If you or someone you love has been struggling with the challenging and often life-altering side effects that come with toxic mold exposure, you know the journey to recovery can be long and tedious.
But fortunately, you have a powerful weapon that can help your body detox from mold-related illness and begin healing. What exactly is this secret weapon? Your diet – or more specifically, the low mold diet.
Today we’re going to dive into exactly what the low-mold diet is and how you can implement it to start healing from mold illness.
What Exactly Is Mold Illness?
Mold exposure is a tricky, deceptive, and sometimes devastating illness. We’ve learned through scientific studies that mold illness is one of the primary triggers of many diseases and health conditions, such as:1,2
- Asthma
- Respiratory infections
- Brain inflammation
- Mood and sleep disorders
- Mast Cell Activation Disorder
- Autoimmunity
- Cancer
- And even death!
Mold-related illness can be particularly challenging to diagnose and treat because symptoms can seem vague and unrelated at first. Symptoms can range from coughing or wheezing to chronic headaches to persistent rashes.
If you have unrelenting and unexplained symptoms or suspect your symptoms could be from mold illness, it might be time to consult with a reputable Integrative and Functional Medicine Practitioner.
So, How Is Mold Illness Treated?
Treating mold illness requires a comprehensive approach that is two-pronged. The first step is removing yourself from sources of exposure. I’ve written extensively about dealing with environmental mold exposure. You can learn more about it by checking out the following articles:
- Is Toxic Mold Exposure the Cause of Your Symptoms?
- Got Mold? Prevent Mold by Healing Your Homes Microbiome
- Your Definitive Mold Clean Up Guide
The second step in treating mold illness is giving your body the support it needs to heal and start detoxing. And one of the most powerful ways to help your body detox from mold is by following a low-mold diet.
Why Follow a Low-Mold Diet?
The low mold diet is designed to support your body in healing from mold illness in three ways:
- It prevents mycotoxins from accumulating in your body by limiting your exposure to potentially contaminated food sources.
- It focuses on restoring nutrient deficiencies and imbalances that are caused by mold exposure.
- It boosts your body’s immune function and ability to repair itself by minimizing inflammatory foods that suppress your immune system.
- It reduces exposure to refined carbohydrates that feed candida and yeast.
So let’s dive into exactly what it looks like to follow a low-mold diet.
What Foods Should I Avoid on the Low-Mold Diet?
When it comes to following a low-mold diet, you’ll want to strictly avoid foods that are chock-full of sugars and additives. These fuel fungal growth and could exacerbate your symptoms. You’ll also want to avoid foods that are notorious for being contaminated with mold. To make it simple, I like to break these down into the following three categories:
Sugar-Laden Foods
Sugars are one of the primary sources of fuel for candida or mold. Sugar, in particular, can be sneaky because it can go by many different names and may be hidden in places you wouldn’t expect – even in foods you might consider “healthy”.
When following the low-mold diet, you should avoid:
- Table sugar
- Glucose
- Lactose
- Fructose
- Mannitol
- Sorbitol
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Molasses
- Candy
- Baked goods
Certain fruits also have a notoriously high sugar content and should be avoided when detoxing from mold. These include:
- Pineapples
- Mangoes
- Bananas
- Melons
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Dried fruits and fruit juices
While sugar is typically the biggest dietary culprit that contributes to fungal growth, fast-absorbing carbohydrates and man-made additives can also promote mold growth – which leads us to our next category of foods to avoid.
Packaged and Processed Foods
Processed and pre-packaged foods almost always contain sugars, simple carbs, and/or additives that will fuel fungal growth in the body.
You’ll want to stay away from:
- Canned foods: Baked beans, soups, ready-made sauces
- Pre-packaged meals: Ready-made meals, breakfast cereals, frozen foods
- Processed drinks: Soft drinks, fruit juices, flavored water, energy drinks
- Bottled condiments: Vinegar, mayonnaise, pickles, soy sauce, mustard, relish
Try getting in the habit of reading the ingredient list of any product before you buy it. If it has more than five ingredients or is full of things you don’t recognize – it’s probably best to avoid it while on the low-mold diet.
Mold and Yeast Containing Foods
If you’re trying to prevent mold from entering your body or kill off what you’ve already been exposed to, you should always stay away from products that have a reputation for being contaminated with mold or fungal growth.
Some examples are:
- Cheese and sour milk products: Buttermilk, sour cream, cream cheese, aged cheese, sliced or block cheese
- Nuts: Peanuts, cashews, walnuts, brazil nuts
- Dried fruit: Raisins, apricots, prunes, figs, dates, etc.
- Grains: Wheat, rice, oats
- Packaged and smoked meats: Sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, pastrami, smoked fish, ham, bacon
- Edible fungi: Mushrooms, truffles
- Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine, cider, liqueur, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, etc.
- Fermented foods should be avoiding in those patients with histamine intolerance. You can read more about Boosting DAO to break down histamine here.
While this list may seem restrictive, the good news is, there are still plenty of delicious foods allowed on the low-mold diet.
So, What Foods Are Allowed on the Low-Mold Diet?
Following the low mold-diet is not so black and white. There are some foods you should avoid entirely, some you can have in moderation, and some you can eat freely. We’ve already covered the foods to avoid, so let’s look at what you can eat on the low mold diet.
Foods to Eat in Moderation:
Foods you can incorporate into the low-mold diet in moderation include:
- Gluten-free grains: Brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, teff, certified gluten-free oats
- Starchy vegetables and legumes: Sweet corn, potatoes, beans, peas, lentils, sweet potatoes, squashes, turnips, parsnips
- Low-sugar fruits: Berries, apples, pears, peaches, avocadoes
It’s ok to incorporate these foods into your diet on occasion, but try building the majority of your meals around the foods in the next category.
Foods to Eat Freely:
When it comes to the food you consume while following a low-mold diet, quality matters – a lot! When purchasing meat, opt for organic, pasture-raised, and grass-fed options. When it comes to fish and seafood, wild-caught is always a superior option. And when it comes to any kind of produce, always look for organic.
Now let’s dive into the list of foods you are free to indulge in as much as you’d like while on a low-mold diet:
- Poultry (pasture-raised, organic only): Chicken, eggs, turkey, quail, pheasant
- Fish (wild-caught only): Salmon, tuna, anchovy, sardines, flounder, catfish, caviar
- Other meats (grass-fed only): Beef, goat, lamb, buffalo, wild game, rabbit
- Raw nuts and seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, almonds, pecans, sesame seeds
- Leafy greens: Romaine, kale, collard greens, spinach, turnip greens, green and red cabbage
- Root vegetables: Carrots, onions, radishes, garlic
- Gourd vegetables: pumpkins, squash, eggplants, zucchini
- Other vegetables: Cucumbers, brussel sprouts, asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers
- Spices: Pure vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, pink Himalayan salt, wasabi, horseradish
- Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, basil, chives, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon, etc.
- Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, ghee, organic butter
- Beverages: Filtered water, mineral water, non-fruity herbal teas, fresh vegetable juice
Building your meals around these nutrient-dense, whole foods will equip your body with the nutrients it needs to properly heal and detox.
Getting Rid of Moldy Foods
If you’ve been suffering from the symptoms of toxic mold exposure, chances are you’re chomping at the bit to implement strategies to help alleviate your symptoms. But before you head to the fridge or grocery store and start whipping up a meal, it’s important to assess any food you’re planning on using.
If you do happen to discover mold on any of your foods, immediately discard it and make sure to follow these guidelines:3
- Do not sniff the item. This can cause respiratory issues.
- If it’s covered and unsalvageable, wrap it up in plastic and discard it in a covered trash can.
- Thoroughly clean the area where the moldy food was.
- Check the nearby food items to see if the mold has spread. Remember, it can spread quickly in fruits and vegetables.
While your diet is one of the core pillars that support the foundation of detoxing from mold exposure, there are some additional steps you can take to effectively eliminate any mold that might be lurking in your body.
Are There Any Other Ways to Enhance Mold Detoxification?
When you’re fighting mold illness, the symptoms can feel overwhelming and your recovery time may or may not be quick. On top of following the low-mold diet, you can enhance your detoxification and significantly cut your recovery time down by using the following strategies.
Use Detox Binders:
Detox binders are designed to “bind” to toxins in your body so they can be safely eliminated. The most effective detox binders that I recommend include:
In addition to detox binders, there are a few more powerful supplements I recommend if you’re in the process of detoxing from mold.
Take Detox-Enhancing Supplements:
Using supplements, such as the ones listed below, can aid in facilitating detoxification:
Taking these binders and detox-enhancing supplements can help speed up your detox process.
So, How Long Does It Take to Get Mold Out of Your System?
The answer to that question is – it depends. Exactly how long it’ll take you to recover from mold illness depends on three main factors:4
1. Length of Exposure:
This is the single greatest factor in determining how long it will take for mold to get out of your system. If you’ve been exposed for long periods of time, such as years, you’re likely to have mold buildup in your body.
Typically, the longer the exposure, the longer the recovery time. This is why removing any sources of mold exposure is the very first step in recovering from mold illness. If you fail to remove the sources of mold exposure – whether environmental or through the foods you eat – you may never be able to fully heal.
2. Type of Exposure:
Nearly 90% of all molds don’t affect the majority of the population due to them being nonpoisonous. But for those with fungal allergies, even these “harmless” molds can cause big problems.
And, if you have fungal allergies and you’re unlucky enough to be exposed to the 10% of poisonous molds – your recovery is expected to take longer than most. This is thanks to the toxic metabolites produced by poisonous molds known as mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can accumulate in your body and cause damage over time.
So exactly how long it takes to recover from mold illness will depend on the types of mold you’ve been exposed to. If you want to learn more about mycotoxins, I’ve got some helpful resources on my blog that you can check out by clicking right here.
3. Your Level of Sensitivity:
The third factor in your recovery time is your degree of sensitivity to mold. This is important because some level of mold exposure is inevitable – we’re all exposed to mold on a daily basis. Every time you open the door, you’re breathing in new mold spores in the air and letting them into your home. And if you are in the 16-20% of the population that has a high level of mold sensitivity, this can impact your recovery time.
A Simple Solution to Detoxing From Mold
Dealing with mold illness can be challenging and discouraging – especially when it takes time to begin seeing improvements in your symptoms. In my practice, I’ve dedicated countless hours of research to finding answers and helping my patients recover from mold illness. Which is why I’m so excited to introduce a simple and powerfully effective solution to help my patients and their loved one’s detox and heal from mold illness.
I’ve teamed up with the brilliant Dr. Christopher Shade and the team at Quicksilver Scientific® to create a comprehensive kit specifically designed to help your body release and flush out mold toxins. The potent blend of supplements in my Miracle Mold Detox Box is scientifically proven to:
- Enhance your natural detoxification cycle
- Mobilize and increase the release of toxins
- Promote energy production
- Support cellular recovery and mitochondrial health
- Aid in remineralization and electrolyte balance
If you or a loved one is suffering from mold illness, I highly recommend pairing the Miracle Mold Detox Box with a low-mold diet. This powerful combination is hands-down the most effective way to tackle mold illness and begin healing. You can learn more and order your own Miracle Mold Detox Box by clicking here.
Now it’s time to hear from you. Were you surprised at what is and isn’t allowed on the low-mold diet? What steps are you taking to protect yourself from the toxic effects of mold exposure? Leave your questions and thoughts in the comments below.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you’ve felt alone or unsure where to turn for answers?
