Got the Black Mold Touch?
“Jack, your labs show high levels of Stachybotrys chartarum—better known as the black mold of death.”
“Jack, your labs show high levels of Stachybotrys chartarum—better known as the black mold of death.”
I finally got the answer I’d been searching for.
After years of feeling sick, foggy, and out of sync with my own body—and having no explanation for why—one doctor finally showed me I wasn’t crazy.
I had toxic mold in me. And it was quietly sabotaging my life.
Why Mold Matters (And Why You Should Care)
Mold can really ruin someone’s life.
For me, it sent me on one of the longest roadmaps I’ve ever been on. From being a biohacker with pristine energy, vitality, and testosterone, I ended up feeling shriveled, exhausted, and less like myself after this mold exposure.
That’s because mold is known to affect so many systems of the body. It can:
Hijack your mitochondria (the engines of your cells), draining your energy.
Wreak havoc on your hormones and immune system.
Trigger autoimmune conditions and amplify things like Lyme disease and CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
Show up as depression, anxiety, brain fog, or fatigue—without you ever realizing mold is behind the scenes.
If you’ve tried everything—diet tweaks, workouts, supplements—and you still feel flat, this might be the missing piece.
My Mission (And What You’ll Take Away)
As a holistic health enthusiast for the last 5+ years, I used to believe more energy = more hacks. More sunlight, more grounding, more cold plunge!!
But this mold journey humbled me.
It taught me that sustainable energy doesn’t come from piling on more; it comes from removing what’s blocking it—environmental toxins, parasites, yeast/fungus, and most importantly, mold.
Yes, the biohacks are amazing and we’ll be stacking them plenty on this journey, but in order for me to heal I had to clear the weeds from the roots and pair that with a more compassionate, holistic strategy that took months to figure out.
I want to teach you how to figure this out if you’re feeling off and don’t know where to start.
I want you to have access to the best mold‑literate doctors, the pros who remediate homes safely, and the tools that actually help.
If you see mold on your wall but don’t know how to remove it or keep it gone, I’ll point you to trusted pros.
If you want supplements to support your immune system or keep common co‑infections (Candida, Lyme, EBV) at bay, I’ll show you what I’m using.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to recognize hidden signs of mold.
How to test your home and your body (without wasting money).
The best tools for detox and recovery (binders, saunas, air filters, gut repair).
The top bioavailable supplements and why quality matters.
Where to find mold‑literate doctors and trustworthy remediation.
Moldy foods to avoid (and safer swaps).
How to prevent mold from coming back—so you protect yourself, your family, and your space.
📌 Resource: For more background on how environmental toxins impact health, check out the Institute for Functional Medicine’s overview.
How to Use This Guide (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Making this article, I can see how overwhelming it is.
The solutions page takes 10 minutes to read, and if you bought everything at once it would cost an arm and a leg. I didn’t do all of this at once. It took years.
I want to help you streamline the process by offering the tools that move the needle without wrecking your body or your wallet—one small win at a time.
That might mean booking a call with a mold consultant, ordering an air filter, or simply adding electrolytes to your water. Pick the one thing that feels most doable. Apply it.
Let your body respond. Then stack the next step if you want to.
Over time, these shifts compound. You’ll breathe easier. Your gut will repair. Your brain fog will fade. And your energy will come back in a way you forgot was possible.
This is everything I’ve learned about mold—and what I’m doing to protect my home and detox it from my body.
Let’s dive right in!
Mold: The Hidden Toxin That’s More Serious Than You Think
Mold is fungi.
Think mushrooms or the forest floor.
Outdoors, it’s part of nature’s cleanup crew. Indoors, it can become one of the biggest health issues we face.
Research from Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker suggests that a significant share of homes have enough mold to cause health problems, and roughly 25% of people are genetically wired to react more severely to mold exposure. Surviving Mold
We get sick because mold releases mycotoxins—toxins produced by molds.
Not all mycotoxins are created equal. Certain trichothecenes from Stachybotrys chartarum—the “black mold of death”—are more damaging than common food mycotoxins.
