Mold sensitivity is an underrecognized condition that can impact breathing, energy, mood, metabolism and cognition. At Glendale Whole Health we combine environmental awareness with functional medicine testing and treatment to uncover hidden exposures and restore balance.
What Are Fungi?
Fungi are a separate biological kingdom of organisms that includes molds, yeasts and mushrooms. Unlike plants they cannot make their own food through photosynthesis, so they absorb nutrients from organic matter.
Types of fungi include:
- Molds – multicellular fungi that grow as threadlike structures (hyphae) and reproduce by airborne spores
- Yeasts – single-celled fungi that ferment sugars and are often found in foods, beverages and on mucosal surfaces of the body
- Mushrooms – the fruiting bodies of certain fungi, some edible, some toxic
While fungi are essential to the ecosystem, molds indoors can create health challenges when conditions allow them to overgrow.
Mold in the Environment
Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated or water-damaged areas. Common indoor growth sites include bathrooms, kitchens, basements, HVAC systems, drywall, wood, carpet and upholstery.
The term “water damaged building” (WDB) describes homes, offices or schools where leaks, flooding or poor construction allow chronic moisture and mold growth. People spending long periods in WDBs may develop symptoms often linked to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).
Symptoms of Mold Sensitivity
Respiratory and allergy symptoms
- Nasal congestion, cough, wheeze, throat irritation
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Asthma flares or chronic sinus issues
Systemic and neurological symptoms
- Brain fog, poor concentration, memory problems
- Persistent fatigue or flu-like malaise
- Headaches or migraines
- Mood swings, anxiety or depression
- Skin rashes or itching
- Increased urination or thirst
Metabolic symptoms
- Weight gain despite diet and exercise
- Insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar
- Prediabetes or worsening type 2 diabetes
These issues may occur because chronic inflammation, disrupted hormones and mitochondrial stress interfere with metabolism.
Symptoms often improve when away from the environment and flare when exposure resumes, which is an important diagnostic clue.
Functional Medicine Testing Options
At Glendale Whole Health we use advanced testing to assess the whole picture:
- Blood tests
- Mold-specific IgE or IgG antibodies
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, cytokines, C4a, TGF-β1)
- Hormones related to metabolism, such as cortisol, insulin and thyroid function
- Blood sugar markers: fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c
- Urine mycotoxin testing
- Detects metabolites from molds such as ochratoxin, aflatoxin and trichothecenes
- Helps evaluate body burden
- Comprehensive functional labs
- Organic acids test (OAT) to evaluate mitochondrial stress and nutrient depletion
- GI stool testing to assess microbiome and immune regulation
- Nutrient panels for minerals, vitamins and fatty acids that affect energy and blood sugar
- Environmental testing
- Referral for home or workplace inspection
- Air and dust sampling or ERMI/HERTSMI-2 testing to measure mold DNA indoors
Our Approach to Treatment
- Identify and remove exposure
Address leaks, water damage or indoor contamination. Improve ventilation and air quality with filtration and dehumidifiers. - Support detoxification
Nutrients and binders such as glutathione, NAC, charcoal or bentonite clay to safely aid toxin clearance. - Immune and gut support
Vitamin D, C, probiotics, quercetin and botanicals to balance immune response and improve resilience. - Metabolic and mitochondrial repair
Nutrition, supplements and lifestyle strategies to restore insulin sensitivity, stabilize blood sugar and reduce weight gain driven by inflammation. - Symptom relief
Targeted therapies for sinuses, skin and sleep to improve daily quality of life while deeper healing occurs.
In Summary
Fungi are diverse organisms with essential roles in nature, but mold in a water damaged building can trigger health effects ranging from allergies to fatigue, brain fog, mood changes and even weight gain, prediabetes or diabetes. At Glendale Whole Health we use functional medicine testing to uncover mold exposure, evaluate its metabolic impact and create a personalized plan to detoxify, restore immune balance and support long-term resilience.
Take the next step toward clarity and relief
Call (818) 551-0464 or request an appointment today. We are located at 230 N Maryland Avenue, Suite 110, Glendale, CA 91206.