A Candid Colon-Cleansing Conversation

Colon cleansing via enema has been around for thousands of years. Cleansing the colon is mentioned in ancient writings of the Chinese, the Romans, and the Greeks. European kings benefitted from regular enemas. King Louis XIV had almost 2,000 enemas in his lifetime and stayed healthy throughout.

In the 1900s, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (of Kellogg's Corn Flakes fame) ran a holistic medical facility utilizing enemas as well as diet and exercise regimens. In the 1917 Journal of American Medicine, Kellogg reported that in over 40,000 cases of gastrointestinal disease, all but 20 were treated successfully with no surgery. Kellogg maintained that 90 percent of the diseases of civilization are due to an improperly functioning colon.

In World War I, when pain medications for wounded soldiers were in short supply, doctors and nurses discovered that coffee retention enemas helped relieve pain.

Why did enemas fall out of favor in recent years? More than likely because we went from preventative medicine to symptomatic. We started seeking a quick fix rather than searching for the cause of the problem. Prescription laxatives and surgical procedures quickly became the preferred means of treatment.

Coffee enemas in particular can be of benefit to the chronically ill, who are often deficient in glutathione, a small protein composed of three amino acids. Glutathione plays a key role in detoxification. The Gerson Institute, an organization dedicated to healing cancer and other degenerative diseases naturally, offers this explanation:

Enzyme systems in the liver and small bowel are responsible for the conversion and neutralization of the most common tissue toxins, polyamines, ammonia, toxin-bound nitrogen and electrophiles, all of which can cause cell and membrane damage.

... the introduction of 32 fluid oz of coffee solution into the colon will dilute portal blood and, subsequently, the bile. Theophylline and theobromine, major constituents of coffee, dilate blood vessels and counter inflammation of the gut. The palmitates of coffee enhance glutathione S-transferase, which is responsible for the removal of many toxic radicals from serum. Finally, the fluid of the enema itself stimulates the visceral nervous system, promoting peristalsis and the transit of diluted toxin bile from the duodenum out of the rectum. Because the stimulating enema is retained for 15 minutes, and because the blood in the body passes through the liver nearly every three minutes, these enemas represent a form of dialysis of the blood across the gut wall.

I recently spoke with a family friend about his health journey. Given three years to live because of a failing liver, he embarked upon the Gerson regimen. Fifteen years later he is strong, working full-time, and enjoying life. Coffee enemas are still a part of his day. He says,

I use only organic coffee and do it twice a day, once when I get up in the morning, and once late afternoon. The enemas cause the liver to open up the bile ducts and release toxins that have been stored there, sometimes for years. Be sure to balance with minerals. I make two juice glasses in the morning, one green—that is, romaine lettuce, 1/2 green pepper, red chard, and Granny Smith apple (to make it taste bearable)—and one carrot and apple juice (about 2-3 carrots and 1/2 Granny Smith apple), and I also take a mineral supplement. I have absolutely no problems with hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, or regularity. It has also helped keep me alive by relieving my liver of toxins on a daily basis. I've been doing it for 15 years. I swear by them.

When the doctors did a colonoscopy last year they said, "Wow, you sure have lots of pockets, but they are all pink and healthy. Whatever you're doing, keep doing it."

The following list encompasses some of the things I've learned since incorporating colon cleansing into my regimen.

1. Good supplies are crucial. I like the stainless steel buckets found here. When using additives such as coffee, the silicone hose is optimal. A colon tube is helpful when hemorrhoids are an issue.

2. It takes time to work up to 15 minutes of retention. Initially it will be difficult to hold the water for any length of time because of the high levels of toxicity. A clear-water enema before a retention enema is often a good idea.

3. Lying on the right side is recommended by the Gerson Institute. There is lots of conflicting information about this. The right side makes sense when you consider the descending colon is on the left side.

4. Enemas are an opportunity to connect with the inner workings of your body. The digestive tract comprises the bulk of the immune system. It’s a logical place to focus when detoxing. At one point I passed a strand of fungus that was 15 inches long. That was the point when I realized that microbial warfare is real.

5. Water temperature is crucial. The Gerson Institute recommends a range of 99-103 degrees. Never use water greater than 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Use a foot stool for elimination. Studies have shown that squatting offers a more thorough elimination. The Welles Step is designed specifically for this function.

7. The lighter the roast of coffee, the higher the levels of palmitates. Organic is essential. Fair trade is optimal. The company s.a. Wilsons offers a uniquely roasted organic coffee specifically for enemas. To find out more see their website.

