Public protocols

Increase Gut Akkermansia

+44 more items in Increase Gut Akkermansia

2 month Detox Protocol

+1717 more items in 2 month Detox Protocol

Must talk to your Doctor before starting any supplement. This is not medical advice.

May Fullscript Sale

+1313 more items in May Fullscript Sale

Blood Sugar Support

+99 more items in Blood Sugar Support

Peptides for Biotoxin Illness

General education on peptides BPC-157 for Mold/Biotoxin Illness 1) Decreases pain in tissues 2) significantly heals intestinal permeability and blood brain barrier 3) Calms down vagus nerve and gut brain axis 4) Antagonist of high MMP9 and low VEGF test scores 5) Pushes microbiome towards better diversity KPV peptide for Mold/Biotoxin Illness 1) An analogue of alpha-MSH but 100x more anti-inflammatory. 2) KPV blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, which are drivers of the chronic inflammation seen in CIRS. 3) It helps balance the immune response without suppressing it entirely, which is important for managing autoimmune components sometimes associated with CIRS. 4) CIRS often involves gut issues ("leaky gut"). KPV can reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, strengthen the intestinal lining, and promote healing of damaged gut tissues. 4) Antimicrobial Properties: KPV has natural antimicrobial activity, which can help address potential underlying infections or colonization by pathogens (like certain bacteria or  Candida albicans ) that might be present in CIRS patients Peptides are: Simple amino acids Natural to the body easily broken down Low risk, high reward https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2095288/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15102092/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12851308/ Not medical advice. Talk with your doctor before starting.

How to Detox From Mold and Other Nutrition Related Considerations

+66 more items in How to Detox From Mold and Other Nutrition Related Considerations

