Confronting Mold – Recognizing, Preventing, And Overcoming
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Sam and Alyssa, Integrative Health Practitioners and co-owners of Balanced Friends, met in dental hygiene school in 2010. Frustrated by the flaws in the American healthcare system, they transitioned to holistic health, drawing from their shared upbringing in low-income households.
Invisible yet troubling, mold thrives in various environments. It silently infiltrates our homes, workplaces, and even our bodies. Despite its inconspicuous nature, mold poses significant health risks that often go unnoticed until symptoms emerge. From musty odors to respiratory issues, the effects of mold exposure can be detrimental. However, armed with knowledge and preventative measures, you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones from toxic mold.
Where mold lurks
Mold is a resilient organism, flourishing in damp, humid conditions. Common hotspots include bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and poorly ventilated areas. Mold can also colonize in hidden spaces like behind walls, beneath carpets, and within HVAC systems. More surprising places to find mold include coffee beans and machines, wine, peanuts, and some grains.
Recognize the signs
Identifying mold’s presence isn’t always straightforward. Symptoms of mold overgrowth in the body can vary widely, ranging from allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes to more severe respiratory issues and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure may exacerbate existing conditions like asthma or lead to the development of new health problems and chronic fatigue. To truly find out if mold is an issue, we highly recommend running an at-home functional medicine lab test. It’s as easy as collecting a urine sample in the comfort of your home, mailing it back to the lab, and setting up a virtual lab review.
Prevention is key
While complete mold eradication is challenging and not always within reach, preventative measures can significantly reduce its proliferation. Regularly inspecting and addressing leaks, improving ventilation, maintaining indoor humidity levels below 60%, and promptly cleaning and drying water-damaged areas can mitigate mold growth. Additionally, investing in mold-resistant materials and utilizing dehumidifiers in moisture-prone areas can bolster your defense against mold infestation.
How to detox mold
For those seeking a comprehensive approach to mold detoxification, Balanced Friends LLC offers a virtual functional medicine Mold Detox Bootcamp. Designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to purge mold naturally and all from the comfort of home. The program includes a high-quality mold detox kit, virtual support, mold education, and tips and tricks for both short and long-term success. This program has been successful for clients all over the globe and has proven helpful for anyone suffering from symptoms of mold. Visit our website to enroll in Gut Detox Bootcamp.
Samantha Harnish & Alyssa Burke, Integrative Health Practitioner: Detox Expert
Sam and Alyssa, Integrative Health Practitioners and co-owners of Balanced Friends, met in dental hygiene school in 2010. Frustrated by the flaws in the American healthcare system, they transitioned to holistic health, drawing from their shared upbringing in low-income households. The creation of the Balanced Friends Instagram page in 2017 unexpectedly propelled them to become Certified Integrative Health Practitioners. Today, their virtual practice offers functional medicine detox programs for mold, metals, parasites, liver, and gut health. Perfectly designed to disrupt the broken healthcare system and to guide clients toward a more vibrant and balanced life.
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