Donna Gates, founder of the Body Ecology Diet, is a strong proponent of enemas. For an excellent article on the subject, click here.

Other possible additives for colon cleansing include:

• Castile soap
• Chamomile tea
• Baking soda/salt
• Frankincense
• Probiotics

The website Enema-Information provides helpful suggestions for incorporating some of these additives into colon cleansing.

The Gerson Institute offers an excellent handbook titled The Little Enema Book for $5.00. To learn more, click here.

Healing as a Lifestyle

Healing is a matter of time,
but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.
– Hippocrates

Once I began to understand that detoxification is a lifelong process, I slowly integrated detoxifying regimens into my daily life. Here is my typical morning routine.

1. Air Mattress

My day begins by finding the floor at the foot of our air mattress. We still sleep on an air mattress—partly because an air mattress is so simple and cheap, and partly because it works so well. My sleep has been much deeper since sleeping on the floor. There is a theory that sleeping closer to the ground helps the body recover its natural electrical balance. Click here to read more about the principle of grounding. I also recommend this article on the subject.

2. Bentonite Clay

Upon awakening, I drink a teaspoon of bentonite clay mixed with water. Bentonite clay has a pH of 9.7 and, according to an article titled How Healing Clay Works, is a powerful detoxifier:

Bentonite clay molecules carry a negative electrical charge while toxins, bacteria, viruses, parasites and other impurities carry a positive charge. When the clay is taken into the human body, the positively charged toxins are attracted to the negatively charged surfaces of the clay molecule. The clay molecule acts like a magnet, attracting and holding the toxins and impurities to its surface, and removing them when the clay is removed or expelled.

For sources of clay, click here.

3. Oil Pulling

Then, I oil pull. This is a simple detoxification tool requiring an organic oil such as sesame or coconut. For instructions, click here. Since I began oil pulling, my teeth and gums feel stronger and healthier.

4. Neti Pot

I don't do this every day, but when I do, I'm glad. Nasal irrigation is another age-old remedy for general health, not just sinus health. The most efficient and hygienic option, in my opinion, is this stainless steel neti pot. A  nasal irrigator is another option and can be found here.

My favorite recipe:

8 c. distilled water (purified water is essential!)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tbsp. sea salt
10 drops grapefruit seed extract

Shake before each use.

For a list of the many health benefits of nasal irrigation, click here.

5. Coffee Enema

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd look forward to such a thing, but this is by far the highlight of my morning.

I first began to consider enemas when I read Hippocrates' quote, "An enema is better than herbs or laxatives." Upon reading that simple sentence, something clicked. Relieving the digestive tract of toxins and waste made sense. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, founder of the GAPS diet, encourages enemas as a means of detoxifying.

The more I researched enemas, the more I kept being drawn to coffee enemas in particular. The fact that the coffee stimulates the activity of glutathione S-transferase solidified my decision to try it.

According to the Gerson Institute:

The coffee enema has a very specific purpose: lowering serum toxins. Coffee enemas have a definite effect on the colon which can be observed with an endoscope. The palmitic acid found in coffee promotes the activity of glutathione S-transferase and other ligands many times above the norm. It is this enzyme group that is responsible primarily for the conjugation of free electrophile radicals which the gall bladder will then release.

Next to mold avoidance and diet, coffee enemas have changed my life. Watch for my next post: A Candid Colon-Cleansing Conversation!

6. Skin Brushing

Skin brushing comes next. This is a very simple and straightforward addition to any health routine. The skin is responsible for 1/4 of our detoxification each day and is often deemed "the third kidney." This is a simple way to stimulate the lymphatic system, which in turn boosts the immune system. For directions, click here.

7. Natural Hair and Body Care
Shower time. I stopped using shampoo more than a year ago. Rhassoul clay makes a wonderful, completely natural hair-cleansing product. (See this previous post.)

I’ve been using rhassoul clay for more than a year now and have noticed an improvement with the issue of hair loss. Two of my daughters have reported similar results. I follow my clay treatment with a rinse with coffee grounds. My hair is slightly darker because of this treatment—an unexpected benefit!

Charcoal soap works well as a body cleanser. The website Buy Activated Charcoal offers these charcoal soaps.

As for deodorant, I prefer not to impede the sweating process, but if needed I will use a formula I made myself based on this recipe, adding several drops of lavender essential oil.

