Tag Archive for: mold toxicity

A Holistic Approach to Overcome PANDAS and PANS Part 3

Part 3: Diagnosis & The Ongoing Debate

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner, Longevity Health Center

 

If you’ve been navigating PANDAS or PANS with your child, you’ve probably already noticed something frustrating: Not everyone agrees on what it is, or how to diagnose it.

Some clinicians believe these conditions are often missed. Others are more cautious and feel the criteria can sometimes be applied too broadly. And in the middle of that debate are families watching very real, very sudden changes in their children.

You might hear phrases like “correlation doesn’t equal causation.” But when a child changes overnight—developing OCD, anxiety, tics, or severe behavioral regression—parents are often left trying to make sense of a pattern that feels very real in front of them.

That gap between lived experience and evolving science is part of what makes this condition so complex.

How PANDAS and PANS Are Diagnosed

One of the most important things to understand is this:

PANDAS and PANS are clinical diagnoses. They are not confirmed by a single lab test.

Instead, they are identified based on a child’s symptom presentation, timing, and medical history.

PANDAS is typically considered when there is:

  • A sudden onset or dramatic worsening of OCD and/or tics
  • A temporal association with a streptococcal infection
  • Supporting clinical history suggesting immune involvement

Labs such as ASO and Anti-DNase B titers may be ordered to evaluate for recent strep exposure, but they are not diagnostic on their own. Antibody levels can vary depending on timing, prior immune response, and whether the infection was recent or partially treated. Negative results can still be misleading because not all children will show elevated or rising levels, even when infection appears to be a trigger.

This means diagnosis cannot rely on labs alone—it requires careful clinical evaluation of symptom timing and pattern.

PANS is diagnosed when there is:

  • A sudden onset of OCD or restrictive eating
  • Along with at least two additional neuropsychiatric or behavioral symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, regression, sleep disruption, or urinary symptoms)
  • No requirement for a known infectious trigger

Because there is no single identifiable cause, PANS is also a clinical syndrome defined by symptom pattern, not a laboratory marker.

Where Testing Fits In

Laboratory testing can still be helpful, but primarily as supporting information, not confirmation of diagnosis.

Testing may be used to explore:

  • Evidence of recent or past infections
  • Immune system activation
  • Inflammatory or metabolic contributors that may be worsening symptoms

However, no lab test currently available can definitively confirm or rule out PANDAS or PANS. These results must always be interpreted in the context of the full clinical picture.

What About the Cunningham Panel and Other Advanced Testing?

You may also hear about the Cunningham Panel, a specialized test developed to evaluate certain antibodies and immune signaling patterns that may be associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms.

It measures markers such as:

  • Anti-dopamine receptor antibodies (D1 & D2)
  • Anti-lysoganglioside antibodies
  • Anti-tubulin antibodies
  • CaMKII activation (a signaling marker related to immune activity in the brain)

The intention is to explore whether immune dysregulation may be contributing to symptoms.

However, there are several important considerations for families:

The Cunningham Panel is not a diagnostic test for PANDAS or PANS, and its clinical reliability remains debated.

It is also:

  • Expensive, often costing close to one thousand dollars
  • May not be covered by insurance
  • Variable in its results, which can shift depending on whether a child is in a symptom flare or relatively stable at the time of testing

Because of this, results may look very different at different points in a child’s journey.

Some clinicians still use the panel as a supportive tool in complex cases, while others do not rely on it due to inconsistency and lack of broad clinical consensus.

A More Accessible Option: Neural Zoomer

Another test some integrative providers may consider is the Neural Zoomer, a broader panel that evaluates immune reactivity to a wide range of brain and nervous system proteins.

This test looks at antibodies associated with:

  • Neuroinflammation
  • Brain and nerve tissue reactivity
  • Neurotransmitter receptors (such as dopamine and GABA)
  • Blood–brain barrier integrity
  • Infection-related immune responses

Because it casts a wider net, it may help identify patterns of immune activation affecting the nervous system that standard labs do not capture.

