Does Mold Toxicity Go Away Without Treatment? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re experiencing symptoms like chronic fatigue, headaches, or respiratory problems, you’re not alone. Mold toxicity, also known as mycotoxicosis, can severely affect your well-being. Unfortunately, mold toxicity does not go away on its own without treatment, and many people struggle to find the right solutions because they don’t know where to start.
Why Doesn’t Mold Toxicity Go Away on Its Own?
Some of the more common reasons why mold toxicity does not go away on its own include:
- Many individuals don’t recognize the symptoms of mold toxicity early enough.
- Mold exposure often continues undetected in their living or working spaces.
- The body’s ability to remove mold toxins is overwhelmed.
- Conventional treatments may not address the root cause of the problem.
While mold toxicity will not go away on its own, the good news is that recovery is possible with the right steps. In this blog, I’m going to explain exactly how you can start addressing mold toxicity so you can feel better again. Before we start, it’s important to note that some people may experience symptoms that are far more severe than what is typically found in textbook mold toxicity. This is because approximately 24% of the population has a genetic susceptibility to biotoxins like mold. And in these individuals, the mold exposure may trigger a far more severe and debilitating condition known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
What Is CIRS and How Does Mold Exposure Contribute?
Before we dive into how to address mold toxicity, it’s important to understand Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). CIRS occurs when your body has an abnormal response to mold and other environmental toxins. When most people are exposed to toxins, they will experience temporary symptoms. However, people who are susceptible to CIRS experience a chronic inflammatory response that can affect multiple systems in the body. Their innate immune system remains overactive which leads to ongoing issues such as fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory problems. All of these symptoms mimic the symptoms of mold toxicity. CIRS is more common than you might think, and it’s often linked to mold exposure. Mold toxicity and CIRS often go hand in hand, as mold produces mycotoxins that can trigger this response. To learn more about CIRS and its symptoms, you can check out our guide on identifying CIRS symptoms or read about how CIRS is different from autoimmune diseases.
Step 1: Identify and Remove the Source of Mold Exposure
It’s critical to understand that mold toxicity doesn’t go away on its own—you must first remove the source of your mold exposure. Mold thrives wherever there is moisture—such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Even if you don’t see it, mold may be growing out of sight, like behind walls or under carpets. The bottom line is if you’re living in a space with mold, whether you can see it or not, your body is being continuously exposed to mycotoxins, the toxic substances produced by mold.
What to Do:
- Inspect your home or workplace for signs of mold: Look for black or green spots, particularly in areas with high humidity.
- Consider professional mold testing: If you’re unsure where the mold is hiding, a mold inspection company can help pinpoint hidden mold that might be affecting your health.
- Control moisture: Make sure all areas of your home are properly ventilated, and consider using dehumidifiers in damp spaces like basements and bathrooms.
For example, a friend of mine, Sarah, had been suffering from unexplained fatigue and headaches for months. She finally hired a professional to inspect her house, and they found significant mold growth in the attic. Once the mold was removed, Sarah felt a noticeable improvement in her health within weeks.
The Importance of Removing Mold:
If the mold source isn’t removed, mold toxicity won’t improve. It’s essential to eliminate mold from your environment first.
Step 2: Detoxify Your Body from Mold Toxins
Once the mold is gone, the next critical step is to address the toxic load on your body. Mold toxins can affect your nervous system, immune system, and organs, and your body needs help clearing out these harmful substances. This is where many people go wrong—they think removing the mold alone will be enough, but the toxins can still linger in your body, causing ongoing symptoms.
What to Do:
- Increase your water intake to help flush toxins out through your kidneys and urinary system.
- Support your liver with natural detoxifiers like milk thistle or dandelion root, which help your liver filter out toxins.
- Eat a whole foods diet. Consider a 30-day paleo-reset diet to help ensure your body has the requisite detox support.
When Tom, a client of mine, began detoxifying with a prescribed binder and liver support regimen, he was amazed by the improvements in his symptoms. His fatigue lifted, and he felt more energetic as the toxins were cleared from his system.
Why Detoxification Is Key:
Many people mistakenly think that once the mold is removed, the problem is solved. But unless you address the mycotoxins in your body, they can continue to cause issues like brain fog, fatigue, and respiratory problems.
Step 3: Support Your Immune System for Long-Term Health
The final step is to help your immune system recover. Mold exposure triggers an immune response that makes it harder for your body to fight off future infections and maintain overall health. By supporting your immune system, you’re setting yourself up for long-term wellness.
What to Do:
- Boost gut health by adding probiotics to your diet. The gut plays a vital role in your immune system, and keeping it healthy is crucial to recovering from mold toxicity.
- Support immune function with vitamins like C, D, and zinc, all of which help reduce inflammation and fight infections.
- Engage in regular light exercise to support circulation, helping oxygen and nutrients flow throughout your body while also boosting immune function.
For instance, after my friend Sarah cleared the mold in her home and detoxed, she started a routine that included yoga and immune-supportive supplements. Within a few months, Sarah noticed that her symptoms improved drastically. The fatigue she’d been living with for over a year was finally gone, and she felt stronger and healthier than before.
Long-Term Immune Health:
When mold toxicity is addressed properly, supporting your immune system ensures long-lasting recovery and a reduced risk of future health issues.
Does Mold Toxicity Go Away Without Treatment? The Bottom Line
Mold toxicity isn’t something that simply goes away on its own, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. The three essential steps to overcoming mold toxicity are:
- Remove the source of mold exposure.
- Detoxify your body from mycotoxins.
- Support your immune system and overall health to ensure long-term recovery.
By following these steps, you can rid yourself of the persistent symptoms of mold toxicity and reclaim your health. It may take time, but don’t get discouraged—many people who have struggled with mold toxicity have successfully recovered by following these steps. However, if you are actually dealing with CIRS, these steps will not work. The only way to recover from CIRS is by following the 12 steps of the Shoemaker Protocol. The Shoemaker Protocol is the only scientifically proven method of treating CIRS.
Additional Information on Mold Toxicity and CIRS
If you’re dealing with mold toxicity, make sure CIRS is on your radar. You can check out all of our resources on CIRS here.
Do you think you have CIRS? Book a complimentary 15 minute phone chat with one of our Shoemaker practitioners!
Take Action Now for Your Health
Remember, mold toxicity does not go away on its own, and removing the mold is just the first step. With the right treatment plan, recovery is not only possible but within reach. References:
- American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (2013). “Position Paper: Mold and Human Health.” ACOEM.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2018). “The Impact of Mold on Human Health.” NIH.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (2020). “Mold and Health.” CDC.
Mark Volmer has attained the highest level of Shoemaker Protocol certification, and is one of only two of Canada’s Shoemaker Protocol practitioners. The Shoemaker Protocol is the only scientifically proven method of treating CIRS.
