Treatment Options

22 comments
There are a wide variety of treatment options for mold exposure. Genetics, finances, circumstances, and individual physical needs play a role in determining the best option. The following is an overview and is designed to stimulate further research rather than suggest a specific protocol.

Drug Options:

Cholestyramine (CSM) is commonly prescribed for mold exposure. This is a bile acid sequestrant, which binds bile in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent its reabsorption. It works as a mycotoxin binding agent. CSM can be compounded to contain no sugar. (One pharmacy which does this is Hopkinton Drug.) When taking cholestyramine it is important to take it 2 hours before or after any nutritional supplements, as it will bind these as well.

Activated charcoal and bentonite clay are two natural binding agents and often taken with CSM.

Anti-fungal drugs. These include the plyenes, the triazoles and imidazoles, allylamines and more. Nystatin is an example of an anti-fungal drug. Anti-fungal drugs can be taken in nasal spray form.

Low-dose Naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) has been shown to be effective in treating immunologically-related disorders.

To find a doctor, check the list of physicians on the American Academy of Environmental Medicine website. The level of knowledge regarding toxic mold varies. Two other possibilities include: 1. The American Board of Environmental Medicine, which is currently working on an online list of physicians, and 2. The Institute for Functional Medicine. The website Surviving Mold offers this list of certified physicians.

Natural Options (often integrated with conventional medical therapies):

CholestePure is often suggested as a natural option for those who cannot tolerate, or want to avoid Cholestyramine.

Garlic, Oil of Oregano, Pau D'arco, Olive Leaf Extract, Caprylic Acid (found in coconuts), Barberry, and Grapefruit Seed Extract are some of the natural anti-fungals.

Dr. Grace Ziem's chemical injury website contains a nutritional and environmental protocol for chemical injury.

Glutathione therapy is often vital to recovery. For more information, see this previous entry.

Skin Remedies:

Rashes often appear during mold exposure, as well as during the de-tox process.

Ketoconazole cream is a topical anti-fungal cream. Other skin remedies include tea tree oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, grapefruit seed extract (diluted).

Charcoal soap can be used as a de-tox agent. It can be combined with ketaconazole shampoo lather.

Epsom salt baths are helpful. For more detox bath alternatives see this list.

Anti-Fungal Diet:

One goal of an anti-fungal diet is to starve the fungus, thereby halting the cycle that often occurs. Sugars and carbs feed the fungus. Chlorophyll does the opposite. Green foods are therefore effective anti-fungals. Alkaline diets incorporate a similar goal. Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and yeasts thrive in an acidic environment but do not thrive in an alkaline environment.

Some chlorophyll-rich foods include spirulina, chlorella, and wheat grass.

For a summary of this anti-fungal approach and a list of foods to avoid, see this article by Dr. Joseph Mercola titled Forget Antibiotics, Steroids and Medication - Starve This Toxin out of Your Body.

Brain Re-Training:

The entire body is impacted by mold exposure. Digestive tracts are hit hard, as well as endocrine systems. The brain is invariably involved. Brain re-training programs often play a part in recovery. An example is the Gupta Amygdala Program.

Alternative Health Options:

A wide variety of alternative health options exist. Practitioners may not be familiar with the specifics of mold exposure but can address the need to de-tox.

These are a few of the numerous options available: orthospinology (chiropractic specialty), ONDAMED, acupuncture, oxygen chamber therapy, IV therapies, chelation therapies, far infrared sauna, and much much more.

It's important to note that a healing crisis can occur as de-tox from mold exposure begins. This is known as a "Herx Reaction"and is an increase in the symptoms caused by toxin circulation and inflammation. It is, therefore, not unusual to get worse before getting better.

On-Line Support:

Sick Buildings Yahoo Group

Planet Thrive

MCS America

momsAWARE

Note: If you are overwhelmed as you consider all of these options, remember that the de-toxification process takes time. Trust your instincts. Begin with mold avoidance and diet as you consider your next step.

22 comments :

  1. Good info Andrea. Thanks for "charting" this out. It helps allot! kt

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  2. In Doug Kauffmann's anti fungal diet he says eggs are ok but that list said no. Should I just go with how my body reacts? Thanks for putting this all out there. You are so helpful!

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  3. Here's what it says in my Whole Foods book, Tonya.
    "Eggs may be appropriate for the person with a dry, thin, anemic constitution. However eggs can also create a thick type of mucus; for this reason, consumption of eggs often causes imbalance, especially for the sluggish, overweight person or others with damp-mucus symptoms."
    Some people can't tolerate eggs at all. I would go with your instincts on it.
    It's always hard to sort through the varying opinions isn't it?!