In many cases, it is:

  • Somewhat more affordable than the Cunningham Panel (though still typically out-of-pocket)
  • More commonly used in integrative and functional medicine settings
  • Available as a simple blood test

However, it’s important to understand:

  • Like the Cunningham Panel, it is not diagnostic for PANDAS or PANS
  • Pediatric reference ranges are limited, so results require thoughtful interpretation
  • It reflects immune reactivity, not necessarily causation or active disease

The Bigger Picture

Both of these tests can offer insight into immune patterns—but neither provides a definitive answer.

They may help answer questions like:

  • Is there evidence of immune activity affecting the brain?
  • Are there patterns that suggest inflammation or barrier disruption?

But they cannot answer:

  • Is this definitively PANDAS or PANS?

That diagnosis still comes back to clinical history, symptom pattern, and timing.

In many cases, families gain more clarity by focusing first on patterns and response to treatment, rather than relying heavily on advanced testing alone.

Is PANDAS/PANS Underdiagnosed or Overdiagnosed?

The honest answer is that both perspectives exist.

Some children with sudden neuropsychiatric changes may go years without anyone considering an immune or post-infectious component. Others may receive a PANDAS/PANS label without a clearly supported trigger.

This is part of why diagnosis can feel so confusing—it relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than a single definitive test.

Our Approach: Looking at the Whole Picture

At Longevity Health Center, we take a step back from one-size-fits-all answers.

Instead, we focus on patterns:

  • When did symptoms begin, and how quickly did they change?
  • What infections, immune stressors, or environmental triggers came before onset?
  • What does the child’s immune and health history show over time?
  • How do symptoms shift with treatment or stress?

Because in complex neuroimmune conditions, no single lab test or checklist tells the full story.

Careful observation, clinical pattern recognition, and individualized evaluation are essential.

Encouragement for Parents

If you’re in the middle of this journey, it’s okay to feel uncertain.

Science is still evolving. The opinions can be conflicting. And yet—your observations about your child matter.

You are often the first to notice the pattern. And in conditions where timing and subtle changes are important, that insight can be one of the most valuable pieces of the clinical picture.

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A Holistic Approach to Overcome PANDAS and PANS Part 2

How Infections and Inflammation Reach the Brain

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner, Longevity Health Center 

 

In Part 1, we explored how an autoimmune response can target the brain in children with PANDAS and PANS.

Now let’s go deeper.

Because understanding how inflammation reaches the brain helps explain why some children spiral into chronic symptoms — and why others recover.

When Inflammation Doesn’t Turn Off

In a healthy immune response, inflammation is temporary.

A pathogen enters. The immune system responds.
The invader is eliminated. The immune system quiets.

But in autoimmune states, that final step fails.

Macrophages and other immune cells continue releasing inflammatory cytokines. Antibodies remain active. The immune system stays on high alert.

This prolonged immune activation doesn’t just circulate in the bloodstream — it affects barriers designed to protect vital organs.

One of the most important of those barriers is the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

The Blood–Brain Barrier: The Brain’s Security System

The blood–brain barrier is a tightly woven network of capillaries that separates circulating blood from brain tissue.

Under normal circumstances, it prevents bacteria, viruses, large proteins, and circulating antibodies from entering the brain.

But during systemic inflammation, those tight junctions can loosen.

Cytokines increase vascular permeability. Capillaries expand. The barrier becomes more permeable than it should be.

This is where autoimmune conditions become neurological conditions.

When neuroactive antibodies cross into brain tissue, they don’t behave passively. They bind. They signal. They alter neurotransmitter activity.

In PANDAS and PANS, the region most consistently implicated is the basal ganglia.

The Basal Ganglia: Where Movement, Emotion, and Habit Intersect

The basal ganglia are not a single structure but a network of nuclei located deep within the brain. They include:

The caudate nucleus

The putamen

The globus pallidus

The substantia nigra

The subthalamic nucleus

Each region contributes to coordination between movement, cognition, motivation, and emotion.