That’s why two people can live in the same house—one feels fine, while the other develops fatigue, brain fog, or autoimmune flare‑ups.
And it’s not just homes.
Many foods are contaminated with mold, too. Grains, coffee, and peanuts often sit in damp silos for months. The mold might be killed during processing, but the mycotoxins remain—and your body has to deal with them.
📊 Fact Check: A 2021 review in Frontiers in Immunology found that mycotoxins can damage nearly every system of the body—gut, brain, nervous system, liver, and immune system—leading to long‑term chronic illness. [NIH/PMC link]
A lot is going on with mold. It’s in our homes, in our foods—but how does it make us sick, and where does it “hide” in the body?
Why Mold Toxins Stay in Your Body for So Long
One of the biggest problems with mold is that the toxins it releases don’t just leave quickly.
Depending on your genetics and detox pathways, they can hang around for months—or even years.
1) Mold toxins hide in fat and the nervous system
Most mycotoxins are fat‑soluble.
They get stored in body fat and the nervous system (including the brain). Once lodged there, they can keep triggering brain fog, mood swings, and fatigue long after the initial exposure.
2) The “toxic loop” (enterohepatic circulation)
Even when your liver processes toxins and dumps them into bile, the story doesn’t end there.
Mycotoxins get caught in enterohepatic circulation:
The liver processes toxins and pushes them into bile.
Bile enters the intestines.
If gut health is poor, toxins get reabsorbed into the bloodstream instead of being eliminated.
This creates a vicious loop—mycotoxins keep circulating, fueling chronic inflammation and immune stress.
📊 Fact Check: Research shows that ochratoxin A, a common mycotoxin, can have a long half‑life in the body—meaning it can circulate for months without the right detox tools.
Bottom line: Without breaking this toxic loop and supporting your detox pathways, mold toxins can stay locked in your system for the long haul.
How Mold Toxins Damage Your Body
To geek out a bit, here’s how our biology reacts to toxic mold—and why so many systems go haywire.
Inflammation runs hot
Mycotoxins trigger inflammatory molecules like IL‑1, IL‑6, and TNF‑alpha. Prolonged activation is linked to mood and sleep problems in mold‑exposed patients. [Frontiers/PubMed link]
Who feels like crying on the couch all day sometimes? Me. 🙋♂️
They poison mitochondria
Mold toxins attack mitochondria—the tiny “batteries” inside cells that create energy (ATP). That’s why the fatigue in mold illness is “next‑level.” You’re metabolically drained. No amount of coffee or naps fixes it.
📊 Stat to remember: In one cohort of patients with chronic fatigue linked to mold, over 90% tested positive for multiple mycotoxins.
They dismantle detox pathways
Glutathione—the body’s master antioxidant—gets depleted.
Liver enzymes struggle to keep up.
Bile flow slows down, which means toxins linger longer instead of being flushed out.
That’s why mold illness often looks like a string of weird symptoms: waking up hungover without alcohol, bloodshot eyes that never clear, or catching colds more often than your friends.
They scramble hormones
Mold disrupts the HPA axis (brain–adrenal stress response).
That throws cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormones out of rhythm—cue stubborn weight, afternoon crashes, and mood swings.
They wreck your gut
Chronic exposure shifts the microbiome, reducing the diversity of protective bacteria.
Many mold patients also test positive for Candida or SIBO. Gas, bloating, food sensitivities, sinus infections—it’s all part of the same cascade.
When you zoom out, it makes sense why mold illness feels overwhelming.
It’s not just one problem. It’s a chain reaction that derails energy production, immune balance, hormone regulation, and gut health—all at once.
The Sidekicks of Mold: Secondary Infections
On my call, I learned I didn’t just have mold.
I had serious Candida (a fungal overgrowth that releases dozens of toxins), plus biomarkers for Lyme and Epstein–Barr.
How did it all pile on?
Because mold can suppress the immune system and open the door for pathogens.
My doctor, Dr. David Morcom (Integrative Wellness Fx), explained that with mold toxicity, your immune system gets knocked down.
That leaves room for viruses and bacteria to flare.
