Focus Areas

What is Toxic Mold?

Toxic mold refers to certain types of mold that produce mycotoxins, which are harmful compounds that can cause a range of health issues when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.

These toxins aren’t just allergens — they can be neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, and inflammatory, especially with long-term exposure.

Common Symptoms of Mold Toxicity

Mold illness can mimic many other conditions and is often misdiagnosed. Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue & brain fog

• Sinus congestion & chronic headaches

• Coughing or shortness of breath

• Skin rashes & histamine reactions

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, IBS symptoms)

• Joint or muscle pain

• Increased chemical or food sensitivities

Typical Sources of Mold Exposure

You don’t have to see mold to be affected by it. It can grow in hidden places, especially where moisture is present.

• Water-damaged buildings

• Bathrooms, basements, attics

• HVAC systems

• Behind drywall, under flooring

• Contaminated foods (grains, coffee, nuts, dried fruits)

Who Is More Susceptible?

While mold can affect anyone, some people are more vulnerable due to:

• HLA-DR gene variant – ~25% of people have this gene and detox mycotoxins poorly

• Compromised detox pathways (e.g. sluggish liver, gut dysbiosis)

• Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions

• High stress or poor sleep – weakens the immune system

• Previous mold exposure – can "sensitize" the body

How I Test for Mold in the Body

To determine if mold is affecting your health, I use urine mycotoxin testing — a functional lab test that screens for specific types of mycotoxins being excreted by the body.

This test helps us answer:

• Are mycotoxins present in your system?

• Which molds are involved?

• How high is your toxic burden?

The results allow us to create a targeted detox and recovery plan that supports your gut, immune system, and detox organs.

Ready to Get Answers?

If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms or have a history of mold exposure, let’s explore whether toxic mold is part of the puzzle.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation today to determine whether you are dealing with mold illness!

What Is Optimal Gut Health?

In functional medicine, a healthy gut is about more than just being “regular.” Optimal gut health means:

• Efficient digestion and nutrient absorption

• A diverse and balanced gut microbiome

• Intact gut lining (no leaky gut)

• Healthy immune regulation (70% of your immune system lives in the gut!)

• Minimal inflammation and no overgrowth of pathogens

Common Signs of Gut Dysfunction

Gut issues don’t always show up as digestive symptoms alone. Some signs your gut may need support include:

• Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea

• Heartburn or acid reflux

• Food sensitivities or intolerances

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Skin issues like acne, eczema, or rashes

• Anxiety, depression, or mood swings

• Joint pain or autoimmune flares

• Hormonal imbalances or PMS

• Histamine reactions or seasonal allergies

What Causes Gut Dysfunction?

Functional medicine looks for the root cause — not just symptom relief. Common triggers of gut imbalances include:

Dysbiosis

An imbalance between good and harmful bacteria in the gut. Often caused by stress, poor diet, antibiotics, or toxins.

Parasites

Intestinal parasites can cause chronic symptoms and are often overlooked. Even low-grade infections can affect gut integrity and immune function.

Bacterial Overgrowths (like SIBO)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria that should stay in the colon migrate to the small intestine, causing gas, bloating, and food intolerances.

Fungal Overgrowths (like Candida)

Overgrowth of yeast or mold species like Candida albicans can lead to sugar cravings, fatigue, skin issues, and more.

Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)

When the gut lining becomes damaged, toxins and food particles can "leak" into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses and inflammation.

How I Assess Gut Function

I use comprehensive testing to pinpoint the source of dysfunction so we can tailor a plan specifically for your needs.

Stool Testing (GI-MAP)

This test looks at:

• Levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria

• Presence of parasites, fungi, and viruses

• Inflammation and immune markers

• Digestive enzymes and gut barrier function

SIBO Breath Testing (when appropriate)

Used to detect hydrogen and methane gas levels to confirm SIBO and guide treatment.

Next Steps

If you’re struggling with chronic symptoms, your gut might be at the root. With the right testing and support, healing is possible.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation today so we can determine the root of your digestive issues!

Why Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many modern health issues — from fatigue and joint pain to gut dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, and brain fog.

An anti-inflammatory diet helps to:

• Calm the immune system

• Support gut healing

• Balance blood sugar

• Reduce pain and swelling

• Support mood, energy, and hormone function

• Promote long-term disease prevention

What Can This Diet Help Improve?

This approach is foundational in functional medicine and can help with:

• Autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s, RA, etc.)

• Chronic fatigue and brain fog

• Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, leaky gut)

• Skin problems (eczema, acne, psoriasis)

• Joint pain or stiffness

• Mood disorders like anxiety or depression

• Metabolic issues (weight gain, insulin resistance)

Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

You don’t need to have a diagnosis to be inflamed. Common signs include:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Headaches or migraines

• Muscle or joint pain

• Digestive discomfort

• Skin flare-ups

• Puffy face or eyes

• Brain fog or poor concentration

• Frequent infections or slow healing

Foods to Focus On 

These support healing, reduce inflammation, and nourish the gut:

• Colorful vegetables (leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, squash, beets)
• Low-glycemic fruits (berries, citrus, apples)
• Wild-caught fish & pasture-raised meats
• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, coconut oil, nuts/seeds)
• Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir – if tolerated)
• Herbs & spices (turmeric, ginger, rosemary, cinnamon)
• Bone broth & collagen-rich foods
• Filtered water & anti-inflammatory teas (ginger, chamomile, green tea)

Foods to Avoid 

These can trigger or worsen inflammation:

• Refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup
• Processed and packaged foods
• Industrial seed oils (canola, soy, corn, safflower)
• Gluten (especially wheat)
• Dairy (especially conventional forms)
• Excess alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives

Need Support Getting Started?

This diet can feel overwhelming at first — but it’s one of the most powerful steps toward long-term healing. I help you tailor an anti-inflammatory plan that works for your lifestyle, symptoms, and root causes.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation today to see how I can help you!