The caudate nucleus, for example, plays a role in inhibitory control and procedural learning. The putamen influences movement patterns and habit formation. The substantia nigra helps regulate dopamine — a neurotransmitter central to reward and motor control.

When inflammation affects this network, the results can be profound:

Repetitive motor movements

Intrusive thoughts

Compulsive behaviors

Emotional volatility

Impulsivity

Sensory dysregulation

Imaging studies during acute PANDAS episodes have demonstrated enlargement of the caudate and putamen. In some documented PANS cases associated with Lyme neuroborreliosis, MRI findings have even shown infarction within basal ganglia structures.

These are not subtle findings.

They underscore an important reality: this is not “bad behavior.” This is inflamed neural circuitry.

Beyond Strep: Other Triggers of PANS

While PANDAS is specifically associated with Group A Streptococcus, PANS expands the list of potential triggers.

Let’s walk through some of the most commonly investigated.

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)

EBV is incredibly common. Many children are exposed to it early in life.

Testing typically includes:

VCA IgM (indicating recent infection)

VCA IgG (which persists long term)

EBNA antibodies (which appear later)

Early Antigen (EA) antibodies (which may suggest active infection)

Interpreting EBV labs can be complex. Some antibodies remain positive for life, making it difficult to distinguish past from current activity.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma is unique among bacteria because it lacks a cell wall. That makes it harder to detect and treat.

Testing may involve:

IgM and IgG antibody levels

PCR assays that detect bacterial DNA

Because Mycoplasma can be small and elusive, false negatives are possible.

Lyme Disease and Coinfections

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is typically evaluated using ELISA followed by Western Blot testing.

However, both tests have limitations. False negatives are common, especially early in infection. PCR testing may detect bacterial DNA, but even that depends on where the sample is drawn.

When neurological symptoms overlap with immune dysregulation, Lyme and coinfections often enter the differential diagnosis.

Environmental Factors: Metals and Mold

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum, and arsenic can be measured through blood, urine, or hair analysis.

Mold exposure may be evaluated through antibody testing or organic acid testing. However, mold mycotoxin testing can yield false negatives if the body is not actively excreting toxins at the time of testing.

These environmental contributors don’t directly “cause” PANS in most cases. But they may increase inflammatory burden, lower immune resilience, and contribute to chronic immune activation.

Why False Negatives Are So Common

One of the most frustrating aspects of PANDAS and PANS is that testing is imperfect.

Strep titers (ASO and Anti-DNase B) don’t always rise significantly. In fact, studies have shown that only about half of confirmed strep infections produce a significant increase in ASO titers.

Timing matters. Age matters. Individual immune response variability matters.

This diagnostic uncertainty is part of why controversy persists.

 

The Holistic Treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease Part 3

Treating Chronic Lyme Disease Through a Holistic Lens

 By Dr. Alice Honican, Lead Practitioner at Longevity Health Center

 

A Holistic Path Forward: Comprehensive Approaches to Chronic Lyme Disease

Despite ongoing controversy surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic Lyme disease, there is genuine reason for hope. Many patients achieve meaningful improvement, and even remission, when treatment extends beyond a symptom-based model and instead addresses the whole person. Chronic Lyme is complex, layered, and highly individualized, which is why a holistic, integrative approach is often essential.

Moving Beyond a Symptom-Based Model

Conventional (allopathic) medicine typically begins by matching symptoms to a diagnosis and prescribing medications aimed at suppressing those symptoms. In Lyme disease, this often means a short course of antibiotics following a positive test for Borrelia burgdorferi. While antibiotics can be effective, especially in early infection, they are often insufficient for individuals whose illness has progressed or become chronic.

 Functional and integrative medicine approaches Lyme disease differently. Rather than asking only “What drug treats this symptom?”, practitioners ask “Why is this happening in this body?” The goal is to uncover and address root causes that allow infection to persist.

