*DISCLAIMER* This is intended for educational and entertainment purposes, not to replace your relationship with your primary care physician. Always consult with your physician when

starting a new health protocol.

What is Mold Illness?

Mold toxicity is an illness, not an allergy. It’s inflammation within the body that is caused by an immune system that has gone haywire. The term “mold illness” is a subcategory of a biotoxin illness called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) (1). Approximately 1 out of 4 people are genetically predisposed to struggle with mold toxicity, but most don’t even know it. That means that, while everyone in your family or at your job could be just fine, you might be reacting violently to toxins in your household or workplace.

Common Symptoms of Mold Illness

Here are the top mold exposure symptoms:

● Fatigue and weakness ● Headaches, light sensitivity ● Poor memory ● Trouble finding words ● Difficulty concentrating ● Morning stiffness, joint pain ● Unusual skin sensations (tingling, numbness) ● Shortness of breath ● Sinus congestion or a chronic cough ● Appetite swings, body temperature regulation ● Increased urinary frequency or increased thirst ● Red eyes, blurred vision, tearing ● Sweats ● Mood swings ● Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating ● Metallic taste in your mouth ● Static shocks ● Vertigo or lightheaded feeling, disorientation

Top 10 Supplements to Restore Health after Mold Exposure

How do you choose the most effective products to detox and recover from mold toxicity? Lucky for you, we have compiled this list of the top 10 supplements that worked for us. 1. Glutathione Glutathione depletion is a common finding in patients suffering from mold and mycotoxin exposure (2). Glutathione (GSH) is an important antioxidant that provides the greatest antioxidant protection within the body (3). GSH works to prevent toxic build up and cellular damage caused by mold, which will help you heal. When GSH levels in your body are optimal, your cells are protected from toxins that enter. OUR PICK: ACG Glutathione Spray Bridgit’s note: “There are a lot of spendy, sticky glutathione supplements out there! Why I love ACG Glutathione Spray is that it’s a super convenient, affordable spray. Since it bypasses the digestive system, ACG Glutathione Spray gets absorbed much quicker than the standard glutathione capsule. Use daily to raise and maintain healthy levels of this most important antioxidant. Use as directed.” → New to our shop? Take 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10.

2. Binders Binders are a critical part of any detox protocol, especially a toxic mold detox. When the liver processes toxins, these toxins get excreted through the bile and go directly into the small intestine. If the toxins are not bound to anything such as a binder, most of them will get reabsorbed. This is called enterohepatic recirculation. Binders help by binding to the toxins so they can be escorted all the way through the digestive tract to be eliminated through the stool. Read more about binders here.

OUR PICK: GI Detox Bridgit’s note: “Honestly at first I didn’t get binders. I couldn’t feel anything. Binders just help move things out so, unless you have a horrible stomach flu, they can be hard to notice. But know that these little ‘garbage men’ are taking out the trash so toxins don’t re-circulate after you get them mobilized. GI Detox is a blend of binders to remove heavy metals; metabolites of yeast, mold or bacteria; and other unwanted debris from the body in a convenient pill form. Take capsules 1-2 times a day 2 hours away from food.”

→ Our binders also come in a kit with a spray glutathione and dry brush set. This Detox Starter Kit is set at a special price and is a great way get a strong start on detoxification!

3. Phosphatidylcholine Mold damages cell membranes. As a result, the cell cannot perform properly. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the primary lipid that makes up all cell membranes. PC restores the cell membrane function and is also an emulsifier necessary for fat and cholesterol metabolism and liver detoxification. In addition, the choline in PC is important for neurocognitive health. It is a building block for a neurotransmitter associated with attention and alertness—acetylcholine.

OUR PICK: Micellized Pure PC

Bridgit’s note: “When I was at my sickest with mold toxicity, this supplement really made a difference in my brain fog and forgetfulness. I still use it now if I have an inflammatory flare-up. This product is not cheap--it may be the most expensive in our shop!--but it’s highly absorbable and the only brand I will use. It’s worth it! Use as directed 1-3 times daily.”

→ New to our shop? Take 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10.

