Mold Exposure and Toxicity
Written by Devin Wilson, ND
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION….
Not all mold negatively affects the body. The mold found on cheese and old food may not be the most pleasant thing to eat but it likely won’t have severe consequences for your body. However, there are specific species of mold, often found in water damage buildings, that are toxic to the body especially to the respiratory, immune, detox and neurocognitive systems.
Since mold can negatively affect numerous organ systems of the body, it would surmise that mold can cause a wide range of symptoms. This is absolutely true.
From chronic nasal congestion and frequent sinus infections to anxiety and depression. From insatiable thirst and frequent urination, to memory issues and nightmares. This is often why doctors are so confused when a patient presents with such diverse and seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Dr. Devin Wilson offers a unique, comprehensive approach to the assessment and treatment of mold toxicity.
A PIONEER IN MOLD ASSESSMENT & TREAMENT…RICHIE SHOEMAKER, MD
Richie Shoemaker is a conventionally trained medical doctor who has been a pioneer in the clinical and laboratory assessment and treatment of mold. Research him online for more information about him and his work.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MOLD TOXICITY…
Chronic nasal congestion
Frequent sinusitis
Fatigue
Brain fog and difficulty thinking
Memory lapses (short term)
Anxiety
Depression
Insatiable thirst
Frequent urination
Intolerant to alcohol esp wine.
Intolerant to coffee
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN EXPOSED TO MOLD…
Most people who have been exposed to mold and have been negatively affected by it are often not properly diagnosed or treated. Many doctors, regardless of their training are simply not familiar with this subject in medicine thus are not aware of the various lab tests and treatment options available.
Dr. Devin Wilson’s Recommendations:
Gather as much data as possible before seeing a mold literate doctor
2. Find a mold literate doctor and schedule an appointment.
COMPREHENSIVE MOLD ASSESSMENT:
Dr. Wilson begins by using screening tools such as symptom questionnaires and visual tests to assess patients first. He then uses advanced laboratory testing including urine tests from various respected laboratory companies and blood tests including hsCRP, CD57, TGFB, MSH, C4a, C3a, to assess immune function and inflammation. Genetic predisposition has also been identified as playing a role in susceptibility of mold and dysfunction of methylation and detoxification pathways. Dr. Wilson uses genetic testing to identify patients who may be predisposed.
People are not just their laboratory results. Along with laboratory markers we also use symptom and quality of life questionnaires to monitor symptom changes to ensure effective therapy over the course of treatment.
Mold toxicity is not just an infection and is commonly not successfully treated with target therapies alone. Symptoms of mold toxicity can be mistaken for a variety of other diseases as it can negatively impact multiple aspects of health.
In order to successfully treat Mold toxicity Dr Wilson routinely assesses and works to optimize the following parameters of health:
Adrenal health
Thyroid function
Digestive health
Nutritional status
Neurotransmitters
Detoxification pathways
Genetic testing (immune susceptibility to infections and mold, methylation defects)
And others…
COMPREHENSIVE MOLD TREATMENT:
Each person is unique and responds differently to infection and treatment. There is no single treatment that works for everyone. Therefore, each person requires a customized treatment plan to match his or her physiological needs.
Dr. Wilson offers both targeted treatments to eradicate mold and supportive treatments to optimize other systems of the body affected by mold. Core treatments of our program are listed below. These are used in conjunction with other therapies to address adrenal, thyroid and digestive health, detoxification, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies and more.
Ozone therapy (IV and rectal)
IV therapies; High dose Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, phosphatidyl choline, various multi-mineral and multi-vitamin IVs, customized IVs, etc.