Overcoming Mould Illness: My Journey Through Mould Toxicity, Hidden Causes, and Expert Insights
- Oskar
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.
Mould illness can quietly sap your energy, leaving you unwell and desperate for clarity—something I know all too well. In my first blog post, I opened up about my gut health struggles, starting with a parasite in Morocco that sent me to the CHEK Institute in 2019 for answers. That advanced training in fungal and parasite healing became my foundation. Fast forward to 2023: a week in a mould-ridden Airbnb in Brighton, England, unleashed a severe health crisis. Armed with my education, I spotted the signs—confirmed by visible mold and crushing symptoms—and fought back.
Those battles forged my mission as a holistic health coach. Now, I help others reclaim their vitality with natural solutions, drawing from my own recovery and understanding the effects of a poor lifestyle and a toxic environment on our health. In this post, I’ll unpack mould illness, reveal its sneaky causes, and share the protocol that supported my recovery. If you’ve felt inexplicably “off,” read on—this could be your turning point.
What Is Mould Illness?
Mould illness, often called mould toxicity or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), occurs when you’re exposed to mould spores and their toxic byproducts, known as mycotoxins. These substances flourish in damp, poorly ventilated environments—think aging homes, basements, or, in my case, a mould-laden Airbnb bedroom. When inhaled or ingested, mycotoxins can wreak havoc, especially in those with compromised immunity or genetic vulnerabilities.
The Lethal Power of Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins aren’t just irritants; they’re among the most dangerous compounds known to science. Produced by moulds like Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys (black mould), these toxins are so potent they’ve been researched as bioweapons. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that mycotoxins can cause:
Acute poisoning from high doses
Chronic immune suppression
Neurological damage
Cancer in extreme cases
A 2017 study in Toxins journal highlights that mycotoxins like aflatoxins and ochratoxins are tightly regulated in food due to their toxicity—yet indoor air exposure often flies under the radar. For me, this wasn’t abstract research; it was a visceral reality that turned my life upside down.
Symptoms and Diagnostic Challenges
Mould illness is a shape-shifter, presenting differently in each person and confounding diagnosis. Common symptoms include:
Chronic fatigue
Respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing)
Cognitive decline (brain fog, memory lapses)
Digestive upset (diarrhea, bloating)
Skin reactions (rashes, itching)
Why Is It Hard to Pinpoint?
Symptom overlap: It can masquerade as allergies, fibromyalgia, or stress-related conditions.
Testing gaps: Standard medical screens rarely detect mycotoxins.
Awareness deficit: Many doctors aren’t trained to recognize mould illness.
In England, where dampness plagues over 2 million homes (English Housing Survey), this lack of recognition leaves countless people suffering in silence.
Common Causes of Mould Exposure: Beyond the Environment
Environmental mould—like that in damp homes—is a well-documented culprit, but it’s not the whole story. Hidden sources can quietly poison your body, adding to your toxic burden without raising alarm. Below, I’ll explore two overlooked causes: mouldy teeth (root canals) and mould in foods like coffee and peanuts, along with other potential sources.
1. Mouldy Teeth: The Root Canal Connection
Root canals are a routine dental fix, but they can become a silent source of mould and toxins. During the procedure, a tooth’s nerve is removed, leaving a space that can trap bacteria and fungi. Over time, these microorganisms may produce mycotoxins that leach into the bloodstream, fuelling systemic inflammation and mold toxicity.
The Science: Dr. Weston Price, a groundbreaking dental researcher, found that root canals can harbour anaerobic bacteria and fungi, releasing toxins that affect the entire body. A 2021 study in Journal of Endodontics revealed fungal contamination—often Candida species—in 20% of root canals.
Symptoms to Notice: Persistent fatigue, brain fog, or sinus problems, especially post-root canal.
Action Step: Visit a biological dentist to evaluate your dental health holistically if you suspect a connection.
2. Mould in Foods: Coffee, Peanuts, and Beyond
What you eat can also expose you to mould and mycotoxins, compounding the effects of environmental exposure. Certain foods are prime targets for contamination due to how they’re grown, stored, or processed.
Coffee Beans: Coffee’s journey from farm to cup often involves humid conditions ripe for mould growth. A 2022 study in Food Control found that 28% of green coffee beans contained ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin tied to kidney damage. Roasting reduces but doesn’t eliminate it—opt for mould-tested brands like Bulletproof or Purity Coffee if you’re sensitive.
Peanuts: These legumes are notorious for aflatoxin, a carcinogenic mycotoxin. The FDA regulates aflatoxin in peanuts, but even trace amounts can harm mould-sensitive people. A 2019 Frontiers in Microbiology report linked aflatoxin to liver damage and immune issues.
Other Risks: Grains (wheat, corn), dried fruits (raisins, figs), and nuts (cashews, walnuts) are also prone to mould. For safer choices, try seeds like chia or sunflower, or source mould-tested products.
Why It’s a Big Deal: Chronic ingestion of mycotoxins from food can amplify mould illness symptoms, especially if you’re already exposed elsewhere. Eliminating these foods was pivotal in my recovery.
3. Additional Hidden Sources
Water-Damaged Goods: Leather, paper, or fabrics stored in damp conditions can harbour mould spores.
Air Conditioning Units: Poorly maintained HVAC systems can circulate mould through your home.
Workplace Exposure: Old office buildings with leaky pipes or poor ventilation can be as toxic as homes.
Takeaway: Mould isn’t just in the walls—it can be in your mouth (tooth decay, root canals), your diet (food supply), and your surroundings. Identifying and eliminating these sources is key to reducing your exposure and a first step to detoxing.