In Unexpected: Finding Resilience through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith, Dr. Jill Carnahan shares her story of facing life-altering illness, fighting for her health, and overcoming sickness using both science and faith so that others can learn to live their own transformative stories.
Dr. Jill’s riveting and compassionate exploration of healing through functional medicine demonstrates how to replace darkness and fear with hope and find profound healing, unconditional love, and unexpected miracles in the process.
References
- https://sanitred.com/symptoms-of-toxic-black-mold-exposure/
- https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/CPSCStatementmoldmycotoxinhealtheffectsJuly2015.pdf
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/a87cdc2c-6ddd-49f0-bd1f-393086742e68/Molds_on_Food.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
- https://www.sinusitiswellness.com/how-long-will-my-recovery-take/
343 Comments
Thanks for the info! Fyi, I just went to an allergist who said that fermented foods and oats grow a type of mold that I’m allergic to. Btw, I’m planning on allergy shots and NAET allergy elimination therapy to remedy this. Do you keep track of sources for the info you’ve obtained? Would be great to link to from your site.
Thank you. This was a great help.
Can you direct me to a dr. who could help me rid my body and lungs of mold. I am at the point of asthma and now COPD?
Try ifm.org or iseai.org
do you plan on accepting new patients in the near future?
Is it ok to take gi detox daily for a few months for mold treatment? Also pecans are on both the avoid and enjoy list…are they ok?
Yes, you may take safely daily for several months if needed. If you buy fresh nuts and store them in fridge or freezer there is less risk of mold
My sister died of black mold illnesses two years ago. I have been ill from black mold for at least 2.5 years and lived at the beach with black mold in the wall behind my bed. I am 77?and try to beat the illnesses involved. Do you know a good DR. In JAX.,FL??
Which of those binders and supplements are safe to give 3 and 5 year old?
Hi Taylor
While clay and charcoal may be safe to give to children, I don’t recommend dosing under 8 years old without talking to your pediatrician.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Carnahan, read your article and wondering if there is a definitive test- blood or other- that can say I am or not infected with mold?? Desperate for answers… thx!
Alicia Gilbert
Hi Alicia,
Unfortunately there are not definitive tests as it requires a good medical history, screening with VCS and cluster symptom analysis and then CIRS labs testing, urine mycotoxins and environmental testing. A good clinician can then help you determine if your health has been compromised by mold exposure. I suggest iseai.org and survivingmold.com for more resources. You can also find a great treatment option here.
warmly
Dr Jill
Also, I’m wondering about the raw nut and seeds recommendation. My understanding is that roasting helps eliminate molds–have you found info to the contrary? Thanks again!
If you are highly sensitive to molds, you may need to eliminate all nuts
Hey Jill,
What about sugar free corn chips and hummus as a snack?
Corn is typically contaminated with mold toxins and should be avoided
But it’s listed as a food to consume in moderation for your low mold diet on this page.
You also have pecans listed as a no-no in the avoidance list and then also listed in the “free to indulge in” list.
Also curious why aged cheese wasn’t included in your avoidance list. Many are aged with mold/bacteria. I would imagine that at least cheeses marbled with mold (blue cheese, gorgonzola, stilton, camembert, etc.) would be off limits, if not others as well?
Hi Smilee – we will update to include fresh pecans ok and avoid aged cheeses
Dr. What else can a person eat that has lost so much weight?? You said no nuts So what else is there??
You would probably need to add more carbs and fats that are allowed. There are no restrictions in calories
What about organic coffee is small amounts say 2 cups per day with the stevia you recommend??
yes, mold-free coffee is fine! I suggest Purity Coffee 😊
will betonite clay help eliminate mold mycotoxins from your body? If so, which clay and how much do you recommend. thank you.
Hi Pat,
Here is a list of recommendations with links to my favorite binders – https://www.jillcarnahan.com/2015/02/08/toxic-mold-exposure-cause-symptoms/
Thanks for this helpfully info. I have a couple related questions. I live a whole foods plant based lifestyle and diet. Is your L-glutamine supplement all plant based or not animal derived?
Also I’ve long used nutritional yeast. Does this Saccharomyces product contain toxins/ mycotoxins to your knowledge?
Thanks!
I see conflicting advice on the use of vinegar and also nuts online (and actually my doctor said to avoid anything with vinegar). Also, there isn’t a lot of info on recipes, and mostly just a “Don’t eat this” Also, there isn’t a lot of info on sprouted grains if they may be helpful. Can you share your insights?
I do not recommend vinegar or nuts if you are mold sensitive… Grain-free is best. There are many autoimmune paleo cookbooks and recipes if you need ideas.
Dr. Jill,
I find it strange that people say to use vinegar too clean mold because it kills it. If that’s the case why drinking it will do more harm than good?
If someone has fermentations issues in gut they will not tolerate fermented foods
why is miso and tempeh and apple cider vinegar allowed if fermented foods are not
these tend to be better tolerated than balsamic vinegar or kombucha likely due to lower sugar content
What about tomatoes doctor ?
I would recommend avoiding all but organic fresh tomatoes with mold issues
Dr. Jill,
This is great information. I thought I had a gluten and dairy senisivity, turns out I have several mold allergies. This helps with some eating guideline. Would love to know if you have any books or if you can recommend any cookbooks, guide books on this time of allergy? Also allergic to chocolate and some fruits. Doesn’t help I have fibromyalgia and gastro related issues.
Sabrina
Dear Sabrina,
just browning through this old post and saw your recent post, not sure if this blog is being monitored any more. I had the same issues you described and my allergies recommend doing the paleo diet, where you eat no process food (absolutely none at all) and all food must be prepared by me. these are the things to avoid with mol allergy, no breads in any form, no corn, wheat, no sugars in any form. probiotic help, and a very clean diet. Due to my mold allergy I have a constant change in food allergies, so its important to get retested every year, mu first test had me allergic to egg, whites, oats, milk, soy, one year later I as no longer allergic to milk an egg white, instead I evolve new allergies to include wheat an chocolate to the previous list. also with mold allergies, a roaring diet really helps, this means not eating the same thing for more than two days in a row. for example if I make something for diner I can’t I can have it for lunch the next day or one meal, must only eat an item once per day and not repeat, so you cannot have a banana for breakfast and lunch or dinner as well, it must be once per day. I use pinterest and yummy app to find great recipes to use no need to buy a paleo book. hope you receive this message and good luck on your new diet. Also for your fibromyalgia water aerobics and massages help, but be warned that after a relaxing massage only, no deep tissue massage you will probably hurt for three day and then relieve for about a month, do this on a regular and you will feel great. exercise every brief walking helps with the gestro problems, still working on these but have obtain somer much needed relief.
Do you have any knowledge of Eosinophillic Esophogitis? My son has been diagnosed with this and I suspect a possible link to mold. I’m thinking about changing his diet to avoid mold as much as possible.
yes, I do
Please share what you know about eosi.. esophagitis! Family member has it and gets very sick from it.
Yes, this can be complex but looking for root immune triggers like intestinal dysbiosis and treating can help the symptoms
Thanks, this list is the best out there that I’ve been able to find so far. Do you have any cook books or recipes I feel like this could get boring very fast.
Hi Kristen,
Many of the paleo grain-free cookbooks are excellent. I’ve eaten this way for 10 + years and it’s never boring!
warmly
DR Jill
Thanks for the quick reply! I have been following a mostly paleo diet for a few years now – I have the occasional cup of froyo or bowl of popcorn (you gotta live, right!) my doctor wants me in low-amylose diet so I was wondering if I should be getting autoimmune diet type cook books. I also had a few questions on specifics – like is fresh ginger ok? Also fresh garlic, or monk fruit for sweetener. And I know vinegar or fermented foods like kombucha are now a no-no, but why is ACV ok? Thanks!
Sure, yes autoimmune paleo is very close to the low mold/low amylose diet and a good resource for delicious recipes. Fresh ginger, garlic, basil, thyme, oregano, onion, shallots, chives, etc should all be fine. What is ACV?
ACV is apple cider vinegar. I use to drink it regularly, but thought I couldn’t any longer because it’s a vinegar. I saw it listed on your foods to be eaten freely, so I was excited. Is it ok to start up again?
ok, everyone is different but many patients do NOT tolerate ACV 😉
how do you know if you do not tolerate ACV? We recently found out we were exposed to toxic mold (unlivable per state inspection) for the last 8 years. We thought all the sauerkraut and vinegar was good for the gut. What are the symptoms of it not being good?
If you are taking it and have no reactions, you are probably fine
I see that non fruity teas are listed as ok. But I thought that all tea had mold. Also what do you know about beverages that contain tea Extract? Or coffefruit extract?
black teas are most likely to contain mold
Could you suggest a few of your favorite cookbooks dr jill
Thanks
Hi Faye
I don’t have any low mold diet specific cookbooks that I use but you may search the recipe section on our website
warmly
Dr. Jill
Have you discovered any links between mold and mast cell activation disorders, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (I have the Hyperadrenergic type) and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a collagen, connective tissue disorder? I’m also having what appears to be myoclonic jerking, possibly myoclonic dystonia, a neuro/movement disorder.
Hi Kim,
Mold causes mast-cell activation and in some cases mastocytosis. High histamine from the unstable mast cells may cause tachycardia and vasodilation leading to symptoms like POTS. In addition, mold will often cause low MSH which may cause low ADH and volume depletion. This can cause increase thirst and frequent urination, and chronic dehydration as well. I have several patients with seizures, stiff person syndrome and neurological symptoms due to mold exposure in a WDB.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hello,
I have been on the candida diet for 3 months and it has allowed me to eat walnuts and pecans, but no peanuts or cashews because of high mold content. Can you roast the nuts to get rid of the mold? I am desperate for quick snacks like nuts because I have a lot of food sensitivities to sunflower, pumpkin, soy, milk, eggs, wheat, etc.
Hi Alisha,
Roasting will not help. You may try nuts, just avoid cashew, peanut and pistachio. That still leaves many options. Chia and sesame seeds are also great
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi, I take Standard Process Vitamins but I noticed they contain yeast. Should I stop taking them since I’m detoxing from mold exposure and on a low mold diet?
yes, i recommend avoiding if it contains yeast
Hi Jill, after six awful months of cancer/death/general health scares, I think in the end I have ended up with mold poisoning instead of something else and am in the process of moving from my current place, but I also want to try and help my body with a little detox. As I’ve read the other few mold diet related articles, I have two questions that popped up. 1) Eggs & nuts – the other sources said to say a strict ‘no’ to these things, is there a reason why you are making an exception for them? 2) You do not mention this in the article, but what’s your take on coffee? I have constant fatigue (not from the mold, I’ve had it way way before the outbreak or living in the space in general), and coffee is literally the only thing that keeps me going, but I’ve read that you should not drink any coffee or black tea at all while on mold detox. How true is this? If possible I could switch from instant to black coffee. Or are caffeine pills allowed instead?
And a bonus question, what do you define as a ‘small amount’ of food? I don’t want to get carried away with the fruit once I get rid of chocolate. Thanks for the article!
Hi Sparrow,
Many patients are sensitive to eggs and if you are, best to avoid. Nuts are high in mold, especially cashews, peanuts, pistachios so avoid these at least. Coffee is highly contaminated with mycotoxins and I choose to drink only Bulletproof coffee which is screened for mycotoxins and less likely to cause a reaction. Black tea should be avoided but herbal, white and green teas are fine.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill,
Could you re-link the BulletProof Coffee?
