Many of my patients have complex health cases and have already consulted various specialists. In most instances symptoms have often been addressed, possible diagnoses have been ruled out/suggested, but the root problem has still not been identified.
I will ask the pertinent questions, examine the tongue, feel pulses, and treat the TCM root pattern. I am often searching for what TCM calls Gu syndromes or Gu Zheng, these are chronic illnesses caused by stealthy infections or lingering pathogens. When Gu syndromes are presented in the Western world they are often prone to being underassessed, questioned and examined. This leads me to investigate utilizing laboratory tests like food sensitivities, environmental toxins, heavy metals, long term viral and bacterial infections, gut commensals and last, but not least mycotoxicity.
The Great Lake Michigan region is always damp! It is very rare that we have incredibly dry days. When I see symptoms such as:
Chronic fatigue/exhaustion.
Sinusitis and sinus issues
Brain fog
Immune suppression
Chronic illness
Depression
Anxiety
Anemia
Asthma- recent research citing that different environmental and food based mold has been shown to increase asthmatic episodes. (Kraft et al., 2021)
I will ask questions about the patient’s work and home environment. Most people don’t relate to the idea of having mold issues; even our multimillion dollar lake front homes are subject to mold invasion.
Once we address the undeserved feeling of shame, I equip patients with different tools to advocate for themselves, doing their own research and procuring home remediation if necessary. No matter how much we coax, bind and encourage mold toxicity to excrete from the body it will not matter if the living or work environment is infused with mold.
First, I suggest they purchase an in home mold spore lab test such as My Mold Detective https://www.lowes.com/pd/MyMoldDetective-1-Room-Mold-and-Allergen-Test-Kit-Mold-Test-Kit/1000106729 from Lowes. This will provide the following:
Mold test kit contains: 1 air sample pump, 2 air sample cassettes (1 for outdoor control, 1 for indoor/room), 2 surface samples, and instructions
Fast, 5 minutes to take a sample with professional-grade and reusable air sampling pump
Easy-to-read, color-coded lab report includes lab analysis results, recommendations, and next steps
MyMoldDetective® not only identifies what types of mold is present but also determines whether mold concentration levels are normal, slightly elevated or elevated
Additional sample accessory packs can be utilized to sample additional rooms when combined with mold test kit - (1) outdoor air sample required per sampling session
New allergen testing option is available as an add-on at time of registration
Express option available for results in as little as 48 hours
Lab analysis fee of $39 per sample is required, due at time of online sample registration
If the patient has observed mold, can smell mold or is just ready for professional assessment, I refer them to contact Ron at QCC, our favorite local company for mold remediation. I personally know Ron and have worked with him over the years. I recommend that air ducts are cleaned regularly at home and clinic and trust him and his team.QCC can be reached at https://qcc150.com/ (219) 608-3145. I always mention Sacred Dunes made the referral.
Thirdly, mold is not always environmentally based. Oftentimes, it is stemming from wheat, other grains, coffee, nuts and a list of other foods. I offer a comprehensive test that can be found on my website. The urine lab I offer to my patients tests for five aflatoxins, 11 tricothecenes, and 13 other mycotoxins.
If a patient decides on this route, once we receive our lab results, there are many herbs and supplements I can prescribe, that help to bind mycotoxins and boost the immune system, such as activated charcoal which in the NIH published article, An In Vitro Study on the Efficacy of Mycotoxin Sequestering Agents for Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, and Zearalenone shows charcoal to be the most effective out of 12 toxin sequestering agents including a variety of seven bentonite clays, two aluminosilicate agents, one heulandite product and one yeast cell. (Ahn et al., 2022)
This regimen requires active participation, but I am confident with my ability to educate and advocate, providing them with knowledge and several tools to support the lymphatic system to rid the body of harmful levels of mold while also addressing the root causes of where it is coming from.
Wanna know if mold toxins are eroding your health and well-being?
References
Kraft, S., Buchenauer, L., & Polte, T. (2021). Mold, Mycotoxins and a Dysregulated Immune System: A Combination of Concern?. International journal of molecular sciences, 22(22), 12269. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212269
Ahn, J. Y., Kim, J., Cheong, D. H., Hong, H., Jeong, J. Y., & Kim, B. G. (2022). An In Vitro Study on the Efficacy of Mycotoxin Sequestering Agents for Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, and Zearalenone. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 12(3), 333. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12030333