Holistic Renewals

Quick Resources for Dealing with Mold

I began my mold awareness journey in the summer of 2021. At the time I knew nothing other than using a spray to kill or remove mildew in the shower.  I did not know there were toxic indoor molds from water damage that could cause severe problems for a building and to one’s health from a small water leak. I assumed it would need to be more serious like major flooding. I also didn’t know it could hide behind walls and remain undetected for years. Mold does not always have an odor.  Like most, I had heard the evils of black mold (Stachybotrys) but I did not know of the other indoor molds that have been documented as hazardous to one’s health.  At the time, I could only find a few resources. It is likely that this list will keep expanding as I learn more and continue to heal from severe effects of toxic mold poisoning.

While I am not aware of an official label for the effects of toxic mold, other than CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome), I have settled with using the term toxic mold poisoning to explain the many symptoms resulting from toxic mold attacking my body. CIRS is a specific cluster of symptoms. But not all victims have CIRS. CIRS is usually reserved for patients who have the most severe exposure and effects either through long term exposure, or severe acute exposure. Since toxic mold can be on a wide range spectrum in terms of effects, I will use toxic mold poisoning to capture the basic idea of what it is and does. For easy referencing, I will use the acronym TMP for toxic mold poisoning.

Consider this list to be a quick reference guide to a few sources to get you started in the right direction. I will put 3 stars by the resources I have used and found helpful in my healing journey. While this is a quick reference source, it seems learning about the intricacies and nuances of toxic mold is never-ending. Even the “experts” are learning more.

Gold Standard:

First, I will list an overall resource that pretty much covers most of what you need to know.

*** https://www.microbalancehealthproducts.com

I consider this the gold standard in my recovery and have used most of their products. It was founded by an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor and surgeon, Dr. Donald Dennis, M.D. FACS, who noticed specific clusters of symptoms with patients he discovered had exposure to toxic mold. His story and the founding of the company is on his website.  Most of his products are homeopathic or natural supplementation that has worked for many of his patients.

These include:

  • A free survey to determine if you might have TMP.
  • Free info on toxic mold exposure, its damaging effects and pathways to recovery available to read on the website and through free educational webinars.
  • Detailed information about the science behind the product- what each product does and the tests it underwent in their laboratories.
  • Specific common health concerns or categories seen in TMP and what products can treat it.
  • Tests for the environment
  • Products and a specific protocol for reducing mold in the environment
  • Products and specific protocol for treating mold in the body in the right timing and detoxification phases.
  • Product bundling and discounts on specific products at different times. 

Environmental Tests:

If you suspect mold and/or water damage here are some tests you can do to investigate further. There is no one perfect or best environmental test. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. That said, if you get results from an ERMI that indicate high levels of toxicity, and you have been sick with mysterious symptoms that don’t seem to have a root cause, pay attention and get your body tested next. My ERMI was off the charts and warned me to get out! As I was very sick, and declining, I did a mycotoxin urine test which matched the ERMI results and also warned me to get out. The mycotoxin results also matched my symptom profile. After that I did not need more convincing!

Inspection/Remediation:

*** Mold Money (book) by Daniel Stih https://www.danielstih.com

Daniel, is a Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) and a Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC).  As an expert in his field he knows what people should look for when they hire an inspector and separately, a remediator. His advice also seems logical and reassuring even if you have doubts. He also has other books on the subject and a podcast. Mold Money can be found on Amazon.

Cheryl is an architect who is an educator on avoiding mold, proper drainage, first or new builds, remodels, etc. She has some free resources as well as paid in-depth online classes for prevention and remediation. She has also dealt with mold in her home and knows first-hand its effects on the environment and body. 

Mycotoxin Testing:

  • *** Vibrant- appears to have the preferred mycotoxin urine test as it covers most mycotoxins. Other labs are RealTime Laboratories and Mosaic Diagnostics. All 3 detect detox activity coming out of the body.
  • MyMycoLab Antibody- a blood test that checks antibodies that mycotoxins trigger in the immune system according to Dr. Crista. Dr. Crista gives important steps to understanding and conducting reliable home tests https://www.drcrista.com Look for her article on different-mycotoxins-results-on-different-labs.

Specialists:

Beth experienced toxic mold poisoning and had to piece together her own healing protocol. She later developed her own program with the knowledge she gained from personal experience and through her studies. Her clinic continues to treat patients individually and offers online classes and resources that can be bought for specific concerns or overall education about the effects of mold. The clinic does offer some free educational resources and webinars. It was through her Toxic Mold online class that I learned some of my flu-like symptoms after every meal I ate, was from MCAS (mast cell activated syndrome). That knowledge led to more tweaks into an already restricted diet (for SIBO) but was immediately successful in reducing some of those symptoms that the original restrictions had no impact on. A real game changer!

Matt is a Functional Health Practitioner who often gets discounts on testing with Vibrant. He also has lab specialists who can interpret results. And he treats mold in patients. (I have used him for testing but not for treatment as I was already treating myself when I found him).

Dr. Crista is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in Mold illness with an emphasis on mold injury to the brain and central nervous system. She is an author and an educator who has many free informational resources. She also offers courses and consultations. She practices holistic medicine with natural resources, food, herbs, etc.

Dr. Carnahan has been through toxic mold poisoning and opened her Flatiron Functional Medicine Services practice in 2010 in Louisville, Colorado to assist patients in looking for and treating specific underlying causes that are at the root of their chronic illness/ disease. She now consults for Flatiron. Recently she came out with a book Unexpected Finding Resilience Through Functional Medicine and a documentary, Doctor/Patient, that you can access from her website. Both sources showcase her journey through illness (mold and cancer) and guide patients in how they can approach their own healing journey. She also educates other practitioners on how to help their chronic and mysterious illness patients.

       Facebook Support Groups:

When I first battled toxic mold, having a support group was crucial to my sanity. There are so many effects mold has on the body- many debilitating and it can be a confusing, misunderstood and sometimes isolating journey to navigate. Many posts in the support group reflect the abandonment, rejection, and distrust others have toward victims who struggle with the effects of TMP. I will do a separate blog on this topic as it needs more attention to weighing pros and cons. In general, I recommend them but with guardrails. It is easy to go down too many rabbit holes if one isn’t careful.

Jane Estes 9/9/2025