Introduction
Mold exposure/illness is often overlooked and severely underestimated in the world of modern medicine. It isn’t an actual infection, it is an inflammatory and immune response to something called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are small, inflammatory compounds that are released by certain types of molds that are toxic, and can cause more symptoms in some individuals than others based on preexisting genetic susceptibility. The chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) so often seen in individuals with mold illness can also be seen in people suffering from chronic Lyme disease, ‘long-haul’ COVID, and various bacterial infections that have been found to trigger this response.
At Empowered Health, we specialize in recognizing these complex symptom presentations in patients and then creating unique healing plans that are tailored to each individual and their stage and factors of their disease course. Most patients who find their way to us have already seen multiple specialists, had a myriad of testing done, been told ‘everything is normal,’ then labeled with diagnoses such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, anxiety, IBS, etc. They have tried multiple prescription medications that have usually only made them feel worse. Our approach to healing not only addresses immediate support and the goal for relief from current symptoms of mold exposure, but also aims to reveal and treat the root cause, in order to restore balance and a semblance of a normal life to patients who have been suffering chronically.
Not everyone exposed to mold gets outwardly ill, but those who do often get progressively worse over time, especially when exposure continues.
Common symptoms of mycotoxin illness/CIRS include:
- Fatigue not improved with rest
- Brain fog, memory problems, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia
- Headaches/migraines
- Sinus congestion or chronic infections
- Respiratory issues such as chronic cough, wheezing, ‘air hunger’. Those with preexisting respiratory conditions may experience worsening symptoms.
- Vision changes/dry eyes
- Digestive changes such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain or food sensitivities
- Rashes, hives, flushing, or “allergic” reactions (sneezing, itchy eyes, post nasal drainage, taste of ‘infection’)
- Dizziness, heart palpitations, or exercise intolerance
- Some people will experience rashes, itching, hives, and/or hair loss
What is CIRS?
CIRS is a chronic inflammatory state triggered by biotoxin (ie; mold/mycotoxin, tick-borne illness, certain types of algae, stealth viruses such as Epstein Barr (EBV) and Covid) exposure.
In CIRS, the immune system stays stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode long after the exposure occurs. This leads to ongoing inflammation that can affect:
- The brain and nervous system
- Hormone regulation
- Immune balance
- Detox and elimination pathways
What is MCAS?
MCAS occurs when mast cells become overly reactive.
Mast cells are cells in the immune system that are involved in allergic and inflammatory responses. In the setting of MCAS, these cells:
- Release inflammatory chemicals such as histamine too easily
- React to foods, stress, hormones, temperature, or toxins
- Cause symptoms that seem unpredictable or exaggerated
- Lead to unexplained episodes of hives, itching, flushing, nausea, palpitations, headaches
MCAS often coexists with mold illness and CIRS, which is why symptoms can feel widespread and confusing. In addition, each individual can present with different symptoms of MCAS.
Why didn’t my doctor diagnose me with these conditions?
Unfortunately the markers that validate these conditions aren’t included in standard bloodwork. Routine blood markers, including red and white blood cells and inflammatory markers, are usually normal in the setting of CIRS/MCAS. Furthermore, the symptoms of these conditions mimic symptoms associated with known conditions such as anxiety, autoimmune disease, IBS, hormonal imbalances, etc., and therefore often get dismissed as one of those diagnoses.
If I am being exposed to mold at home, why isn’t everyone in my household ill?
We often see a divide amongst families wondering ‘why everyone isn’t sick, if it is, in fact, mold.’ The reality is, there is a genetic predisposition to a compromised detoxification capability and an increased risk of developing a dysregulated response to pathogenic mold exposure. In addition, each person’s symptoms can present differently, and testosterone has been found to be a protective factor in individuals exposed to toxic molds.
At Empowered Health, Our Approach Is Different
We specialize in identifying and evaluating and treating complex, environmentally triggered illness, including chronic Lyme, mycotoxin illness, PANS/PANDAS, CIRS, and MCAS.
Instead of chasing symptoms, our approach at Empowered Health is to:
- Identify the total toxic and inflammatory burden
- Assess for normal immune and hormonal response, detox pathways
- Evaluate/guide in discovery of environmental contributors
- Support the nervous system/mast cell stability
- Create a personalized, step-by-step healing plan
Our 5-Step Approach to Mold & Biotoxin Healing
Discover: 'We test, we don’t guess’.
Mycotoxin exposure and colonization can be detected and validated with:
- blood/urine biomarkers
- immune and inflammatory markers, and a
- visual contrast sensitivity (VCS) screen.
- sinus culture may be indicated for treatment guidance.
- Genetic SNP
Detox/Drainage: ‘Detox pathways must be open and moving before mobilizing toxins.’
Before starting to move toxins, we address liver, kidneys, gut and lymph system so that detox is safe and tolerable.
- Liver and kidney support
- Gut motility/bile flow
- Mineral/nutrient repletion
- Gentle binders (when appropriate)
Exposure: ‘Healing can’t happen in ongoing exposure’
We help you accurately and effectively identify and reduce ongoing mold exposure in your home or other environments.
- ERMI testing
- Guidance on remediation vs. avoidance
- Practical steps to reduce cross contamination/re-exposure
Treatment: ‘identify and address coexisting infections/toxin burden’
Mold illness/CIRS rarely happens in isolation.
Restoration: ‘the goal isn’t just survival, its to thrive again.’
- Lyme, Bartonella, EBV, chronic COVID, strep
- Gut dysbiosis/SIBO
- Hormonal imbalances, mitochondrial dysfunction
- Mast cell activation (MCAS)
As inflammation and toxic burden are addressed, we focus on nervous system regulation, immune resilience, and somatic exercise programs like limbic reset.
- Nervous system/limbic support
- Hormone and metabolic balance
- Gradual reintroduction to exercise and movement
- Long-term prevention plans