Mold, Parasites, and Fungal Imbalance

What are some of the symptoms that can indicate an issue in one or more of these areas? 

• Reoccurring strep + respiratory issues
• Bloating+constipation+gas
• Picky eating
• Chronic allergies
• Sleeping issues (waking, falling asleep, night terrors, sweats, etc)
• Eczema, dry skin, flushed cheeks, roseola, rashes
• Attention deficit struggles (ADD, ADHD, etc)
• Food sensitivities + reflux + IBS + ulcers etc
• Hormonal imbalances (PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, etc)
• Behavioral issues (anxiety, irritability, mood swings, spectrum disorders)
• Histamine issues + allergies

Understanding the purpose fungus & parasites serve. 
Everything is alive, and our bodies are interconnected and reliant on one another. This includes fungi, parasites, animals, plants, bacteria, and of course humans. Fungus in nature acts as a mediator and serves as a complex foundation for continuous communication between nutrients and trees. It weaves through the soil maintaining balance and optimizing the nutrients and health. Fungus breaks down food which allows us to optimally digest and absorb it. Its role in nature mirrors its role in our body. Within nature and our body mold serves to:

• Break down dead and synthetic material 
• Transform dead material into soil
• Clean up waste byproducts within our body
• Break down heavy metals & toxins 

Whether on our soil through pesticides and insecticides or internally through antibiotics/supplements when we attack these spores we are missing why they are there to begin with and almost always making the environment worse. When we blindly change our terrain we throw off the natural order of systems. Symptoms express the need for balance and restoration and working to achieve that. They communicate to us what needs additional support while simultaneously taking action. We need candida and parasites to clean up excess waste materials in the body, and while symptoms associated with imbalance are not pleasant they can serve a greater purpose in preventing deeper-rooted dysfunction and disease that said waste materials contribute to. These pathogens create biofilm and biofilms make bacteria incredibly intelligent to prolong their life span. They morph and change and are always evolving with their environment to stick around. When we begin taking substances to purge these fungi/bacteria/ parasites we are releasing all of the waste they have soaked up, and when not properly approached we are triggering immense inflammatory responses. The expression of imbalance serves to communicate a need that must be met. When ignored we continue to fuel a fire, and while for some they may eventually find some relief for others their imbalance is drastically worsened. 

Important notes:

• Fungus fights fungus— Common additives in supplements and foods including citric acid, ascorbic acid, synthetic enzymes, and pharmaceutical drugs are derived from fungus (and then added to synthetic material) and call in more fungus to clean them up. Always striving to maintain balance. 
• Alcohol and other toxic substances also call in candida and other fungi to absorb and clean up the waste materials. Remember fungus break down dead tissues and absorb them. Parasites do this as well. 
• Estrogen dominance and processed food call in more candida

There is a strong argument to be made that mold toxicity is due to the off-gassing of toxic chemicals. What does this mean? It means that correlation and causation are not the same thing and mold is not necessarily the bad guy. Rather what the mold is breaking down is what is making us symptomatic. Building materials are composed of hundreds & thousands of synthetic chemicals that are toxic to us. When mold presents itself in an indoor environment whether due to water, damp conditions, or other mold sources, it encourages the growth (oftentimes at a rapid rate) and by nature will attack and break down the building material substances. Black mold grown in Petri dishes did not grow mycotoxins, mycotoxins seemingly appear where there is a presence of synthetic material. Perhaps mold in and of itself is not the enemy, but rather the ever-increasing exposure to toxic substances. Something to ponder. When mold takes residence in the body it colonizes in a variety of places including the gut, sinus cavity, lungs, and even the brain. This shows up as a never-ending list of symptoms including reoccurring sickness, sinus congestion, asthma, all mental health conditions (notably depression, anxiety, OCD), digestive dysfunction, constipation, and so much more. 

