When Mold Is Your Problem

For months, I felt like I was losing my mind. Debilitating fatigue, puffy eyes, and a foggy brain plagued me daily. Even my acupuncturist noticed something was off. It made no sense. I was eating a whole-food diet, didn’t drink, cut out coffee, exercised, and meditated daily. Little did I know, the culprit lurked silently within the walls of my own home. A years-long hidden plumbing leak which in the last two months turned into a major one had created the perfect breeding ground for toxic mold, slowly affecting myself and my family from the inside out.

Even all three of my dogs were presenting with symptoms that were out of character. All of us were slow to get out of bed in the morning when we normally were up walking to watch the sunrise. And each one of them was having issues with their drainage pathways. One started to get tear stains. Another had a fungal spot on his flank, and the oldest one started to get black dots on her abdomen similar to what puppies get. And my partner who has a strong constitution and never gets sick mentioned he was starting to see mild digestive constraints.

Leading up to this we had been smelling an odor coming from our plumbing. We thought it was just a matter of “cleaning” them out so we utilized products to purge the drains. It all came to a peak when we noticed the odors were strong and not going away so my partner went under the house to discover that the plumbing to our toilet had failed.

Luckily enough, we caught it in time and within a period of two and a half weeks we had one hundred percent of our cast iron pipes replaced. The bathroom wall was patched up, flooring and toilet replaced and they treated the crawlspace under our house to address any mold present.

My journey from confusion to clarity not only restored our health but also opened my eyes to a hidden danger many of us unknowingly face. This is why I’m sharing my story – to help others recognize the insidious symptoms of mold toxicity and reclaim their lives, just as I did.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments. It reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can be inhaled or come into contact with skin. While some molds are benign or even beneficial (like those used in cheese production), others can produce mycotoxins that pose serious health risks to humans and animals.

10 Common Mold Exposure Symptoms

Mold exposure can lead to a wide range of health issues. Here are ten common symptoms:

a) Respiratory problems: Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are common, especially in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

b) Allergic reactions: Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes are typical allergic responses to mold spores.

c) Skin irritation: Rashes or hives may develop upon contact with mold or in response to airborne spores.

d) Headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches can be a sign of mold exposure.

e) Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or chronic fatigue may be linked to mold toxicity.

f) Cognitive issues: Often referred to as “brain fog,” symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion.

g) Joint pain: Some individuals report joint pain or stiffness associated with mold exposure. This feeling of heaviness is often referred to when we talk about the “Damp” pathogen in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I can now say I know what “damp” feels like. My body felt heavy especially in the mornings.

h) Digestive problems: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and other gastrointestinal issues may occur.

i) Mood changes: Anxiety, depression, or irritability can be exacerbated by mold toxicity.

j) Weakened immune system: Frequent infections or a general feeling of being unwell may indicate mold-related immune suppression.

Signs of Mold in the House

Identifying mold in your home is crucial for addressing the problem. Look out for:

• Visible mold growth: Often appears as black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Musty odors: A persistent earthy or damp smell can indicate hidden mold. If there is odor, there is damp.
• Water stains or discoloration: These can be signs of moisture problems leading to mold growth.
• Peeling wallpaper or paint: Moisture behind walls can cause these issues and promote mold growth. We had our walls redone four years ago in our bathroom thinking it was tied to ventilation and the shower. We also had our roof replaced during the same time with a new sunlight. This seemed to have corrected the issues but we never thought at the time to check under our house too.
• Warping of wood: Excessive moisture can cause wood to warp, potentially indicating mold.
• Cracking of tiles: We had a tile crack in our bathroom. We thought it was due to an earthquake when in fact it was the first sign that moisture was getting into the floor.
• Mold growing in the toilet tanks.
• Rusty nails in the bolts that attach from the toilet to the floor. Since our house is about seventy-five years old (and it was the original toilet) we thought it was just due to age.
• Mold that grows under the rim of the toilet.
• Mold that grows on material in the same room where mold may be present such as backpacks, or old jackets.
• Increased allergy symptoms at home: If symptoms worsen indoors, mold might be present.
• Condensation on windows or pipes: This creates an ideal environment for mold growth.
• High humidity levels in the rooms that feels “damp”
• Odors that are damp or musky

Foods to Eat When Recovering from Mold Exposure

A nutrient-rich diet can support the body’s detoxification processes:

For Both Humans and Dogs

• Leafy greens: Rich in chlorophyll, which may help detoxify the body.
• Garlic and ginger: Contains sulfur compounds that support liver function (in small amounts).
• Aromatic Herbs: Basil, mint, parsley, cilantro and celery.
• Coconut oil: Contains caprylic acid, which has antifungal properties.
• Pomegranate arils: Helps to flush out toxins through the urinary tract and purify blood urea nitrogen.
• Blueberries and blackberries: Rich antioxidants help neutralize free radicals and help protect liver cells. Polyphenols to help reduce inflammation associated with toxin buildup.
  

For Humans Only

• Citrus fruits: High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.
• Herbs and spices: Particularly turmeric and ginger for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Probiotic-rich foods: Miso, kimchee, yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut to support gut health.
• Wild-caught fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation.
• Nuts and seeds: Provide essential minerals and healthy fats

How to Clean Areas Affected by Mold

When dealing with mold, safety should be the primary concern:

1. Wear protective gear: N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection.
2. Isolate the area: Seal off the affected room to prevent spore spread.
3. Remove porous materials: Carpets, drywall, and insulation often need to be discarded.
4. Clean hard surfaces: Use a mixture of water and detergent or a commercial mold cleaner.
5. Disinfect: After cleaning, use a solution of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
6. Dry thoroughly: Use dehumidifiers and fans to ensure the area is completely dry.
7. Address the moisture source: Fix leaks or ventilation issues to prevent future mold growth.
8. Consider professional help: For large areas or if you have health concerns. We had the whole crawlspace under our house treated to address the small mold growth present.

The Body Has An Amazing Capacity To Heal

When we found the leak, my partner moved quickly. Luckily for us, our neighbor had contacts through his family’s business and all of the repairs were lined up immediately. We moved out of our bedroom (which was connected to the affected bathroom) to sleep on the sofa and almost immediately, we started to feel better. Mornings were no longer slow; we were bounding out of bed once again to watch the sunrise. My dog’s tear stains began to dry up. The weird skin issues we were all experiencing were resolved. Digestive functions (for the humans) normalized. My puffy eyes improved, and the brain fog and fatigue disappeared.

The plumber reported that the 75 year old cast iron pipes had cracks, but it was really the bathroom leak from the original toilet that came with the house that had become the main problem. While it was an expensive repair, we are grateful that it has all been resolved. We’re breathing a sigh of relief that our house is back in order.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

As I reflect on the calm energy that is back in our home. I am humbled and grateful that everyone is exhibiting a level of health that gives me peace. And I am reminded at how the body has the most amazing capacity to heal when obstacles are removed.

Wishing you, your families and dogs good health!

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