My Mould Illness Story: An Unlike Week in Brighton!
In early 2023, I was in peak form—coaching fitness, teaching Qi Gong, and embracing fatherhood after overcoming gut issues. Then came a trip to Brighton, England, for house-hunting. Fresh off my first COVID infection, which left me congested and frail, I checked into an Airbnb that would unravel my progress. Unbeknownst to me, black mould lurked under the bed, coated the walls, and clung to the mattress. For seven days, I inhaled it, my weakened immune system no match for the onslaught. Soon, circular rashes bloomed across my skin, diarrhea struck, brain fog descended, and an overwhelming weakness set in, I felt really, really terrible—hallmarks of mould toxicity.
England’s Mould Crisis
Brighton’s coastal humidity makes it a mould hotspot. The English Housing Survey estimates that 4% of UK homes—about 1 million properties—battle severe dampness, with older, coastal areas like Brighton hit hardest. This isn’t just my story—cases like the tragic 2020 death of a child in Rochdale, tied to mould exposure, underscore a national epidemic. It's a serious threat to the body’s health.
The Severity of Mould Toxicity
Mould illness isn’t a trivial nuisance; it’s a full-body attack. Research confirms its toll:
Lung Damage: A 2021 Environmental Health study ties mould to chronic asthma and inflammation.
Brain Harm: Mycotoxins can breach the blood-brain barrier, causing memory loss and mood swings (Journal of Neurotoxicology, 2018).
Death Toll: The Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) estimates 1.7 million yearly deaths from fungal illnesses, including mould toxicity.
For me, one week of exposure sparked a year-long fight. The stakes are real—and awareness is lagging.
Expert Insights: Voices on Mould and Fungus
To deepen our understanding, I’ve turned to leading experts in mould and fungal health. Their perspectives illuminate the broader implications of mould exposure.
Doug Kaufmann: The Fungus Link
Doug Kaufmann, author of The Fungus Link, argues that fungi and mycotoxins are overlooked drivers of chronic diseases—from cancer to diabetes to autoimmunity. His key takeaways:
Antifungal Diet: Cut sugar, grains, and mouldy foods to starve fungi.
Detox Tools: Use binders like activated charcoal to clear mycotoxins.
Holistic Healing: Address stress and sleep to bolster immunity. Kaufmann’s work mirrored my recovery—diet and detox were my lifelines.
Dr. Neil Nathan: Mold Toxicity Expert
Dr. Neil Nathan, author of Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, emphasises personalised treatment. He notes that mould-sensitive individuals often need:
Mycotoxin Testing: Urine tests to confirm exposure.
Binders: Cholestyramine or charcoal to remove toxins.
Immune Support: Nutrients like glutathione to rebuild resilience.
Dr. Joseph Mercola: A Holistic View
Dr. Mercola, a prominent integrative health advocate, highlights dental connections, warning that root canals can be “chronic infection sites” releasing toxins. He urges collaboration with biological dentists to address these risks.
Why Experts Matter: These voices validate what I lived—mold’s impact is profound, and recovery demands a multi-faceted approach.
My Recovery Protocol: A Holistic Blueprint
Supporting my recovery from mould exposure took around 6 months, with discipline and dedication. Here’s the plan that worked, rooted in my CHEK training and using resources like Doug Kaufmans: the Fungus Link (one of many books on this issue).
1. Diet: Starving the Mould
Mould feeds on sugar, so I eliminated it, along with grains, gluten, dairy, and alcohol. I ate:
Organic veggies (greens for detox)
Lean proteins (chicken, fish)
Added plenty of coconut oil (antifungal boost), garlic and turmeric.
(there are plenty of resource online on diet and this issue)
2. Detox: Clearing the Poison
Mycotoxins linger around, so I flushed them out, an essential step to recovery:
Activated charcoal: Bounding toxins between meals.
NAC: Supported liver detox.
Milk Thistle: More liver support.
Sweating: Saunas and exercise expelled toxins—I’d itch as they left.
3. Supplements: Rebuilding Strength
Oregano oil: Antifungal for month one.
Vitamin C: High doses for immunity.
Probiotics: Restored gut health.
Magnesium: Eased tension and aided repair.
4. Lifestyle: Living to Heal
Sleep: 8-9 hours nightly.
Movement: From walks to workouts as energy returns. And it really does!
Fresh air: Nature cleansed my lungs.
This integrative approach brought me back from the brink. I took a while, around 6 months but it’s all been worth it.
Is Mould Affecting You?
Could mould be your hidden foe? Look for:
Feeling better away from home/work.
Symptoms flaring in damp settings.
Persistent, unexplained illness.
In England’s soggy climate, mold is a constant threat. Act now—inspect your space and seek help if you suspect exposure.
Conclusion: From Crisis to Calling
Mould illness broke me down, but it built me back stronger. Today, I’m not just recovered—I’m thriving, sharing hard-won wisdom with clients globally. As Paul Chek says, “Your health crisis is your greatest chance for growth.” I’ve lived it, and I’m here to guide you through yours.
Next Steps:
Scan your environment for mould, especially in damp areas like Brighton.
Consult a mould-aware pro (or a holistic healthcare professional) if symptoms linger.
Contact me—I offer a free 30-minute consultation to kickstart your health journey, although I am not a doctor and can not diagnose- I work in a holistic framework supporting and optimising your lifestyle, fitness and life’s goals.
Let’s root out what’s holding you back and reclaim your health together by returning back to a holistic balance.
In Health and Vitality,
Oskar Mych
Want to learn more? Check out how we can work together.
or directly book your free consultation if you are ready to take back your health!
Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Health needs vary, so please consult your doctor for personalised guidance. Check the references for more info.
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