Parasites are a key element to the toning of our immune system. They are a part of our biology and innate immunity. All microorganisms are a part of the ecosystem within us and in nature. Living species (humans) are interconnected to our environment and for various reasons we take on these organisms. We can even take on parasites due to the presence of mold/ other bacteria. Parasites are larger in scale than bacteria. They adapt to their hosts and parasitic infections are increasingly becoming more prevalent. Their life cycles vary; many factors play into which parasites we take on and how they work within the body. Parasites live all over the body. They penetrate the mucosal layer of our intestines and travel. This means they impact varying systems within the body. Parasites can trigger such a significant immune response that symptoms can present as an autoimmune response. Again, symptoms that come with these organisms are less than ideal— However, how we approach them should be done from a grounded and mindful place. Some choose to let them be, others benefit greatly from gently encouraging the removal of them. Parasites hold double their body weight in heavy metals and other toxins, which means that killing them and forcing their exit of the body is going to let out all of the toxins they mopped up. Without fail this will produce negative reactions if not addressed properly. The practitioner section is equipped with various teams, individuals, courses, and guides that can help educate and guide you through parasites and cleanses. It is not recommended to attempt to address them without thoroughly educating yourself on how they operate and impact the body.  

Full moons— Pay attention to the moon cycle and how your symptoms ebb and flow. Often when there is an imbalance of parasites we see a drastic increase in symptoms related to brain fog, irritability, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, etc before and around the full moon. This happens because parasitic activity increases during this cycle. 

Regardless of your stance on the nature of mold, fungal overgrowth, and parasites and whether they are “good” or “bad” one thing is for certain— When we go to war on our body we are not producing harmony and balance, but rather feeding restriction, dis-ease, and dysfunction. Health and vitality come from working with our systems not against them. 

What to do?

From the physical lens. We have to look at the system as a whole to figure out what is going on (energetically and physically), why they were taken on, and how to move forward with our body and not against it. 

Supportive Elements 

• Air filters + dehumidifiers when living in humid climates
• Opening windows in your home to air out (at least 10-20 minutes a day)
• Citrisafe candles (linked here)
• Fresh air (open windows, optimal time outside)
• Prioritizing natural EMF (soil, natural bodies of water, sunshine, nature, joy, love) 
• Minimizing NNEM (cell phones, Wi-Fi, radio, Apple Watches, Bluetooth, etc)
• Whole Foods > processed foods
• Nebulizing to address the sinus cavities, and nostrils, and to help with mental function/health symptoms.
• Limiting/eliminating unnecessary supplementation/medication
• Increasing minerals (humic +fulvic, magnesium, sea salt, time in the ocean, etc)
• Circadian supportive habits: Sun exposure in the morning, day, and evening, no lights before bed, no light in the bedroom, consistent eating times, etc)
• Cortisol support— Not turning the lights on first thing in the morning. Allow for a gentle ease into your day. Prioritize implementing stress reduction activities (AKA more joy, love, laughter) 

Frequent Colds + Reoccurring Strep + Ear Infections

This is highly indicative of an issue with lymph movement and detoxification systems. Our defensive organs + tissues that play an enormous role in immune function include our tonsils, nostrils, and lungs (among others). These are our front-line defense teams and we can often see an imbalance present here when we have stagnant blood and lymph flow. Structural elements can also be a key factor in reoccurring issues. When we have subluxations our nervous system function is drastically impaired, which interferes with our immune processes. When we have oral restriction/imbalance in the form of Narrow palate, tongue tie tension, lip tie tension, and other oral restrictions then the flow of our blood and lymph is disrupted, our nervous system is impaired, as well as the secretion of various hormones that play vital roles in these systems. So often in modern medicine, the answer is to take out these incredibly valuable parts of our body without looking deeper. However, removing the symptom is not going to automatically address the cause of it to begin with. The body is expressing that there is dysfunction and doing what it can to restore balance. That process does not magically disappear when we take our tonsils out, it just means that dysfunction is going to root deeper into the body. If you have already decided to remove the tonsils or adenoids (or plan to) then you still want to address what led to a build-up of bacteria and pathogens to begin with. 