I spend at least 10 minutes on my teeth. After three crowns and nearly 10 mercury filling removals this last year, I am determined not to find myself back in a dentist's chair if I can help it. I make my own toothpaste using this recipe.

8. Lotion

After my shower, I apply kefir lotion. I make this myself. I make extra strong kefir with raw cream, allowing for a 48-hour fermentation. I combine 2 tbsp. of kefir with several drops of essential oil for an excellent moisturizer. Kefir contains alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), which reduces signs of aging. It is also a form of lactic acid which dissolves lipids, helping to remove dead skin cells. My skin has never felt softer since introducing kefir.

9. Breakfast

Breakfast was once a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee. Now I eat as many nutrient-dense foods as I can and abstain from the coffee. (This article listing coffee as a cross-reactive food with gluten validates this decision.)

Kefir grains
The first thing I consume is 1-2 teaspoons of kefir grains. The grains re-populate the digestive tract with the good bacteria needed to heal the gut and therefore the body. It's a strong healing food and must be added slowly. Consuming kefir grains on an empty stomach is an effective means of ingesting probiotics.
Garlic
Next, I go for the garlic. I peel and crush three cloves, then take with water. When time allows, I ferment a jar of garlic cloves, which allows me to simply pop a clove like a pill from the jar, instead of having to peel and crush them. A study conducted at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle found that eating a teaspoon of fresh garlic and a half cup of onions per day increases the levels of a key enzyme for removing toxins in the blood cells of healthy women. Men require a larger dose, according to the authors. For more on this study, click here.
Raw liver
Following the garlic, I take a cube of "liver ice" out of the freezer, cut it into little pieces, and swallow each like a pill. Grass-fed beef is critical for this. I choose meat that is raised locally with no added hormones or drugs of any kind. I thaw the raw liver, process in a food processor, pour into ice cube trays, and re-freeze. I take my liver pills just as I would any other supplement. Gram for gram, liver contains more nutrients than any other food: vitamin A, all of the B vitamins, particularly B12 (if consumed raw), folic acid, copper, CoQ10 (if consumed raw), and much more. For detailed information on the health benefits of eating liver, see this article. If I miss the raw liver, I feel it!
Raw egg yolks
I cook three eggs sunny-side up. If I miss this, I become ravenous within an hour. Free-range, organic pasteurized eggs are crucial for this. I lightly cook three eggs in animal fat, leaving the yolks raw. Raw eggs contain an abundance of vital substances including protein and essential fatty acids, along with niacin, riboflavin, biotin, choline, vitamins A, D, and E, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, iron, iodine, copper, zinc, and sulfur. Egg yolks are one of the few foods that contain vitamin D. For an interesting article on the health benefits of raw egg yolks, click here.
Green juice
Finally, I wash the morning down with a glass of raw green juice—refreshing and energizing. Romaine lettuce makes up the bulk of our green juices. I try to rotate greens, adding in chard, kale, or wheatgrass when available. I generally avoid spinach because of the high oxalate level, although moderation and variety seem to be the key. Here is an interesting article addressing the issue of oxalates.

The entire routine takes approximately 90 minutes, all done in the comfort of my own home. Just as Hippocrates said, healing is an opportunity. For me, an opportunity to take charge of my health.

Homemade Laundry Soap

When making the switch to natural products, laundry detergent and fabric softeners play a key role. From the clothes we wear to our pillows and sheets, chemicals used in laundering come in contact with our skin 24 hours a day.

To get an idea of the types of chemicals found in products like detergents, see this article listing the most common chemicals found in 31 fragrance products.

Thankfully, there are many non-toxic options.

Soap nuts grow on the Chinese Soapberry Tree and are sometimes call Soap Berries. Soap nuts contain naturally occurring saponins which foam when combined with water. Click here to find out more.

Another alternative is to make your own laundry soap. Note that laundry soap will be more natural than detergent, as detergent is made from synthetics while soap is derived from natural elements. Here is a simple homemade powdered laundry soap.

• 1 bar Castile soap (Castile soap is a vegetable-based soap originating in Spain. Kirk's Castile offers a version with minimal added fragrance.)
• 1 c. Borax
• 1 c. washing soda

Finely grate the soap bar and mix with Borax and washing soda. To do this quickly and efficiently, purchase an inexpensive food processor for the sole purpose of making laundry soap. Process soap, add remaining ingredients, and mix. Store in an airtight container.

