Maes M, Leunis JC. Normalization of leaky gut in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by a clinical improvement: effects of age, duration of illness and the translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2008 Dec;29(6):902-10. PMID: 19112401.

Altobelli E, Del Negro V, Angeletti PM, Latella G. Low-FODMAP Diet Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 26;9(9):940. doi: 10.3390/nu9090940. PMID: 28846594; PMCID: PMC5622700. Mold testing generally refers to environmental testing (for the presence of mold in a home or building), while mycotoxin testing refers to tests that look at the presence or effects of mycotoxins in the body. Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins (specifically “mycotoxins”). Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and even those that do will not do so under all surface or environmental conditions. Ruegsegger GN, Booth FW. Health Benefits of Exercise. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2018 Jul 2;8(7):a029694. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029694. PMID: 28507196; PMCID: PMC6027933. Harding CF, et al. (2020). Mold inhalation causes innate immune activation, neural, cognitive and emotional dysfunction.Who it’s best for: Blood testing may be best for those who are less likely to be able to excrete mycotoxins through urine. This may include those who are more severely ill or who have a hypersensitivity to food and supplements. Visual Contrast Sensitivity Testing (VCS)

Who it’s best for: VCS testing may be best for those who suspect or know they’ve been exposed to mold or mycotoxins, have neurological symptoms, and are on a budget. Environmental Mold TestingModifying your diet and lifestyle, with an emphasis on improving your gut health, is the first step when it comes to improving any aspect of your health. Imbalances in the gut can lead to a number of symptoms that might be associated with mold toxicity.

Rea WJ. (2018). A large case-series of successful treatment of patients exposed to mold and mycotoxin. Who it’s best for: Urine mycotoxin testing may be best if your symptoms are puzzling and frustrating but not severe and you have already taken the necessary steps to improve your diet and lifestyle. Serum (Blood) Mycotoxin Testing Diekelmann S. Sleep for cognitive enhancement. Front Syst Neurosci. 2014 Apr 2;8:46. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00046. PMID: 24765066; PMCID: PMC3980112. As mould often occurs in places suffering from dampness, illnesses caused by mould can also include symptoms such as a cough, headache or fatigue, which can have a considerable lasting impact on quality of life. There are many different kinds of tests available, and they each have their own benefits and challenges.

Use an Antimicrobial Spray

The Mold Armor Do It Yourself test kit requires very little setup and tests for mold in the air, HVAC systems and surfaces. The tests take at least two days to incubate and mature, or you can send samples to a certified mycology laboratory to help you identify the exact types of mold in your home. These decisions have to be made individually. If you believe you are ill because of exposure to mold in a building, you should consult your physician to determine the appropriate action to take. I found mold growing in my home; how do I test the mold? A 2015 review estimates that 3 to 10 percent of people have a higher sensitivity to the effects of mold. If you have mold sensitivity, you might show signs of an allergic reaction, including itching skin and a watery nose and eyes, when exposed.