Could MOLD Be Compromising Your Health?

My Story

I lived in a house with black mold. All five of us in my family did. We all became super sick and manifested in our own unique way. Between the 5 of us, we had a combination of migraines, brain fog, chronic sinus infections, allergies, itchy skin, anxiety, depression, and constipation. One of us developed chemical sensitivities, too. It wasn’t until we actually physically left our custom-built home of only 4 years, that we began to heal.

In addition, it wasn’t just mold that was impacting our health. We had also been getting hit with EMF’s and WiFi around the clock. As a result, our detoxification pathways were compromised. We had blood sugar imbalances, hormonal imbalances, and we had developed several infections. We stayed in that house while trying different healing modalities, but that never worked. What worked, was finally leaving, and then taking the right steps towards healing. 

Fast forward to today, we are all thriving. Me, personally, I have taken our traumatic experience and turned it into my life’s purpose. Next to raising children, THIS is what fills my heart every day as I get to guide others who are struggling with mold toxicity and don’t know what to do. So if you think mold exposure from either a current or past exposure is impacting your life, you’re in the right place. I invite you to book a complimentary discovery session with me.

Mold Illness is Growing

Mold illness has existed since humans have been living inside buildings, but mold illness symptoms haven’t been so obvious until more recently. All it takes is 24 - 48 hours for a water-damaged space to become moldy. According to the latest statistics, over 50% of the buildings in just the U.S. alone, are water damaged and could very well be moldy. In addition, Richie Shoemaker, M.D., the doctor who discovered the mold gene, says that 25% of the population carries one of the HLA-DR mold genes, making 1 out of every 4 people genetically susceptible to becoming ill when exposed to a water-damaged building. 

The reason we are hearing of more and more mold cases these days is because we are living at a time in which we are faced with a daily onslaught of 80,000+ chemicals in the environment, including glyphosate and other herbicides and pesticides. There are heavy metals in our soil and plastics everywhere; our food isn’t real food anymore; our water is contaminated. We have smart meters that cause cancer. We use microwave ovens that emit low-dose radiation just by being plugged in; we wear smartwatches and have smart houses that emit harmful frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The list goes on and on and on. 

We didn’t always have all these toxins. We have created these toxins and the world we have today. I call them “modern conveniences.” Our bodies were NEVER meant to process so many toxins. THIS is why we are becoming a sicker society, a sicker world. This is why we are having more mold cases. Our toxic load is overflowing; our bodies can’t handle it. And conventional medicine DOES NOT have answers. Conventional medicine treats symptoms — with medication.

Symptoms of Mold Illness - 4 Categories

1. Neurological Symptoms: A key characteristic of mold illness is its potential impact on the brain and endocrine system. These symptoms can include:

• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating: Mold toxins can impact cognitive function, leading to memory problems, confusion, and difficulty focusing on tasks.

• Fatigue and weakness: Mold illness can cause extreme fatigue and a feeling of overall weakness, often leading to reduced stamina and productivity.

Headaches and migraines: Persistent or recurring headaches, including migraines, can be a symptom of mold exposure.

2. Respiratory Symptoms: Mold spores and mycotoxins (the by-product of mold) can trigger various respiratory issues. Common symptoms include: 

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or a sensation of breathlessness can occur, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.

• Coughing and wheezing: Mold exposure can irritate the airways, leading to persistent coughing and wheezing.

• Sinus congestion and sore throat: Mold can cause nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and a sore throat, mimicking the symptoms of a common cold or allergies.

3. Fatigue and General Malaise:

• Chronic fatigue: Mold toxins can disrupt the body’s energy production, leading to persistent fatigue and a lack of motivation.

• Muscle and joint pain: Individuals with mold illness often report experiencing muscle aches, joint pain, and stiffness.

• Increased sensitivity: People with mold illness may develop heightened sensitivity to light, noise, and certain smells.

4. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Digestive issues can also arise as a result of mold exposure. Some common gastrointestinal symptoms include: 

• Nausea and vomiting: Mold toxins can irritate the stomach lining, leading to feelings of nausea and occasional vomiting.

• Abdominal pain and bloating: Mold illness may cause discomfort, pain, and bloating in the abdominal region.

• Diarrhea or Constipation: Fluctuations in bowel movements, including diarrhea or constipation, can occur due to mold exposure.

How Does Mold Show Up In Children?

Mold illness in children can manifest in various ways, often resembling common health issues, making it challenging to diagnose. Children don’t have a fully developed immune system, so being exposed to viruses and bacteria and getting sick is part of what builds up their immune system.

However, sometimes getting sick often can mean mold exposure, especially if we see skin issues, like rashes, peeling skin, sensitive skin, eczema, itching, acne, psoriasis, and fungal rashes.

Mold can also impact the behavior of children and adolescents. This can show up as ADHD, sleep disturbances, fussiness in babies, inattentiveness, and difficulty paying attention.

Oher symptoms of mold in children are related to gut health and sinus issues, as mold can colonize in both the gut and the sinus cavities. These symptoms can show up as colic, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, ear infections, throat infections, strep throat infections, food allergies or intolerances, allergies, asthma, headaches, brain fog, irritable bowel and more. 

So What Do I Do If I Think I Have Been Exposed To Mold?

First, and foremost, you would need to remove yourself from the moldy environment. Without doing this, it would be impossible to fully heal. 

If you cannot remove yourself from the moldy environment right away, there are some things you can do immediately to start feeling better:

1. Invest in a HEPA vacuum. A HEPA vacuum is designed to capture and trap tiny particles, including mold particles, common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, as small as 0.3 microns in size, with a 99.97% efficiency. This significantly improves indoor air quality and you would be breathing in fewer mold spores. 

2. Invest in a HEPA Air Filter. A HEPA air filter can offer various advantages for improving indoor air quality and overall well-being. These air filters can capture and trap particles as small as 0.3 microns with a 00.97% efficiency. This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and other airborne allergens, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe. Cleaner air can lead to better sleep quality as it reduces potential irritants that might disrupt sleep for sensitive individuals. Some HEPA filters come with additional activated carbon or charcoal layers, which can help capture and remove VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) and other harmful gases from the air. My favorite air filters are from Intellipure or Air Doctor.

3. Open your windows as much as possible and spend as much time outdoors as you can.

4. Should you become constipated, consider the following:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Increase water intake. 

• Mold depletes our ability to absorb our minerals. To optimize your mineral intake, you can add BEAM MINERALS to your daily routine. These are completely natural mineral fulvic and humic complexes in liquid form! Fulvic and humic complexes are natural minerals that offer remarkable benefits for human health. They aid in the detoxification process, helping to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, while also enhancing nutrient absorption by increasing cell permeability. Additionally, these complexes support immune function, provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage, and can improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. Use Code: PAULINA20 for 20% off.

• Consider using NDF Pooper to support bowel movements (kids and adults can use this). Use code PF10 for 10% off all BioRay products.

• Try a Squatty Potty when using the bathroom. Link here!

• Get to the ROOT cause of why you are having constipation by working with me or another functional practitioner.

The next step would be to test both your body and your home for mold/mycotoxins. Even if you move out, you could still have mycotoxins built up in you, colonized in your sinuses and organs. This is why testing is essential. People who have been exposed to mold and don’t realize it, often get used to living with their symptoms and living with their meds. It doesn’t have to be this way. You CAN live a life full of happiness and health. It IS possible. You DESERVE to be well!

For more information, and to see if we would be a good fit to work together, consider filling out my consultation form here. I would LOVE to hear from you! Please check out my e-Book,The Vitality Vault: Essential Biohacks for Beating Fatigue for a Better You.

Love,

Paulina

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