The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka - 124. Mold In Your Home? Here’s How to Fight Back

Starting point is 00:00:00 Today we're addressing a major health threat that's often overlooked and doctors don't check for it, and that's mold exposure. Mold is actually a type of fungus and it thrives in damp human environments and it plays a crucial role in decomposing organic matter. We know that mold can be found indoors or outdoors, but it's the indoor mold that is the bigger concern for human health due to the closed environments and the prolonged exposure. Long-term mold exposure can weaken the immune system, actually making you more susceptible to infections. Remember, mold detox isn't about just cleaning up your environment. It's about creating a safe space for your body to exposure. And what happens is...

Starting point is 00:00:59 Mold isn't just something that makes your home smell musty. When it comes to your health, mold exposure can have serious consequences. Take it from me, I happen to live in the mold capital of the world in Miami, Florida. Whether you've noticed a damp area in your basement or you've been feeling sick and you don't know why, mold might be the hidden culprit. Today, we're diving into how mold affects your health, how to detox from it, and what you can do to start feeling better. So let's get into it. Welcome back to the Ultimate Human Podcast, the place where small, intentional steps lead to big health transformations. I'm Gary Brekka, your host, and today we're addressing a major health threat

Starting point is 00:01:29 that's often overlooked and doctors don't check for it, and that's mold exposure. You've probably heard about it, but mold exposure can go unnoticed for a long time before it starts causing noticeable health issues. So in this episode, we're gonna cover exactly what mold is, the health risks associated with mold exposure, and most importantly, how do we detox from it

Starting point is 00:01:49 so you can restore your health and get back to feeling your best self. Mold is actually a type of fungus and it thrives in damp human environments, almost always in dark environments, and it plays a crucial role in decomposing organic matter. It reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air, which is called sporulating, and which can then spread and grow on various other surfaces. So while mold is essential for nature's cycle of decomposition, it becomes a serious problem when it starts growing indoors and invades our bodies. Some molds are harmless, but others, like black mold,

Starting point is 00:02:24 produce mycotoxins that can have severe health consequences. According to a study published in the Mycological Research in 2019, long-term exposure to these toxic molds has been linked to respiratory problems, cognitive dysfunction, and weak immune systems. So there's several types of molds. There are molds that are allergenic, and these molds, such as aspergillus and penicillum, may cause allergic reactions but typically don't pose long-term health risks. There are toxic molds. These molds, like stachyboitris, stachyboitris chardum, known as black mold, produce mycotoxins that are harmful when inhaled or when they're touched. So mycotoxins can lead to a wide range

Starting point is 00:03:04 of health problems, from neurological issues to immune suppression. A report in the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences emphasizes that mycotoxins can contribute to chronic inflammation, fatigue, and even neurodegenerative conditions. We know that mold can be found indoors or outdoors, but it's the indoor mold that is the bigger concern for human health due to the closed environments and the prolonged exposure. So let's look at where mold tends to grow. So outdoors, mold is naturally occurring outdoors in areas with high moisture, such as forests or marshes and gardens. And mold plays an essential ecological role by breaking down organic materials like fallen leaves and dead trees and turning them

Starting point is 00:03:45 into organic matter. Indoor mold grows in areas where moisture is present, poor ventilation exists, or there's water damage. The most common places for mold indoors include your bathrooms due to the constant moisture in showers, sinks, and tubs. So bathrooms are prime spots for mold growth. Kitchens are another hot spot with moisture from cooking and dishwashing creating the perfect environment for mold. Basements and crawl spaces are also areas that tend to be cooler and more humid making them ideal breeding grounds for mold. Attics and heating and ventilation systems where poor ventilation can cause mold to thrive. This is where mold can even grow in your HVAC system and it can spread throughout your entire home. Exposure to mold can lead to a wide range of health issues, especially if it's toxic mold or if exposure is prolonged.

Starting point is 00:04:33 So here's what mold exposure can do to your body. Respiratory issues. Mold exposure can irritate the respiratory system. This leads to chronic asthma, chronic sinusitis, coughing, wheezing, and according to a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, mold exposure is a significant risk factor for respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with pre-existing asthma or allergies. There are even neurologic symptoms. Mold exposure, particularly to black mold, has been linked to cognitive dysfunction, brain fog, headaches, and even memory loss.

Starting point is 00:05:06 A study published in Frontiers in Public Health in 2019 highlighted that individuals exposed to mold reported symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances. And then there's skin irritation. Mold exposure can cause skin rashes, allergic reactions, or even infections in the skin. The molded spores or mycotoxins that irritate the skin do so by triggering conditions like eczema. So then there's the immune system suppression. You know, long-term mold exposure can weaken the immune system, actually making you more susceptible to infections. Studies include one from the Cleveland Clinic, which shows that mold mycotoxins disrupt the immune response and cause chronic inflammation. What does this do? It contributes to autoimmune conditions. If you find mold in your

