicals such as bleach on fabrics is hardly ideal.

Unfortunately, wiping upholstery doesn’t remove the mold from the stuffing
inside. And dry cleaning can cause cross-contamination from other sources. 

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Instead, I recommend borax, also known as sodium borate which is a mineral

and a completely natural solution for cleaning mold. Borax also combats
bacteria.

Mix 1 cup of borax to 1 gallon of water and soak your clothes for half an hour
before putting them in in the wash. Borax works well on mold because it’s
alkaline, making an inhospitable place for the mold, which prefers a lower pH
environment. You must take care when using it – always wash your hands after
handling clothes that have been treated with it and avoid getting it in your mouth
or eyes.

Removing Mold From Your Wooden Furniture, Walls, and Other Surfaces

Mold loves hard surfaces, especially wood or plaster. Luckily, borax is suitable for
most furniture.

Be wary of the claims made by most household cleaners – just because a surface
is sparkling and clean looking, it’s no indication of how many mold spores are still
stuck to it. I recommend the following procedure for a surface that may have
been contaminated:

Use two rounds of disposable wipes to clean the surface.

Move on to using a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up any excess moisture
and mold spores.
Throw the disposable wipes in the garbage – being careful to avoid cross-
contamination of your clothes.
The microfiber cloths can be washed on a hot wash cycle and reused.
They are also more effective for everyday cleaning, wet or dry.

Of course, some surfaces are more of a challenge to clean. Mold spores stick
easily to surfaces in the kitchen that tend to be coated in grease or cooking oil. I
recommend that you cut through the grease with a simple soap or detergent,
before using borax or the wet and dry cloth method.

Mold and Your Prized Possessions

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a mold-related illness, your
doctor may have suggested you remove all items likely to be contaminated –
including most of your possessions. While your doctor is interested in your
wellbeing, the thought of removing all your favorite things may feel unbearable.
There is also no guarantee that all of your possessions contain mold or mold
spores. So it’s important to make well-informed choices.

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Mold and Your Prized Possessions (continued...)

Possessions you can clean and keep:

Non-porous items, e.g metals, glass

Jewelry
Pottery
Glassware
Plates and dishes
Cutlery
Leather

Decorations:

Framed artwork (remove from frame, dust and reframe)

Possessions that require more thought:

Anything made of paper
Paperwork & important documents
Books
Photos
Old letters
Yearbooks

Books and paperwork are hard to clean adequately and book conservationists
recommend wearing protective clothing and masks when handling mold-
damaged books.8 It may be time for you to go digital. Photos, old letters, and
yearbooks can also be digitalized, saving you from heartache.

Rugs and furnishings:

Antique rugs
Bed, mattress, pillows, bedding
Taxidermy
Indoor plants
Holiday decorations

You need to replace your bed completely, as it is the only way to make sure
you’re not exposed to mold in your sleep. Indoor plants and taxidermy are prime
sources for mildew. Antique rugs are just as bad as a carpet for attracting mold
and are harder to clean.

Non-washable clothes and accessories:

Shoes
Bags
Dry clean only items
Non-waterproof watches

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Mold and Your Prized Possessions (continued...)

Toys:
Stuffed animals
Plastic toys that are difficult to clean adequately

Whether it’s your childhood bear or a recent addition to your child's collection of
toys, it is unlikely that a spin in the washer removes mold spores or toxins.

Home Appliances & Electricals:

Refrigerator
Washer and dryer
Air conditioner or purifier
Home computer or laptop
Televisions and stereos

Washers and dryers are often a source of cross-contamination, as mold can grow
inside the drum. It is difficult to clean the back of refrigerators properly. Modern
electronics are hard to clean inside and a compromised computer often blows
out mold spores whenever the fan starts up. An air conditioner or purifier can
also cause contamination when brought into a clean environment.

Open Consumables:

Open food packets

Jars of rice, flour, spices etc
Open cosmetics and toiletries

Whatever you decide, you’ll need to clean and store many of your possessions in
sealed boxes in a place external location from your home while you work on your
mold issue. It’s possible that you will need a few months to sort through your
possessions.

Avoiding Mold Cross-Contamination

I touched upon cross-contamination in relation to removing personal items, but

there are many ways you can avoid contaminating your home once you have
removed the mold. Some of these actions may seem extreme, but it’s the only
way to ensure that your mold illness doesn’t come back.