Two of the most common issues are Candida in the gut and MARCoNS in the sinuses, with viral and bacterial reactivations (like Epstein–Barr and Lyme).
1) Candida overgrowth (gut)
Mold toxins disrupt the microbiome, creating an environment where Candida thrives. Once Candida takes over, it produces its own toxins like acetaldehyde—adding to the body’s burden.
Feels like: Gas, bloating, sugar cravings, brain fog, skin rashes, stubborn fatigue.
📖 Science: Reviews show that mold exposure can disrupt gut bacteria and pave the way for opportunists like Candida to flourish.
💡 Resource: Read my full Candida article
2) MARCoNS (sinuses)
Multiple Antibiotic‑Resistant Coagulase‑Negative Staphylococci: a biofilm‑forming bacteria that loves weakened immune systems and hides deep in nasal passages.
Feels like: Constant congestion, post‑nasal drip, sinus headaches, lingering “cold.”
💡 Resource: Dr. John Lieurance (Advanced Rejuvenation) has a 30‑day MARCoNS sinus protocol to rebalance nasal passages.
3) Epstein–Barr Virus and Lyme
Mold doesn’t cause these, but it lowers defenses that normally keep them quiet.
Feels like: Swollen glands, crushing fatigue, migrating joint pain, neurological symptoms.
Takeaway: True mold recovery is more than detox. You often have to support the gut, clear Candida, and address sinus infections too.
How Mold Relates to CIRS and Autoimmunity
For some, mold exposure snowballs into CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).
I carry gene variants that increase this risk—good to discuss with your doctor.
The genetics behind CIRS
Roughly 25% of the population carries HLA gene variants that make it harder to clear biotoxins.
Instead of tagging toxins for removal, the immune system stays hyper‑activated—like a smoke alarm blaring after the fire is out.
📖 Science: Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s research links these HLA variants to mold‑related illness and chronic inflammation. Surviving Mold
Without addressing both the environment (source of mold) and the body (how toxins are processed), inflammation can spiral into autoimmunity.
Conditions like Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and even multiple sclerosis have been tied to chronic mold‑related inflammation.
Resources for testing & support:
Shoemaker Protocol testing: HLA genetics, VCS eye test, TGF‑β1, C4a, MMP‑9, etc. Surviving Mold
Why Mold Illness Gets Missed So Often
“Jack, if mold is so serious, why aren’t more doctors talking about it?” Fair question.
1) Limited training
Most medical curricula don’t cover mold, mycotoxins, or environmental illness in depth. Even brilliant clinicians may not connect the dots.
📖 Science: A review in Toxins found that despite strong evidence linking mold to chronic illness, “diagnostic awareness remains low among general practitioners.” PMC Source
2) Symptoms mimic other diseases
Fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, IBS—these can be written off as stress, aging, or something else unless a clinician knows the patterns.
“There are millions of people suffering from mold toxicity that don’t know it because it’s going majorly undiagnosed,” said Dr. Neil Nathan.
3) Standard labs often miss it
Conventional panels usually don’t detect mycotoxins or the immune dysregulation they cause. Patients are told “everything’s normal”—and sent home with antidepressants, allergy meds, or “more rest.”
💬 Dr. Andy Heyman (A4M): Many patients remain chronically ill despite good diets and treatments—often until mold or biotoxin exposure is considered.”
📖 Science: Studies show conventional labs often miss biotoxin‑related illness later confirmed as CIRS. [Add link]
Bottom line: Mold illness gets missed because it isn’t taught, it mimics other diseases, it often hides from sight, and standard tests fail to catch it. Self‑education, functional medicine, and mold‑literate doctors change the game.
What We’ve Learned So Far
Mold isn’t a nuisance—it’s a full‑body disruptor that hijacks your energy, hormones, gut, and brain.
It can linger for years, trigger secondary infections, and even spiral into chronic disease.
The good news: mold illness is not a life sentence. With the right testing, the right tools, and the right support, you can break the toxic loop.
Even if you only take one or two steps from this guide, you’ll build momentum in the right direction.