Use 2 tablespoons per full washer load.

For added potency, add 1/2 c. baking soda to each load and 1/2 c. white vinegar during the rinse cycle.

Surprised by GAPS

Our family hit a milestone recently. August 1 marked one year on the GAPS diet. What began as a month-long experiment has now become a lifestyle. You can read about our family experiment in this previous post.

What is GAPS? Gut and Psychology Syndrome is a nutritional protocol to heal the gut lining and thus heal the brain and body. The Nourished Kitchen website offers more information in its article titled Why Everyone is Talking about the GAPS Diet, Plus 5 Resources to Get Started.

Leading natural physician Dr. Joseph Mercola recently featured an hour-long interview with GAPS founder Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, whose son's autism diagnosis led her to seek nutritional healing. Her son's successful recovery then led to her specialized practice in the areas of autism, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, immune disorders, and digestive problems. Click here to hear this interview and read the accompanying article.

As I have reflected on this last year, I’ve come up with a list of ways that GAPS has surprised me. Two things, however, have been no surprise:

1. GAPS is hard work. I remember clicking on the GAPS home page 18 months ago and clicking right off of it. “Impossible,” I thought. “No way,” I assured myself, and moved on. I came back to GAPS several months later because our daughter with the severe digestive disorder wasn’t progressing like we hoped. I showed her the GAPS page. She responded positively, saying the diet was worth trying. We’ve been making bone broth ever since. Three hot meals a day, made from scratch, is just as much work as I thought it would be.

2. We’re not cured. If I were in an accident and broke every bone in my body, I would not expect to heal overnight. Why would I expect my body to recover quickly from a major microbial assault? The adult intestinal tract is 30 feet long. Why wouldn't it take years to build back a healthy gut flora? Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride makes it clear that GAPS is a long-term treatment plan. I know of one GAPS mom who didn’t see her Autism Spectrum Disorder son turn the corner until the fourth year.

While I knew to expect these two things, I did not expect the following:

1. We have progressed by leaps and bounds. Behavior has improved. Moods have improved. Rashes have improved. My three youngest are in school full time. My energy has returned. My executive brain function has improved. I am shocked by our collective progress.

2. What was once foreign is now familiar. I knew nothing about fermented foods. I didn’t know how to pronounce kefir. I had to look up ghee in the dictionary. I felt like I was living in a foreign land. I was terrified and uncertain. I felt unsure of myself. One year later, I make my own sauerkraut, share kefir grains, and know how to spell enterocyte.

3. My kids didn’t wither away. This was one of my biggest fears. If we cut out most of the popular, commonly accepted foods, what would my kids eat? Some of my kids were already underweight. I already was at my lowest weight of my adult life. Surprisingly, all of us have either maintained or gained weight. I’ve gained 10 pounds. Last week Reagan went for a fitness evaluation. His most notable change? He’s 25 pounds heavier, mostly muscle. “I know football players who would love to gain this kind of weight,” his trainer remarked.

4. Colin’s diabetes has improved. Colin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes four years ago. We struggled to keep his A1C (average blood sugar) under 9. For the first time since diagnosis, Colin has an A1C of 7 or below (his most recent result is 6.2). He uses 70% less insulin. His behavior has improved. The change in Colin has been dramatic.

5. We are less hungry. The first month on GAPS was not this way. We were starving. All the time. I knew enough from reading the popular GAPS basics book, GAPS Guide, to expect this. I did not expect the turnaround, however. The demand for snacks decreased and the bedtime snacking improved. Slowly we were becoming fat burners instead of carb burners, a concept explained in this article.

6. Anxiety has improved. Anxiety is still an issue, but nothing like it was. My kids are able to experience new people and places without the tormenting nervousness. My insecurities and general paranoia have markedly decreased. The general mood of the household is much calmer than a year ago. The brain-gut connection is real.

7. I like to cook. I’ve never been a fan of cooking. In the old days we relied heavily on fast food and take-out food. I was daunted by the idea of cooking from scratch. Slowly, ever so slowly, I have discovered the joy of cooking. I get excited when I see a fresh head of cabbage. I love making spicy kale chips. I can’t wait to put a new batch of beef jerky in the dehydrator. I love preparing nourishing foods for my family.

