Is Mold Toxicity Making You Sick? Hidden Symptoms, Mycotoxins, and How to Detox Safely
Unexplained Fatigue, Allergies, or Brain Fog? Mold Could Be to Blame
Do you have a lingering illness that you can’t seem to get to the bottom of? Maybe you’re feeling fatigued all the time or can’t shake your chronic allergies.
Unfortunately, your unresolved illness could be a sign of mold toxicity. Here’s everything you need to know about detecting and treating exposure to mold.
What Is Mold Toxicity?
Understanding the Root of Mold-Related Illness
Imagine walking into a big meeting, only to start sneezing uncontrollably and feel your head cloud over. You wrote it off as spring allergies, but they never went away.
These persistent symptoms could actually be your body's response to mold toxins—also known as mycotoxins—that your immune system couldn't fully eliminate. Over time, these toxins linger and disrupt multiple systems in the body.
Who’s at Risk for Mold Illness?
Certain factors increase your susceptibility to mold illness:
Length and intensity of exposure
Immune system dysfunction
Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR genes affect 24% of the population)
Co-infections (e.g. Lyme, parasites, viruses)
All these symptoms could be a sign that you've been living with mold toxicity. Mold exposure is exactly what it sounds like: you were exposed to mold at some point in your life and your own immune system couldn’t fight it off completely. So these mycotoxins continue lingering in your body, wreaking havoc on multiple levels.
Some factors that may affect susceptibility to mold include health status, length of exposure, and toxin load. Genetics can also make a difference. (11)(12)
Based on certain genes (called HLA-DR), 24% of people are more susceptible to mold toxicity.
Because mold illness can inhibit the immune system, chronic infections — such as Lyme disease or viruses — may flare. Plus, parasites may also be an issue. Parasites and other infections can weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to mold toxicity. (13)
How Mold Exposure Happens: Common Sources
Even if you can’t see it, mold may still be present—especially in humid environments or in food grown, stored, or transported improperly. Mold exposure can happen in two main ways: through the air you breathe and the food you eat.
Airborne Mold in Homes and Workplaces
Mold spores thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas like:
Bathrooms
Basements
HVAC systems
Water-damaged walls or ceilings
If you live or work in a building with hidden moisture issues, you may be breathing in mold every day without realizing it.
Mycotoxins in Food
Mycotoxins—dangerous mold toxins—are often found in contaminated foods. These commonly affected items include:
Grains: wheat, barley, rye
Legumes: peanuts, corn
Other: coffee, dried fruits, and spices
Even organically grown foods are not immune if they are stored in humid conditions.
The First Step: Remove the Source
Whether your mold exposure is environmental or dietary, the most important first step is to eliminate moldy environments and follow a targeted mold detox diet. Removing ongoing exposure is essential before your body can fully detox and heal.
Signs and Symptoms of Mold Toxicity
There’s no “clear-cut” list of signs and symptoms that specifically point to mold illness. The symptoms of mold toxicity and exposure range in presentation and severity. At first, they’re small enough to pass off as allergies or other pesky symptoms.
You may have been given a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, or irritable bowel syndrome. But what is the root cause? Long-term mold exposure can lead to more serious symptoms and conditions. It’s important to identify and address mold toxicity as early as possible to avoid more serious health issues.
The following signs and symptoms are often found in chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) due to mold toxicity (4)(5)(6)(7):
Brain function: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, trouble finding words, problems taking in new information
Digestive system: Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, food sensitivities, leaky gut, metallic taste in mouth, nausea, vomiting
Eyes: Blurred vision, eye irritation, itchy eyes, sensitivity to bright light
Energy: Excessive fatigue, thyroid dysfunction
Immune system: Autoimmune conditions, flu-like symptoms, over-reactivity to foods and chemicals, poor immunity
Mental state: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings
Muscles and skeleton: Muscle pain, joint pain, morning stiffness
Nervous system: Dizziness, headaches, “ice-pick-like” pain, numbness, poor balance and coordination, seizure-like events, skin sensitivity to light touch, static shocks, temperature regulation problems, tingling, tremors
Respiratory system: Chest tightness, chronic sinus congestion, cough, new-onset or worsening asthma, runny nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, sore throat
Scent sensitivity: Unpleasant symptoms upon exposure to chemicals, fragrances, and other odors (multiple chemical sensitivity)
Skin: Dryness, irritation, rashes
Sleep: Frequent waking during sleep, insomnia, night sweats
Urinary system: Incontinence, increased urination, urgency
Weight: Appetite swings, weight gain or weight loss resistance
Ultimately, mold toxicity can lead more serious health problems such as (10):
Cancer
Immune suppression
Kidney toxicity
Autism
Of course, symptoms like these could be a result of multiple things. But it’s best to get to the root cause of your issue and detect mold toxicity sooner rather than later.
It may surprise you to learn that symptoms like allergies, gut issues, and fatigue could actually be a sign of mold toxicity. These may not be life-threatening yet, but they certainly get in the way of the quality of your life. Taking action to uncover the root cause of mild symptoms can restore your daily vitality and prevent long-term, serious illness.
What are Mycotoxins?
When you hear about mold exposure, you imagine the terrifying black mold hiding behind your apartment walls. A serious exposure like this is possible. But remember that mycotoxins can be hard to detect, especially the spores – they could also be hiding in the foods you ingest.
While some types of mushrooms have incredible healing properties, mycotoxins are the toxic chemicals produced by certain fungi and molds that are harmful to our body.