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  4. Hi Andrea,

    I've been listening to your husband's radio program for a few years now. I also listen to Midday Connection and remember hearing your story last year on Midday. I hope/pray that our ultimate Healer in Heaven, our loving and merciful God will bring you/your family complete healing from all the mold exposure.

    Regarding your "Treatment Options" post...Thank you SO much for the info!

    I had an allergic reaction to the chemicals in hair dye a couple of weeks before Christmas. It affected my lemphatic system (lymph nodes in my neck have been swollen for a little over a month now). Had some tests done to rule out other, more serious causes and results have come back okay. Praise God!

    I have a few more tests pending, but in the meantime, I'd like to try using some Charcoal soap and Bentonite Clay (CS & BC) to see if they'll help reduce/eliminate the swelling of the lymph nodes in my neck. Either way, they sound like a great overall detox regimen.

    Hope you don't mind if I ask you a few questions:

    1. In one of your earlier posts (4/2/09), you described CS &BC as "sequestering agents" that "cannot be taken with the supplements as the nutrition would be pulled from the system as well". I was wondering:

    - How long do you wait before/after using them to take supplements?

    - Do you have a web link where I can read more info on *how* to best use CS & BC?

    2. Should Charcoal soap be used as a *substitute* for "regular" soap for bathing and handwashing?

    3. I have very sensitive/dry skin. Are both the CS & BC equally friendly to sensitive/dry skin?

    4. In addition to having sensitive/dry skin, I also have asthma, so natural/organic products are very important to me as well. However, I've had a hard time finding good moisturizers for face and body. Would you be so kind as to share which ones have worked for you?

    I can't tell you how much it would mean to me to get your feedback. Please help.

    Thanks again!
    (Sorry for the long post)

    Blessings,

    Cary

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  5. If you're taking the activated charcoal and bentonite clay internally, 2 hours(at least) is best to wait before or after taking supplements. I have a great article on activated charcoal. I will post the link in this comment section when I find it.

    Yes, the charcoal soap is a substitute.

    You're on the right track with de-toxing through the skin. 10% of all elimination is through the skin. It's often referred to as "the 3rd kidney."

    The clay can be beneficial for dry skin. The negatively charged clay pulls out the positively charged toxins and the result is healthier skin. You can incorporate dry skin brushing to help with the process. I've also found baking soda beneficial for dry, sensitive skin. I pour baking soda on a wet loofah.

    Diluted grapefruit seed extract can be helpful as well.

    We like coconut oil and grapeseed oil for moisturizing. Olive oil and vitamin E oil are also great.

    I will try to track down this article and get back with you.

    Thanks for your prayers and great questions, Cary.

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  6. Hi Andrea,

    Thank you SOOO much for replying to my questions! Sorry it's taken me a few days to reply, but I haven't been able to go online for a few days. We've been so busy that it took me 3 days (a couple of minutes here, a couple of minutes there) just to type this reply. I also tried to track down some webpage links that I wanted to share with you (I'll include the details on a separate comment).

    Anyway, thanks again. I hope you don't mind, but I have some follow-up questions:

    1. Do you use the Collective Wellbeing Hot Pore Cleanser Scrub *and* their Detox Soap?

    2. Were you able to track down the article on how to use activated charcoal and bentonite clay (AC & BC) that you mentioned in your reply?
    (I tried searching the web for info on how to use these products, but only found general info.)

    3. One interesting tip/warning I did find during my google search was re: BC. The article stated

    "With 2 pounds of bentonite you would soak one hour; with 4 pounds you would soak only about 30 minutes. The more bentonite used, the faster the detoxification. Note: While bentonite is a great adsorber, it is widely used to seal well-casings and ponds. It would very likely seal many septic systems too, costing thousands to repair. Use sparingly or with caution"

    - Any advice for a first-timer with dry/sensitive skin? How much to use? Clean-up tips for the tub?

    I'm assuming the timing of supplements of is of no concern if I use AC and BC externally.

    4. Re: the use of baking soda as a moisturizer - Wow! I would've never thought to use baking soda as a moisturizer! We actually use this mostly as a household cleaner (to clean our porcelain kitchen sink, etc...) I just love it when I learn new ways to use natural products! In fact, one of my favorite uses of Baking Soda involves removing Downy smell from children's clothing we purchased at a great little consignment store. (I'll be sure to post the steps in a separate comment.)

    - Do you use the baking soda/water *after* the clay baths? (to remove the Clay from your skin?)

    5. Re: the moisturizers you mentioned (Diluted grapefruit seed extract, Coconut oil, Grapeseed oil, Olive oil, and Vitamin E) -- Thank you for this list of great options!