The Solutions
Step 1: Build a Mold‑Free Environment
Mold illness is an environmental problem first. Stop ongoing exposure and you give your body a chance to heal.
Mold‑Free Home Starter Kit
HEPA air filter / air scrubber
Your air carries more than mold—dust, VOCs, traffic pollution, fragrances. A high‑quality filter lowers daily immune burden and improves sleep and focus.
Mold-Free Home Pick: Jaspr Air Purifier — it’s designed for mold-sensitive homes and backed by studies showing reduced airborne mold spores by 99.97%.
Another option is AirDoctor—cheaper, decent, but not as effective as Jaspr in my experience.
Hygrometer (humidity monitor)
Mold thrives when humidity is high. Keep it between 40–50% so spores can’t multiply. (Affordable option).Dehumidifier
Basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms are mold playgrounds. (Frigidaire and Aprilaire make reliable units)True HEPA vacuum
Normal vacuums spit spores back out. A true HEPA traps them.
Pro pick: Nilfisk GD930 is state of the art.Hydrogen peroxide surface spray (+ probiotics)
A mix of 3% hydrogen peroxide + distilled water in a glass bottle helps at the root. Rotate with a probiotic surface spray (e.g., Homebiotic) to repopulate with safe microbes.Essential oil diffuser
Oregano (carvacrol, thymol), rosemary, lemon, peppermint, clove show antifungal activity. Use organic oils and a glass diffuser.
Pick: Plant Therapy Organic Oils + Organic Aromas Glass Diffuser.
💡 Tip: I diffuse 30–60 minutes when I get home—especially in the living room and bedroom.
“Forever‑chemical‑free” cleaners
Skip formaldehyde, ammonia, synthetic fragrances. Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon work.
Daily: Branch Basics Concentrate + Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap.Bathroom squeegee protocol
Vent fan 30–60 min after showers
Squeegee tiles and glass
Re‑caulk when stained
A drop of oregano or tea tree in grout weekly
Optional monthly ozone cycle (never while inside)
Step 2: Test Your Home for Mold
A room can look spotless and still load you with spores. Testing stops the guesswork.
ERMI / HERTSMI‑2 dust tests
Dust holds your home’s history. DNA‑based testing analyzes it and scores risk for mold‑sensitive folks. More reflective than one‑time air sampling.
Labs: Mycometrics ERMI or EnviroBiomics HERTSMI-2.Professional mold inspectors
If you’ve been sick for months, bring in certified pros. The good ones use moisture mapping, infrared, and HVAC checks.
Trusted: Brian Karr (We Inspect); Michael Rubino (HomeCleanse); Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s resources.Remediation (if needed)
Trusted: HomeCleanse
Step 3: Test Your Body for Mold
Once your home is safe (or you have a remediation plan), assess what’s happening inside you.
Ask your doctor about:
Urine mycotoxin testing
Measures ochratoxin A, aflatoxin, gliotoxin, etc.
Labs: Great Plains MycoTOX or RealTime Labs.CIRS & immune panels
Shoemaker‑style markers: TGF‑β1, C4a, MMP‑9 + VCS eye test.
Resource: Surviving Mold: Diagnostic Panel.Functional medicine workups
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
Comprehensive stool analysis (Candida/Aspergillus)
Micronutrient Panels (glutathione, zinc, selenium)
Mold‑literate doctors who test & treat:
Dr. Neil Nathan — author of Toxic, mold & Lyme specialist (Santa Rosa, CA).
Dr. Andrew Campbell — Houston, TX; mold, mycotoxins, autoimmune focus.
Dr. Matthew Cook — Regenerative medicine, stem cells, mold + Lyme (San Jose, CA).
Dr. John Lieurance — Sarasota, FL; cranial/vagus nervous system repair.
Dr. Beth McDougall, Jyzen Labs — Mill Valley, CA; advanced detox protocols.
Dr. David Morcom — Dallas, TX; bacterial/fungal overgrowth, environmental toxicities, nutrigenomics, and genetic analysis
💡 Tip: Seeing objective labs stopped me from doubting myself. I wasn’t just “stressed”—I had measurable toxins.