So many downplay mold and/or are not aware of the significant damage it can cause to the human body. I was not fully aware either, until it became personal and mold exposure turned out to be at the root of my son's life threatening health issues, and my own health problems too. Mycotoxins (what's excreted from mold & can accumulate in the body) are potentially dangerous health hazards; below, I am going to provide a high level overview, awareness & general education on this deeply personal topic. This is condensed blog but also consider my course  "Healing from Mold  for lots of details, studies, protocols, meal plans, working with insurance, hiring a GOOD inspector - basically everything I wish I would have known when the devastating moment hit that we figured out it was mold rocking our world. What Is Mold? Mold is a fungus that can grow both indoors and outdoors. Mold is found most where there is moisture and it can grow quickly within 24 hours of water damage. People typically think or "water damage" as some catastrophic event (like a hurricane) for mold growth to happen in a home - but this is a rarity. Mold is common in the majority of homes In reality, it's not always freak events but rather a slow leak, lack of proper ventilation in attic or bathroom leading to moisture, a crawlspace that is not encapsulated, older homes no longer up to standard code, etc. Note mold is not always seen or well smelled; it can be sneaky and "hide" and why thorough testing is needing; not all mold inspection and remediation companies are quality establishments. Mold can grow in old and new homes - water/moisture damage does not discriminate. Listen to your body even if "labs are normal; everything is fine." It is often the smart human body that alerts us via symptoms to share "something is wrong" versus happenstance a person finding the mold out of the blue. Ongoing, unexplained illness lends itself to questioning and then peeling layers of an onion for answers. Did you know that about 50-70% of homes have mold according to the International Center for Toxicology and Medicine? These are NOT small numbers. Additionally, the E.P.A. cautions that approximately 50% of the mold growth in homes is hidden. According to the CDC, the most common indoor molds in homes are Cladosporium Penicillium Aspergillus (*what our home had) Alternaria Stachybotrys chartarum (aka black mold) "Mold is the gun; mycotoxin is the bullet." - Andrew Campbell, MD After being exposed to mold (often unknowingly in the beginning), many will go to their healthcare provider with symptoms; and it sadly often gets misdiagnosed. That’s because circulating mycotoxins can "act like" many other conditions, and why many Functional & Integrative Medicine aligned practitioners strongly advocate for "root cause medicine." (#testdontguess). But unfortunately for many humans (including our family for years), mold bioaccumulation often gets labeled as something else or only the "downstream symptoms" are recognized, and then consequently the interventions that occur are surface level. This is like shutting off the check engine light and continuing to drive the car. Mold wreaking havoc in your body  CAN  show up as: (note that family members all living in the same moldy home can have completely differently symptoms for many reasons) Fatigue Elevated cholesterol in bloodwork (can inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis) Reoccuring yeast infections (oral, nasal, vaginal) Excess thirst and consequently excess urination Coughing or wheezing Congestion, red eyes (often undiagnosed  MARCoNS) Difficulty conceiving Miscarriages Shortness of breath (Our son was in the ER 30 plus times in respiratory distress and 1 time in respiratory failure which was the biggest traumatizing catalyst to a deep dive into our home environment) Headaches Hair loss or excess hair shedding Joint pain Memory problems or "brain fog" (from brain inflammation) Dizziness Sinus infections, often reoccuring Sensitivity to light or scents/fragrances Skin rashes or ezcema Mast cell issues Digestive problems - bloating, constipation, SIBO Unintentional weight gain, leptin resistance Inflamed or edematous One of the main reasons mold toxins can cause so many different symptoms is it first can negatively impact the immune system, and this systemically can cascade to various problems in the body; if diagnostic criteria is met, a patient may be diagnosed by a mold literate Physician with  CIRS: chronic inflammatory response syndrome . There are over 1700 scientific articles on CIRS which are real and valid even if Western Medicine continues turn a blind eye. What is CIRS?: In the susceptible population (about 25% of people), the innate immune system recognizes the biotoxins like mold sending signals to the adaptive immune system to respond. Unfortunately in CIRS, the adaptive immune system does not recognize the biotoxins or mold and therefore cannot make antibodies against them. Without the help of the adaptive immune system, the innate system is constantly triggered (upregulated)creating high levels of inflammation. This incites a multi-system, multi-symptom illness known as CIRS.  Read more here . Common misses of mold toxicity can result in downstream only labels (and consequently symptom management only care) like: Depression and/or Anxiety ADD or ADHD Multiple Sclerosis Fibromyalgia Irritable bowel syndrome Hyperlipidemia Asthma Infertility Overweight or obese POTS or dysautonomia Sinus infections Chronic fatigue syndrome Why will some family members "get sick" and others are "fine." Everyone has a different threshold for mold & about 25% of the population has a genetic predisposition where they cannot properly excrete mycotoxins (& toxins in general or other VOCs) from their body and this usualy leads to CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome).  Find out if you have specific HLA-DR Haplotypes specific to mold illness . Other factors that vary from person to person include if a mold allergy is present (or not), if the MTHRF gene mutation is present (or not), nutritional status, presence of other comorbities (or not), immunocompromised (or not) among other factors. So you can see there is lot that influences a family's propensity to have some "be sick" while others "feel fine." Not all will develop full on CIRS, but can still have lots of health implications. So what should you do (in regards to your home) if you suspect or find mold? *Get this [nonexhaustive] checklist emailed to you here  to help you stay organized and not miss any major steps: Ideally you LEAVE the toxic moldy environment; however for most this is not financially possible. So everything below is next best steps: Long term goal is fix the root issue at hand! (I.e.: leak, ventilation, etc) Immediate short term goal is get rid of the moisture and get in a safe environment if you can afford to leave!  