    - I'm assuming you use either Vitamin E or diluted grapefruit seed extract for the face, and the oils for the body, right?
    (since oils tend to block pores and cause pimples).

    - Any brands you'd recommend?

    Sorry about all the questions / lengthy message.

    Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my questions, especially with all that you do throughout your day. I can't thank you enough.

    God bless,

    Cary

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  7. Here's the info I wanted to share with you that didn't fit in the last comment I posted.

    You mentioned Vitamin E is a great moisturizer. I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but I'll post it here just in case you or anyone else may benefit...

    I've always liked Vit. E myself (aka Tocopherol), but sadly, there are some serious risks associated with it, particularly "contamination risks". Finding natural moisturizers that don't use Vit E is a challenge. Fortunately, however, some use it less than others (last ingredient vs 2nd ingredient). You can find the details on the serious risks by looking for the "contamination concerns" checkmark and the word "Hydroquinone" link on this page:

    http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient/706564/TOCOPHEROL/

    I use natural/organic products as much as I can, but I try to use the ones with the either no Vit E or the least amount of it, not only because of the risks, but also from personal experience with natural consumer products going bad sooner than expected.

    In fact, and this may sound hard to believe, but it's not that uncommon for some natural consumer products to become contaminated *before* the expiration date. This happened to me with 7th Generation baby wipes (twice). I contacted the manuf. and the C/S rep informed me that "this can happen sometimes with natural products". Ironically, a few months later, I read an article re: how *several* natural consumer products were tested and found to have serious contaminations. Here's the article:

    http://www.naturalnews.com/022846.html

    naturalnews.com does a good job staying on top of these things. That's why I subscribe to their free e-newsletter.

    Cary

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  8. Dear Andrea,

    Here are the steps on how to remove Downy smell from clothing that I described in an earlier comment in case this helps you or anyone with fragrance/chemical sensitivities:

    1. Soak of your clothes in water mixed with your regular detergent (follow box instructions) + Vinegar (1/2 cup) + Baking Soda (1/2 cup)

    2. During rinse cycle, add Vinager (1/2 c) + B.Soda (1/2c) again

    3. Do a second Rinse with just plain water.

    4. If by any chance, you can still detect a bit of Downy smell (it should be significantly less), just repeat the process described above.

    5. Once the Downy smell is gone, just wash clothes again as usual (detergent only).

    ** Note: We used Tide-Free detergent, but if anyone tries this successfully with another detergent brand that uses natural ingredients, please share your success story here.

    After trying many, many other "natural" remedies/soaks, this is is the only thing that worked for us!

    Cary

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  9. Cary,
    The clay we have comes with a drain cover for that very reason. I don't recall all of the info on BC. We mostly use epsom salts now. I have not found that link to the activated charcoal website. I will try.
    That's interesting about Vitamin E. We use mostly coconut and grapeseed oil butI will check the labels of the moisturizers we use. Good to know. Thank you for all the information!!
    Andrea

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  10. Andrea,

    Melody here, having fled from boyfriend's mold with what I'm sure is toxic mold - in Portland, Oregon. 5 years ago, in Los Angeles, was MY poisoning from Toxic Mold including Stachybotrys which gave me MCS.

    I have only Medicare, am on Disability, and no extra money to go to alternative doctors. I have to work within the "system" and buy little things at the health food store, such as GSE - which is not helping me.

    Am I correct, that I feel and smell mold coming out of my skin all the time - and that I need to watch where I step, use a vinegar rag to step without socks, don't touch the carpet if I'm napping down there, constantly wash my face and hands, as mold is coming out of me? I feel certain this is what's going on.

    Thanks
    Melody

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  11. Well, the skin certainly is a place of exit for the body.
    In fact during our initial detox phase we were getting nosebleeds simply from each other! In other words reacting to the spores releasing from our skin.
    Again, charcoal soap, tea tree oil, and grapefruit seed extract are very helpful in this regard.

    Hang in there, Melody!!