Functional & Integrative Medicine: Treating the Individual

Functional medicine focuses on restoring optimal function across all body systems. Integrative physicians consider lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, stress, exercise, emotional health, genetics, and environmental exposures alongside conventional testing.

Rather than treating patients with identical symptoms the same way, integrative care is personalized. Nutrition plays a central role, often supported by targeted supplements, herbs, and therapies designed to support detoxification, immune balance, and resilience. Advanced testing may include nutrient status, food sensitivities, gut health, hormone balance, and immune markers, providing a broader picture of health.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) & Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine views Lyme disease through the lens of energetic imbalance, often referred to as Gu Syndrome, which reflects deep immune dysfunction. In TCM, illness progresses through layers of the body, with chronic infections often reaching the deepest reserves, particularly kidney energy.

Acupuncturists work to restore balance by improving energy flow (qi), calming the nervous system, and strengthening immune resilience. Pain, numbness, mood changes, and fatigue are understood as disruptions in energy flow rather than isolated symptoms. Even without identifying a specific pathogen, rebalancing the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems can significantly support healing.

Naturopathic Medicine: Supporting the Body’s Innate Healing Ability

 Naturopathic medicine is grounded in the principle that the body can heal itself when obstacles are removed and proper support is provided. Naturopathic practitioners assess patients using detailed histories, lab testing (blood, urine, stool, hair), biofeedback, and clinical observation.

Treatment may include dietary changes, botanical medicine, homeopathy, detoxification support, lifestyle modification, and mind-body interventions. Rather than forcing the body to fight harder, naturopathy emphasizes clearing toxic burdens, restoring balance, and gently stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Accurate Assessment: Why Clinical Diagnosis Matters

There is currently no laboratory test that can detect Lyme disease with 100 percent accuracy. For this reason, many Lyme-literate practitioners rely heavily on clinical evaluation. Symptom questionnaires, such as those developed by Dr. Richard Horowitz, help assess patterns commonly associated with Lyme and related conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Specialized labs such as IGeneX, Vibrant Wellness,  and iSpot Lyme may be used to provide additional insight. These tests evaluate immune responses, Borrelia protein activity, co-infections, and markers like CD57, which can reflect immune suppression commonly seen in chronic Lyme. While no single test is definitive, trends over time can help guide treatment decisions and monitor progress.

Why Chronic Lyme Requires a Broader Lens

Lyme disease is rarely a single-organism problem. Many patients carry co-infections such as Bartonella, Babesia, viral reactivations like EBV, parasites, mold exposure, and heavy metal toxicity. These layers create a “perfect storm” that overwhelms the immune system and complicates recovery.

For some individuals, antimicrobial treatment alone leads to improvement. For others, killing microbes without addressing detoxification, mold, metals, dental infections, or nervous system dysfunction can worsen symptoms. This is why a truly holistic approach is essential.

Detoxification: A Cornerstone of Healing

Detoxification is not optional, it is foundational. Chronic Lyme patients often struggle to clear toxins efficiently due to genetic factors, immune overload, or environmental exposure. When toxins accumulate, microbes thrive. 

Supporting detox pathways involves:

  • Liver, kidney, bowel, skin, and lymphatic support
  • Reducing exposure to chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and EMFs
  • Addressing heavy metals through safe chelation strategies
  • Supporting glutathione production and methylation pathways

Healing reactions (Herxheimer responses) can occur as toxins are mobilized. Proper pacing, hydration, bowel regularity, and drainage remedies are critical to prevent overwhelm.

Supportive Therapies That Make a Difference

Many non-invasive therapies can significantly enhance recovery when used alongside a comprehensive treatment plan, including:

  • Far Infrared Sauna
  •  Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
  • Ozone Therapy (including HOCATT)
  • Lymphatic drainage therapies
  • Frequency-based therapies (Rife, microcurrent)
  • Homeopathy and laser energetic detoxification

These modalities support circulation, oxygenation, immune recognition, and detoxification, creating an internal environment where healing becomes possible.

