Awareness of mold exposure and its potential effects on health is growing in many communities. We are grateful to support clients who come to us through referrals from Functional Medicine practitioners, seeking to explore services that can assist in their wellness journey related to mold exposure. Symptoms may vary among individuals, and we aim to provide information on supportive options that can empower you on your health journey.
Where is Mold is Commonly Found?
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) 1, mold is prevalent in buildings and homes, thriving in areas with high moisture levels. This can occur around leaks from roofs, windows, or pipes, as well as in spaces that have experienced flooding. Mold can readily grow on various materials, including paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Additionally, it can proliferate in household items such as dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.
What are Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
Some individuals may experience symptoms (2) associated with mold exposure, such as respiratory discomfort, eye irritation, and sinus congestion. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any health concerns. Beyond the respiratory symptoms, mold can also cause fatigue, headaches, nausea, anxiety, depression, brain fog, memory loss and a variety of gut issues. Symptoms vary and can often go undiagnosed.
Research from UC Berkeley School of Public Health shows that childhood exposure to household mold increases the risk of asthma, with nearly 11% of children in mold-exposed homes affected compared to 7% in non-exposed homes. 3 Studies have also identified specific molds like Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis, and Penicillium variabile in water-damaged homes as risk factors for asthma development by age 7 in high-risk infants. 4 5
How we can help mitigate mold toxicity?
At Reset, we offer a variety of supportive services that may assist in addressing health concerns related to mold exposure. Each service is designed to align with your individual wellness needs. It is important to note that we encourage you to meet with your doctor for a correct diagnosis and discussion of treatment options.
Vitamin IVs and Vitamin Shots: Glutathione can help via an intramuscular shot offered at Reset or a nutrient infusion. Glutathione plays a major role in detoxifying your mold mycotoxins and raising these master detoxifying antioxidant levels allows your liver to function optimally and reduce the risk of mitochondrial damage.
Oral Supplements: There are many oral supplement blends that help with mold detoxification and glutathione that can be taken orally. Reset health coaches can help guide you to resources to select the right pre and probiotics to aid in gut health.
Salt Therapy: Also called Halotherapy, Salt Therapy has been confirmed in clinical trials as an effective option for relieving symptoms and improving functional parameters in sinusitis, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, mild and moderate asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These same studies indicate salt therapy should be recommended as a complementary therapy in patients with prolonged exposure to indoor air dampness and mold. Salt therapy can lower inflammation in the respiratory tract and to break up mold spores in lung cavities. Practicing a series of breathing exercises will also aid in cleansing the lungs. We just will remind you that using salt therapy during an asthmatic flare-up is not recommended.
Infrared Sauna: The use of near, far, and mid rays help restore the body’s ecosystem. The sauna encourages cardiovascular health with new oxygenated blood flow to cells to help reduce inflammation caused by mold. The heat waves penetrate the skin more deeply than traditional saunas, allowing for the removal of a more significant amount of toxins. Your skin is your largest organ, so pushing out toxins by sweating is a great strategy. We commonly see clients referred by their Doctors utilize the infrared sauna two or three times per week to achieve desired results.
NuCalm: If you’re experiencing fatigue, depression or anxiety, NuCalm can help you achieve restorative rest for your body and in calming your parasympathetic nervous system.
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References
- Mold and Health Effects: National Institute of Health (NIH). Mold: Health Effects
- Mold Exposure and Health Effects: Lee, J. H., & Kim, H. J. (2018). “Mold-related health issues: A review of available literature.” Environmental Health and Toxicology, 33, e20180032. PubMed
- Childhood Mold Exposure and Asthma: UC Berkeley School of Public Health. “New research shows link between childhood exposure to mold and asthma.” Link
- Specific Molds and Asthma Risk: University of Cincinnati. “Study Finds Infants Exposed to Specific Molds Have Higher Asthma Risk.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Link
- Household Mold and Childhood Respiratory Diseases: Journal of Thoracic Disease. “Household mold exposure in association with childhood asthma and allergies.” Link
- Mold Exposure During Infancy: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. “Infants Exposed to Specific Molds Have Higher Asthma Risk.” Link
- Health Effects of Mold Exposure: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Detoxification Process: National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Infrared Sauna Benefits: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Role of Antioxidants: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- IV Therapy Insights: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
- Ozone Therapy Information: Ozone Therapy Research
- Synergistic Effects of Detoxification: Natural Medicine Journal