MOLD AND LYME TREATMENT ORDER
Updated: Oct 18
One of the most common questions in our groups is whether to treat mold or Lyme first. Here is what the mold doctors I trust share, in simple terms.
A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Dr. Jill Crista explains that mold toxins can weaken the immune system and help reactivate infections like Lyme.
- Dr. Tania Dempsey often sees mold become the "final straw" in people already struggling with tick-borne infections. She explains it may reactivate hidden infections like Lyme or Bartonella.
- Dr. Marty Ross shares that mold toxin illness can look just like Lyme, so it can be hard to tell which one is causing symptoms.
WHAT THE MOLD DOCTORS SAY
DR. JILL CRISTA
- Getting out of the mold exposure is the number one part of treatment.
- She has shared treating the mold first, then the Lyme or Bartonella later.
DR. NEIL NATHAN
- Start with mold if it explains most of the symptoms.
- In sensitive people, calm the limbic system, vagus nerve and mast cells first. Very sensitive people may need 6 to 8 weeks of this before binders.
- There is no single plan that fits everyone.
DR. TANIA DEMPSEY
- Check your environment first, because treating your body won't help if the exposure continues.
DR. MARTY ROSS
- If someone is not improving 6 to 9 months into tick-borne treatment, he may try binders.
THE BOTTOM LINE
- Getting out of the mold comes first.
- After that, every person is different. Work with your doctor on a plan that fits you.
RELATED POSTS
Lyme Disease Possible Solutions:
Bartonella:
ALL MOLD AND CIRS POSTS
Mold Directory:
Mold (education):
Mold - Possible Solutions:
Steps to Overcome Mold:
CIRS and Related Mold Issues:
Find a Mold Literate Doctor:
EC3 Micro Balance for Mold:
Binders:
Cholestyramine (CSM):
MMP-9:
NeuroQuant MRI:
SOURCES
Bay Area Lyme Foundation, The Lyme-Mold Connection: An Incredible Guide to Healing, with Dr. Jill Crista (2025):
Dr. Neil Nathan with Dr. Jill Carnahan, Toxic Mold Revisited: Mold and the Highly Sensitive Patient (2026)
Dr. Marty Ross, Mold Toxin Illness in Tick-Borne Diseases (updated 2026)
Dr. Tania Dempsey, Mold/Mycotoxin Illness, Mast Cell Matters (2024)
Dr. Neil Nathan and Dr. Jill Crista, A Comprehensive and Practical Review of Mold Toxicity (2021)
Disclaimer: Rise Above Lyme makes no claims about any possible benefit of using any product mentioned within this site. Always consult with your doctor before adding anything. The information shared is based on personal experience, years of accumulated researched resources from Lyme Literate doctors and polls conducted within Lyme groups from actual patient experience using these solution ideas.
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