Get a dehumidifer If water damage is involved, deal with it immediately and call a quality mold inspection company. Backstory: We first called 2 other companies in a 2 year time span as we suspected mold, but they never found mold with their piss poor flashlight inspection (which I didn't know any better at the time; I trusted their evaluation). My mama bear gut kept telling me there was mold. We finally got referred to and used  Green Home Solutions  and had an excellent experience. They actually found it, did thorough testing (3 hours of assessment), remediated what was found, fogged the whole home & helped us correct the source of the problems. I also really like Greg Bowen (# 847-220-4161)  with Healthy Home Medics who services the Midwest when it comes to quality mold inspection. Get quality &  heavy duty air purifier s immediately. You need them in bedrooms too and of course near the problem area if you are unable to leave your environment which is the reality for many in this garbage economy & dealing with insurance was a nightmare that didn't lead us far. Have your HVAC system inspected and professionally cleaned. Launder all cloth items in your home using special products:  clothing, blankets, towels, etc. with a detergent that can eradicate mold spores and spray all cloth surfaces (furniture, pillows) with a mold spray. Addressing the mold environment is crucial;  Rupa Health says it best: "To think of this simply, it's like emptying a bathtub. Two components must be addressed: the faucet (i.e., mold exposure) & the drain (i.e., detox/elimination pathways). Without turning off the faucet, it will be very difficult to empty the tub. Once the faucet has been turned off, opening & unclogging the drain will allow you to drain the tub completely." AND THE MOST CRUCIAL ASPECT FOR YOUR WELLBEING.... How do you detox/care for your body once you have found mold? These are some general pointers below in the proper order to help you navigate this traumatic blow to your body (especially for those with certain HLA-DR Haplotypes): SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT.  Schedule with a qualified practitioner that can help you care for your body post mold exposure. I would recommend  seeing a mold literate physician  or other mold literate provider. I can order within my scope of practice multiple tests as a part of nutrition evaluation and monitoring. I typically first order  urine testing  and/or serum  mycotoxin antibody testing  (Please understand this is not the same as IgE Mold testing - this is allergy testing and mold can do so much more than allergic harm) . Addressing mycotoxins is something that is outpatient managed as it can take months and years to heal from mycotoxin damage and sequelae from mold, especially if the patient developed  CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome).   CIRS bloodwork can be self ordered here!  There are many angles to look at when it comes to direct and indirect  testing for mycotoxin harm . ***If life threatening symptoms are ever experienced, go to the ER immediately, but note that the majority of mycotoxin impacted people will be outpatient managed as this is usually a chronic problem. If CIRS is suspected, I do recommend a person establish with a  CIRS doctor. GET OUT OF TOXIC INDOOR MOLD ENVIRONMENT . As stated, you need to ideally move out of the moldy situation. If not logistically or financially possible, you can still start caring for your body & you can start to make changes to your home as listed above but note  your body cannot fully heal in the environment that harmed it. SUPPORT YOUR BODY'S NORMAL METABOLIC DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS.  First and foremost, getting the drainage pathways open is CRUCIAL- the mycotoxins need an exit strategy! Ideally 1-3 soft yet formed bowel movements per day (anything less is degrees of constipation). Achieving proper bowel regularity is often augmented via adequate hydration, taking magnesium citrate (~ 300mg at bedtime) if not contradindicated, and eating well. Magnesium is just a mineral humans need to survive & in proper doses it helps pull fluid into the colon to soften the stool. If feces stay in the colon for a long period of time, it is easier for toxins to reabsorb via the intestine walls and then recirculate. Mycotoxins can be eliminated via the stool (and also sweat and urine). ADDRESS GUT DYSBIOSIS/SIBO/SIFO (IF PRESENT).  And speaking of the Gastrointestinal tract, it is common for those with mold exposure to develop gut dysbiosis, intestinal bacterial overgrowth and/or fungal overgrowth (parasites are more likely to set up shop too in a person who is has a hit on their immune system). If this is the case, you will also need to address these opportunistic pathogens. I highly recommend a GIMAP test and/or SIBO breath testing. If gut dysbiosis is present, this link in the chain needs dealt with for various reasons. Gut dysbiosis can cause nutients to not be absorbed well (which is a barrier to liver detoxification)and be a hindrance to bowel regularity (which is a barrier to mold detoxing), and contribute to further damage to the gut lining or intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) and potential for autoimmune conditions to develop. Dr. Shoemaker's protocol doesn't address gut health, but I do think it is something CIRS patients and non-CIRS patients need to look at because so many cannot tolerate binders if there is significant intestinal pathogenic overgrowth. Overgrown pathogens need found & eradicated before moving on and tolerating next steps. MAST CELL STABILIZATION  if needed and correct micronutrient deficiencies. It is crucial to screen for these bloodwork and correct with targeted micronutrient supplementation (it is unrealistic to achieve via diet alone if true deficiencies exist - like dropping pennies in the bucket). VITAMIN D OPTIMIZATION:  Getting serum vitamin D levels above 60ng/ml is important for those exposed to mold. Important to know where you are and important to treat until your levels are optimal. GLUTEN FREE DIET . Straight forward: gluten is recommended to be omitted from the diet for at least 3 months to help decrease zonulin and correct elevated levels of antigliadin IgA; Also, an emphasis on including 5-9 cups of veggies and fruits of all colors to help reduce oxidative damage caused by mycotoxins. Thee above is foundational! you can continue the things above when starting to layer on the things below which is more the actual detoxification work. BINDERS . Binders are often needed when dealing with mold (especially if CIRS exists). Binders help by "binding" to toxins to move them out with the stool. Some backstory: Toxins in circulation get sent to the liver, and bile (made in the liver) take the toxins out into the GI tract for final excretion via a bowel movement. Binders help bind to the toxins in the bowel so it doesn't get reaborpbed via entero-hepatic circulation. I love and used  TRS  which is well tolerated by adults and children. CIRS literate practitioners often start with binders as the first bodily intervention and this is usually consumed for multiple months as binding is not a one and done process. If binding is not well tolerating, go back to earlier steps in my list of things to do as dealing with mold often takes a broader approach than just a CIRS protocol. ADDRESS SINUS CAVITY . Figure out if you have  MARCON's  or candida overgrowth in your sinuses, and if so you must address your sinus cavity (route that mold is most likely entering your body). You DON'T have to have sinus symptoms to have MARCoNS. Options to explore include specific intranasal sprays at 2 sprays in each nostril 3x per day for 2 month minimum; some need to take 6 to 12 months to eradicate the colonization. Most can start a nasal spray safely but talk with your doctor first. Many exposed to mold will not fully get better if MARCoNS is not eradicated as it can keep the MSH hormone low and inflammation raging on. GLUTATHIONE SUPPORT.  