8. Animal fat is our friend. With my vegetarian background, animal fat was a hard sell for me. The more I learned, however, the more daring I became. According to noted author and speaker Sally Fallon:

Fats from animal and vegetable sources provide a concentrated source of energy in the diet; they also provide the building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones and hormone-like substances. Fats as part of a meal slow down absorption so that we can go longer without feeling hungry. In addition, they act as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Dietary fats are needed for the conversion of carotene to vitamin A, for mineral absorption and for a host of other processes.

(To read the rest of this article, click here.)

I’ve learned to make ghee and to render pork fat. Now I keep a small fondue pot next to the stove, full of animal fat to use in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes. The addition of animal fat to our diet has proven very stabilizing to our minds and our bodies.

9. Grain-free breakfasts are awesome. What would the kids eat for breakfast? How could we survive without our oatmeal, congee, or granola? Would my kids really wake up and actually look forward to meat and vegetables? Breakfast is now like any other meal of the day. Stir-fry for breakfast is as natural as a bowl of Cheerios.

10. Tastes do change. I felt like I was torturing my children by removing so many of their favorite foods. Starches and sugars were a big part of our lives! Our sugar cravings increased once we took away these foods. This is why I'm glad we made the changes gradually in the year preceding GAPS. As the year has progressed, these sugar cravings have lessened. At the very least we have ways to cope, including higher doses of animal fat, as well as fermented foods. I feel far more satisfied than expected.

Last week 10-year-old Brandon prepared his vegetable stir-fry, spicing it just the way he likes it. He sat down, heaved a heavy, happy sigh, looked up at me, and said, “I love our diet, Mom.”

With encouragement like that, I think we're ready for another year.

Dr. Mercola Speaks Out on Mold

Dr. Joseph Mercola is an osteopathic physician whose mission is to help individuals take ownership of their health. His website is the leader in the field of natural medicine, offering an array of natural solutions for chronic health issues. Last weekend, Dr. Mercola dedicated an entire article to the issue of toxic mold. In it, he states:

I recently had a leak in my basement that was improperly remediated for $10K. The cause was not addressed so the problem worsened, which more than tripled the price to properly clean it up. That is part of the reason that prompted me to contact some of the leading experts in this area and learn how to do this properly.

In his July 30 article titled The "New" Hidden Pandemic Sweeping Across America, Dr. Mercola presents a 90-minute interview with leading toxicologist Dr. Jack Thrasher. The two discuss the various options for remediation, as well as the high toxicity levels involved with mold as compared with pesticides or heavy metals. According to Dr. Thrasher:

Mold is far greater than anything I've ever looked at before, particularly in the indoor environment. Some of these mycotoxins that molds produce are far more toxic than any of the heavy metals I've looked at, concentration-wise. They also tend to affect more biological systems in the body than a pesticide would or a heavy metal would. For example, stachybotrys produces mycotoxins referred to as tricothescenes, and they inhibit protein synthesis and it affects every organ in your body from your toes to the top of your head. I really think molds are much more dangerous from that point of view. For example they extract chemotherapeutic agents out of mold and bacteria to fight cancer. What else can I say from that point of view?

As the article continues, Dr. Mercola explains why Dr. Thrasher believes we have a mold pandemic:

As many as 40 percent of all American schools and at least 25 percent or more of all homes are believed to be affected by mold and microbial growth due to water intrusion. A large portion of the problem stems from shoddy construction.

According to Dr. Thrasher:

One thing that I have seen and observed by working with individuals in the field who understand construction, is that construction is extremely poor in the homes we have today. Plus, they're using building materials that are tremendously good food material for the microbes.

When I was a child... all the homes were built with genuine lath and plaster on the inside. [Now] you walk in and knock on any wall and you have what we call wallboard. That wallboard loves and is a good growth medium for all forms of mold. Everyone that I can think of, almost everyone now has carpets. The backside of carpets is also a great growth medium for mold and bacteria.

... The other type of home that I'm seeing that is of tremendous potential problems to the homeowner is homes that are built with a basement... [T]hey put the concrete down, and there is no water barrier between the earth and the concrete wall of the basement.

The same thing with the foundation; there is no water barrier. So when you water your yard, when there are heavy rains and things like this, the moisture... goes right to the foundation and into the basement or underneath the house, and then the moisture wicks up through the home, increasing humidity.

All of that increasing humidity, anything above 60 percent, is going to lead to growth of mold and bacteria... People have to be very careful about this situation. That's the reason why I call it a pandemic.

Dr. Mercola notes that gutters can also cause problems.

