MOLD - POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Updated: Oct 18
I spent hours putting this information together to help you with mold. The most important step is getting out of the mold, and making sure you don't take it with you if you move. If you remediate instead, make sure it is done correctly.
Want to learn what mold toxicity is, how it connects to Lyme, and how testing works? My Mold education post is here:
A quick-view graphic with the key points is at the bottom of this post.
The supplements recommended by Rise Above Lyme are listed at the bottom of this post for easy shopping.
STEP 1: GET OUT OF THE MOLD
- When I moved to a new state, I tested 10 houses over 3 years before I found a mold-safe home. Buying a home in a wet state was a nightmare! I used ERMI testing and a trusted mold inspector who didn't also sell a service, so I could get unbiased reports.
- Dr. Jill Crista says getting out of the mold exposure is the number one part of treatment. She finds about half of people improve once they leave the moldy building.
- Dr. Neil Nathan agrees: you can't get well if you stay in a moldy environment. Think about your home, work, school and car.
- Dr. Tania Dempsey says to check your environment first, because treating your body won't help if the exposure continues. She also says not to use bleach on mold.
- My steps for leaving or fixing a moldy home are here:
EC3 (MICRO BALANCE) FOR YOUR HOME
I use the candles, surface spray and laundry additive. Save with my discount code RISEABOVE. Learn more here:
AIR FILTERS
A good air purifier for your home.
STEP 2: CALM YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Dr. Nathan finds that very sensitive people often do better with 6 to 8 weeks of calming work for the brain's limbic system and the vagus nerve before starting binders.
- He also treats mast cell symptoms early, since he sees mast cell issues in most of his chronic patients. Dr. Dempsey ranks mold and infections as her top two mast cell triggers.
- Ideas are here:
STEP 3: KEEP THINGS MOVING
- Dr. Crista says no binders if you're backed up. Get your bowels moving and support your liver first.
- My Lyme literate naturopathic doctor had me take constipation remedies right along with my binders.
- See "Other ideas to consider" below for what the mold doctors use, and more ideas here:
STEP 4: BINDERS, LOW AND SLOW
Binders are the core of mold treatment. They help carry mold toxins out of the body, and most people need more than one. Dr. Nathan says to start with tiny doses and go up slowly, because too much too fast can make you feel worse. These were recommended by my Lyme literate naturopathic doctor. Learn more about binders here:
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Learn more here:
BENTONITE CLAY
Learn more here:
CHITOSAN
Made from shellfish. Learn more here:
CHLORELLA
Learn more here:
CSM / CHOLESTYRAMINE (PRESCRIPTION)
The strongest binder, but not everyone tolerates it. Learn more here:
Other prescription binder: Welchol, which Dr. Nathan and Dr. Crista list for ochratoxin.
PECTASOL-C
A modified citrus pectin binder. Brand matters. Learn more here:
ZEOLITE
Learn more here:
BLENDED BINDERS
Some binders mix several in one, like Quicksilver Ultra Binder and Biocidin G.I. Detox+. Product links are at the bottom.
TIMING
Dr. Marty Ross suggests taking medicines and supplements at least 30 minutes before a binder, or 2 hours after it.
BINDERS MATCHED TO MOLD TOXINS
Urine mycotoxin testing shows which toxins you have, so the binders can be matched to them. Dr. Neil Nathan and Dr. Jill Crista have shared these matches:
- Ochratoxin: CSM, Welchol (prescription) or activated charcoal
- Gliotoxin: Bentonite clay, NAC or Saccharomyces boulardii
- Trichothecenes and Aflatoxin: Bentonite clay, activated charcoal or chlorella
- Zearalenone and Enniatin B: Bentonite clay or Saccharomyces boulardii
- Chaetoglobosin: Not known yet, but it seems to be covered by the other binders
STEP 5: SUPPORT YOUR BODY
ALA (ALPHA LIPOIC ACID)
Learn more here:
GLUTATHIONE
I like Quicksilver's because it tastes better than most. Dr. Nathan notes it can bother very sensitive people, so go slowly. Learn more here:
NAC
Learn more here:
PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE
Learn more here:
SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII
A probiotic yeast. Dr. Crista notes it can cause reactions in sensitive people. Learn more here:
MOLD NOSODE DROPS (PROFESSIONAL FORMULAS)
Recommended by my Lyme literate naturopathic doctor for supportive mold detox. I use them twice a day.
More detox ideas are here:
STEP 6: ANTIFUNGALS, IF NEEDED
- Dr. Jill Carnahan shares that if binders clear your symptoms within 2 to 3 months, antifungals may not be needed.
- If symptoms and toxin levels stay up, mold may be living in the sinuses or gut. Dr. Nathan warns against starting antifungals before binders.
- Antifungal ideas are here:
GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT (GSE)
Learn more here:
BIOCIDIN
A top mention for clearing the gut. Contains walnut. Learn more here:
ARGENTYN 23 NASAL SPRAY
A silver nasal spray. Dr. Nathan often starts with it for the sinuses.
XLEAR NASAL SPRAY
A xylitol and saline nasal spray. A top mention for clearing the nasal passages.