An antioxidant loaded diet is good for starters with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, but enter in the mother of antioxidants = glutathione. Mold drastically depletes glutathione (which is somewhat found in foods) but we can boost the amount consumed using liposomal glutathione or NAC (a precursor to gluthathione). FIGHT INFLAMMATION:  Focusing on anti-inflammatory efforts is key. High dose fish oil & can help modulate receptors in the brain that get "excited" by mold; these supplements in therapeutic doses can help. Dr. Shoemaker's research speaks to the importance of DHA/EPA supplementation (in amounts not achieveable via diet alone). ANTIFUNGALS.  If systemic candida overgrowth is present, talk with your mold literate Physician about prescription anti-fungals like Itraconazole or voriconazole (especially if gliotoxin presence). Herbal anti-fungals are another option too for less invasive cases.  (This intervention may or may not need to occur for all - depends on if present) . Side note: I personaly took 25 ROUNDS of prescription antifungals over ~2 years for reoccuring yeast infections! I was super disappointed in my conventional healthcare team at that time as no doctor ever asked why candida kept coming back. I had to keep begging for testing to rule out other potential culprits that I knew could cause candida overgrowth, and when everything kept coming back normal, I kept questioning mold. All of this personal experience was another driver behind me reaching out for a 3rd opinion on our home for mold evaluation. Once the mold was found & remediated, I stopped getting candida infections... And over time, on a professional level this whole experience is another reason for my strong and important stance on "testing and not guessing." It has made me a fierce patient advocate in my private practice. Candida is something that Dr. Shoemaker does not discuss in his protocol, but it is something that Dr. Jill Crista and Dr. Andrew Campbell do speak to. Remember - not any one Doctor's protocol is "better than the others;" they all have good talking points and research. It really boils down to what the patients needs for their unique situation. COQ10 SUPPORT: CoQ10 (an antioxidant) can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing challenges such as mold exposure, as it aids in neutralizing toxins in the body, provides protection to cells against harmful substances, and supports antioxidant activity in lymph and blood cells, contributing to overall well-being in the face of environmental stressors. *Always talk to your healthcare team before starting anything new; this is a general education course - not medical advice. How long does a mold protocol last? Months to years (for some) and pivoting as needed - discuss with your own healthcare team based on your labwork. With patients, I will retest various measurements from month to month. I understand there are many nuances to direct testing and indirect testing for mycotoxins and when working with patients we go over options. Many experts say a year and some say multiple years to fully detoxify and correct the mold sequelae ("downstream" issues in the body that toxic indoor mold caused). Releasing stored mycotoxins is a process, but worth it and important for physical and mental health. Mold can contribute to other "downstream effects" so make sure you are working with a physician for medical management and evaluation especiallly if you question  CIRS.  I provide medical nutrition therapy not medical evaluation & management. What else can you do to soothe your body while detoxifying from mold? Drinking spring or  filtered water  that is not stored in plastic. Avoiding heavy metals found in tap water are something that candida and parasites love, which is not good and we don't want to contribute to the fungal burden in the body) Infrared sauna: sweating helps remove toxins. Aim for pulsed sessions (3-5x a week for shorter sessions at about 15-30 minutes versus long, infrequent sessions). If you are sensitive to heat or it contributes to histamine overload, then stop Detox baths: soak in warm bath with  fulvic acid Dry brushing -  link to a good dry brush Massage therapy - specifically manual lympathic drainage and jumping on a trampoline Access seeing a therapist to start to unpack any trauma as mold exposure is a devastating and overwhelming experience. Ask for help - lean into family members or close friends who should and will want to support you on this life altering journey. Summary: The above recommendations may need individualized, which is again why I stress working with a mold literate practitioner who can look at your "big picture" and vet if there are any contraindications or if there are additional considerations. Some of the above may be contraindicated with certain medical conditions and/or with certain prescriptions. As with any supplement, I am required to say talk to your doctor or healthcare team before starting. Some CIRS patients will need additional medications such as and this will ultimately be at the discretion of your CIRS Doctor. -CSM or Welchol -EDTA or BEG nasal spray -VIP nasal spray -DHEA if androgens are low -Desmopression if abnormal ADH and osmolality -High dose statin temporarily if C3a remains elevated -Losartan if TgF-Beta 1 remains high I hope this gives you actionable steps to finding answers that are not just bandaiding your symptoms, then getting better and healing. Many people will be able to get better with the information found in this course. I do always advise medical evaluation, especially for those not getting better. Wishing you well on your journey of looking upsteam when it comes to addressing your health! STUDIES & REFERENCES: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31484368/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942754/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26026145/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10641128/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37432335/ PMID references searchable in PubMed Data: 10852775 30261313 26371027 25431300 27513579 27435775 15570035 24794136 27651257 22248591 27279697 26798045 17195259 26571153 24161694 25532488 26802676 26134459 30059796 28665799 18689558 21793342 17365150 10660942 *All opinions are her own and for general educational purposes. Advertising, affliate links or other forms of compensation are within this website and a small commission is earned for sales made through these links (with no extra cost to you) that help cover costs of running a small business. Products and services listed are prior carefully created and/or evaluated to ensure that they are accurate and supported by scientific evidence. Items or programs that are endorsed are based on Katie's professional experience and expertise & are worthy of such endorsement. Dietetics with Driessens LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for damage or injury to persons arising from any use of any product, information, or opinion contained in the information of this general education, none of which is to be considered personal medical advice. By viewing, using, and shopping from this website, you agree to release Dietetics with Driessens LLC from full responsibility to the fullest extent allowed by law. Products & Services sold are not intended to diagnose or cure any disease. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise, supplement, meal plan or program.