Step 4: Open Detox Pathways (before killing anything)
Patience is the hardest part. Mold can lodge in fat cells, the nervous system, lungs, and sinuses.
If you start antifungals and biofilm breakers too early, you’ll stir toxins without clearing them (hello, enterohepatic recirculation).
Start by opening drainage.
A) Foundational support
Detox Support Packets – Designs for Health → Provides the liver with Phase I & II detox nutrients (milk thistle, ALA, minerals) so it can process toxins instead of getting jammed.
Ergo-Thione+ – Quicksilver → A rare “smart antioxidant” that concentrates in damaged tissues, calming the oxidative stress mold and Candida create. Also has Vitamin C, Vitamin A
Minerals & Hydration → Mold toxins mess with electrolytes. I use trace minerals like sea-moss, sea salt, and lemon water daily to stay balanced.
Movement & Circulation → Walking, yoga twists, dry brushing, and rebounding (mini trampoline) move lymph and keep drainage open.
Why it matters: If drainage is blocked, binders just swirl toxins.
Lifestyle habits that moved the needle:
Hot water + lemon + sea salt in the morning.
Daily electrolytes/minerals (e.g., Kaizen)
Sauna 3–4×/week
Sun + grounding daily
Post‑meal walks
Breathwork/yoga/tai‑chi shaking
Sleep optimized (red light, blackout, HEPA, magnesium)
B) Sweat it out
My recommended protocol:
Sauna (infrared if possible): 20–30 minutes, fasted, 3–5x per week.
Cold shower/plunge: 2–5 minutes at 55°F or below to stimulate the immune system, boost feel-good neurotransmitters, and build stress resilience.
Rebounding/bouncing: Gentle movement to keep lymph moving and toxins draining.
📌 Advanced option: Clinics like Jyzen Labs (CA, Dr. Beth McDougall) use sauna combined with IV and ozone therapies for next-level detox.
Why it matters: Mycotoxins are stored in fat. Sweating mobilizes them, and pairing heat with cold + movement helps your body actually eliminate what’s been released instead of reabsorbing it.
C) Fasting & gut rest
Fasting has been practiced for thousands of years for a reason: it creates space for healing.
By pausing food intake, you allow your body to shift energy away from constant metabolism and toward repair, immune function, gut health, and detox pathways.
Too much fasting can backfire, and men and women often need different approaches.
(I wrote about this in my fat-burning article, and also in a piece where I interviewed 15 women in the health space—worth checking out if you’re curious about those nuances).
Intermittent fasting (12–16 hrs): A simple version is finishing dinner by 7 PM and not eating again until 7 AM (12 hours). A longer window might mean skipping breakfast and eating your first meal at 11 AM.
Support digestion: Use bitters, digestive enzymes (I like BiOptimizers MassZymes), and mindful eating habits. The less stress you put on digestion, the more bandwidth your body has for detox.
D) Use binders (with guidance)
Binders act like sponges in the gut, “catching” toxins for elimination.
Quicksilver Ultra Binder (The best one I have found)
Food‑based helpers: cilantro, spirulina, chlorella (as tolerated)
📌 Always use binders with a clinician who understands mold. See the Surviving Mold practitioner list.
E) Advanced medical interventions
I’m all about self‑empowerment and biohacks—but a skilled doctor gave me structure and access to therapies that accelerated recovery.
Right now I’m doing EBOO (extracorporeal blood ozonation) weekly for 3–4 weeks, then monthly. Pairing with IV methylene blue and red light has been powerful for me.
If you’ve been hit hard, consider discussing:
IV phosphatidylcholine (PC) → Repairs cell membranes (supports mitochondria & nerves)
Ozone blood therapy (EBOO) → Reduces microbial/toxin load; big lift in energy/clarity for me
High‑dose vitamin C IVs → Antioxidant support + liver help
Where I go: Raden Wellness (Chicago) with Dr. Raden.
Step 5: Rebuild Gut & Immune System
~70% of immune cells live in the gut lining. Mold toxins weaken that barrier and set the stage for Candida overgrowth, Lyme activation, and CIRS.