THis one doesn’t work 🙂
THanks!
I want to start taking bone broth protein and I am am mildly allergic to mold. Is bone broth safe also do you know of any ways to detox that are highly effective?
yes, I recommend this Collagen Protein
Hello,
very interesting article.
I read on the net that even organic coconut oil might be full of mycotoxins? that’s a bit scary…
Are diets for mold and fungus the same? I’ve looked into the candida diet…is this good if you might possibly have allergic fungal sinusitis? None of my doctors have suggested changing my diet…this is something I’m researching on my own…it’s very confusing when you’re on your own and guessing your way through it!!!
The low mold diet is how you can avoid mycotoxins in food. That is different from a diet that treats fungal dysbiosis…
Hi Dr Jill
I have been suffering from swollen eyelids beginning 3 months after i moved into a new apartment. after 1.5 years of living there with chronic eye problems, i finally got a mold inspection that reported high levels of toxic mold. I have moved out into a clean house but still am experiencing the eyelid inflammation.
I plan on beginning your dietary restrictions today. Is agave allowed? Can I have oatmeal for breakfast?
I have no experienced any other symptoms other than my eye, have you had any experience treating this?
I am a frustrated and distracted students and really need some help.
Thank you
HI Rhana
I would avoid all grains as they are commonly contaminated with mycotoxins. Avoid all sweeteners, including agave. The eyelid irritation you are describing is not uncommon.
warmly
Dr Jill
Did you ever find a fix for the swollen eyelids? I lived in black mold for 9 months but have been away from it for about a year and still have the swollen eyelids.
Hi Mike – you might try antihistamines
warmly
Dr Jill
Thank you!
Hi,
I have been suffering from mold exposure for about 4 months now. I have’nt been to the Doctor yet to confirm it. But until then I have been TRYING to eat a mold free diet. I have two Questions.
How do i cook my meats/eggs?
And will i ever be able to eat starch/sugars again once im exposes to mold..will those foods always effect me?
Hi Bertina,
I don’t know that it matters how you cook your meat/eggs. I would recommend avoiding all processed foods and sugar life-long.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi there,
Is Kombucha acceptable to have on the Low Mold Diiet?
No Kombucha!
Dr. Carnahan,
Thank you for the info. I’ve been exposed to mold for about 3 years, mold is gone now but it effected my health significantly. I have neck, joint pain, tingling in arms, TMD, etc. How long do I need to stay on this diet to starve fungi? I’m sure that there are certain foods I have to stay off for good. Thank you.
Hi Zheniya,
This diet is not to starve the fungi. It is to avoid mold in the diet if you are sensitive to it. You may need to avoid sugar and processed foods long-term
warmly
Dr Jill
Thanks for the website. I no longer have a mold doctor but have been diagnosed with CIRS. I am struggling to get better as Welchol did not work for me so I am taking Quench from Enlifem. I am losing weight and do not need to. I need more nutrition and am weak from my food restrictions. How do I follow the diet plan since it is only making me weaker due to not being able to eat most foods? Would you consider phone consults as I am looking for a doctor to get my life back? I am trying to take care of young kids but am dizzy, tired, in constant pain. I get effected everywhere I go. MCS is bad. I cannot work either. Thanks.
I’m transitioning from a normal diet to a “low mold” diet due to what I suspect to be an increase in mold in our home. Any suggestions on how to make this new lifestyle livable? We have 3 young children with little time or resources to prepare food as described above. I’m already eating healthier than I used to, but now the healthy foods I’ve just become used to are on the “no-eat” list. Any recommendations on how to eat day-to-day when the “safe” foods are not realistic? Thank you.
Yes, just eat real whole organic foods – lean protein, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Avoid processed foods and grains and sugar and you will be 90% ok.
Jill,
When you say grain is that the same as yeast and wheat? Also, when I was tested the doctor told me I was allergic to mold food. When I am telling people what I am allergic to I have a hard time explaining it to them? How would you explain it? Also, do that mean I am allergic to all types of mold like in a home not just food? Thanks
many grains are contaminated with molds….
It can be simply put – Any foods which will not feed the mold. It’s called starving the mold out of your body.
I’m curious as to the reason why kombucha and/or kefir may not be good for mold sufferers? I have always read that the yeast and bacteria in them are the good kind, helping heal. What are your thoughts?
Also, I see you are taking new patients but only via referral. I am living in Ecuador and do not have a primary care doc. Is it possible to get an appointment with out a referral? I will be visiting the States soon, hoping to find some help with my health after living in a moldy house for 8 months here in Ecuador.
Hi Vanessa
Most CIRS patients already have histamine issues so fermented foods of any type only add to the problem. You can contact the office if you have questions regarding appointments.
warmly
Dr Jill
If person has mold spore sensitivity, can acne be caused by that? And also can she take probiotics?
Exposure to mold can cause elevation in C4a. There is a link between elevated C4a and cystic acne, so the answer is yes…
How can an i treat elevated c4a?
Elevated C4a is related to acute exposure so the most important thing is to get out of the place where you are being exposed or remediate
I have acne.. Went to naturopath and he checked my sensitivities. He said i am sensitive to mold spores. I m allergic to penicillin… It kind of adds up. Penicillin is made out of mold too i think. So, not sure how to protect myself. And how to heal acne..
Thank you for such an informative article. I was wondering:
1. If one is unable to move/remediate and has elevated C4A levels are binders enough to lower that level?
2. Are the natural ways to increase one’s MSH levels?
3. Are high C4A levels always due to recent exposure or can it be past exposure if you have the 2 genes that can not detox mold?
I appreciate any thoughts you might have on this. Thanks again for writing this post.
No treatment will be effective if you are still being exposed and have CIRS (chronic inflammatory Response Syndrome). Yes, you can increase MSH by eradicating MARCoNs colonization of the nasal cavity and sinuses…. C4a is nearly always acute exposure and will improve once you are out of the exposure. It can also indicate chronic lyme disease and lupus.
I’m trying this diet you suggested for possible mold ,possible candidiasis and definite EBV . I’ve been on it for 2weeks about. Do you know how long it takes to starve these things? I’ve been drinking a little milk. THats just a hard one for me. I’ve got to have my milk. But only small amounts. Is that ok? Thanks!
Hi Tracy,
I generally have patients stay on this diet for 4-6 months
Hi jill. Where do i start!? I live in england. Grew up in a very damp house with some mould for 18 yrs. slept badly and had no concentration at school, low energy and constipation. Moved out to live 3 years in an extremeley mouldy falt. Same health probs. told docs but only did blood tests and told to get more sleep. Them married and had new build. Bedroom went really mouldy n i was there 14yrs. Had 7 yrs in what i think were mould free places then moved to a home for 5 years that had had a flood. This council house was left for the tenant to clean up. I got green mould on everything. My health at the age of 50 was unbearable. Never had breathing issues, though need to eat n sleep with mouth open, but my energy became non existent. My muscles n joints became very painful. Sleep was either non or cant stay awake. Concentration diabolicle. Memory (short time) absolutely terrible. Voices in my head a lot of the time as though theres a tele in there. Nauseas, dizzy, buzzing in my head, sensitive to noise, heightened tastes and smells, always too hot, thirsty, bladder irritation, anxiety, etc etc. i was dagnosised with fibromyalgia and now at 56 i hear about this. Ive been living else where for 5 yrs now and some mould is appearing. Now i cant work, nor even look after myself properly, low income and live alone. Is this mould going to be a dangerous mould? Or are some okay to live in whilst ill from exposure? Am i supposed to rid my house of the things i brought with me? Or is my new items now contaminated too? Im so pleases i stumbled on your information by accident a few weeks back, cus im sure this is what ive got. I have recently lost 2 stones in weight as ive got non alcoholic fatty tissue disease. I can afford to loose another 2 stone maximun. Ive read that as u loose weight the mycotoxins r released from the fat and you feel more ill till theyve all gone. As ive been feeling even worse since doing my best on your diet, although its killing me to do it as so hungry all the time, but i am loosing more weight. So what i want to know is……. Once ive lost the weight and detoxed my body, will i have gotten rid of all these micotoxins and dont have to be as strict on this diet? How long do u think itll be before i see some change in my health cus ive reall had enough of living this life like this? And also, if i cheat by having things like skimmed cows milk and sweeteners in Black tea, a few apples a day instead of occasionally, and at least a banana a day, as i miss these terribly. So will i recover but just a bit slower? Preparing the foods u say we should eat is so hard when im so poorly with this that its leading to me not eating enough. Ive had a huge appetite my whole life and was lucky to only top 13stone with the sweet tooth i have. This diet is really depressing me. PLEASE HELP.
Wendy, get yourself into a dry climate – maybe rent a campervan for a couple of months and head South. Try extended fasting for 3+ days, multiple iterations, this will help reset your immune system. Eat salads, meats, fishes and seeds. Drink lots of water, and sleep whenever your body says it wants to. You’ll get there.
Hi Jill, I have just got my labs and it says I have high 11,600 C4a levels but low C3a levels, I am living in a brand new home and have been there for 6 months. If I have an acute black mold infections shouldn’t it have gone away since I moved in the new house 6 months ago? Also can I drink milk on the low mold diet and can I eat any of the foods on the Paelo diet?
I also tested positive for the HLA-B27 gene, does this mean my body will not fight the mold?
HLA-B27 has nothing to do with mold…
High C4a makes me concerned about acute mold exposure…. work or home
Hi. I wrote to u jill few days ago, but youve skipped passed me. Please please pleaseread and reply.
Hi Wendy, you might give Megan Forbes a call to help you, she does consultations by phone (http://www.forbesnutritionalconsulting.com)
Should water kefir be avoided when ridding the body of mold?
Sometimes fermented foods cause exacerbate histamine issues triggered by mold exposure
Hi Jill
I notice you didnt metion milk on this mold free diet. Ive been eating Gluten free Rice Chex and Silk soy milk NO SUGAR THOUGH! It didnt bother me at first but, now im noticing im producing a little phlem when i eat it. Is it the milk or cereal or both or mabe something im eating before the cereal?
Best to avoid all processed grains (rice chex) and soy.
Hi Dr Jill
I ask you a question last week. Im at a total stand still about what Doctor to see for what seem to be mold exposure. My primary care Doctor dont seem to knowledgable about this. My family say a Toxicoligist and my friends say a Allergist. PLEASE help im waisting money and time and is drained!!
Find a doctor versed in Shoemaker Protocol and CIRS – http://www.survivingmold.com
Hi Jill, just wondering what small amounts means, specifically potatoes, brown rice and low fructose fruits? A couple of small serves a week?
It depends… most patients do very well on berries up to 1 cup daily. I would avoid white potatoes since they are nightshades but use squash and sweet potato instead. Jasmine or brown rice is also a good option for many if you are not sensitive to grains.
Hi jill
Do you know anything about allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis?
Yes, and there is a expert MD locally at National Jewish.
My doctor wants to put me on an mold elimination diet? I don’t know where to start eliminating. The elimation diet is to figure out what exactly I am allergic to correct? Is it a blood test or something that can tell me exactly what I am allergic too? Also, is it just mold food or mold in homes as well. I’m so confused. He just gave me a a list that say not to eat cheese, condiments hot dogs. How can I find out more about this?
Here you go! https://www.jillcarnahan.com/2014/04/21/elimination-diet-can-change-health/ Best way is to eliminate the following for 30+ days: gluten, dairy, egg, soy, corn, alcohol, sugar.