What can we do to help? Aside from addressing the foundations here are other supportive modalities for colds, strep, & ear infections 

•  Nebulizing: Nebulizers are incredibly effective tools to support the sinus cavity, throat, and respiratory system. Kendra has a fantastic nebulizing guide that is an excellent resource to have on hand. 
• Lymph activation exercises: Tapping, dry brushing, sun exposure, red lights, movement, massage, gua sha, acupuncture, acupressure, facial reflexology, and lymph creams are all ways to drastically improve lymph movement and flow. 
• Chiropractic care: Finding an experienced Gonstead chiropractor can address part of the structural piece. 
• Biological dentists who specialize in airway
• Cranial sacral therapists
• Garlic mullein drops for ears 
• Biotech oral swish + topical spray (safe for internal consumption) are anti-bacterial + anti-fungal and can offer deep support to the throat, ears, and lungs through nebulizing
• Warmth: Prioritize keeping your throat warm, your body, and your food.
• Immune-supportive supplements can be found in the Wellness Essentials Supplements & Support section 

The Influence Oral Health Has on The Body

One of the primary sources of dysfunction within the body stems from imbalance within our mouth and facial structure. The oral cavity adjoins our esophagus, nasal passages, sinus cavity, and ear canals. Our mouth is deeply connected to the health of our organs, nervous system, and ultimately the function of our body as a whole. Our palate, teeth, and jaw formation tell us a lot about our nutrient status, and physical tension/dysfunction, and are massive elements associated with our ability to thrive. Cavities/carry/and various other dental issues are intimately connected to our digestive health, immune function, and brain health as well. This topic is dense so we are going to break it up into key principles starting with symptoms of a narrow palate/oral dysfunction 

• Emotional instability (depression, mood swings, ups + downs, anxiety, anger, etc)
• Digestive dysfunction 
• Failure to thrive (stunted growth)
• Physical tension
• Reduced surface area in the lungs
• Narrow nasal passages
• Pelvis formation problems (more oval/narrowed pelvis structure)
• Reoccurring ear infections due to constricted ear canals
• Oral restriction (tongue, lip, buccal ties with limited function)
• Underdeveloped muscles
• Poor posture
• Cognitive function issues (attention, concentration, memory, communication, etc)

Malocclusion: Malocclusion refers to the imperfect positioning of teeth when the jaw is closed. 

Occlusion is how the top and bottom teeth fit together. Often referred to as a hereditary condition there is a distinct connection witnessed between malocclusion and nutrient deficiencies and the impact these deficiencies have on the formation of the jaw and skeletal structure within the womb. As generations further deplete their mineral stores and continue to reproduce we see the continuing and worsening of narrow palates, restrictions, and misaligned teeth. Other contributing causes include physical trauma, absences from breastfeeding (breastfeeding is a critical element to the expansion of the palate and proper jaw formation), cavities, infections (bacterial, sinus, ear, nose, throat), and excessive thumb sucking or use of pacifiers. This misalignment forces the jaw to compensate and it will find a resting point that is out of alignment. This results in the shifting of its temporomandibular joint. These joints are what connect the lower jaw to the skull. Imbalance here is often referred to as TMJ and is a result of this joint being out of place, and can lead to severe muscular tension as the surrounding fascia attempts to compensate for its displacement. 

Trigeminal nerve: This is the 5th cranial nerve and the largest of the 12 cranial nerves. 

You have one on each side of your face and it has both sensory and motor functions. It arises from the brainstem and branches over your face and head which makes it capable of impacting the entire body due to its connection to other nerves. It has three branches: ophthalmic nerve (purely sensory connected to eyes. eyelids, and forehead), maxillary nerve (purely sensory connected to the nose, sinuses, mouth, palate, gums, lips, and lower eyelids), and mandibular nerve (both sensory and motor-related: lower face, muscle functions related to chewing/biting/swallowing). When this nerve is impacted the autonomic nerves become hyper-sensitized. Due to the correlation to the limbic system (our emotional brain), there is a significant impact on the ability to regulate emotions when this nerve is impacted. Its relation to the nervous system makes it a critical element to all functions associated with our nervous system, and when out of alignment we can see these become prevalent. These symptoms range from emotional outbursts, behavioral problems, attention deficit, digestive dysfunction, poor sleep, and weakened immune system, to so many others that stem from these areas. It is an essential element of our body’s ability to function. Our systems are so interwoven together that when we see an area that has a massive influence on many others, we have to acknowledge its role in both vitality and disease. 