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  12. Andrea and Chris,
    I have no idea about all this, but I have heard bits and pieces of your story. My parents are in their mid/upper 80's and are experiencing many health issues. of course, their age is a huge contributing factor BUT, they have a wet basement again from a bad storm. As I think back, they have had water many times over the years, at least 14 years that I can count. They still have the same carpet over padding that they think they can clean by sucking up the water with a shop vac.
    I am allergic to mold so the minute I open their basement door I smell it! I am starting to think their nausea, dizziness, ear bleeding, fatigue... all these symptoms may be related to their basement mold. Today I encouraged them to see if insurance would cover the cost of ripping out the carpet and cleaning up the mold.
    Now I wonder if they need more extensive help BEFORE tearing out the carpet. This is really starting to worry me.
    What do I do now?
    Your story is sad but one of great hope. Chris' show where I heard about your mold problem, caused me to think about my parents' house. Thanks for sharing and giving hope.
    Joani

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  13. Joani,
    You are so right to be concerned and to connect these symptoms with the damp basement. You are also right to hold off on any action. It is best to do a dust sample before replacing the carpet...so that you understand what types of mold are present.
    If you act before a test you have no idea the types of mold that may be stirred up and move their way into the HVAC system. You also have no way of determining if the remediation is successful. I would do an ERMI sample from the basement and go from there.
    Again, you are on the right track with this.
    I'd be happy to help you further...you can email me directly andrea@momsaware.org
    Andrea

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  14. I have listened to Chris for a long time. Two months ago I moved out of my house which has mold. I made that decision after I prayed and asked the Lord what I should do. I read your mold blog and it confirmed in my spirit that i should move out. I had also read the GAPS book prior to that and was encouraged to start when I read of your success. (I have yeast candida). I wonder if you have any advice about my dilemma concerning my house. I have lived in it for thirty years, raised four children in it. I don't have funds for extensive remediation and consider just demolishing it. When I spend an hour in it, I get prickly burning spots on my skin (ice-pick effect) and wonder if a toxic mold causes that. Finally, have you read the book by Dr. Ed Close on "Nature's Mold Rx" using essential oils? Would like your opinion on that.

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  15. Vicky,
    I am familiar with the use of essential oils to combat toxic mold. It certainly can't hurt to try. It certainly can't make things worse.
    We diffuse essential oils all of the time in our present home. I wouldn't be without them.
    One word of caution: the oils don't eradicate the mold. It's not getting to the source.
    If you try the oils and still have the burning I would certainly explore other options.
    Hang in there Vicky. If I can help in any other way let me know.

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  16. God bless you and your family. Thank you for the time you have spent educating and encouraging others. I pray that your family will heal and that your story can help others.

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  17. Does anyone happen to know of a doctor in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area that will follow Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's protocol or one like it? I'm 39 years old and in agonizing chronic pain and fatigue. I've been sick since age 8. Grew up in a house that was full of mold - my parents still live there and have extreme health problems. I was diagnosed with lupus and undifferentiated connective tissue disease along with anxiety problems. I know it is all a result of mold in my body that is recirculating. Anyone have direction on what I can do? I would like to find a doctor in my area with clinical experience with this.

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  18. Marly, This website has a list of physicians. I'm not sure about Oklahoma but perhaps someone in a surrounding state:
    http://truthaboutmold.info/resources
    Feel free to email me directly:
    andrea@momsaware.org
    I know it's hard. You're finding answers, though. Andrea

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  19. Andrea,

    I just tried activated charcoal for treating my mold exposure (tried 2x now). Both times I had a brown menstrual-like discharge for about 3 days (had just finished a normal cycle the week before). Did anyone in your family have this reaction? I was wondering if it was a detox reaction...

    I've been fighting the mold through strict diet for about 1 month now (almost no grain (just minimal brwn rice/quinoa), low-carb veggies, meat, coconut oil, garlic, etc.). I've also experienced beginning "thrush" kicking up around when I eat more coconut oil/garlic. I'm a but confused by it, but still pressing forward. Do you have any thoughts?

    Any experience you have or know of would be do appreciated.

    Also, I'm pretty sure the mold I was exposed to was stachybotrys chartarum, if that helps...

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  20. We have found that our detox symptoms are similar to the ones we had in the house. Anything is possible with detox from our experience. I wrote this article about detoxing...it may be helpful.
    http://moldrecovery.blogspot.com/2010/02/de-toxing-for-dummies.html
    It's so tough. Diet is a powerful detoxifier. Feel free to email me directly at any point. andrea@momsaware.org

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  21. Hi Andrea, Did you find moving to an arid climate helpful for your healing? Also was it important to be close to Dr. Gray's for treatment? Are you staying in AZ as you continue to heal? I'm trying to decide whether to move because of chronic re-exposure (incl at the 'mold doctor's office sitting on her cloth couch). Then I came across your wonderful blog. Any advice about location/geography and how to find a knowledgeable doctor would be so helpful. Thanks! Nika

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  22. Nicka,
    We stayed in AZ for the dry, warm climate. I'm not sure it's necessary- since ultimately it's an internal battle. Trying to get the immune system back on track is a long road. We found the radical dietary approach to be most helpful. Feel free to email me directly andrea@momsaware.org. You'll get the answers you need - hang in there.

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