PRESCRIPTION ANTIFUNGALS
- Itraconazole (Sporanox): an antifungal some Lyme doctors use when treating mold.
- Nystatin and amphotericin B: Dr. Nathan and Dr. Ross also use these, including as nasal sprays for the sinuses. Dr. Nathan uses nystatin for more sensitive people.
FOOD IDEAS
- Dr. Crista suggests removing moldy foods and foods that feed yeast.
- She suggests lots of colorful vegetables, healthy fats like olive oil, and garlic and herbs.
- Dr. Nathan and Dr. Dempsey both prefer a higher-protein, lower-carb way of eating.
OTHER IDEAS TO CONSIDER
MAGNESIUM CITRATE AND VITAMIN C
Dr. Nathan uses these to help with constipation from binders.
KIWI KLEANSE
A chewable made from kiwifruit. One more option for keeping things moving.
BITTERS, MILK THISTLE AND ARTICHOKE
Dr. Crista mentions these for liver and bile support. Bitters and betaine HCl have also been shared with Dr. Crista's advice for keeping things moving. Dr. Nathan has also listed ox bile.
RENELIX (PEKANA)
A kidney drainage remedy Dr. Nathan has listed, along with drinking more fluids. It is part of the PEKANA kit, which you can get at 25% off. Learn more here:
CURCUMIN
Dr. Ross uses curcumin before and during binders to help calm inflammation. Learn more here:
FIBER TO START
Dr. Crista begins with fiber, like rice bran fiber, and food before adding stronger binders.
DHA (OMEGA-3)
For Dr. Crista's healthy fats tip. She recommends DHA to help replace the good fats that long-term binder use can use up.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL
- Binders can be constipating. Keep your bowels moving.
- Binders can also bind nutrients, so ask your doctor about timing with your medicines and other supplements.
- Avoid chitosan if you are allergic to shellfish. BodyBio PC is made from soy. Biocidin contains walnut.
- Betaine HCl is not for people taking NSAIDs or other medicines that can cause ulcers.
- Talk with your doctor before adding anything.
HOW TO BUY AT 25% OFF
Anyone can get 25% off when signed up under the Rise Above Lyme Fullscript discount:
BINDERS
Activated Charcoal by Integrative Therapeutics:
Medi-Clay-FX by Premier Research Labs (bentonite clay):
Medi-Chlorella-FX by Premier Research Labs:
Sun Chlorella 200mg by Sun Chlorella USA:
PectaSol-C by EcoNugenics:
ACZ nano Zeolite Extra Strength by Results RNA:
Ultra Binder Capsules by Quicksilver Scientific (blend with charcoal, chitosan, zeolite, PectaSol-C, aloe and bentonite; contains shellfish-derived chitosan):
G.I. Detox+ by Biocidin Botanicals (blend with zeolite, charcoal, aloe and apple pectin):
SUPPORT YOUR BODY
Alpha Lipoic Acid 200mg by Pure Encapsulations:
Liposomal Glutathione by Quicksilver Scientific:
NAC by Integrative Therapeutics:
BodyBio PC (phosphatidylcholine, made from soy):
Ther-Biotic Saccharomyces Boulardii by Klaire Labs:
Toxic Fungi - Mold Nosode by Professional Formulas (drops):
ANTIFUNGALS AND NASAL SPRAYS
ParaMicrocidin by Allergy Research Group (grapefruit seed extract):
Biocidin LSF Liposomal Formula by Biocidin Botanicals (contains walnut, not for use during pregnancy):
Argentyn 23 Natural Nasal Spray:
Xlear Xylitol and Saline Nasal Spray:
OTHER IDEAS TO CONSIDER
Magnesium (Citrate) by Pure Encapsulations:
Buffered Vitamin C Capsules by Allergy Research Group:
Kiwi Kleanse by Priority One (chewable):
Dr. Shade's Bitters No.9 by Quicksilver Scientific:
Betaine HCl Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations (not for use with NSAIDs or other medicines that can cause ulcers):
Milk Thistle Extract 250mg by Vital Nutrients:
Artichoke 500mg by Jarrow Formulas:
Ox Bile 125 mg Digest by Allergy Research Group:
Theracurmin HP by Integrative Therapeutics (curcumin):
ProDHA by Nordic Naturals (DHA from fish oil):
Renelix (PEKANA): email us to arrange 25% off with your practitioner at theriseabovelyme@gmail.com
FOR YOUR HOME
EC3 Micro Balance home products: use code RISEABOVE.
RELATED POSTS
Calming the Nervous System:
Mast Cell Solutions:
Constipation Solutions:
Liver Support Solutions:
Histamine Intolerance:
Biocidin:
Gut Issues Directory:
Candida Solutions:
Detox Solutions:
Detox Bath:
PEKANA Detox Drainage Kit:
ALL MOLD AND CIRS POSTS
Mold Directory:
Mold (education):
Steps to Overcome Mold:
Mold and Lyme Treatment Order:
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. Tania Dempsey with Dr. Neil Nathan, Mold and MCAS, Mast Cell Matters (2024)
Dr. Neil Nathan and Dr. Jill Crista, A Comprehensive and Practical Review of Mold Toxicity (2021)
Dr. Neil Nathan, Detoxification of Mycotoxins (2020)
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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