4. Fish Oil If you have mold illness, your body is inflamed. Fish oil decreases inflammation. It’s best to load up on fish oil prior to starting binders, as this will help block an inflammatory response to toxin mobilization (4). However, quality of fish oil is very important. Low quality fish oils are already oxidized, meaning they are not used by the body. OUR PICK: Wild Alaskan Peak Fish Oil Bridgit’s note: “Fish oil is ‘old news’ and may not sound that sexy! And there are, rightly, many concerns over fish oil safety and quality, as many brands are garbage. But high-dose fish oil in a liquid form has quelled both inflammatory flare-ups and viral attacks for me very quickly. You don’t need a high dose forever, but you may really need it now! Take 1-3 teaspoons a day as needed.”

→ Our fish oil and PC come at a reduced price along with our favorite magnesium in the Inflammation Repair Kit too!

5. Probiotics High-quality probiotics are an extremely important supplement for recovering from mold-induced illness, as they have been found to accelerate recovery (5). Your gastrointestinal tract is your first line of defense against mold and its toxins. The “good bacteria” crowds out the “bad bacteria” and other organisms like mold and yeast. Without the proper microflora, fungi and their toxins can break through the walls of your intestinal tract and wreak havoc in your system. When your bowel is toxic, the rest of your body is toxic. The problem with most probiotics is that they are destroyed by HCL (stomach acid) in the stomach before they can be used by the body. Our Pick: Megaspore Bridgit’s notes: “Megaspore is the darling of the functional medicine community for good reason; our clients get results from it. The unique spore-based design and strains starve unfriendly bacteria and help germinate over 80 species of friendly bacteria. Can your probiotic do that?? Start slowly and you may want to work up to 4 capsules a day as needed to restore a healthy gut.” → New to our shop? Take 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10.

6. Magnesium Magnesium can help reduce the inflammation that toxic mold illness causes. According to Dr. Dean, magnesium reduces inflammation at the cellular level (6). Magnesium is required by 600–700 enzyme systems in the human body, making it a very important nutrient to have enough of. The stress and inflammation that is caused by mold toxicity can easily cause a magnesium deficiency. Studies suggest that 75% of Americans don't meet their dietary requirements for magnesium (7). Magnesium deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle cramps and spasms, mental problems, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis.

Our Pick: Chelated Magnesium Powder Bridgit’s note: “I wanted to call this product ‘magical magnesium powder,’ but that’s probably against FDA recommendations. This powder absorbs so well that it can quickly calm cramps and frayed nerves. Take for acute headaches and sleep too! We all need more magnesium. You usually just need 1 dose a day, but you may want to take 2 doses when inflamed.” 7. CoEnzyme Q10 Mold damages the mitochondria, which is where energy is made. Mitochondria are also referred to as the “powerhouses” of your cells. Unfortunately, most forms of CoQ10 can’t be used by the body because they are poorly absorbed. Our Pick: MitoQ Bridgit’s notes: “I was already a fan of CoQ10 when I colleague suggested I try MitoQ. At that point I had already spent tens of thousands of dollars on my health and home, and I was reluctant to try even one more thing! But I’m so glad I did as, for me, the MitoQ difference was clear within the first month. I had more energy and less interest in caffeine and chocolate. I plan to take this supplement for the rest of my life both for energy and for the protection against aging and disease it gives my cells.” → New to our shop? Take 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10.

8. Silver Spray with Herbal Anti-Fungal Do you know about MARCoNS? MARCoNS is an infection that many of us develop in our nose when we are chronically exposed to toxic mold. Due to weakened immunity and the presence of mold spores (that actually colonize in the nose!), we can develop a chronic Staph infection there that in turn hampers our ability to make melatonin.