Fix the terrain!!!
A) Key support (before anything else)
GI‑Revive → L Glutamine & Citrus Pectin for Digestive Health + Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root & Cat's Claw for Healthy Intestinal Function
NAD+ Platinum – Quicksilver → Supports cellular repair, methylation, and energy, which are all drained by chronic infection and toxins.
The One – Quicksilver → Combines CoQ10, PQQ, and resveratrol to repair mitochondria, restoring energy and helping the gut adapt to stress.
Nordic Naturals Fish Oil → Clean omega-3s reduce inflammation and heal cell membranes, which mold toxins damage.
B) Optimize digestion & elimination
MassZymes → Broad-spectrum enzymes that break down protein so it doesn’t ferment in the gut and feed Candida.
HCL Breakthrough → Restores stomach acid, which sterilizes food and prevents pathogens from hitchhiking into the small intestine.
Gluten Guardian → Breaks down gluten and casein, which otherwise feed fungi and trigger inflammation.
P3-OM → A patented probiotic that digests protein debris and scrubs biofilms, keeping Candida in check.
Why it matters: Strong digestion = less fuel for fungi + more nutrients for you.
C) Target the fungus/microbes (safely)
Only after detox + digestion are solid do I bring in antifungals.
Crypto Co-Max – Quicksilver → A powerhouse antifungal that also targets Lyme + Epstein-Barr, both common co-infections with mold.
Candid-Away – DaVinci Labs → Berberine and caprylic acid, two natural compounds that punch holes in fungal cell walls.
D) Reinoculate with good bugs
Floramyces – Designs for Health → Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast that directly competes with Candida for space and food.
P3-OM – BiOptimizers → Keeps scrubbing undigested protein + pathogens, preventing relapse.
Prebiotic foods → Garlic, onions, leeks, flax, Jerusalem artichokes
Fermented foods (moderation) → Sauerkraut, miso, coconut kefir
E) Repair the gut lining
Microbiome Breakthrough – BiOptimizers → Combines IgY antibodies, probiotics, and collagen to repair gut lining and reseed the microbiome.
💡 Deep dive: For much more on Candida, digestion, and gut rebuilding, see my full Candida post + checklist (linked on the homepage). [Add links]
Step 6: Heal Your Brain & Nervous System
Mycotoxins inflame the limbic system (emotional center) and irritate the vagus nerve (rest/digest switch). That’s why mold can feel like anxiety, depression, or hopelessness.
Tools to retrain the system:
A) Limbic system retraining
DNRS (Dynamic Neural Retraining System)
B) Vagus nerve work
Stanley Rosenberg exercises (from Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve)
Cold exposure & gargling
C) Bodywork & physical therapies
Craniosacral therapy
Deep‑tissue massage
Osteopathic cranial work
D) Daily nervous system hygiene
Meditation & mindfulness (10 minutes a day)
Nature exposure
Grounding & sunlight
Journaling & gratitude
Why it matters: If the nervous system stays stuck in fight‑or‑flight, detox stalls and symptoms loop.
Step 7: Avoid Moldy Foods (and upgrade smartly)
Food can either fuel healing or keep the fire burning.
A) Mold‑heavy foods
Blue cheese, brie, gorgonzola; sour cream & buttermilk; smoked/cured meats; mass‑market pickles/olives/soy sauce; cheap coffee.
Why: Mycotoxin risk or residues that inflame mold‑sensitive systems.
B) Sugar & alcohol
Refined sugar feeds mold/Candida. Alcohol (esp. beer/wine) adds sugar and fermentation risks.
C) Upgrade your coffee
Dirty coffee = mold + pesticides. Clean brands test for mycotoxins. (I like Kion, Purity, Bulletproof.) [Add links]
D) Fermented ≠ moldy
Helpful: sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir, yogurt (clean sources).
Tricky: mass‑market soy sauce, vinegar‑based pickles, poorly made kombucha.