1. Reintroduce cleaned possessions into your home slowly, over a period of

months, to ensure that each item is mold free.

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Avoiding Mold Cross-Contamination (continued...)

2. Domestic dogs or cats need to be boarded elsewhere. They need to be washed

fully with an antifungal shampoo and shaved before they can return to the
household.

3. When cleaning possessions, surfaces, or removing the contents of your

vacuum cleaner, do so outside, wearing protective gloves, a N-95 respirator, and
protective clothing. Never walk into your property wearing this protection, as it
could cause cross-contamination.

4. Wrap everything you intend to remove from your home in plastic bags –
doubled up.

5. If you suspect a second source of mold contamination (ie. your office) you can
use a mold spray such as Concrobium or EC3 Mold Solution on your clothes and
everyday belongings to avoid cross-contamination.

6. Remember that certain items can survive mold spray decontamination better
than others – avoid bringing papers, books, used computers, and soft furnishings
that may already be compromised into the house.

Above all, though it can be tempting to make a number of huge changes all at
once, I recommend consulting a doctor that specializes in mold illness and taking
action a little at a time. I hope this helps you know exactly what to do in the case
of mold.

UP NEXT:  The Low Mold Diet

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The Low Mold Diet

The Low Mold Diet. Use this guide to shift your diet away from high sugar and
starchy foods to more fresh, whole foods.

Foods that must be avoided

Avoid sugar and sugar-containing foods: Table sugar and all other simple, fast
releasing sugars such as fructose, lactose, maltose, glucose, mannitol, and
sorbitol. This includes honey and natural sugar syrup type products such as
maple syrup and molasses. This also includes all candies, sweets, cakes, cookies,
and baked goods.

Sweetleaf whole leaf stevia concentrate may be used in moderation

High sugar fruits:

Avoid pineapple, mango, banana, melons, oranges, and grapes

Organic berries, apples and lemon/lime are ok

Packaged and processed foods:

Avoid canned, bottled, boxed and otherwise processed and pre-

packaged foods as they more often than not contain sugar of one type or
another.
Canned – Baked beans, soups, ready-made sauces.
Bottled – Soft drinks, fruit juices, all condiments and sauces.
Boxed/Packaged – Ready-made meals, breakfast cereals,
chocolate/candy, ice cream, frozen foods.
Mold and yeast containing foods:

Cheeses: all cheese, especially moldy cheeses like Stilton are the worst,
buttermilk, sour cream and sour milk products.
Alcoholic drinks: beer, wine, cider, whiskey, brandy, gin and rum.
Condiments: vinegar and foods containing vinegar, mayonnaise, pickles,
soy sauce, mustard, relishes.
Edible fungi: including all types of mushrooms and truffles.
Processed and smoked meats: sausages, hot dogs, corned beef,
pastrami, smoked fish, ham, bacon.
Fruit juices: All packaged fruit juices may potentially contain molds.
Dried fruits: raisins, apricots, prunes, figs, dates, etc.

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The Low Mold Diet (continued...)

Foods ok to be eaten in small amounts:

Gluten-free grains: brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, teff, certified

gluten-free oats
High starch vegetables and legumes: sweet corn, potatoes, beans and
peas, lentils, sweet potatoes, squashes, turnips, parsnips.
Fruits: low sugar types such as berries, apples, pears, and peaches.

Foods to be eaten freely:

Organic pastured animal products: beef, bison, veal, lamb buffalo, wild-
caught seafood, poultry, pastured eggs
Low carbohydrate vegetables: broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, kale,
cabbage, arugula, chard, cucumber, peppers, tomato (fresh only), onion,
leek, asparagus, garlic, artichokes,
Raw nuts and seeds: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia
seeds, almonds, low mold nuts (No peanuts, walnuts, pecans,cashews,
brazil nuts, )
Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, ghee,
avocado, organic butter
Other: Tempeh, Miso, Apple Cider Vinegar
Beverages: Filtered Water, non-fruity herbal teas, mineral water, fresh
veggie juice

I hope this helps!

Remember, implement a little at a time and eventually, this will

become second nature to you. Mold is frustrating for sure but
knowing it's the cause of your symptoms is half the battle.

I've personally implemented everything above for my own mold

illness and know you can too.

You can do it - I believe in you!

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