Immune Support

+1212 more items in Immune Support

Maybe you work in healthcare? Maybe your kids bring home a nasty new bug every other week? Or maybe you flat out don't want to take chances this cold and flu season. As a Registered Dietitian it is important to state that foundations to immune support are crucial: adequate sleep, healthy diet, filtered water, clean air, staying active, and hand washing. Consider working with a Registered Dietitian to screen for and correct nutrient deficiencies that do impact immune function. Below are great additions to keep in the medicine cabinet this time of year. Ideas to self soothe if you feel something coming on. Disclaimers: As always, talk with your Doctor before starting on a new supplement, especially if you have medical conditions or are taking prescriptions. Don't take supplements if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Seek medical advice if illness hits. Do not delay medical care for evaluation and medical management. Homeopathy and supportive care at home are not always enough. Sometimes antibiotics or more advanced care may be needed. Every day support for your immune system: Sinus spray to rinse nasal passage for after school/after work Fish oil - to help meet basic dietary reference intake of omega 3 fatty acids which help with immunity Daily Multivitamin (contains vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc) to help meet basic dietary reference intake of various micronutrients Take Megasporebiotic (this probiotic has a culmination of published research shows that the following beneficial effects: Immune variation to reduce allergies and asthma. Immune stimulation of peripheral T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes to fight colds, flus and infections). Stay hydrated - add electrolytes to fluids; consider Hydration sticks (1 per day) versus sugary gatorade. When drinking water, make sure your water is heavily filtered (the Brita and fridge filter don't cut it and essentially reduce chlorine). I recommend the Berkey: https://amzn.to/3RCpPan or the AquaTru: https://aquatruwater.com/?oid2=50&affid2=6268 Keep air purifiers running in the home as air filtration can reduce airborne viruses and bacteria. The Air Doctor is one excellent brand: https://www.airdoctorpro.com/?oid=17&affid=6268 If you feel a sore throat coming on... Biocidin throat spray Gargle with salt water (do not swallow) Stay hydrated; add electrolytes to fluids Rest If you feel a cold coming on... Take Oscillococcinum Take Cough & Throat Syrup Stay hydrated; add electrolytes to fluids Hot tea can be very soothing if you are stuffed up Rest If your sinuses are acting up... D-Hist or D-hist Jr. for kids Use a face oil and lighty GuaSha the face Stay hydrated; add electrolytes to fluids If sinus infections are reoccuring consider home mold inspection If the stomach bug keeps hitting your home... Take Mega IgG2000, which help an irritated gut lining by reducing gut inflammation and removing pathogens Stay hydrated; add electrolytes to fluids These are practical ideas for self soothing at home, but as stated do not replace medical evaluation. Stay safe and healthy this season, Katie