Starting point is 00:05:51 home, it's important to address it immediately. There is no chance that you can detoxify from mold exposure until you address the environment that started it. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to serious health consequences, so taking action is crucial. So first, identify the mold source. The first step is to find the source of the moisture, and mold can only grow where there's consistent moisture. So fixing leaks or water damage is the key to preventing further mold growth once you've remediated it. Mold testing. If you're unsure whether or not you have mold, it's hidden behind walls or under floors, consider hiring a mold testing professional. So tools like moisture readers and infrared cameras actually help them detect mold,

Starting point is 00:06:31 maybe even behind the walls that are not visible. Now you have to remove the mold. For small mold infestations, you can clean it yourself using non-toxic solutions. But research shows that natural cleaners can be effective. Things like vinegar, according to a study published in the Scientific Reports. Vinegar's antifungal properties kill nearly every form and a strain of mold. Hydrogen peroxide. The Journal of Environmental Health

Starting point is 00:06:56 Research showed that hydrogen peroxide effectively kills mold on hard surfaces. And then there's baking soda. This natural scrub can help remove mold from surfaces without the use of harsh chemicals. However, for large infestations, especially if it's black mold, it's recommended to consult a professional mold remediation service. Toxic molds need to be handled with care to prevent spreading spores or even further exposure to you or your family. Prevent future mold growth. How do you do this? Well, after you've dealt with the immediate mold exposure, the next step is to prevent mold from growing again. Some important steps that you could take. Primarily, fix the leaks. Immediately repair leaks and water

Starting point is 00:07:35 damage in areas like the roof, walls, and pipes. You can also improve ventilation. Make sure your home is properly ventilated, especially in areas that are prone to this type of moisture. So use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms and consider a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels, especially if you're in an area of the country that has basements. Use mold-resistant materials. When renovating, use mold-resistant paint, drywall, and insulation in high-moisture areas like basements and bathrooms. And while professional mold remediation is necessary for large infestations, there are natural alternatives to handle small mold problems. Research supports their effectiveness in controlling mold growth. Tea tree oil. A study in Letters and Applied Microbiology found that tea tree oil's

Starting point is 00:08:20 antifungal properties can be used to inhibit mold growth, especially on porous surfaces. And then there's citrus seed extract. According to a study in International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, citrus seed extract has been shown to kill a variety of mold species. Neem oil. This oil has antifungal properties and studies suggest it's effective

Starting point is 00:08:41 at controlling mold on various surfaces. Mold may be small, but its impact on your health can be huge. If you find mold in your home, take immediate action by identifying and eliminating the moisture source, cleaning the affected areas with natural alternatives, and preventing future growth. It's also essential to support your body's detoxification pathways to ensure that mold doesn't affect your health. Remember, mold detox isn't about just cleaning up your environment. It's about creating a safe space for your body to heal. So in our clinic system, we've treated lots of patients that have had mold. And primarily what we do is a

Starting point is 00:09:15 three-step process. The number one and most important, and I wouldn't do anything else until you complete step number one, because if you don't complete step number one, nothing else matters. And that is get yourself out of the environment where the mold exposure existed. If you can't remove yourself from the environment, you need to remediate the mold with a professional mold service in that environment. Because if you're still getting the spores and the mold

Starting point is 00:09:41 and the mycotoxins into your respiratory system, there is zero chance that you will detox. Number two, activate your own natural detox pathways. And what do we mean by natural detox pathways? Well, sweat is number one. The more often and frequent you can get into a dry sauna and actually sweat for 20 minutes a day, the better you will actually eliminate these toxins. There's recent studies actually showing that all kinds of things come out when you get into a dry sauna.

Starting point is 00:10:10 Not only is it good at extending life and reducing cardiovascular risk, but it also is one of the best waste elimination pathways that the body has. So many of us, especially in the winter months, just don't sweat anymore. So if you can fire yourself a dry sauna or you have one in your house,

Starting point is 00:10:26 this is a great place for you to start the natural detoxification pathways. I'm gonna do a whole nother podcast short on the types of things that come out in our sweat, but we're finding glyphosates, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, some preservatives coming out through the skin, and it's a great way to begin

Starting point is 00:10:43 the detoxification process from mold. Number two, our clinical team usually puts people on something called glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant. It actually resides inside of every single cell in your body, that's right. Every cell in your body contains glutathione. This is an antioxidant that is made

Starting point is 00:11:01 from amino acids in your liver. It's produced by the body and very often increasing your exposure to glutathione can help with your detoxification pathways. I use one that is called Gluteral. It's a topical spray that you actually spray on the softer areas of your skin. So areas that would otherwise touch if you were not wearing clothing, which happens to be excellent ways to get the glutathione compound into the blood. There's also liposomal glutathione, and there's some great brands

Starting point is 00:11:29 of oral forms of glutathione out there, but it is excellent for strengthening your detoxification pathways. And then finally, you can actually begin the mold detoxification process. There are lots of mold detox protocols out there. What I will caution you against is starting a mold detox protocol before you have activated your body's own detox pathway. Glutathione,

Starting point is 00:11:53 hydration, removing the mold exposure, and sauna are essential to your own natural detox pathway. So harness those options first and then begin a mold detox. So I'll tell you about a personal experience that we had. My wife and I own two small homes in Naples, Florida, both of which were destroyed not once but twice by hurricanes. We had 36 inches, you know, at one time and we had almost five feet the second time. The drywall was soaked. All our kitchen cabinets were soaked. The floorboards were pulled up off of the bottom.