Doc says it’s just my anxiety but my apartment I lived in for 10 months had some mold in the bathroom toilet tank, possibly behind the walls too. I am exhibiting symptoms, so basically I’m following ur diet. questions– tempeh is ok but you said no packaged foods..? so if I find tempeh at a grocery store in plastic seal, is it ok? what kind of tempeh is reccomended? I am Asian and have practically ate jasmine rice near every day of my life, how much per day or every other is a good serving? What about tofu products, are they ok? If so, what brand or portion? finally, how would I go about replacing my body with electrolytes WITHOUT sugar, I was using 1 pedialyte a day for that purpose (and zinc replenishment) and found out it contains more sugar than the what even a normal amount for one human should be per day (which is insane since its for babies, babies being addicted to sugar wow).
and what say you to the humble carrot?
Hi Jasmine,
Everyone is different but the basics are avoid all sugar and refined grains. Also any foods that have risk of containing mold, like peanuts, corn, etc.
warmly
Dr Jill
But what about tofu?
Lifelong mold-allergy sufferer here. Thank you so much for all this information! It really aligns with foods that, over the years, I’ve figured out have bothered me. I react really badly (immediate allergies) when I drink Kombucha, and sauerkraut sometimes brings on eczema. I’m curious how people who suffer from fungal issues can get the “good bacteria” into us if we react badly to anything fermented…. especially because most of us most likely need gut help. What do you suggest?
Hi Lauren,
As you already know, wild strains of yeast in Kombucha and other fermented foods will exacerbate your symptoms. Best is to eat foods rich in prebiotics and take multi-strain probiotics. You might also try Restore.
warmly
Dr Jill
That makes sense. Thanks again for passing along your knowledge on this.
HI Dr. Jill
My Dr. diagnosed me with CIRS but my C4a is normal. Is this possible? Also treatment for last year has improved some labs, but only a few symptoms have improved. Overall I still feel quite bad. Started VIP spray but stopped due to elevated MMP9. Is it possible we are missing something? I am pretty sure I have candida and know for sure I have reactivated EBV. Should these be addressed also?
Hi Sue,
Yes, that is possible. C4a will go down a few weeks after you avoid exposure. Infections, like EBV should also be addressed
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Jill,
I keep getting an yeast infection would mold food have anything to do with that sense I am allergic to foods with mold?
Hi Jill,
I am nursing a 6 month old baby and found out through biofeedback that I have acidosis creating inflammatory symptoms in a variety of areas that includes pains, itching, brain fog, troubles concentrating, dizziness. It showed blood glucose issues, skeletal issues, digestion issues, mood & emotions, to name some. I had an antibiotic at child birth for group B and just finished an antibiotic a couple of weeks ago for bronchitis. I have been under stress for months due to reduced sleep and caring for three children. I’m finally getting the stress under control with extra sleep and help at home. I noticed increasing symptoms after the most recent antibiotic though. The root cause registered as Candida albicans via biofeedback and some of the foods that flagged are vinegar, peanuts, strawberries and corn. Is a Candida diet a mold free diet? (About 10 years ago I went on a mold free diet after antibiotics and was fine after a few weeks. I tested positive for mold on the skin prick test back then). This time around I am trying to figure out if I should follow both a Candida free and mold free diet and would that be Paleo? Do you know of a specific named diet that covers both of these scenarios that you could recommend? I need to also make sure I eat enough during lactation and postpartum without throwing off my dopamine levels with no carbs. Do you have any recommendations? Is paleo not recommended for high acid in the body?
Hi Sara,
A mold-free diet and a diet to treat candida are similar but not exactly the same. In the mold-free diet you are avoiding foods that may contain mold. In a candida diet you are avoiding sugars that might feed the yeast (fruit juice, dried fruit, grains, flours, high glycemic foods, like processed rice, etc) The Paleo style diet eliminated grains, legumes and processed foods with LOTS of vegetables and some low glycemic fruit is a good way to go.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I was exposed to stachybotrys, chaetomium and aspergillus/penicillum for 2 years where I previously worked. Once I figured out what was making me so sick I left and I am now focused on rebuilding my health. I am in far Northern Cal near the Oregon border and have not been able to find a doctor who knows much about treating mold so I am relying on internet/book research to treat myself through elimination diet, detoxing liver, kidneys, colon, lympathics. My question is should I rotate the binders of bentonite clay, activated charcoal and diatomaceous earth? If so how frequently? Also do you have any knowledge of using GSE (grapefruit seed extract) in battling internal toxic mold?
Thank you so much for your posts and knowledge here!
Hi Johnnie,
Different binders bind toxins differently so combinations may be helpful. The only ones studied for CIRS and mold toxins are the prescriptions, cholestyramine and welchol.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi,
Is there another way to narrow down what foods I am allergic to other than the elimination diet? like a blood test? if so, what type of test should I take? Thanks.
Does this also work for stachybotrys poisoning? We had toxic mold in our rental property for 3 years and all of us became very I’ll as a result and lost all possessions. There are so many diets out there and this is the best I’ve seen. Thanks
Kayla, Michigan
Hi Kayla,
The low mold diet will not cure you if you have been exposed to starchy. You need to evaluate and treat for CIRS if present.
warmly
Dr Jill
What do you mean by starchy? Are you saying toxic mold?
stachybotrys
Can a fungal infection cause muscle atrophy? I’ve been battling a fungal infection from black mold and have been experiencing knee pain. My physical therapist says its caused by atrophy of the gluteous medius resulting in a tight IT band which then pulls on my knee resulting in pain. I’m trying to determine that cause of the atrophy and if it will go away with continued PT and use of antifungals. Any information would be most beneficial.
CIRS (Chronic inflammatory response syndrome) and tick-borne infections can cause muscle atrophy but candida would not cause muscle atrophy
Can you give me info or site for low mold and mold free diet so I can make up a menu?
Hi Deb
I don’t know that there is one…
warmly
Dr Jill
Hello Dr. Jill,
I have joint pain all over my body for three (3) months. All blood tests are negative. C-Reative Protein and SED rate are also normal. I have seen different specialists and done tons of different blood test but nobody could diagnose me with anything. do you think that it could be mold infection? I only have joint pain all over my body and I felt tired but one I started gluten free diet I got my energy back but the joint pain stays the same. I live in a very old house in New Orleans/French Quarter and I am 35 years old.
Thanks
Hi Reza
Patients generally do not have a “mold infection” but CIRS. See this article for more information on the inflammatory response to biotoxins, like mold.
Warmly
Dr Jill
My husband has a ton of allergies, so we already eat mostly from scratch, but I’ve found that i don’t do well grain free. Low grain or certain grains yes, so I’m going to allow myself some grains.
I know you mentioned to avoid soy- we don’t use soy as my husband has a soy allergy, but we use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce in recipes- Is that okay on the low mold diet?
What about whole wheat? not excessively, or every meal or every day, but I haven’t been able to find wheat on either the yes or no lists for low mold- where doe sit fall? I know a lot of yeast should not’ be eaten, but what about wheat at all? or for instance, wheat pasta?
I know cheese, yogurt, and sour cream are foods to avoid, but what about milk, butter, heavy cream? I don’t eat a lot of those anyways, but sometimes it’s nice to have a cream sauce 😉
For patients sensitive to mold, I recommend avoiding all grains except perhaps quinoa and rice. Grains are notoriously full of mold, especially corn.
Hey Jill- what kind of Doctor do you recommend seeing for this mold toxicity?? Or do you believe treatment is based on your diet. I live in Iowa and have been missing work with many weird neurological symptoms. Found 5 types of mold in my apartment and have been sick ever since I moved there 3 months ago…looking for answers and help!!
Hi Brooklyn – you can find a functional medicine specialist at http://www.functionalmedicine.org or mold expert at surviving mold.com
great nfo do you have any books you would reccomend im just starting mold elimination diet
Hi Jill, I got exposed to mold and have many if not all of the symptoms! I’m seeing a doctor in Dallas. What are your thoughts on hyperbaric for the treatment of mold toxins? Thank you, Mary
Hi Mary
Hyperbaric may improve some symptoms but may also make some things worse. Proceed with caution
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr Jill,
How about spices? pepper,salt,cumin, etc..etc… ok to consume on low mold diet?
All fresh spices are fine. Avoid dried herbs
Hi Jill,
It’s hard to find time to always cook meat. Is canned wild caught salmon and canned sardines acceptable on low-mold diet?
Also, I tend to get lethargic on low-carbohydrate diets because i think I find it hard to get enough calories. Any suggestions on good calorie-dense low-mold foods?
Brian
yes, wild canned salmon and sardines are great. Also recommend high healthy fats as a way to increase calories and fight mold sensitivity. You may also use cooked rice, quinoa, squashes, sweet potatoes and other starches if you need calories.
Hi Jill,
Am into the 3rd month of Jennifer Cannon’s strict mold detox diet but I’m getting bored with the same old foods, or at least how I know to prepare them. I’m no Wolfgang Puc but I can find my way around the kitchen. Is there ( and I have been looking, Pintrest etc) a good recipe book for those of us on the mold Detox Diets? Also is there any “safe pasta”?
Hi Mark,
Generally any of the paleo cookbooks will be helpful. My favorite is Practical Paleo
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill
I have conquered not to eat every food on the mold diet list. I recently gave up wheat wich was extremely hard. But I am having a EXTREMELY hard time giving up sugar. I will have like three gluten free cookies like two or three times within a week. Im on probiotics for leaky gut which i know is defeating the purpose if i continue to eat sugar. Will it help if i cut back to once a week or to eliminate it all together?
Hello Dr. Jill,
I bought an older house last year and after living there for a month I begin to get very sick with sinus infections…so I thought. This year again, I’m sick with sinus issues, stiff neck, itching, watery eyes, and urinating frequently. I just discovered mold in the basement. Do you believe this is why I’m experiencing these symptoms? When I leave the house I feel better. Should I get rid of everything in the house? Thank you so much for what you do.
Hi Anstonia, those symptoms could be related to CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) but best to find a physician who will help you test to see if that is the cause.w
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr Jill,
I’d like to present you with my symptoms. Since I moved into a water damaged building 5 years ago, and since stayed there until recently. I’ve developed : Any muscle strain injury I have gotten has always left me with pain like the muscles never heal properly. I have other mold symptoms such as sinus problems, joint pain/stiffness, fatigue, and memory problems. Due to these problems (PAIN) I have stopped working. I am now in a new apartment doing the mold detox diet for 1 month. I have properly cleaned all items I brought with, and thrown out those which could not be cleaned. Does the muscle pain sound like it’s caused from mycotoxins? Aspergillus/Penicillium is the molds that was present on mold test.
I read above in other comments you said detox diet won’t cure this illness. Is getting the BEG spray and cholestyramine the only way to treat this? Thanks for answering my 2 questions.
Sincerely,
-ToddV
Hi Todd,
You will likely need to treat the CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome) in order to get well. Binders may help your body get rid of the toxins that are causing hypoxia. Exposure avoidance is key but it will not get you 100% better alone
warmly
Dr Jill
Did the paleo thing for four months…now on cholestyramine….feeling somewhat better….but I have gone back to my vegetarian roots…I only eat the foods you recommend but if different proportions.
Question…my fingers are stiff….they were like that on the paleo diet and are still like that….can t button buttons until the evening…might this go away if the cholesttyramine works ?
it is possible, only time will tell
Hello Dr, Jill
I was exposed 3 months to huge amount of Aspergillus/Penicillium in my office. I feel all the time tired, can’t concentrate on nothing even 2 minutes, forget things, constipation, light sensitivity, headaches.