Pediatric Mold Detox Protocol

+33 more items in Pediatric Mold Detox Protocol

How do you detox/care for your body once you have found mold? These are some general pointers below in the proper order to help you navigate this traumatic blow to your body (especially for those with certain HLA-DR Haplotypes): SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT.  Schedule with a qualified practitioner that can help you care for your body post mold exposure. I would recommend  seeing a mold literate physician  or other mold literate provider. I can order within my scope of practice multiple tests as a part of nutrition evaluation and monitoring. I typically first order  urine testing  and/or serum  mycotoxin antibody testing  (Please understand this is not the same as IgE Mold testing - this is allergy testing and mold can do so much more than allergic harm) . Addressing mycotoxins is something that is outpatient managed as it can take months and years to heal from mycotoxin damage and sequelae from mold, especially if the patient developed  CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome).   CIRS bloodwork can be self ordered here!  There are many angles to look at when it comes to direct and indirect  testing for mycotoxin harm . ***If life threatening symptoms are ever experienced, go to the ER immediately, but note that the majority of mycotoxin impacted people will be outpatient managed as this is usually a chronic problem. If CIRS is suspected, I do recommend a person establish with a  CIRS doctor. GET OUT OF TOXIC INDOOR MOLD ENVIRONMENT . As stated, you need to ideally move out of the moldy situation. If not logistically or financially possible, you can still start caring for your body & you can start to make changes to your home as listed above but note  your body cannot fully heal in the environment that harmed it. SUPPORT YOUR BODY'S NORMAL METABOLIC DETOXIFICATION PATHWAYS.  First and foremost, getting the drainage pathways open is CRUCIAL- the mycotoxins need an exit strategy! Ideally 1-3 soft yet formed bowel movements per day (anything less is degrees of constipation). Achieving proper bowel regularity is often augmented via adequate hydration, taking magnesium citrate (~ 300mg at bedtime) if not contradindicated, and eating well. Magnesium is just a mineral humans need to survive & in proper doses it helps pull fluid into the colon to soften the stool. If feces stay in the colon for a long period of time, it is easier for toxins to reabsorb via the intestine walls and then recirculate. Mycotoxins can be eliminated via the stool (and also sweat and urine). ADDRESS GUT DYSBIOSIS/SIBO/SIFO (IF PRESENT).  And speaking of the Gastrointestinal tract, it is common for those with mold exposure to develop gut dysbiosis, intestinal bacterial overgrowth and/or fungal overgrowth (parasites are more likely to set up shop too in a person who is has a hit on their immune system). If this is the case, you will also need to address these opportunistic pathogens. I highly recommend a GIMAP test and/or SIBO breath testing. If gut dysbiosis is present, this link in the chain needs dealt with for various reasons. Gut dysbiosis can cause nutients to not be absorbed well (which is a barrier to liver detoxification)and be a hindrance to bowel regularity (which is a barrier to mold detoxing), and contribute to further damage to the gut lining or intestional permeability (aka leaky gut) and potential for autoimmune conditions to develop. Dr. Shoemaker's protocol doesn't address gut health, but I do think it is something CIRS patients and non-CIRS patients need to look at because so many cannot tolerate binders if there is significant intestinal pathogenic overgrowth. Overgrown pathogens need found & eradicated before moving on and tolerating next steps. MAST CELL STABILIZATION  if needed and correct micronutrient deficiencies. It is crucial to screen for these bloodwork and correct with targeted micronutrient supplementation (it is unrealistic to achieve via diet alone if true deficiencies exist - like dropping pennies in the bucket). VITAMIN D OPTIMIZATION:  Getting serum vitamin D levels above 60ng/ml is important for those exposed to mold. Important to know where you are and important to treat until your levels are optimal. GLUTEN FREE DIET . Straight forward: gluten is recommended to be omitted from the diet for at least 3 months to help decrease zonulin and correct elevated levels of antigliadin IgA; Also, an emphasis on including 5-9 cups of veggies and fruits of all colors to help reduce oxidative damage caused by mycotoxins. BINDERS . Binders are often needed when dealing with mold (especially if CIRS exists). Binders help by "binding" to toxins to move them out with the stool. Some backstory: Toxins in circulation get sent to the liver, and bile (made in the liver) take the toxins out into the GI tract for final excretion via a bowel movement. Binders help bind to the toxins in the bowel so it doesn't get reaborpbed via entero-hepatic circulation. I love and used  TRS  which is well tolerated by adults and children. CIRS literate practitioners often start with binders as the first bodily intervention and this is usually consumed for multiple months as binding is not a one and done process. If binding is not well tolerating, go back to earlier steps in my list of things to do as dealing with mold often takes a broader approach than just a CIRS protocol. ADDRESS SINUS CAVITY . Figure out if you have  MARCON's  or candida overgrowth in your sinuses, and if so you must address your sinus cavity (route that mold is most likely entering your body). You DON'T have to have sinus symptoms to have MARCoNS. Options to explore include specific intranasal sprays at 2 sprays in each nostril 3x per day for 2 month minimum; some need to take 6 to 12 months to eradicate the colonization. Most can start a nasal spray safely but talk with your doctor first. Many exposed to mold will not fully get better if MARCoNS is not eradicated as it can keep the MSH hormone low and inflammation raging on. GLUTATHIONE SUPPORT.  