Starting point is 00:12:23 We did remediate the mold. We noticed that when we went back into the house, it still had the strong pungent smell of mold. Unfortunately, my wife Sage spent lots of time with our youngest daughter in the house, removing personal items and trying to get the mess cleaned up. And we did some respiratory studies on her. She wasn't really feeling well. She had some headaches. She had some digestive issues. She was beginning to have hormone dysregulation. So a blood test confirmed high exposure to mold mycotoxins. So I'll just tell you what we did just as a way of being transparent. We used something called ozone and there are several ways that you can get ozone. You can get ozone intravenously by having a qualified practitioner

Starting point is 00:13:05 inject ozone gas into an IV bag that has your blood in it and putting it back in the body. You can do something called EBU, which is cycling your blood through a filter, which contains ozone. You can do something called 10-pass ozone. And there are even machines, I have one in my house called a HOCATT, H-O-C-A-T-T. And these machines put ozone transdermally through the skin. So if you've had mold exposure and you don't want the IVs or you don't want to be stuck with a needle, Google around and find a clinic that has a HOCATT, H-O-C-A-T-T, and you can do transdermal ozone under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. And these are excellent ways to detox, not just from mold, but also from the mycotoxins, viral pathogens,

Starting point is 00:13:52 and often even heavy metals. So we used a combination of regular sauna, glutathione IVs, and regular ozone IVs, and transdermal ozone, and we were able to get the mold and mycotoxin levels all the way down. I also have an air filter in my house that filters down to 0.3 microns. I'll put a link to the one that I use in the bottom of the show notes if you're interested. But this will not only filter the mold, mycotoxins, the spores out of the air, but it has an ozone setting on the air filter. So when you leave the room, you hit this setting, you can run it for 15 minutes, 12 hours, 24 hours, or 48 hours. Remember, you don't want to have anything living in the house when you run the ozone. You don't want to have pets or kids or your in-laws

Starting point is 00:14:35 or any kind of animals in little cages like hamsters or anything like that because ozone will kill everything. However, as soon as the air clears, it's perfectly safe to go back in your home and the ozone gas will even kill mold and mycotoxins and spores on the back of your drywall. If you actually have a subfloor, like a wooden subfloor, it can even kill termites under your subfloor. So it's an excellent way to really saturate the house with something that is safe

Starting point is 00:15:03 when you're not directly exposed to it and you can re-enter the house immediately. I'm not a huge fan of using these bombs that they have that have really, really harsh chemicals, lots of forever chemicals that have a tendency to last for days or weeks or even months after you bomb the house with them. The nice thing about ozone gas is that it will permeate your ventilation system. It'll get into your HVAC. It'll go through the coils in your ventilation system. I went the next psycho step of even adding HEPA filtration with carbon, with a charcoal filter. And then I installed these UVA and UVB light filtration devices right in the flume where the air passes up into the air handler. The reason why I took such extreme measures is because we live in Miami, so we're

Starting point is 00:15:51 kind of in the mold capital of the world. If you live in the Midwest or cooler climates, probably not necessary to go that far, but if you've had regular moisture in your basement, might be nice for you to think about looking at these UVA, UVB filters that go into your HVAC system, adding charcoal filter and HEPA filtration to your filtration system. And remember to check the coils in your HVAC. That is a favorite spot for mold. We think because there's heat and cold in those areas that we wouldn't get mold in there. And that's exactly where we actually found the mold in our home. So UVA, UVB light, if you actually have the mold remediated, you can get an air filter. Again, I'll put the link to the one that I use. You can run ozone gas in the house.

Starting point is 00:16:35 You can even rent these ozone misters. You can even get them on Amazon. They're not very expensive. You want to fully remediate the mold and then start your natural detox process using ozone transdermally intravenously talking to a qualified practitioner about glutathione IVs or transdermal glutathione and if you have any access to a dry sauna that is one of the best ways to activate your detox pathways in addition to mineralizing and hydrating the body to help get rid of those things in your urine and your stool. So that's what we did to remediate it. It worked very, very well. And I know a lot of people just don't talk about mold mycotoxins and their exposure. And what happens is people just end

Starting point is 00:17:15 up with these low-grade chronic infections that just nip away at their productivity. Their mood is numb. They're emotionally off. If they're females, their cycle can be off is numb they're emotionally off if they're females their cycle can be off their men they actually get not depressed but you get something called mood numbness where the peaks and valleys of mood disappear your sleep becomes irregular you very often have headaches you have severe brain fog you have respiratory issues and generally it's not quite enough to drive you to the emergency room or to the urgent care you just just sort of deal with it. You might actually be dealing with mold exposure. Thanks for tuning in to the Ultimate Human Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit. Wish you luck. And as always, guys, it's just science.

The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka - 124. Mold In Your Home? Here’s How to Fight Back

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