I am on kind of mold detox diet, taking activated charcoal, vitamin C, magnesium, candida support, candidase, VSL# 3 Prob, Chlorella… i am doing exercise everyday, time in direct sun, dried sauna, drink a lot of water, but i don’t feel like is helping me. i was very healthy before of that office, i am already one month and a half in my home away from the office.
in my MRI the found early demyalinization but said that it wasn’t MS. All the other blood test, stool analysis were ok.
The only thing i didn’t test is my nose and my lungs.
Please all the day im in my home doing nothing cause i can’t and i am only 24 years old. And i can’t find a doctor in my area that understand in mold exposure. What should i do ? Should i take Cholestyramine by my own ?
I appriciate your answer and thank you very much!
Gal.
Hi Gal, you can search for a doctor to help you at http://www.survivingmold.com or http://www.functionalmedicine.org
Hello Dr, Jill,
About 1.5 month ago i left an office after 3 month being exposed there to huge amount aspergillus/penicillium mold.
I am all the day in my house now, trying to make strict mold detox diet, taking natural binder, I’ve made all the normal test done, i feel chronic fatigue, can’t concentrate on nothing, just like ” hangover” all the time, i am trying to do exercise, and i was very health before going to this office. How much does it take to become back normal ? how much time does it take to detox ? where can i find someone that can help me ? because on the site of survivingmold, there is no one in my area. Please i need some help, what can i add to my treatment, and what can i do to heal. Thank you very much!
Hi Dr Jill,
I have weight gain from CIRS. It’s my last remaining issue. Do you have any suggestions for weight loss and/or leptin issues or correction?
Thank you!!!
Brittney
Hello Dr. Jill
What about Organic Goat Cheese ? Organic Feta Cheese ? What about Organic Tahini (made from sesame) ? Hummus (Chickpeas) ? Canned tuna in water ?
Thank you very much!!!
Hi Jill,
Thank you for this concise information! I am sensetive to mold. I lived in an apartment for two years and just recently moved. I’m taking morinda/neem a few times a day and chlorella at night as a binder (15x). It’s been about a week. I seem to be reacting to once healthy foods and am wondering about a particular product I found helpful before.It’s Genuine Health Fermented Nutrition. It helps move things along, but I’m worried about the fermented part. Kim-chi recently caused hives all over so I think I should avoid all ferments, all sugars and vinegars but wasn’t sure about this one? What are your thoughts?
Thank you so much!
I recommend avoiding fermented foods until you are well
Hello Dr. Jill
Sorry, maybe you didn’t see it, What about Organic Goat Cheese ? Organic Feta Cheese ? What about Organic Tahini (made from sesame) ? Hummus (Chickpeas) ? Canned tuna in water ?
Thank you very much!!!
Hi Gal,
Some patients may tolerate cheeses but I recommend avoiding initially due to lactose. Sesame seeds and tahini and chickpeas are fine as are all organic clean meats.
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Dr Jill! I am so thankful for your post on mold exposure. I see a naturopath who helped discover that I had been posioned by mold. She sent me to your site. After moving out of the house that was moldy I experienced some level of relief, but my symptoms have come back and my naturopath has put me on binders and your low mold diet. I understand grain free is one way to go, but I tried that three months ago and because my Kidneys were so compromised from the mold (was getting UTIs every week from Penicillium, a nephrotixin) I was unable to handle the high protein, and it congested my kidneys and liver. I am now 100% organic, and focus on veggies. I have been doing limited amounts of grains. Is it OK if I do 1-3 servings of small grains a day? I don’t appear to have any moldy food sensitivity but I want to do EVERYTHING I can to get the fungus out. It’s frustrating because I just want to be a normal kid. The mold can live in your tissues, correct? I’m thinking that’s why it’s taking so long to get me better. I hope I get well soon.
God bless,
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
Many patients tolerate cooked rice and quinoa but I would avoid gluten and corn (high fungal contaminates) at the least.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I suspect that I have a fungal lung infection from exposure to fallen leaves. In the past 6 weeks, on three separate occasions for 24 hours, I’ve come down with fever, raging headaches and dry cough/agitation at the top of my chest. On each of the three occasions, the day before I had significant exposure (from either hiking, or literally playing in a leaf pile with kids) I’m not sure how I can test for this and my Naturopath suggested herbal mold allergy pills. I am skeptical because I’ve never had any allergies before in my life and never had this combination of symptoms when being around leaves. 1) Isn’t a mold allergy different from a fungal infection? 2) If I have a fungal infection, will a mold elimination diet even help? 3) Any idea how to test for something like this?
Hi Lara,
Mold allergy and fungal infections are two different issues. If you have fungal infection that would need to be treated with more than a mold-free diet. You can get tested for fungal infections or CIRS/mold exposure through a functional medicine doctor. The testing may be quite extensive and more than I can discuss here as it would depend on your symptoms. It would be more common to have a bacterial or viral infection in the lungs than fungal.
warmly
Dr. Jill
thanks!
Hi Dr, Jill,
Thanks so much for this informative website regarding a mold free diet. 🙂
A few questions regarding foods:
Do I need to be concerned about purchasing dried herbs and spices? Even if they are organic is there a chance they could contain mold? Is coconut aminos a type of vinegar? Is that a mold product? What about bean sprouts at the grocers or making my own? Should I forgo all sprouts b/c of chance of mold developing? You mention eliminating canned foods – what about canned foods that contain a single food, i.e. water chestnuts, bean sprouts, hearts of palm, these foods contain it’s food plus water. Because it’s sitting in water, in a can, for who knows how long on the shelf, do I need to be concerned about mold on these foods? Maybe just best to stay away from all canned items, correct? What about coconut milk, any suggestions for specific brand you like?
Thanks,
Barb
Dear Barb,
Dried spices may be an issue, just as with dried black teas. Coconut aminos are ok for some but not others, sprouted foods should be ok as long as they are not allowed to sit in water too long. I prefer avoiding canned foods due to BPA, fresh is preferred. Coconut milk is fine – I use So Delicious unsweetened vanilla or plain
warmly
Dr. Jill
Thanks Dr. Jill. 🙂
The herbal teas I was hoping would be okay to drink are:
Choice Organic Ginger: ginger, lemongrass, licorice, fennel
Choice Organic Easy Digest: ginger root, licorice root, lemongrass leaf turmeric root
and
Choice Organic Simply Detox: roasted dandelion root, burdock root, and rooibos herb
Would those be okay to drink?
Thanks,
Barb
yes, those sounds delicious!
Thank you !! ?
Hello doctor Jill do you think living in damp mouldy house for 23 years could have anything to do with my health concerns, I’ve been diagnosed with copd and bad mental health, I stayed in a property with my son 29 and my daughter 17 for almost 24 years and the landlord point blank refused to fix our house, we are all left feeling worne out and have cold/ flu like symptoms, I also had to have 3 abnormalities removed from my heart, there has not been a day since we left our old home that any of us has felt any better, runny burning in the nose itch eyes difficulty in breathing dramatic weight loss and copd, my daughter is only 17 and she has copd, I really don’t know what to do as my local go told me that there is no treatments for our symptoms, she put it down to my mental health, please can you give me some advice on what I should do next thank you Melanie,
Hi Melanie
Chronic inflammatory response to biotoxins, like mold is an immune system reaction that can cause symptoms in all body systems. You may search for an expert to help you at http://www.survivingmold.com
warmly
Dr. Jill
One more question?
How many times per day should I be using binders? i.e charcoal
Hi Jill,
I have a diagnosed mold allergy. I am already gluten free, and I am trying to follow a strict mold free diet, but it can get confusing. Do you recommend taking charcoal tablets to help when mold is accidentally ingested? Also, I do not eat enough veggies, do you know of a mold free vitamin supplement line?
Thank you very much for this very helpful website.
Hi Evelyn
Charcoal can be helpful after over-rich meals, excess alcohol or any indulgence that causes malaise. While I think its a wise idea to take a pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplement due to mineral deficiencies in soil, I do not advise replacing real food with vitamins. Best to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption.
Warmly
Dr Jill
How can I possibly do a mold-free diet if I am completely fructose intolerant,…plus I am highly allergic to both egg yolks and egg whites…and I am sick within minutes if I ingest any form of poultry or meat or fish I am also highly wheat, dairy, soy, and corn intolerant. Also – you mentioned apples are low sugar…but actually they have the highest fructose sugar content of any fruit – their fructose level is off the scale – please explain.
Hi Katrina, It sounds like you need to work with a functional medicine nutritionist to customize a diet that works for you….I believe the best diet is the one that makes YOU feel well. There is no one-size fits all.
warmly
Dr Jill
i bought flax seeds three years back it has some worms is it safe if i remove the worms?
Get some new flax seed… not worth the risk
I heard that miso and tempeh contain mold because of the way they are made, and is usually avoided on an anti-candida diet. Should miso & tempeh also be avoided for a mold-free diet ?
Thank you.
Hi Kati… diet must be individualized to each patient. There are some patients who are sensitive to soy and must avoid miso and tempeh.
HI ! I had a question about sugar in the Mold diet. In a lot of responses above you say to not eat any sugar. Does that include natural sugars like honey or stevia? I noticed in some of your recipes on your web site include honey. I’m a little confused. I can’t image life without any type of sugar ):
Thanks, Michelle
Hi Michelle
The recipes on my site do not reflect a particular diet. If someone has been exposed to mold it is best to avoid all sweeteners, included honey and maple syrup. Some organic whole leaf stevia may be consumed.
warmly
Dr Jill
Thanks,
Does the avoidance of sugar- even natural ones- need to be done for the rest of your life? How about slight amounts in moderation occasionally?
Also, I saw you are not taking new patients. Do you know someone who can help me detox from mold?
Thanks again– blessings to you!!
Michelle
I avoid sugar 100% in my diet and recommend that most of my patients do the same. There is no nutritional requirement for table sugar 😉 We can get healthy sources of sugar naturally from fresh fruit!
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi again,
so just to clarify, are you suppose to not eat any sugar, even natural sugar, for evermore? or would it be too damaging to eat a small amount now and then?
Also, I noticed that you are not taking any new patients. Do you have a recommendation for someone who could walk me through mold detoxing?
Thanks again,
Michelle
H Jill i email you from the UK, had a run in with mould several years ago, i know i have some form of mould poisioning. For many years i have suspected i have an internal problem, which has left its marks over the last 2 years, doctors in the UK do not recognise this, so i have to blindly try a strict diet to see if that helps. Different web sites, have different ideas if what to eat and what to avoid, can i ask you for a good list of things i can eat everyday, i dont mind sticking to a boring list of foods just would like an experts opinion, do i avoid all dairy? are all kinds of veg ok. Hope you can help
Sure, follow my diet and avoid alcohol and sugar and grains… most all veggies are fine.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar, as in Bragg’s raw unfiltered, ok for low mold diet? I recently got back an allergy test (IgG antibodies) saying I am allergic to mold and Candida Albancins was in there too. I thought the raw apple cider vinegar help kill the yeast?
I am considering doing Whole 30 and adjusting with your list above.
sounds great, Mandi!
I don’t recommend any vinegar products initially on a low mold diet
Ok thank you! But if doing vinegar apple cider is best correct?