Some common mycotoxins and ways they may negatively impact on your health include (8):
Aflatoxins: These are produced by Aspergillus flavus and some Penicillium species, among others. Aflatoxins are linked with an increased risk of liver cancer.
Ochratoxin A: It can suppress the immune system. It can also damage the nerves and impair brain function. Some of this could be due to the oxidative stress — also known as free radical damage — that it triggers.
Trichothecenes: These are produced by Stachybotrys, as well as some other molds. They can interfere with the cells’ ability to make proteins the body needs. They can also damage nerves, impair the immune system, and trigger oxidative stress.
There are hundreds of different mycotoxins produced by molds. Their modes of toxicity vary. In addition to the effects listed above, they can also harm mitochondria, kidneys, and lungs. (9)
How can these end up in your foods?
Livestock animals could consume foods contaminated with mycotoxins. This can cause health threats to the animal, but also to the human that consumes the animal products.
Mycotoxins can harm your immune system, nervous system, and even affect your DNA. This can lead to chronic, serious illnesses.
Mycotoxins are more likely to be found in certain foods, such as:
Barley
Wheat
Peanuts
Corn
Rye
Spices
Dried fruit
Coffee
You can decrease your amount of intake of these foods or make sure they are coming from a highly reputable source. And keep an eye on how you’re feeling after you eat. If you notice mold toxicity symptoms, it could be time to get tested and examine the foods you eat. (2)
4 Powerful Ways to Support Mold Detoxification Naturally
Once mold exposure is removed, it’s time to start detoxing—safely and gradually. Here are four foundational ways to support your body’s natural detoxification systems and reduce your mold toxin burden:
1. Use Advanced Binders to Trap and Eliminate Mycotoxins
Binders are one of the most essential tools for mold detoxification. Mold toxins (mycotoxins) are fat-soluble and can circulate in the body for years if not properly bound and eliminated. Using a broad-spectrum binder with multiple active ingredients increases effectiveness and helps avoid reabsorption.
Key binder ingredients that support mycotoxin elimination include:
Activated Charcoal – Binds large mycotoxins and prevents recirculation through the liver-gut (enterohepatic) loop.
Bentonite Clay – Negatively charged and mineral-rich, it attracts positively charged toxins and supports elimination through stool.
Chitosan – Especially helpful for fat-soluble mycotoxins like ochratoxin A and aflatoxins. It binds toxins that accumulate in fatty tissues.
Thiols (Sulfur Compounds) – Sulfur-rich binders help trap stubborn toxins and support cellular detox without taxing the body.
Humic and Fulvic Acids – These compounds assist in nutrient transport and cellular repair, while gently binding environmental and microbial toxins.
Benefits of a Multi-Ingredient Binder:
Toxin binding beyond the gut
Preserves essential nutrients and minerals
Supports repair of mold-damaged cells
🔁 Pro tip: Take binders on an empty stomach, away from food and supplements. Drink plenty of water to support toxin elimination through stool and urine.
2. Support Histamine Clearance with DAO
DAO (Diamine Oxidase) is an enzyme that helps break down histamine—a compound that can surge in mold illness, especially when gut bacteria are imbalanced. Mold exposure often worsens histamine issues or mast cell activation syndrom (MCAS), and some people also experience higher histamine levels from:
Past or current use of hormonal birth control
Poor detoxification pathways
DAO supplementation can relieve symptoms like sinus congestion, itching, and anxiety. While not a root-cause fix, it can provide important relief while deeper healing is underway. (19)
3. Sweat It Out Safely
Your skin is a powerful detox organ, and sweating can help release mold toxins and heavy metals.
Try incorporating:
Infrared sauna therapy – Encourages gentle sweating and lymphatic movement.
Regular exercise – Movement stimulates circulation and supports lymphatic drainage.
Both options enhance toxin excretion through the skin—especially when combined with proper hydration and mineral replenishment.
4. Cleanse Your Environment Inside and Out
Reducing your ongoing exposure is just as important as supporting your body.
Salt Baths – Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) help draw toxins out through the skin while easing inflammation. A great nightly ritual during detox. (3,17)
Nasal Saline Rinses or Ocean Air – Clear mold spores and biofilm from sinus passages, especially if respiratory symptoms are present.
Air Purifiers – Use HEPA and activated carbon filters to trap mold spores, VOCs, and allergens from your air—especially in bedrooms and offices. (18)
While these at-home remedies are effective, it’s still important to work with a qualified practitioner to ensure you're detoxing safely. Your body can handle a natural toxic load—but once your threshold is exceeded, targeted support becomes essential.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Mold toxicity is complex, and its symptoms are often misdiagnosed or brushed off. But your lingering fatigue, allergies, brain fog, or gut issues may actually have a very real, underlying cause. And more importantly, there is a path forward.
At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we believe in identifying and treating the root cause of illness—not just managing symptoms. Mold illness requires a structured and personalized approach. That includes identifying your source of exposure, opening your drainage pathways, supporting detox organs like the liver and gallbladder, and only then mobilizing and eliminating mold toxins safely and effectively.
This process needs to be done in the right order. Detoxing too early or too aggressively—before your body is ready—can actually make symptoms worse. That’s why timing, sequencing, and practitioner guidance matter so much.
If you suspect mold may be the missing piece of your health puzzle, request a free 15-min consultation with me, Dr. Martina Sturm, Certified Mold Practitioner and functional medicine expert. We'll discuss your symptoms, your history, and map out a plan to test, detox, and rebuild—so you can start living fully again.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to become debilitating. Take the first step today and let’s uncover the root of your illness—together.
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