It’s a lot to take in, we know! But there is some good news. One is that it is possible to test for MARCoNs (see closing of this document), and the other is that you can work on the health of your nasal environment yourself, whether or not you know if you have MARCoNS. OUR PICK: ACS Silver Nasal Spray with Liquid Biocidin Bridgit’s notes: “When I first learned about MARCoNs, I was not pleased; there’s a whole other thing I now have to test and treat for?? There are lots of bits of bad news as we deal with mold, but we also can’t bury our heads; we have to get better and enjoy full lives. Working on the microbiome of your nose is one area to address. This treatment can also be great for any chronic sinus issue of unknown origin. Add 10 drops of Biocidin to ACS Silver Nasal Spray and shake before use.” 9. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) As I mentioned in the last section, melatonin production decreases with MARCoNs. It also decreases with blue light exposure, late nights and more. 5-HTP is a natural derivative of the amino acid tryptophan, which helps you make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel relaxed. When it’s dark and you have enough serotonin, your body makes melatonin to sleep (8). OUR PICK: Sleep Factors Bridgit’s note: “I love the gentle way 5-HTP helps put me to sleep. I am never groggy the next day. Sleep is such an essential part of healing and recovery! If you are struggling to sleep well, please give this supplement a try. Use 1-2 capsules as you get ready for bed.”

10. Leaky Gut Treatment When you have mold in your body, you are going to have leaky gut and probably some gut infections. This is due to the way toxic mold scrambles the immune system, disrupts the inflammatory system, and offsets bacterial balance in the body. It’s always best to test first (see close of this e-book), but, either way, these gut repair protocols can help move you in the right direction. OUR PICK: Gut Repair Protocols Bridgit’s note: “I recently had the amazing opportunity to interview Kiran Krishnan, Microbiologist. Kiran is an exceptional resource for understanding your digestive woes and his company’s products are my all-time favorites. In this interview, Kiran dishes out specific protocols you can use to address a variety of conditions.” → New to our shop? Take 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10.

How to Choose the Supplements You Need

Ideally, it’s best to work with a health coach that specializes in toxic mold recovery to help you assess which supplements you need. Our functional health coaches are trained to assess which part of your body needs the most attention based on your presenting symptoms. After an initial evaluation, you will be given a personalized protocol. If seeing a practitioner is not in your budget right now, try journaling and tracking your symptoms for 7 days. Then evaluate which body systems your symptoms are coming from and take the appropriate supplements. As you begin new supplements, begin with the lowest dose possible and increase only as tolerated. We are all different, and detox reactions can occur, so go slowly!

Is Functional Health Coaching a Good Fit for You?

Mold illness can be very lonely and confusing. There is so much information available on the internet, but how do you know what is true and what is not? Dr. Google might not know the answers that are right for you. The truth is there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach that's going to work for everyone, and figuring out the quickest and effective solution for YOU isn’t easy. Our mold coaches are trained to help their clients gain the knowledge, skills, tools, and confidence to become active participants in their care so that they can detox safely, effectively, quickly all while being cost effective. “Based on our own experience and what has worked for hundreds of clients, we would love to design a personalized program to help you return to health.” By working with one of our health coaches, you’re likely to accomplish your goals more quickly and easily, in a cost-effective manner. We provide gentle guidance, accountability and the most recent research available. We will help figure out what works for you. Your life and health will improve, and you will feel better! We can help you wade through the mountains of nutrition research to figure out what works for you. Please visit our private coaching page HERE to learn more. Coupon code WELCOME10 applies to lab reviews and supplementation consultations as well!

About the Authors

Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP

Bridgit Danner is the founder of Women's Wellness Collaborative. Bridgit Danner has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2004 and certified Functional Diagnostic practitioner since 2015.

My Story: “While busy running an integrative wellness center in Portland, Oregon, I developed an environmental illness due to toxic mold in my home. My family lost our house and everything in it to toxic mold, and we moved 1,000 miles to the Arizona desert to heal. In the process I learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to mold toxins and detox.”

Micki Contini, MS, CNC

Micki Contini is a board-certified holistic nutritionist, functional medicine nutrition

practitioner, menopause expert, and survivor of thyroid cancer and toxic mold.

My Story: “My passion for supporting those with

mold-related illnesses started after my world was turned upside down by toxic mold. At one point I was so sick I was bedridden and I was sure I was

dying. I have become a toxic mold expert out of necessity. My goal is to help you recover as easily and quickly as possible with what has worked for

me and my clients.”

Our goal is to provide you with support and accurate information to shorten your

road to recovery! We can’t wait to meet you!