Hello Dr. Jill,
I’m confused about a few things I read. I had allergy testing done when I was young back in the 80’s. I tested positive for many food allergies including milk, chocolate, corn, apples, chicken, and eggs. I am also allergic to mold, ragweed and penicillin. I also suffer from allergic rhinitis. After reading about the low mold diet and trigger foods, I see that many of my food allergies seem to be on your list of foods to avoid it you are allergic to mold. But, I don’t understand the connection between mold and avoiding sugar, especially pineapple, as I remember reading that it can be beneficial to allergy sufferers. Also, I started consuming coconut based cheese, should that be avoided? And does my mold allergy have anything to do with my ragweed allergy? And can you explain more about why vinegar should be avoided, because you do say that apple cider vinegar is OK to consume , but contradicts saying to avoid vinegar. I also don’t understand why yeast should be avoided?
Thanks
Hi Stephanie,
Mold and fungus thrives on sugar… This diet decreases exposure to foods that might feed fungus and mold
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill:
Fellow greater Denver resident here! I’m curious how to say no to all mushrooms, but allow tempeh, which is just a network of mycelium (essentially mushroom roots) surrounding the whole soy beans (carbohydrate which gets turned into sugar readily in the gut), which happens to also be cooked in vinegar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempeh). I love tempeh (and all fungi), but it doesn’t seem to belong in this list.
Is the concept behind cutting these foods out backed up by evidence (like randomized control trials that look at cutting these foods out of the diet in isolation) or is this just a list you came up with? (Interested for a friend with many food issues)
Thank you,
Speed
Hello Jill,
I just came from seeing an allergist today who performed a series of tests to determine my allergies: mold (penicillium and aspergillus), trees, ragweed, and dust mites.
My biggest concern is the mold because of the terrible reaction I had from window air-conditioners in my new apartment. I opened them up and they were loaded with mold, which I confirmed through a mold test. I was always under the impression that if I had a mold allergy I should not eat foods associated with molds. When I asked the allergist about this he responded that I could still eat those foods. This surprised me. I guess I’m looking to you for confirmation that I should avoid the foods listed now that I have confirmation of a mold allergy.
Thank you! Very much appreciated.
Tess F.
Hi Tess,
It would be best to avoid foods any foods you are allergic to…
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill. Is it safe to take bentonite clay and activated charcoal while nursing my 2 month old?
Hi Josie – best to talk to your doctor on this one.
Hello Dr. Carnahan!
So excited to be able to contact you on here.
Is wheatgrass juice allowed? And also goat cheese?
Also, can mold toxicity be reversed through diet and supplementation alone? I am in New York. It’s hard to get mold sensitivity testing. My lungs are sensitized and react to dust, mold, and cigarette smoke. I feel pain near my chest area/ sternum when I am in that environment. Is it possible to reverse a high sensitivity to these allergens?
Thank you so much.
– Alycia
Dear Alycia
Everyone is different…wheatgrass juice should be fine and many patients tolerate goat cheese better than cow’s milk dairy. Usually the immune inflammatory response to mold (CIRS) needs to be treated but getting out of the environment will help… first step is to get away from the exposure.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Thank you so much for the quick reply!
Sincerely,
Alycia
Hey Dr. Jill,
One more question, well, really two! I have been out of a moldy environment since 2014. Got better through diet, but still lethargic at random times. My DO said my CoQ10 levels are low. I still feel tired when I take a CoQ10 supplement. What blood tests do you recommend and can CIRS cause irregular periods?
Thank you so so so much.
– Alycia
You may find labs at http://www.surivingmold.com
Hi Dr. Jill,
Writing from Australia. Single mum with 2 boys. The damp in this rental is sposed to have been fixed. Dont fully trust goverment as money comes first. Cutting costs. I am sooo tired, sick often, hard to breath often, sinus & post nasal near 100% time. Glands up 2/3rds of the year. Anxiety/depression moid and mental state shifts. Symptoms go on and on.
So tired. Feel like giving up. Doctors are no help on a budget. Cant afford to try more specialists with no results to speak of.
Feel… very hopeless. Have to get well for my 2 boys that are 10 and 12. If I can get well and get back to work ( has been 10+ yrs) I may gain control again as far as ability to move to an appropriate residence, or afford air filters etc or whatever may be needed. Dont know where to start.
Have so many food/chemical/frangrance/environmental/mold sensitivities and allergies it seems to be swallowing me and my family whole. Father passed away 2 years ago. Eldest has asperges. Youngest 3 seperate diagnosis. This cant be all there is.
Any suggestions.. at all. Even books / free or cheap lectures etc would be very much appreciated.
Regards B
sure, http://www.survivingmold.com
I am in my mid fifties, have had a life-long allergy to Penicillen and was recently exposed to mold spores and now have all the side effects. Would like to know if there’s a possibility that my Penicillen allergy is making it worse. Thoughts?
Hi Nancy
These are likely separate issues. But you could get ill from penicillin exposure.
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill,
Ive had trouble breathing due to what i believe is mold in my house…..so im going on the low mold diet and starving out the mold in my system…..how will i know when the mold is outta my system ? And are there test that can be done to tell me this…..also is using probiotics good to use during the low mold process….thanks in advance .
You must treat comprehensively… the low mold diet alone will not cure you.
Hi Jill! I have been told that I have an IGE to Aspergillus of 1691 and another Aspergillus test was 38.7. It’s dropped from 6000 after moving out of our moldy home. My allergist says I probably have APBA and says the treatment is Prednisone for 3-4 months and possibly and antifungal. Is there a natural treatment for this? Tumeric? Essential Oils? After reading your diet and replies to comments above, I recognize that many of my food issues developed while living in that moldy home. I can no longer tolerate eggs, gluten, corn, nuts, or dairy. Most coffee and tea bothers me as well. Is there anything I can do instead of take Prednisone for months? Thanks! Miss seeing you and Aaron.
Hi Heidi,
You may need to find an expert in mold exposure to help you. Exposure to mycotoxins and mold will often increase intestinal permeability and lead to increase in food sensitivities. You may need to treat and heal the gut in order to improve.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Heidi
Mold exposure can affect the gut and cause intestinal permeability which may lead to more food sensitivities.
warmly
Dr Jill
Dr. Jill,
I started working with an FMD a year ago for some major fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. Last February, I couldn’t get off the floor, was diagnosed with stage 2 bordering stage 3 adrenal fatigue, my thyroid was off even though I don’t have Hashimotos, gluten/dairy intolerance, and an allergy to eggs. After hitting a plateau, and feeling like the FMD clinic I was attending wasn’t helping enough, I started seeing an ND recommended by a mental health provider. After a very thorough history, and review of all labs and symptoms, the ND suspects mold toxicity is the problem. Sure enough, the ALLETESS mold panel came back showing antibodies evlevated for all 6 types (my results were CLASS I – Stachybotrys atra, fusarium proliferatum and candida albicans, CLASS IV – Penicillium chrysogenum, cladosporium herbarum and aspergillus fumigatas). Based on this, my ND wants to do further testing for markers following the Shoemaker protocol, as well as the nasal testing and suggested a home mold testing kit. I lived in a OLD home for 5 years where I was told mold was present in at least one room (but wasn’t bad enough to tear down the walls…????!!) I started having sinus infection after sinus infection after moving in, which progressed to my arms being numb while laying down, sensitivity to light/sound, vertigo, tinnitus, etc. MRI last year came back showing my brain is beautiful. I’m a healthy 30 year old female! Anyway, the ND’s prescribed a low mold/dysbosis diet (ketogenic basically – her mold protocol is a little stricter than yours as she won’t let me have sweet potatoes though quinoa occasionally is acceptable), and has started me on a number of supplements based on other testing (Nutreval). I’m still waiting for an extensive stool panel to come back, but last year it didn’t show that I had candida. The ND seems well versed in Mold treatment. I’m just super anxious about switching my diet so radically because I’m petite (5’1′) and on the thin side, and I’m aware that I could lose weight. I’ve picked up the Wahls Protocol to help guide me to the transition, as there are 3 diet plans in there that are very structured Paleo, and the last diet in the book seems to resemble the diet she prescribed most.
In one of your responses to a question in the posts above, you mentioned that discussing testing and treatment was too much to discuss in depth. My ND talks super fast and has so many different treatment ideas, but I don’t have access to her or her team like I might via email at a huge medical facility. I consider myself a very informed client, but even I have to come home and look into everything she’s mentioned to decide what I feel comfortable with trying (my symptoms are so severe I’m housebound, but I should also mention that in the middle of all this mess I was assaulted so obviously PTSD plays a role here). Because my gastrointestinal system is such a wreck and the Nutreval shows I’m not really absorbing properly (leaky gut) and have developed a number of sensitivities over the past 7 years, she wants to supplement with weekly IV’s as I begin the detox and adapt to the new diet (and while we wait for the additional test markers to come in to start with specific mold treatment.) I think that she’s being wise and strategic about this. It sounds like she is following something close to this:http://www.survivingmold.com/docs/Berndtson_essay_2_CIRS.pdf and your article on mold toxicity. I know you don’t have all the details, but does this sound fair to you?
The list my ND gave me says no chocolate. Is organic cocoa powder ok? I love the Chocolate Bone Broth Protein Powder by Dr. Axe…
Really appreciated other things you mentioned in another article (infrared sauna). Probably why Neurofeedback helped me so much a few months ago. The clinician used an infrared device before we did neurofeedback.
I have followed your mold free diet for 10 months now and the results are incredible. No more wheezing. No more heart palpitations or shortness of breath. Absolutely no heart burn or acid reflux since giving up sugar. Weight has dropped 65 lbs. I have one question that I just can’t find an answer to. May I drink Yerba Mate? I drink it every morning as a replacement to coffee. I also drink green tea, and ginger, which I know is fine.
Hi Debbie
That is wonderful! I am so proud of you… You may certainly drink yerba mate!
warmly
Dr Jill
Oh yes!! Thank you!! It’s been an awesome journey.
Jillian, can you use organic ground mustard to make your own (vingear-less) condiments, or is ground mustard itself full of mycotoxins?
you bet! that sounds delicious 😉
Hi Dr. Jill,
Are hearts of palm allowable on anti mold diet”
sure!
Can you drink rice beer, such as bud light? Just asking because it is made from rice and not wheat.
Better to avoided all fermented products
Hi Jill,
I am just starting down this road. I am a Graves Disease patient and my ND thinks mold may be at the root of it, I have always been allergic to it. I am currently taking: Methimazole, Low Dose Naltrexone, and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptides. I came across a different list of foods to avoid. Here is the web address of the PDF. http://entallergycenter.com/Portals/0/pdfs/allergyinfo/mold_elimination_diet.pdf
It says no vinegars at all, and I use apple cider vinegar a lot. Your thoughts on that? And the differences in these guidelines?
Hi Kate,
You might try the https://ultimatepaleoguide.com/autoimmune-protocol/
.
Warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi Dr Jill,
Can you tell me the difference between the No Amylose diet, the Low Mold diet, and Dr Bresden’s diet (my brain has been affected) when it comes to CIRS treatment? I see similarities in all of them, but they have quite a few differences too. Is one better for recovery than the other? To complicate matters, I have PKD (which limits my proteins), and I don’t have a gallbladder (which limits fats).