A Message of Hope

Chronic Lyme disease is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and it rarely responds to a one-size-fits-all solution. But when patients are treated as individuals, and when infections, toxins, lifestyle, and resilience are addressed together, recovery is possible.

Healing is often gradual, layered, and nonlinear, but progress matters. With the growing recognition of chronic Lyme, increasing research efforts, and integrative approaches gaining traction, patients today have more options, more understanding, and more hope than ever before.

Stay tuned for part 4 of this series, where we will explore how healing the gut, reducing inflammation, supporting the immune system, addressing emotional stress, and using personalized bioenergetic care can make true recovery from chronic Lyme disease possible.

 

Understanding Mold Testing and Strategies for Optimal Health with Carrie Rutledge

By Carrie Rutledge, Nutrition Therapist Master, Patient Coordinator 

 

Navigating Living in Mold-Affected Environments

My daughter and I began to express some varied physical symptoms including skin rashes and lowered immunity after moving into our new home. Mold illness is rarely discussed in mainstream medicine and mold testing has a high rate of inaccuracy. It’s important to be vigilant as so many children and adults are struggling with diagnoses when the elephant in the room is overlooked. The truth is water penetration can happen anywhere and it’s extremely important to monitor and regularly test the home to avoid significant health risks. This article explores the importance of mold testing and provides practical strategies for managing living conditions in mold-affected environments to maintain optimal health.

 

Health Implications of Mold Exposure

Exposure to mold can lead to a variety of health issues, ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe respiratory and neurological problems, and even death. Understanding these health implications is essential for taking appropriate action to mitigate risks. 

 

Common Health Effects

Some practitioners would argue that over 50% of children with ASD, PANS/PANDAS, OCD, ADHD and anxiety are on the Mast Cell Activation Spectrum (MCAS) and it will be extremely difficult to get their immune system to calm down without controlling their environment. When there is exposure to significant amounts of mold and all the detoxification pathways are struggling to keep up, it will be nearly impossible to detoxify until the exposure piece has been handled. 

Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues, chronic ear infections, strep throat, skin rashes, eczema, lowered immunity, neurological symptoms, fatigue, and migraines. Neurological symptoms commonly seen in children with severe mold exposure are severe OCD, PANS/PANDAS, ASD, tics, brain fog, hormonal imbalance, head banging, anxiety and extreme anger. It’s important to understand that not all individuals will present symptomatology as genetics will play a role in the constitution of the person affected. This is why a mother and child may show symptoms, but the father and other siblings may not. 

When these symptoms arise, many parents take their child to the pediatrician only to be diagnosed with Strep or PANS/PANDAS even though the child may not have an active Strep infection. The doctor will put the child on antibiotics and the symptoms will improve only for the child to crash and burn when they come off the antibiotics. 

You may be able to see some indications of toxic mold exposure with routine blood tests. The markers you can look for are elevated liver enzymes and eosinophils. It is also not uncommon for mold exposure to lower the white blood cell count to the lower end of normal (around or below 4,500 IU). Nutrient deficiencies may also be present such as anemia and low zinc levels. 

 

Mold Testing: The First Step to Awareness

Mold testing is the crucial first step in identifying and understanding the extent of mold contamination in your living environment. There are several methods of mold testing, each with its own merits and applications. 

Unfortunately, most mold inspectors have very little training and do not understand the true impact of mold exposure. Usually, the mold inspector will follow OSHA guidelines and take a sample of air from each room. The home will then be given a clean bill of health if the amount of mold in the home is less than that of the exterior. However, a study from Berkeley showed that mold spores can only travel about four inches from an area of contamination and the mycotoxin gas that is released into the air is difficult to test for. California is a perfect example of a very dry state that also has homes that are prone to high levels of dry or non-active mold; however, it’s the mycotoxins and the gas they produce, that leads to severe health issues for many people. 