Oral Health & Its Relation To Mineral Deficiencies. 

Dr. Weston A Price has conducted extensive research on the correlation between nutrient deficiencies and poor jaw development which leads to crooked teeth, oral restrictions, and an impacted nervous system. His research shows that anytime a civilization’s diet introduced refined sugars, white flour, vegetable/seed oils, and canned foods of varying sorts people had an increase in cavities and carries. When this happened the generation to follow would develop a more narrow face, which meant an underdeveloped jaw, crooked teeth, and other dental deformities. When the jaw bone has adequate nutrients to form it does so as a wide plane and there is plenty of room for the teeth to come in unobstructed. However, when the nutrients are lacking we see crowded teeth, over/underbites, spaces, and crooked teeth. These are all telltale signs that there is an issue with occlusion and with minerals. 

What can contribute to deficiencies?

• Inadequate nutrition 
• Depleted mineral stores in the mother while carrying children
• Chronic infections, mold, bacterial imbalances
• Heavy metals 
• Dental fillings
• Toxin overload from various environmental components (personal products, air, clothing, food, water, vaccines, medications, etc)

The body can re-mineralize teeth when specific nutrients are replenished within the body. Fillings and other dental interventions are not always necessary to restore damage, and in fact, when not approached responsibly can cause further deficiencies and imbalances within the body from the toxic chemicals used. Start with specifically targeting fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and minerals to restore these reserves. Other nutrients critical to oral health (as well as brain/physical development) include Cod liver, cod liver oil, high-quality butter, egg yolks, seafood, and organ meats. The body will then direct these nutrients towards our teeth stimulating the healing response to take place. 

Other supportive measures for oral health:

1. Cell Salts:Tissue salts can help to replenish and restore balance to the minerals associated with building stronger teeth, remineralizing enamel, and preventing cavities. They are: Calc Fluor, and Calc Phos, and the combination (12-in-one) can be supportive as well. Read more in-depth about cell salts here. 
2. Biological/holistic dentistry takes into account the drastic influence the mouth has on the body as a whole. They take an integrated approach to dentistry to successfully address any dental abnormalities and why they might be present. These professionals should be able to successfully identify and address oral obstacles without further inflicting damage to the mouth or other systems within the body. This means utilizing the least toxic products to both clean and repair the teeth, as well as providing insight into what factors led to the presenting symptom at hand. As is the case with all providers they are not created equal and it can take conversations and questions to ensure the practice you select resonates and respects your desired approach to dental care. 
3. Tongue scraping: This is an ancient practice used to remove the build-up of bacteria on the tongue that negatively impacts your oral microbiome, sense of taste, and breath. Ayurvedic teachings associate various areas of the tongue with other organ systems and believe that by stimulating these areas you are offering directed support. It is very simple and can be done with specific tongue-scraping tools (can be found with a simple Google/amazon search) or with a spoon (although some will argue it is less effective). Pull the scraper from the back of your tongue to the front and rinse repeat 3-5 times. 
4. Oil pulling: Oral cleansing through the act of swishing around oil in the mouth is referred to as oil pulling. Our mouths are the home of over 600 different species of bacteria. As always there is a balance of bacteria, but when out of balance some of them can lead to issues (like reoccurring strep for instance, or tonsil stones). Bacteria are attracted to the fat structure of oil and are pulled from the tissues in the mouth to the lipid structure of the oil. Once spit out the bacteria is removed from the body.
5. How to do it: Use a tablespoon of coconut, sesame, or a specific oil-pulling blend, and swish it around for 15-20 minutes. You can build to this time, but aim for at least 5 minutes. Spit out the oil (not into a drain). Rinse the mouth with warm water.
6. Mouth Taping: I am actually not sold on this for everyone. Important to intuit it for yourself.  If you get a no, then go explore fascia repatterning (bow-spring is great). Mouth breathing is detrimental to our oxygen concentration and flow throughout the body. It significantly reduces the oxygenation of cells and impacts our energy flow. It also impacts various systems within the body and can lead to abnormal growth, irritability, dry lips, attention issues, fatigue, digestive dysfunction, and many others. Most breathing is almost always a result of an obstructed nasal airway either from malocclusion, inflammation in the throat (tonsils/adenoids), or sinus cavity. The root cause of mouth breathing should always be addressed, however in the meantime for some individuals taping the mouth during sleep can be incredibly helpful. (not intended for small children/infants/anyone with severely restricted airways always consult with your provider if you have questions/concerns). You can order specific mouth tape online and place it over your lips while you sleep. Pay attention throughout the day you find yourself breathing through your mouth constantly. This is a huge indicator of imbalance and should be addressed. It is also a great way to bring awareness to this habit and focus on intentionally breathing through your nose when you are awake.  

