Uncover the hidden impact of mold on your body with functional medicine testing. At Harper Clinic, we help you identify the root causes of chronic pain and mental health symptoms to take the first step toward true healing.
Mold is a common part of both indoor and outdoor environments. Mold spores can enter indoor spaces through open doors, windows, vents, and HVAC systems, making it difficult to completely avoid exposure. Once inside, mold thrives in damp areas, including materials like wood, drywall, carpet, and upholstery.
Mold toxicity refers to illness caused by exposure to certain mold species that produce harmful substances called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins can impact multiple systems in the body, leading to symptoms such as respiratory issues, allergic reactions, cognitive problems (e.g., memory loss, brain fog), fatigue, anxiety, depression, and immune system changes.
Around 45 million buildings in the US have tested for unhealthy levels of mold, and over 4 million asthma cases are attributed to mold exposure in homes. Mold exposure is strongly linked to respiratory issues like asthma and chronic sinus infections, but can extend beyond, affecting mental health, the gastrointestinal tract, and the immune system.
Persistent “cold-like” symptoms, postnasal drip, runny nose, sore throat, and sinus pressure.
Coughing or chest tightness can indicate an allergy or asthma, especially worsening in certain rooms or times of the year.
Pressure in the forehead or eyes, trouble concentrating, and difficulty finding the right words can indicate the need for medical evaluation to eliminate other causes.
You may feel wiped out even after getting enough sleep. Track your patterns to understand if this correlates with time spent in spaces that have been exposed to mold.
Airborne irritants and mold allergens can cause burning, a feeling of sand in the eyes, and persistent tearing.
Skin flares such as eczema, itching, or hives can indicate an allergic reaction to mold. Keep a log to track location and when symptoms flare.
Mold can inflame the upper airway, causing chronic throat clearing or a hoarse voice.
Black mold can trigger asthma attacks and severe chest tightness. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or you have to use an EPIPen after exposure.
These are less common, although some still report nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and increased GI infections. Keep a diary to eliminate medication effects or diet triggers.
Chronic mold exposure, poor sleep, and environmental stressors can worsen mood, increase stress, and impact mental health. If you have increased irritability, anxiety, or low mood without an explainable cause, it’s important to speak with a health professional.
Mold toxicity testing works through a comprehensive and personalized approach focused on identifying the root cause and evaluating the individual’s unique exposure to mold. The process typically involves:
Based on your testing results from our testing partners, our functional medicine team can create a personalized treatment plan to help you accelerate the elimination of mold in the body. The most important thing is removing the source of mold not to continue exposure. This can be done by a mold remediation company and helps eliminate the source of toxins in the home.
At Harper Clinic, we help eliminate those toxins from the body. Some of the ways we support this and optimize your overall wellness include:
No, most insurance plans do not cover mold or toxin testing.
Treatment for mold exposure typically involves a combination of avoiding further exposure, supporting the body’s detoxification pathways, and addressing any symptoms or infections. We do not provide mold removal services. To eliminate the source of mold in your home or apartment, it’s best to contact a professional mold remediation service or your landlord.
Test results generally take 1 to 2 weeks after the lab receives your sample. We do not administer the actual tests, but we can help you connect with our partner lab. Once results are available, Harper Clinic’s providers can review and discuss them with you in detail, developing a tailored plan based on your unique mold exposure profile.
No, mold toxin testing is non-invasive and straightforward. Most tests require a simple urine or blood sample, both of which are collected with minimal discomfort. Some tests can even be done entirely at home with easy-to-use sampling kits.
Mold toxin testing is beneficial for anyone experiencing unexplained or chronic health issues, and individuals with known mold exposure risks (such as those in certain occupations or living in specific environments).
Take a proactive, functional medicine approach today to understand symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, and allergies with mold toxicity treatment.
What a great experience. Our household has been super sick and most of us haven’t been able to keep fluids down. This is exactly what we needed to get strength and energy back. Annie was so good at the poke that we barely felt it.
JeanAnne is a caring provider who listens and works to provide the right options for the best results. The facility is beautiful and calming, too.
Emily is my girlllll. They all slay so hard, and my mom and I both noticed a difference in my OCD. They also remap you if you don’t notice a difference after a few weeks, which is super nice.
Bret Bills
Always very professional