We often hear that someone has just moved into a brand-new home so there is no possible way for it to have mold. This is not always the case as mold can rapidly grow in air conditioners from improper installation or drainage. Mold growth has been found in brand new homes with wine cellars that are not allowing for humidity to be released resulting in rapid mold growth. Furthermore, homes built on elevated foundations where water consistently passes underneath the subfloor are prone to mold if they are not properly ventilated. Mold can also be found in churches, schools, workspaces and many buildings that we frequent daily, making us or our children chronically sick. 

If you suspect that your home may have mold, you may want to choose a screening tool that is extremely sensitive and will let you know if further investigation is necessary.  An ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) is a great option for screening that looks at dust collected in the home. The Dust Test is my favorite because it offers follow-up discussions on the results you receive. You perform the test yourself by wiping up dust in your home and then you send it off to a lab to be tested. After a few weeks your results will be uploaded to an online portal. Sampling your dust for mold can give you an indication if your home is safe or if remediation may be needed. Once you have your results you can decide if you need a full inspection to pinpoint where the mold is located, and if remediation is possible. 

Likewise, the ISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illnesses) is a great resource to use if mold is found in the home. This website (ISEAI – International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness) gives lists of IEPs or Indoor Environmental Professionals, who can assess and guide families along the way. If you reside in the Atlanta area, we suggest Robby Brown at Breathewell Air (www.breathwellair.com) to evaluate the air quality in the home.  

 

How to Navigate Living in a Moldy Situation Until Remediation is Possible

Living in a mold-affected environment requires a proactive approach to minimizing health risks and improving indoor air quality. I have listed some practical strategies to navigate these challenges.

Remediation is the best option for healing the environment and the individuals who are living there. The problem is not everyone can remediate and/or move, and remediation is dependent on finances and effective identification of all contaminated areas. This is also a very difficult situation for people who are renting. The landlord will bring in their conventional mold testers, they won’t find anything significant, and everyone moves on. Furthermore, a family might remediate one area of the home to find out there is also mold in the HVAC system or the air conditioner and the contamination is bigger than they thought. 

For families living in a moldy situation and remediation is not possible, there are steps you can take to improve the air quality  so that the health of the family can improve. 

 

Ventilation

Make sure the home is properly ventilated and keep the windows open as much as possible if you live in a temperate climate. 

 

HEPA Filtration 

Quality air filtration systems can be somewhat effective especially if they contain a layer of activated charcoal or carbon filter that is able to filter the VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds. A simple HEPA filter will not capture these compounds and will release them back into the atmosphere. There are expensive high-grade filters such as IQ Air or an Allerair Airmedic, but the air purifier may be placed too far away from the contaminated area, or it may not be scrubbing air uniformly. Furthermore, single room air filters usually will not capture the volume of air that needs to be scrubbed. This is why just throwing an air purifier in a room may not be enough to combat living in a moldy home. However, when a quality air purifier is paired with ionization, it can work quite well. 

 

Ionization

Many studies are showing that ionization is now the most effective way to clean the air. Ionization is when electrically charged molecules are released into the air and attach to airborne particles causing them to clump together. The particles will then either fall to the ground or become captured from your filtration system. Air oasis (smaller living areas), IAP/GPS (larger rooms), combined with HEPA filtration and weekly deep cleaning are excellent options for controlling air quality in a home that cannot be remediated. 

Mold testing is an essential step in identifying and managing mold contamination in your living environment. By understanding the health risks associated with mold exposure and implementing effective strategies to navigate mold-affected areas, you can maintain optimal health and improve your quality of life. Regular maintenance, proactive measures, and seeking professional advice when needed are key to living healthily in the presence of mold.

If you are living in a moldy environment, Longevity is here to help with holistic detoxification and support. Call and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members to learn more. 

