So, you’ve spotted some mold in your home, and now you’re worried about what it might mean for your health. Don’t panic! Dr. Efrat LaMandre was recently featured in Women’s Health Magazine and offered expert advice on handling mold situations in your home.
See Your Primary Care Doctor First
If you’re experiencing unexplained health issues and suspect mold might be the culprit, your first step should be to consult your primary care physician. Dr. LaMandre emphasizes the importance of ruling out other potential health problems before jumping to conclusions about mold.
“You’ll want to cross off things like hypothyroidism, heart disease, or cancer first,” says Dr. LaMandre. These conditions can sometimes present symptoms similar to those associated with mold exposure, so it’s crucial to get a thorough medical evaluation.
Make Sure Symptoms Aren’t Gut related.
Here’s something you might not have considered: sometimes, what seems like mold symptoms could actually be related to your gut health. Isn’t that interesting? Dr. LaMandre recommends trying an elimination diet for at least 30 days. That means saying goodbye to sugars, dairy, and grains for a while.
Think of it like pressing the reset button on your body. Once you’ve established a healthy baseline, you and your doctor can better evaluate any remaining symptoms. Remember, we’re not jumping to conclusions here. As Dr. LaMandre puts it, “We don’t start with the assumption that it’s mold. You have to get there after doing everything else; don’t self-diagnose.”
Get Tested For Mold in your System
If you’ve ruled out other health issues and gut problems, it might be time to consider mold testing. Dr. LaMandre notes that high-quality at-home urine tests exist, which users can send to a lab for analysis. However, she cautions that the FDA has not approved these tests and that they can cost a lot of money.
It’s also important to be aware that these tests can sometimes lead to false positive diagnoses or focus on treating the mold/fungus itself rather than the toxins released by the mold. Always consult with a healthcare professional before pursuing any testing or treatment.
Don’t Use Just Any Supplements
If it turns out that mold is the issue, don’t rush to the health food store for a “detox” supplement just yet. Dr. LaMandre warns, “There are specific protocols that should be followed. Don’t just take any supplement that calls itself a ‘detox,'” she advises. “Be sure to work with someone who knows which supplements are used for the specific mold you have.”
Tackling the Mold in Your Home
While you’re addressing your health, don’t forget about the mold in your house! Here are some steps you can take:
- Find and fix any moisture problems. Mold loves damp places, so fix those leaks and improve ventilation.
- Clean small areas of mold yourself with soap and water or a bleach solution. Just remember to wear protective gear!
- For bigger problems, call in the professionals. They’re like the superheros of mold removal.
- Improve your home’s ventilation. Good air circulation is mold’s worst enemy.
- Do regular mold check-ups around your house, especially in damp areas.
Take the Next Step
Mold issues are more common than you might think, and solutions are available. If you’re concerned about mold in your home or its impact on your health, take action today. Start by scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and concerns.
