Feeling Foggy, Flat or Inflamed? Let’s Talk Mould Illness
- Allison Faulkner
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
You know that feeling when you’re doing all the right things — eating well, moving your body, sleeping (kind of)… but you still feel like a bus hit you?
Sometimes, the problem isn’t you — it’s your environment. And one sneaky little culprit I see more often than you’d think is… mould.
Yep, that fuzzy stuff hiding in bathrooms, behind wardrobes, or under floors can cause a whole lot more than a bit of a musty smell. Mould-related illness (sometimes called mould toxicity or CIRS) can affect everything from your brain to your gut, and your mood to your immune system.
Let’s break it down — what it is, how it shows up, and what you can actually do about it.
What Exactly Is Mould Illness?
Mould illness happens when your body reacts to toxic substances (called mycotoxins) made by certain moulds — think the black stuff (Stachybotrys), or invisible spores floating around damp buildings.
Not everyone reacts the same way. Some people can live in a mouldy house for years with no issues. Others? They walk in and their sinuses, skin, and energy levels crash within days.
It all comes down to genetics, immune system quirks, and — let’s be honest — how overloaded your system already is. If your detox pathways are already working overtime, even low-level exposure can tip you over the edge.
Symptoms That Might Be Linked to Mould
Mould illness doesn’t always scream “MOULD!” — it whispers a thousand little things that feel unrelated. Here are the big ones I see in clinic:
🧠 Brain + Mood
Brain fog
Memory issues
Trouble concentrating
Anxiety or low mood
Headaches or light sensitivity
💨 Sinuses + Lungs
Constant sinus congestion
Chronic sore throats or infections
Wheezing or breathlessness
Cough that won’t go away
🔥 Gut + Inflammation
Bloating, diarrhoea, constipation
Nausea or appetite changes
Achy joints or muscles
Skin rashes or itchy patches
Feeling puffy, inflamed or just… “off”
🚨 Other Clues
Fatigue that doesn’t budge
Increased thirst or frequent peeing
Sensitivity to smells, chemicals or foods
Sound familiar? You’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone.
What To Do If You Suspect Mould Is the Problem
1. Step One: Remove the Source
This is the hardest, but most important part. You’ve got to get out of the mouldy environment — or remediate it properly. No supplement can outsmart constant exposure. If you rent, this might mean getting an air quality test or contacting a mould remediation expert. I can help guide you here.
2. Support Detox Gently
Think of mould like glitter — it gets everywhere. You need binders to mop it up, and your detox pathways (liver, kidneys, lymph) working like a dream.
Binders: Activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella, zeolite (used mindfully — especially if you're constipated!)
Liver support: NAC, broccoli sprout, turmeric, dandelion, burdock root
Lymph support: Dry skin brushing, sauna, gentle movement, hydration
3. Heal That Gut
The gut is often inflamed and leaky after mould exposure. We use calming, nourishing herbs and foods to bring it back to balance:
Slippery elm, marshmallow, licorice root
Probiotic-rich foods (if tolerated)
Removing trigger foods (often gluten, dairy, sugar)
4. Calm the Inflammation
Your body might feel like it’s in overdrive. These goodies help cool the fire:
Omega-3s
Curcumin (turmeric), ginger, green tea
Medicinal mushrooms like reishi or cordyceps (if tolerated)
5. Reset the Nervous System
Your nervous system is often stuck in “on” mode. We need to help it feel safe again.
Magnesium glycinate
B-complex vitamins
Adaptogens like withania or passionflower
Vagus nerve exercises, breathwork, slow living, sleep
Create a Healing Environment
Your home should feel safe and supportive, not make you sick. Try these tips:
Use an air purifier with HEPA + carbon filter
Keep humidity below 50%
Declutter and vacuum with a HEPA filter
Open windows when possible for fresh air
When to Call in Extra Help
Sometimes you’ll need more than herbs and binders. I work closely with integrative doctors and environmental specialists who can help with:
Functional testing (like urine mycotoxin or VCS testing)
Prescription binders (like cholestyramine)
Mast cell or histamine issues
Chronic fatigue or long-term inflammation
Final Thoughts
If you’re stuck in a loop of brain fog, fatigue, bloating or strange skin issues — and nothing seems to help — don’t overlook your environment. Mould illness is real, but it’s also treatable. You can get better, I promise.
With the right support, the body knows how to heal. You just need someone in your corner who listens, believes you, and knows what steps to take. That’s where I come in. 💚
💚 Allison Faulkner
Naturopath, Nutritionist & HerbalistFundamental Wellbeing – Mudgee & Online
I’m here to help you feel lighter, brighter, and more energised — with simple, natural solutions tailored to YOU.
👉 Book your consult today: https://fundamental-wellbeing.au1.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=38234&practitioner_id=56903
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