Most importantly, I wanted to thank you endlessly for your expertise, passion, and generosity of spirit. Thanks to YOU, I have finally been diagnosed with CIRS after 19 years of debilitating, multi-system diseases and symptoms. I learned about it for the first time when you were on Dr Ruscio’s podcast. You have unknowingly been a North Star for me, and after years and years of searching, I am finally turning the corner on health. Your expertise has afforded me great hope, and your beautiful and compassionate soul has soothed my wounds. I truly do not know how to than you.
Hi Lori,
There is no one best diet for everyone… you must individualize diet to your body, gut issues, and food sensitivities. I appreciate your kind words so much!
Warmly
Dr. Jill
Can you elaborate why you say to avoid all fermented foods but then right after say to enjoy foods like Apple cider vinegar (ferment) and miso (ferment + soy) freely? It seems contradictory and probably confusing.
Hi PC,
You are right, very confusing and I apologize. In beginning best to avoid all fermented foods… sometimes ACV and miso/tempeh can be added later.
warmly
DR Jill
Can mold cause Interstitial lung disease with scarring? I am allergic to mold and have been living in a home with 3 separate mold incidents caused by slow leaks, for 10 years.
yes, interstitial lung disease is not uncommon as a result of mold exposure.
I was diagnosed with Valley Fever 6 weeks ago. Do you recommend this diet for someone trying to rid their body of fungus? I have been doing dairyfree/sugar free and gluten free and taking a inner defense capsule that helps rid body of fungus as well. I appreciated your food options. I realized that I am still eating several things I shouldn’t be eating, so I am going to work on that. Thank you.
It may help you to heal…
Dear Jill,
thank you for all your info you have put out here for us to read, very informative stuff! I am sick because of mold (problems with GI tract, problems with lungs, very sensitive in lungs today if I come in contact with mycotoxins/endotoxins, VOCs, skin problems, sinus problems etc.), I have had fever for 4 months now, 37,3-37,6C every single day. Doctors do not know how to help. I am currently taking Cholestyramine once a day ( I feel very bad couple of hours after taking CSM so I cannot drink it more often per day), and have been taking charcoal also. I supplement with NAC, D-vit, B-vit, Omega3, iron (was very low). I have had hyperthyroid, hypothyroid before christmas, but it has goin into normal TSH numbers today. Why do I have this prolonged fever? Now I am trying out very clean diets, no milk, no grain, no sugars. There are no doctors that I know of in Europe that know about dr shoemakers protocol. I am a nurse and bought Cholestyramine in Spain and am trying it out on my own. What are your thoughts…. kind regards Sonja in Iceland
Hi Sonja,
you are on the right track – perhaps you can find a functional medicine doctor in Europe to help you?
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hi
I am 24 year old girl and i am often having problems because of vaginal yeast infections. can you please provide me with some do’s and don’s. I will be really thankful for your information.
Hi Kazzmika
Info here and here
Hello Dr. jill,
i had one last question for you 🙂
For the organic meat is it ok if i buy it from a fresh farm and put it in my freezer after? thanks. 🙂
Hi Dr. Jill,
If gut fermentation is going on, how do you correct it? Because i feel this is feeding the mold in my tissues from a fungal overgrowth that was misdiagnosed. How do you get rid of hyphal fungus in the gut and prevent it from spreading which has already done.
Marjorie
Hi,
Can I cook with organic vegitable broth? Also- is celery ok? Do I need to make my own tomato sauce or are certain kinds ok? Also- green beans ok? I’m wanting to make cabbage soup and it calls for these things.
all ok
What about dried oatmeal?
sure
Hi Dr. Carnahan,
So I have a couple of questions for you. 🙂 If I have some markers for the genes HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DRB5 does it mean that I could have a problem with mold? Is the mold diet a diet that you would do for life to help you stay symptom free?
Your recipes on your website looks delicious, is there a way to filter the recipes on your website that go with the mold friendly diet?
Thank you so much!
Tami
Hi Tami
Yes, a mold-free diet would not be a bad idea for you to stay healthy… I do not currently have a way to search recipes by relation to mold-free diet but that is a great idea!
warmly
Dr Jill
Greetings! I have been on this ZEOLITE specifically clinoptilolite campaign. I KNOW that it absorbs mold in EVERYTHING, bodies, land, foods, air, HOMES, water, there is NOTHING that can stop it from reaching in and taking out the bad (mold and HEAVY METALS) yet leaving the good.
This spring I plan to cover my garden with clinoptilolite to ensure that my foods are not attacked by fungus and replenishing my responsibility of my earth around my house. Has anyone seen the mushrooms that grows in the grass? That is why I am spreading the clinoptilolite everywhere, the fruit trees, the apple trees, all the trees will benefit from this. My darling pet beds have a layer of zeolite under them as they sleep, In my refrigerator I have about 5 cups of it in a box to clean my foods, all of it including the freezer.
I clean my water with shungite and zeolite at the bottom of my 5 gallon glass water container. It takes 3 days to totally clean it but worth it. The taste is refreshing and CLEAN.
Wearing shungite alters the bad frequencies from the microwave, radio (am/fm) wave, smart meters, in the cities there are layers and layers of frequencies all the different cable providers in all the units…this helps.
My house has the rocks/granular in every room, I even have it under my bed, my couch, in every food drawer, especially the herbs, rice and pastas. If you have lots of cans then put some with the cans, NOTHING stops this wonderful gift from our Creator. My motto, “I REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM!”
Hi,
i suffer from diabetes type 1, isn’t it dangerous for people like me to stop eating sugar ? i’m scared of hypoglycemia…
thank you!
cynthia
Hi Cynthia, There is no harm in adjusting sugar intake if you adjust your insulin. However, I do not recommend making any changes unless you discuss with your physician
warmly
Dr. Jill
hi dr. jill, i was wondering what herbal remedies (or herbal supplements) i could take to get rid of the black mold sickness in my body since i don’t have the finances to get to a doctor to get me the medicine i need and is there any specific diet i need to keep up with and how will i know that my body is completely healed & fine & finally free from black mold sickness? thank you. i had been suffering for 3 years in a awful apartment that a landlord had busted a 55 gallon water heater & i was able to get out of that apartment last year since i had to have a relative get me since i don’t have a car. ive been drinking bottled water as well to help my body out
Hi Lynnia
First step is getting out of exposure. You can treat with detox methods that are not prescription but you may need a doctor or expert to help you on the journey – its quite a complicated illness affecting many organs of the body.
warmly
Dr. Jill
Hello Dr Jill,
I was exposed to toxic mold 4 yrs ago and have since removed myself from the environment. I can feel that my immune system has improved in a major way from the lifestyle adjustments I have made in regards to nutrition, supplementation and over mind set.
I still suffer from chronic bacterial prostatitis, and daily headaches which I believe are a byproduct of my exposure and my compromised immune system for so long.
My question for you is if you have heard of the Gerson diet? It is designed to detox the cells, it limits sodium, protein and most fat, while loading them with fresh organic fruits and vegetables in the form of 10-13 juices every day. along side a bevy of organic cooked vegetable soups and daily coffee enimas. It is a remarkable cancer therapy and has shown large success to a lot of people close to me.
My conflict is with all of the organic carrott and apple juice that is designed to detox from a cellular level is this to much sugar for a recovering mold toxic person?
Hi Brad,
i would not recommend juicing with history of mold exposure unless it was purely green juices.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill! What about almond milk and hemp protein in smoothies? I’m finding it hard to get enough protein without overloading on meat and eggs.
yes, that should be fine
All so is there a biotoxin specialist near me or that can work with me remotely to order labs and help me make adjustments to my program? I live in Salt lake city Utah.
Hey Jill, iv been having trouble with my memory recently which worries me because im only 20 and I think it may be due to mycotoxins, iv cut out all nuts however i still eat quite a lot of macadamia nuts everyday (500 grams worth) which i soak for 2 hours and then let them sit in foodgrade hydrogen peroxide for 20 mins and then i pressure cook them for 2 mins. Do you know if macadamia nuts contain mold/mycotoxins couldn’t find anything about them online specifically. Really struggling for meals recently as i try not to eat many animal products often and it seems like a lot of things contain mycotoxins, i would really appreciate a reply all this worrying about mycotoxins and my memory is really getting me down
thanks a lot
-michael
Hi Michael,
I would start by checking your environment for mold as it is less likely the macadamia nuts. However, if you are soaking them in water first there is a risk that they nuts could be moldy.
You might try sprouted seeds instead, like sunflower, pumpkin, or others
warmly
Dr. Jill
May I ask Michael, do you have any of these ingredients in your diet or health/beauty products and do you smoke?
Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Flavour Enhancer, Natural Flavours/Natural Flavourings, Flavouring/Flavourings, Sodium Citrate, E330, E331, E332, E333, E345, E380. E472 and E1505
Thanks a lot Jill, i appreciate that you that took the time to reply, found mold on the roof of my bathroom, Gonna start eating oats again, simpli is suppose to be a low mold brand i think.
Hi Jill,
I have read that soaking nuts and then rehydrating makes the mycotoxins harmless to humans. Would you agree with this? If so, would this also be true with grains and seeds? I eat a lot of nuts and would really appreciate your opinion.
Many thanks,
Peter
Hi Peter,
It sounds quit plausible but I do not know for certain
warmly
Dr Jill
Dr Jill,
Does Hemp Oil tincture have mold in it?
Thanks!
It would depend on the brand and company ethics for processing and testing.
I have been exposed to Toxic Mold for a little over 5 years. I have had all kinds of health issues and trying to follow a mold free diet. One question that I have is that it is said to not use a microwave to heat up your meals. What if this all that I have at work and what would you recommend to eat for lunches at work that are easy to make and possible cost effective. Any suggestions would be helpful
Im allergic to environmental mold(scratch test.i have CFS(for other reasons,i was underweight and been thru some abuse)but its hard to tell even if something would make me feel bad. I eat healthy but should i avoid asperigullus oryzae based sauces?is there a scratch test for food thats credible?do i have to avoid fermented, yeast etc and even vinegar?that would be stressful to restict diet possibly unnecessarily and even when i eat them or touched moldy raspberry i see no reaction but my baseline is fatigued.i once accidentally had too much white vinegar from overpouring to the point it evacuated all my food and made my throat sore for a cpl days from the sheer quantity yet i had no allergic reaction.so is acv and all vinegar ok then?i dont treat other seasonal allergies either since they just stuff me a bit.should i consider NAET for mold etc?
also is a little black dot by my sink a concern?i scrubbed it with bleach and vinegar but the crack between the wall has a filling that may be porous?and dono if fully came off
I have a question about whether soaking or spraying nuts and grains with a solution if grapefruit seed extract and water would be enough to kill any possible present mold on or inside the grains/nuts before eating or using in recipes? I know pistachios are in the avoid list due to higher mold content, but thought if I can do away with the mold using a grapefruit seed extract soak, I might be able to eat them once in a while.. Would this be effective or am I delusional in my quest for food variety while I heal from Mold Illness?
Hi Mary
That is a great question but I don’t have an answer for you… I just typically advise buying fresh from the source and storing in fridge or freezer and avoiding pistachio, peanut, cashew.
warmly
Dr Jill
Could you please tell of the best way to get filtered water and a store brand if possible. Or any brand or any process. PLEASE HELP!
I use the Berkey countertop filter
I always was concerned in this subject and stock still am, thank you for putting up.
Hi Jill,
I have recently found out that all my heath problems are from mold in our apartment. My problems are huge.. My whole body aches but doctors treat me symptomatically, which is wasting time. I ask them to check me for mold toxins. No answer. SO stupid. They left me to suffer. All increase during raining . it is terrible. We cannot move out from this apartment, unfortunately. I am living in a hope that soon we could do it. In your recommendations grains are not allowed. They are in my daily meal. It is my diet habit and I don’t know what to cook instead. Do you have recipes here? I don’t want to starve.