E) Mold‑safer eating principles
Fresh organic produce; grass‑fed/pasture‑raised meats (not cured/smoked); stable fats (olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, grass‑fed butter); rotate foods to avoid sensitivities.
💡 Tip: Cutting mold‑heavy foods and sugar was a turning point: less bloat, steadier energy, clearer thinking.
Step 8: Future‑Proof Your Life
Mold is sneaky. Design your environment and habits to prevent re‑exposure.
A) Choose mold‑safer housing
Inspect before renting/buying: water stains, musty smells, past leaks. Consider a certified mold inspection (We Inspect). Ask landlords hard questions.
B) Biological builders & renovation
Work with mold‑aware builders (e.g., HomeCleanse). Prefer lime plaster, hardwood, mold‑resistant insulation. Add whole‑home HEPA + dehumidification.
C) Ongoing defense
Air filters in bedroom + living room (24/7)
Humidity under 50%
Monthly checks: HVAC drip pans, windowsills, basements, bathrooms
Plants (peace lily, ferns, spider plants) for VOCs
D) Daily lifestyle armor
Non‑toxic products (Branch Basics, Dr. Bronner’s); essential oil diffusers (lemon, oregano, “Thieves” blends); water quality (RO + remineralization).
E) Mindset shift
Don’t chase perfection; reduce exposure. Listen to your body. Invest in prevention—it’s cheaper than years of medical bills.
💡 Tip: Future‑proofing isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. Build defense into your environment so you can stop worrying and live.
Resources & References
Doctors & Clinics
Dr. Neil Nathan, MD — Author of Toxic, leading voice on mold, Lyme, and CIRS.
Dr. Andrew Campbell, MD — Houston-based, focuses on mold, mycotoxins, and autoimmune disease.
Dr. Matthew Cook, MD — Regenerative medicine + mold/Lyme specialist (CA).
Dr. John Lieurance, DC — Sarasota, FL; cranial/vagus nerve + mold recovery.
Dr. Beth McDougall, MD – Jyzen Labs — Advanced detox and biohacking therapies (CA).
Books
Toxic — Neil Nathan, MD
The Mold Medic — Michael Rubino
The Mold Survival Guide — Jeffrey May
Mold and Mycotoxins: Current Evaluation and Treatment — Andrew W. Campbell, MD
Websites
Surviving Mold — Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s protocols + CIRS resources.
CIRSx — Research and patient support for CIRS and mold illness.
HomeCleanse — Mold-safe remediation + consulting.
We Inspect – Brian Karr — Trusted mold inspection service.
Testing
ERMI / HERTSMI‑2 (dust DNA) — Mycometrics / EnviroBiomics [Add links]
RealTime Labs — urine mycotoxins [Add link]
Great Plains — MycoTOX [Add link]
Air & Water Solutions
Jaspr Air Purifier — Built for mold-sensitive homes.
AirDoctor — Portable HEPA + carbon filtration.
Branch Basics — Non-toxic cleaning products.
Dr. Bronner’s — Natural soaps + multipurpose cleaners.
Water & Wellness — Reverse osmosis + remineralization systems.
Final Word
This has been a journey to write and revise, but I do it because I care about you.
I’m living this right alongside you—learning, testing, and sharing the best ways forward as I go.
Please let me know how this helped you and how you’ll start. You are not alone in this. Reach out anytime and tell me what I might have missed.
⚠️ Medical disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. I’m sharing my experience with mold toxicity and CIRS. Use this as education and work with a qualified practitioner before starting any detox protocol.
💬 How you can help this community: Tell me what you’ll try first, what confused you, and what you want me to dig into next. Your feedback makes these guides better for everyone.
I’m grateful to my partners who make the biohacks I actually use daily—here’s what I love most:
BiOptimizers – Bioavailable Magnesium & Enzymes for better sleep & digestion
Kion – Essential aminos, Creatine, and toxin free Grass Fed Whey Protein
Kaizen – Organic, mold-free Mushroom Coffee and Sea moss electrolytes
Nootopia – Personalized Nootropics based on your brain chemistry
Water & Wellness – Trace minerals + Superior Water filtration
I have CIRS and MS from black mold.