An antioxidant loaded diet is good for starters with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, but enter in the mother of antioxidants = glutathione. Mold drastically depletes glutathione (which is somewhat found in foods) but we can boost the amount consumed using liposomal glutathione or NAC (a precursor to gluthathione). It is also important to consider supplementing with Coq10 200mg for weeks to multiple months. FIGHT INFLAMMATION:  Focusing on anti-inflammatory efforts is key. High dose fish oil & can help modulate receptors in the brain that get "excited" by mold; these supplements in therapeutic doses can help. Dr. Shoemaker's research speaks to the importance of DHA/EPA supplementation (in amounts not achieveable via diet alone). ANTIFUNGALS.  If systemic candida overgrowth is present, talk with your mold literate Physician about prescription anti-fungals like Itraconazole or voriconazole (especially if gliotoxin presence). Herbal anti-fungals are another option too for less invasive cases.  (This intervention may or may not need to occur for all - depends on if present) . Side note: I personaly took 25 ROUNDS of prescription antifungals over ~2 years for reoccuring yeast infections! I was super disappointed in my conventional healthcare team at that time as no doctor ever asked why candida kept coming back. I had to keep begging for testing to rule out other potential culprits that I knew could cause candida overgrowth, and when everything kept coming back normal, I kept questioning mold. All of this personal experience was another driver behind me reaching out for a 3rd opinion on our home for mold evaluation. Once the mold was found & remediated, I stopped getting candida infections... And over time, on a professional level this whole experience is another reason for my strong and important stance on "testing and not guessing." It has made me a fierce patient advocate in my private practice. Candida is something that Dr. Shoemaker does not discuss in his protocol, but it is something that Dr. Jill Crista and Dr. Andrew Campbell do speak to. Remember - not any one Doctor's protocol is "better than the others;" they all have good talking points and research. It really boils down to what the patients needs for their unique situation. *Always talk to your healthcare team before starting anything new; this is a general education course - not medical advice. How long does a mold protocol last? Months to years (for some) and pivoting as needed - discuss with your own healthcare team based on your labwork. With patients, I will retest various measurements from month to month. I understand there are many nuances to direct testing and indirect testing for mycotoxins and when working with patients we go over options. Many experts say a year and some say multiple years to fully detoxify and correct the mold sequelae ("downstream" issues in the body that toxic indoor mold caused). Releasing stored mycotoxins is a process, but worth it and important for physical and mental health. Mold can contribute to other "downstream effects" so make sure you are working with a physician for medical management and evaluation especiallly if you question  CIRS.  I provide medical nutrition therapy not medical evaluation & management. What else can you do to soothe your body while detoxifying from mold? Drinking spring or  filtered water  that is not stored in plastic. Avoiding heavy metals found in tap water are something that candida and parasites love, which is not good and we don't want to contribute to the fungal burden in the body) Detox baths: soak in warm bath with  fulvic acid Dry brushing -  link to a good dry brush Massage therapy - specifically manual lympathic drainage and jumping on a trampoline Access seeing a therapist to start to unpack any trauma as mold exposure is a devastating and overwhelming experience. Ask for help - lean into family members or close friends who should and will want to support you on this life altering journey. Summary: The above recommendations may need individualized, which is again why I stress working with a mold literate practitioner who can look at your "big picture" and vet if there are any contraindications or if there are additional considerations. Some of the above may be contraindicated with certain medical conditions and/or with certain prescriptions. As with any supplement, I am required to say talk to your doctor or healthcare team before starting. Wishing you well on your journey of looking upsteam when it comes to addressing your health! STUDIES & REFERENCES: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31484368/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942754/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26026145/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10641128/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37432335/ PMID references searchable in PubMed Data: 10852775 30261313 26371027 25431300 27513579 27435775 15570035 24794136 27651257 22248591 27279697 26798045 17195259 26571153 24161694 25532488 26802676 26134459 30059796 28665799 18689558 21793342 17365150 10660942 *All opinions are her own and for general educational purposes. Advertising, affliate links or other forms of compensation are within this website and a small commission is earned for sales made through these links (with no extra cost to you) that help cover costs of running a small business. Products and services listed are prior carefully created and/or evaluated to ensure that they are accurate and supported by scientific evidence. Items or programs that are endorsed are based on Katie's professional experience and expertise & are worthy of such endorsement. Dietetics with Driessens LLC assumes no responsibility or liability for damage or injury to persons arising from any use of any product, information, or opinion contained in the information of this general education course, none of which is to be considered personal medical advice. By viewing, using, and shopping from this website, you agree to release Dietetics with Driessens LLC from full responsibility to the fullest extent allowed by law. Products & Services sold are not intended to diagnose or cure any disease. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise, supplement, meal plan or program. Thank you!