 

How Mold and Mycotoxins Impact Our Health with Julie Miles

 Mold and Mycotoxins with Certified Naturopath, Janelle Bertler

Our very own Janelle Bertler was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Janelle sat down with Julie for her Summer Wellness Series to discuss mold and mycotoxin toxicity, how we get exposed to it, and how it can impact our health. You’ll get to hear Janelle’s own story of mold illness and how she recovered, as well as steps to aid in your own recovery. 

Today Janelle uses her firsthand experience to advise and walk alongside our clients at Longevity as they go through their own healing journeys. 

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

Mold Sensitivity: How This Harmful Toxin Could Be Impacting Your Health

By Anna Powers, ND, Bioenergetic Practitioner

Mold is part of the cleanup crew of life. It helps break down debris, so it can return to the earth.
To grow, mold needs high humidity and a cellulose-based fuel source such as wood, plants or sheetrock. Mold spores can be tracked into our homes from shoes, clothing, pets, plants, and used furniture to name a few. High humidity enables the spores to proliferate on walls, furniture and carpets.

While the presence of mold in a home can be simply a nuisance to some, it can create significant health issues for others. About 25% of the population is allergic to mold and/or lacks the ability to process it within their bodies. That is why one member of the family can be fine and another member of the family can become extremely ill.

In sensitive individuals, mold exposure can cause immune suppression, eye irritation, inflammation, wheezing, coughing, asthma, sinusitis, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, poor memory, digestive issues, fibromyalgia, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, numbness, tingling, rashes, lethargy, rapid weight gain, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and more.
Of course, mold is not the only cause of these symptoms.

Mold spores enter the body through the sinuses or lungs, which provide a moist environment to breed. In 1999, Mayo Clinic researchers studied 210 patients with chronic sinusitis and discovered fungus in 96% of the patients’ mucus. They identified a total of 40 different kinds of fungi in these patients, with an average of 2.7 kinds per patient.

Once a patient is removed from a toxic mold environment, the detoxification process requires time and patience. It typically involves supporting the nervous system and vagal system, opening the body’s detoxification pathways such as the lymph, liver, and kidneys, and adding binders to escort the mold and mycotoxins out of the body.

The best way to prevent mold growing in your living spaces is to keep the humidity below 50% and clean your home regularly. A humidity meter can be purchased to monitor levels. If humidity is above 50%, it’s best to get a whole house dehumidifier, or a portable one for affordability. If a leak is found, it needs to be fixed immediately.

If mold is found in porous areas of your home, whatever you do, do NOT bleach it! Bleach only kills mold on non-porous surfaces such as a stainless steel sink. Since bleach is over 90% water, spraying bleach on a porous surface, such as drywall, only lightens the mold and evaporates it on the surface. It is still able to saturate the sheetrock underneath with water, enabling the mold “roots” to proliferate. In addition, bleach is thought to cause mold to release mycotoxins, which can be much more toxic than mold itself. Mycotoxins attach to dust particles that are carried throughout the home and create a much bigger problem.

We suggest using EC3 Mold Spray because it works by disrupting the chitin shell of the mold spore so that it is non-viable and cannot proliferate. It doesn’t clean mold or stain, but it does reduce its toxic impact.

If you suspect mold growth in your home, you need to remediate a leak, or you want to clean the air ducts, it’s optimal to use a professional service who understands the physiological impact of mold and can help you determine if there is a mold problem and how to remediate it safely. Here are some questions to ask:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do you use negative pressure containment around the contaminated area?
  • How do you ensure workers in the contaminated area do not spread mold through the rest of the house?
  • Do you use an air scrubber after mold is removed?
  • Do you use a third-party company to perform before and after air quality tests?
  • Do you offer a warranty?
  • Do you have three customers I can speak with?

If you suspect mold is impacting your health, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of Longevity’s knowledgeable and experienced bioenergetic practitioners. Our team can help you identify if mold or other toxins are burdening your system, and help you with a customized detoxification protocol. Learn more at LongevityHealth.com.

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