How to support yourself while being in mould

Living or working in a mouldy environment and managing your mould illness, or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), symptoms can be challenging.

But remediation or leaving the mouldy environment may not be immediately possible.

Here are some 'keeping-your-head-above-water' tactics

1. Reduce exposure – Minimise time spent in mouldy or water damaged areas. Regularly spend time outdoors e.g. walking, gardening

2. Air quality – Use a reputable air purifier in high-use rooms to reduce airborne spores e.g. with a HEPA filter and/or an Air Oasis

3. Face masks – Most mould is inhaled. Wearing an N-95 mask can reduce exposure, but they're not long lasting. A full-face respirator is most effective

4. Ventilate: Ensure good airflow, which can also reduce moisture buildup

5. Nutrition– Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (veggies), vitamins and minerals to support your immune system, good fats to reduce inflammation, and clean protein for cell health. Avoid alcohol, sugar and refined carbs. You may need to avoid high histamine, amylose and/or oxalate foods

6. Gut health – Eat plenty of fibre to support your microbiome, which can help detoxify mycotoxins

7. Binders – Consider taking a binder, but different natural ones detox different mycotoxins, bacteria, fungi and/or heavy metals

8. Hydrate – Stay hydrated to support elimination

9. Sweat – Use exercise and saunas to help excrete mycotoxins

10. Reduce stress – Stress can exacerbate symptoms. Meditate; do yoga, breathwork or mindfulness, outdoors where possibl‍e

11. Professional support – Work closely with an experienced mould-literate healthcare professional (like me )

While these steps might help reduce the impact of mould exposure, they're no substitute for removing yourself from the environment and a quicker recovery.