Pre-Mold Detox Protocol

+33 more items in Pre-Mold Detox Protocol

Once mold has been found, before starting on a protocol to rid your body of mycotoxins, you want a sturdy foundation so your body is able to effectively rid itself of mycotoxins. Consider this the "prep work." **Follow the below for one month prior to mold detoxification is appropriate. Big picture, the body detoxes best when bowel movements are regular (ideally 2-3 soft yet form stools per day), nutrient deficiencies are addressed, sleep hygiene is addressed, and a person is able to break a sweat a few times a week. Talk with your Doctor before starting any of the general recommendations below. 1. Hydrating.  Drinking plenty of fluids each day (assuming you don't have a prescribed fluid restriction from your doctor). Generally speaking, best to avoid sugar sweetened beverages as this can fuel candida which often overgrow from mold. Avoid alcohol. Avoid Kombucha during this time too to decrease any excess fungal burden. Drinking filtered water (Berkey, Reverse Osmosis are best) with a pinch of sea salt is a great option. Adding a drop or two of trace minerals to your water is an excellent idea.  Green tea cannot be emphasized enough! 2-4 cups per day Coffee is okay too - just ensure you are drinking mold free coffee so its not adding to the problem:  https://amzn.to/4aYL1ze 2. Sleeping each night:  aim for 7-9 hours each night (If you have mold insomnia, it tends to get better over time once you start ridding your body of mycotoxins, so don't fret if this isn't 100% happening now). Work on things that support sleep hygiene, like stopping screens before bedtime, stopping caffeine before 2pm, adjusting the temperature of your bedroom so you are comfortable. 3. Having at least ONE daily bowelment.  The colon drainage pathway needs open so you have a route that toxins can exit WELL. [You want to avoid enterohepatic circulation]. 300-400mg of magnesium each night can help this, along with eating fiber daily, and staying active. Children may need 100-300mg at bedtime. If this induces diarrhea, then decrease the dose. Good old fasioned walking, and warm liquids can help with bowel regularity! 4. Which brings me to....sweating.  Having this drainage pathway open too is important. Get moving! (You may still be fatigued from mold, this gets better over time, so this doesn't have to be happening full throttle either. Give yourself grace and gradually push yourself when you can. Of course, do not exercise if you have a contraindication as instructed by your Physician). You may also consider visiting a sauna multiple times a week for short sessions (15-30 minutes to break a sweat but not so long that you become dehydrated and sweat out too many minerals). 5. Support your live r & Correct Nutrient Deficiencies - enhances ability to optimize phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification. Ways to help: Castor oil packing a few times each week; support lymphatic drainage:  https://amzn.to/3M89Fmb NAC (up to 1800mg per day) or Glutathione 500mg to 2000mg per day. All types of mycotoxins deplete gluthathione stores Screening for and correcting nutrient deficiencies; work with your practitioner to check blood work. A conservative approach would be to at least start on a multivitamin. This may not be enough however if there are deficiencies, but it will help meet the bare minimum alongside a healthy diet.  You can self order nutrient testing at the following website and have it performed cash pay at Quest labs:  https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/dieteticswithdriessens  I would recommend checking a vitamin D, vitamin b12, vitamin b6, vitamin b1, selenium, iodine, vitamin C, zinc, ferritin, iron, TIBC, iron saturation Supplement with TUDCA. TUDCA supports liver, digestive, and mitochondrial health. TUDCA is a vital bile acid, and when combined with NAC and melatonin, its benefits are amplified to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body.  6. Nourishment to support your body Vegetables:  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of vegetables that are loaded with bioflavonoids (broccoli, onions, brussel sprouts, celery, cucumber, etc).  Spices:  cook and flavor your food with garlic, clove, leek, ginger as these all combat mycotoxins Fat:  add to your meals or cook with: coconut oil, butter from grass fed cows, avocados, olive oil, fatty fish Animal proteins:   eggs, beef, chicken, turkey (ideally all pasture raised grass fed and continuous outdoor access is the healthiest). Fruit:  organic fruits are excellent. Best to have double the amount of vegetable relative to fruit consumption. Supplements that have been studied to provide nutrients to help heal from mold: Vitamin D3/k2:  Higher dose vitamin D3/2k supplement with the goal of getting blood levels up to 60ng/dL. Many will need between 5000-10,000IU per day for 3 to 5 months and then recheck.  Self order your own vitamin D bloodwork here. Quercetin  decreases oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins. Recommend between 300-600mg daily CoQ10  decrease oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins. Recommend between 100 to 600mg daily Vitamin E  decreases oxidative damage caused by mycotoxins. Aim for 400mg daily Selenium  is another antioxidant that decreases oxidative stress from mycotoxins. Aim for 200mcg per day ALA (alpha lipoic acid)  is another antioxidant that mitigates the effects of mycotoxins. Aim for 300-600mg daily Thee above can be started immediately (if you are not already do this things at home) to support open drainage pathways. You can start this pre-protocol and do for about 4 weeks to lay a good foundation before starting the actual mold detoxification protocol. This is based on your preference- but remember it is a marathon not a sprint. "Go low and go slow." If you want to start a few things at a time to gauge tolerance, this is understandable if you are person that is sensitive to starting new things, whether it be lifestyle, food, supplement, or pharmaceutical related. STUDIES & REFERENCES: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31484368/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942754/ https://intjnm.com/evidence-for-the-topical-application-of-castor-oil/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26026145/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10641128/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488002/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1749210/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37432335/ PMID references searchable in PubMed Data: 10852775 30261313 26371027 25431300 27513579 27435775 15570035 24794136 27651257 22248591 27279697 26798045 17195259 26571153 24161694 25532488 26802676 26134459 30059796 28665799 18689558 21793342 17365150 10660942