You need to be mindful of the drainage from your roof. I didn't realize this myself, and suffered the consequences when one of the gutters on my home drained onto the ground directly beside the wall, and the water seeped straight through to my basement. So you want to make sure the downspout is far enough away from the building. Ideally, it should empty at least 5 to 10 feet from the wall. You also want to take care that the soil next to the walls of your home slopes away from the walls, to prevent water from collecting around the foundation. And make sure your lawn sprinklers do not spray the walls. Other common construction issues that can contribute to water intrusion and subsequent mold proliferation include:

• Using polyethylene PVC piping instead of copper or galvanized piping, which can be easily punctured by nails or staples
• Bath tubs installed with improper sealing around the drain
• Improperly sealed sinks and garbage disposal
• Installing particleboard (waferboard) after it has been rained on during construction

The Mercola article is full of practical, helpful information. To read it in its entirety, click here.

When Remediation Fails

The book of Leviticus makes it clear that if mold is still present after remediation, the home is unsafe. This is a radical approach to mold, one shared by leading toxicologist Dr. Jack Thrasher. Dr. Thrasher, author of the article The Biocontaminants and Complexity of Damp Indoor Spaces: More Than What Meets the Eyes, says it is best to flee a home rather than remediate when serious health issues exist and when a serious infestation is involved. According to Dr. Thrasher:

I have always been skeptical regarding the successful remediation of homes and buildings contaminated with fungi and bacteria from water intrusion. Buildings and homes are complicated structures. The spores of both bacteria and fungi, as well as their by-products (fine particles less than one micron to those equal or greater than the mold spores), are present in dust. The dust can be found in all nooks and crannies of a building, e.g. refrigerator insulation and coils, areas not normally dusted, even in carpeting that has been vacuumed, under carpeting, and in wall cavities. Finally, little attention is paid to the contaminants in buildings that result from Gram negative and positive bacteria.

I will give some examples below:

Two buildings in Bermuda. These buildings had been remediated prior to our testing. Also, just before we arrived to do testing, the buildings had been cleaned and painted. Aggressive air sampling revealed the presence of hidden fungal spores up to 150,000 spores per cubic meter. Q-PCR revealed the presence of Stachybotrys and several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium, along with other fungi. Culturing for presence of bacteria revealed pathogenic Gram negative and positive bacteria. Interestingly, the occupants of one building had recurrent episodes of food-like poisoning (diarrhea and lower abdominal cramping and pain). In this building we detected high levels of Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that causes food poisoning. Also, we found high concentrations of endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides) released by Gram negative bacteria. Moisture measurements revealed moisture content of walls from 58% to 98% in both buildings. Finally, disturbing the air around a work station that had computers produced spores of Stachybotrys at 7,000 per cubic meter. Thus, workers pounding on keyboards most likely were inhaling these spores along with finer particulates. Samples of dust were positive for endotoxins and 2-3-beta-D-glucans.
House that had been remediated twice. The occupants were still ill. Moisture measurements showed moisture was coming up through the cement slab, which had numerous cracks. This was in all rooms of a 4-bedroom home. Q-PCR revealed Stachybotrys, several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium in three different dust samples (carpeting, living area, kitchen cabinet dust). Results for endotoxins were elevated. Mycotoxins were detected in the dust. Two windows had evidence of elevated moisture content below the window. Tests revealed wall cavity fungi that were active and grew when cultured. Gram negative and positive bacteria were cultured from dust. The fireplace area with a TV alcove had high moisture content with Stachybotrys present (this had been previously remediated). The master bath still had high moisture content with Stachybotrys isolated (this had been remediated). The moral of this story is to check cement slabs as well as check below every window in the home.
1. I have done other homes with similar results. I always culture for bacteria and endotoxins, test for mycotoxins, and do Q-PCR on several different dust samples. We have to remember that air spore counts alone do not tell the story. The fine particulates (less than one micron) have been shown to be up to 500 times more concentrated than the airborne spores. The fine particulates contain the antigens and toxins. Finally, recent peer-reviewed literature has shown that the bacteria in water-damaged structures also release toxins into the indoor environment. Therefore, both bacterial and fungal toxins are present and should be considered in risk assessments with respect to animal and human health.

As for the implications of this for those who are genetically challenged, Thrasher says:

People who are genetically challenged would be those who are genetically susceptible to such exposures. This would involve not only HLA genes but also genetic polymorphism of detoxification pathways such as Glutathione transferases and Cytochrome P450. Thus these people should receive full disclosure when renting or buying.