How to take an activated charcoal? As recommended? Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Olga – there are 100’s of recipes on the site that could work for you… you would just need to browse and read ingredients. Charcoal or other binders are best taken on empty stomach
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
The goal of a low mold diet is to eliminate foods to which you are sensitive. How do we know if we are sensitive? The only food/ingredients that I have trouble tolerating (after mold exposure) are gluten and dairy. I have no reactions to the other foods on the list. Do you think I should still avoid them?
Thanks!
The goal of the low mold diet is to eliminate sources of mold in the diet not just avoid food sensitivities.
Is it safe to take cordyceps supplements while on low mold diet? Mold detoxing has taken it’s toll on my already exhausted adrenals and one of the adrenal supplements I used to take contains cordyceps but was not sure if that is safe to take while detoxing from mold.
It is safe to take mushrooms if you are not sensitive or allergic to them. Many patients with mold exposure are very sensitive to mushrooms.
What about organic goat yogurt?
generally milk products are avoided due to lactose but if very low or no lactose present, it would be ok
I apologize if this question has been answered already: since tempeh is allowed, does that mean tofu is allowed, too? It would be organic and verified non-gmo.
I’d also like to know if spirulina (from a verified clean source) is ok.
Thank you for providing all this information. It is much appreciated!
Usually only fermented soy is advised. You should be able to take spiraling as long as no contamination with blue green algae
Hi Dr. Jill,
Do you think buckwheat in moderation is ok?
Grains are highly contaminated with mycotoxins so generally grain-free is best if trying to do a low mold diet
Hi Dr. Jill,
I am being treated in Mass for Lyme and Associated diseases and tested positive for mold: ochratoxin A, Mycophenolic Acid, and multiple citrinin. My ND wants me to follow this low mold diet and I’m wondering about the following sources that I have been consuming:
Sparkling flavored water
Organic Brown Rice Protein powder
Small amount of raw unfiltered honey (I’ve seen this on other mold diets)
Golden Milk Powder (Of organic turmeric, cinnamon, ginger & black pepper)
Also, it sounds like purity and bulletproof coffee are both okay?
Many Thanks!! -Amy
Sorry, I forgot one more…
Store Bought Almond Butter (if almonds are the only ingredient)?
Thank again! -Amy
I’d love to know about sparkling water too
If I eat this butter which has lactase enzyme mixed in to balance out the lactose, will that be ok to eat? Or is it dairy in general that is to be avoided? I just discovered I have mold illlness a few weeks a go though I have been on a low mold diet anyways for close to two years as I was reacting to foods to the point I had to eliminate them.
https://greenvalleylactosefree.com/product/butter
Yes, Consuming fats will be fine in the low mold diet
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!!
Dr. Jill,
I so appreciate your valuable information. I want to be healthy! Could I print this article for myself and my mom for our own personal use and reference?
-Melissa Metz
absolutely
Thank you so much!
I have been eating plant-based for several months and prefer to stay that way. I have seen mixed reviews on whether or not beans are okay? That would be my main source of protein along with seeds that are allowed.
What are your thoughts on eating a plant-based low mold diet?
excellent idea, Rachel!
Dr. Jill,
Today I begin my detox journey. I am a retired Combat Medic who shamefully knew nothing about mold and the effects of mold on the body. I think GOD so much for showing me and saving my girls. Unfortunately, I believe the mold in our home which was just about everyone known to man for at least 10 years killed me in my sleep. My death wasnt the only problem but a laundry list of other illnesses for me and my wife. I know that we need help before this continues to kill us. My family means the world to me and I hate seeing or knowing they’re suffering. Thank you so much for this page.
Thank you, Dr. Jill, for this page. A couple of years ago, I followed your directions for a low mold protocol, and lost a great deal of weight, as well as eased fatigue and other symptoms. I did not keep at it, though, and all returned. A few days ago, I woke up strongly with the thought of needing to do SOMETHING. Went to my inbox, and there was your email, directing me back to the page that had worked previously! I appreciate all of your work–especially in this area of mold sensitivity.
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for your lovely kind words! I hope it is helpful
warmly
Dr Jill
I usually throw away my leftovers after 2 days because I believe that is the number of days that food can sit and then start to develop mold spores. Can you confirm this?
Hi Dr. Jill,
I am currently working with a doctor on a mold detox diet. In a nutshell, my diet at present consists of having eliminated dairy, sugar, all fruit, alcohol, coffee, tea and all dried components that may have become contaminated by mould (wheat, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, pulses, seeds, nuts and fruit). I am eating all vegetables (with the exception of spinach, kale and beetroot as too high in oxalates), potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, eggs and fish. I also use coconut oil, milk and water to drink, nibble on and cook with, along with olive oil and avocado oil.
However, I have never suffered with constipation but am now finding that on this diet I am only going to the loo every 3-4 days, which is really upsetting me both mentally and physically. I have been told to drink black strap molasses with baking soda, up to 6 teaspoons to a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, and possibly 3 times a day. It is not helping, but my mouth is feeling very sore and I don’t know if it is the molasses.
Does this sound a reasonable solution to constipation while on the diet.
Thank you
Caryn
HI Caryn
I suggest adding magnesium citrate or decreasing binder dose until the constipation is relieved
warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Jill! Thank you so much for sharing all this helpful information; we have been going through a year of various intolerances and allergies with our two year old, only to finally discover mold through mycotoxin testing for him and my husband. Our son does have a few actual allergies as well as SIBO, so our diet is already pretty restricted and we are always finding creative ways to get nutrients he needs. That being said, I saw you recommended olive oil, and I was wondering if olives were also an ok snack? We make sure they are organic and not in any vinegar, but I was curious what your thoughts were. Thank you!
Hey Jill,
Thanks for the wealth of information. I have enjoyed reading this article and comments. Can you have Van’s blueberry gluten free waffles & Angie’s gluten-free, non-gmo Boom Chicka Popcorn on the low mild diet ? Also, I drank cashew milk every morning and my Kinesiolost tested me on the milk and said it was ok to drink. It’s hard trying to figure out what foods
are causing the mold exposure. Can your spouse be a carrier of mold without any symptoms? Thanks
Jill,
I am a diabetic and am at a loss what to do. I have to have something to keep my blood sugars stable. if my blood sugars drop I need some sort of “sugar” to bring them safely back up. Are glucose tablets bad for me? Can you please give me some ideas as to what I can “safely eat” as to not expose myself to too much mycotoxins? I will have to give up the black teas and artificial sweeteners. I never knew about cashews as I eat them by the handfuls (not anymore).
Any feedback you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Hello Dr. Jill, thank you so much for this very comprehensive list. It is incredibly helpful and the best that I’ve been able to find so far.
I’m wondering where you stand on Avocado oil and Monk fruit as a sweetener.
Also, I was a bit surprised to see Tuna listed as an option under fish due to the risk of mercury exposure. Is there a reason why you list it? Are you okay with the other fish listed on the EWG’s website, like mussels, rainbow trout, Atlantic mackerel, oysters, pollock, etc.
Thank you so much for your time!!!
https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-consumer-guide-seafood
thank you, Shawn!
Hi Jill, I was wondering are coconut aminos ok on the low mould diet? Or any sub for soy sauce and fish sauce you can recommend?
What treatment do you generally recommend for a 5 year old with confirmed Mycotoxins (via Great Plains MycoTox urine test), and how long should a treatment regimen be for a year old? Any insight you can provide would be incredibly greatly appreciated.
I have purchased this mold detox kit but confused with the direction and would be really grateful for some clarification.
On page 9 it provides instructions for dosages. There is a reference to PM doses, but the table only contains AM and Midday. Is there a missing part of the table which is PM? Or what should be done in the PM?
Also, the instructions state that the binder “can be taken 30-60 minutes before or 2 hours after other supplements or food” BUT the table says 30 minutes after supplements – which is correct?
Thanks very much in advance for your assistance.
Binder is best 60 minutes before or 2 hours after other supplements or food. The AM and Midday dosing could be anytime twice daily
Hi Dr. Jill. I recently read several NIH articles about the presence of citrinin in almonds and other tree nuts otherwise considered to be safe on the mold diet. For someone with a very high citrinin level, would it be wise to eliminate almonds and most other nuts as part of the mold diet and detox? Thank you.
Hi Dr. Jill,
Doesn’t coconut oil contain mycotoxins? I’ve read that it’s made from dried coconuts which has high levels of mycotoxins. I noticed that coconut oil and coconut milk are on your approved list.
Thanks so much,
Pamela
Generally I do not find coconut oil to be a problem. It naturally has anti-mold and anti-fungal properties
Are there any “sweetners” besides the ones that are listed ok to have? Monk fruit, agave, stevia etc.
Stevia is the safest sweetener and good for the microbiome
I’m a little confused about store-bought broths, etc. Can we buy organic broth or sauce if there are no sugars, vinegars, etc.? Or what about organic hummus, etc. Also, is black pepper okay? Thanks!
yes, organic broths that do not contain yeast are ok. Some patients tolerate fermented foods (these have high histamine) and others with histamine intolerance or MCAS do not
Our home basement underwent mold remediation in 2020 due to water damage. Earlier this summer I decided to undergo a mold test. I don’t think I had any obvious symptoms but I was curious. I had a high level of one mold. I work with a functional medicine practitioner and she referred me to your website. I took your mold detox supplements for 30 days. About a week into the protocol I developed a itchy rash on one side of my neck. It continues to this day, 5 weeks later. After a few weeks the rash spread to the front of my neck and upper chest. I also have terribly dry skin on half of my face and my skin is flaking off. It feels like sandpaper and is sensitive to products. Is this a reaction to a supplement in the detox protocol (I am finished now.) or is this die off of the mold?
Thank you for all of your information!
Hi Dr. Jill,
I’ve been tested recently and found to have a mild reaction to rhizopus, epidermophyton, and trichophyton. Given these molds are found mostly on humans/animals and to lesser extent in foods (I know rhizopus can grow in wheat and grain stores and on improperly stored foods), how crucial is it for me to avoid all the foods listed above?
If you are not recovering from mold-related illness or allergic to mold, it is less important but I would be cautious about fresh sources of commonly contaminated foods such as grains, nuts, coffee, chocolate.
Thanks so much for your response Dr. Jill! I think I phrased my question in a confusing way. I am allergic to mold. What I am really trying to figure out is, where are these three types of mold (rhizopus, epidormophyton, trichophyton) typically found (i.e. which foods)?
Also – I’m guessing by ‘fresh’ you mean uncooked/unprocessed?
Thanks so much!
Hi Dr. Carnhan,
I have multiple digestive issues.
1. Reactive gastritis
2. Focal atrophy gastritis with intestinal metaplasia which is malignant
3. Gastroperisis
4. Histamine intolerance
5. SIBO
6. Autoimmune
7. Joints hurt
8. MCAS
9. Mould scope machine confirms mould in the home.
10. Low stomach acid reflux
11. Constipation.
Gastroperisis is causing a lot issues.
On the low mould diet, what can I have as a smoothie.
Are Brazil nuts permissable?
I have been suffering since 2018. Started with H. Pylori.
I don’t know what to do as overwhelmed.
Diet is a big issue due to multiple digestive problems. My diet has become so restrictive.
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