Sleep Disturbances

Nighttime rest is critical to every single function of our body. We need adequate rest to function. When we or our children are having issues falling asleep, staying asleep, or in areas concerning nightmares, terrors, sleep walking etc we know that there is something deeper happening within the bodily systems that is causing this presentation. As the body prepares for rest and repair our cortisol levels begin to decrease. Often we only look at cortisol from the view of excess and its negative impacts on the body, but cortisol is there for a reason and part of its purpose is to help us manage pain. So, when you have inflammation and areas of imbalance and your cortisol levels are lessening you are going to experience increased waking throughout the night. This is an element greatly supporting the need to dig deeper into symptoms and complaints rather than to attempt to temporarily suppress them. 

Things to consider:

• Histamine: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) or histamine issues can result in frequent waking throughout the night as the body works to detox and repair these receptors often flare.
• Overstimulation: What does your day look like? Is there constant exposure to screens or over-stimulating experiences? Is there time outside & play? What is the nighttime routine like? 
• Detoxing is a parasympathetic response. The body prioritizes these functions at night. When we see imbalances present stress hormones like adrenaline & cortisol can be released which can lead to to frequent waking. Depending on wake time & other symptoms this can indicate a need for detox organ support (liver, lungs, and their partnering organs). 
• Airway- Above, we discuss oral health (including airway). In regards to sleep airway restriction leads to sleep apnea. When the airway is partially obstructed at night due to the relaxation of muscles in the throat then the airway becomes blocked or impacted causing a person to pause in breath. This leads to waking, even when a person does not realize it. Additionally, oxygen levels are significantly impacted as a result of airway restrictions and low oxygen levels impact the cardiovascular system (which has a chain reaction throughout our other body systems). These effects compound, especially over time, and play a massive role in every area of a person’s health.

Concussions 

Head injuries profoundly impact the body's very core. Our brain serves as the orchestrator of all bodily functions, intricately communicating with each system throughout our entire physiology. Even mild hits to the head can lead to a cascade of symptoms. 

Brain injuries and intestinal permeability— Concussions can cause the nervous system to trigger a chronic pain loop and this damage impacts the nervous system’s ability to control gut motility. This impairment contributes to gut dysbiosis because, without proper smooth muscle contraction, there is stagnation and poor bowel movement. This also causes malabsorption of nutrients. Visceral sensing is how the gut communicates to the brain and an injury disrupts this communication which is a huge factor in inflammation and conditions such as IBS. After injury, the blood-brain barrier becomes compromised which allows toxins to pass through and enter into the brain (AKA leaky gut). Leaky gut is when bacteria and toxins pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream leading to widespread inflammation throughout the body. It is associated with 

Symptoms of intestinal permeability include:

• Bloating 
• Homeopathic remedies 
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Irritability 
• Depression & Anxiety
• Headaches
• Attention deficit 
• Skin inflammation
• Here are ways we can offer the brain and body support after a head injury. 
• Blue light-blocking glasses block artificial light that is taxing on the brain and nervous system 
• Lion’s Mane contains compounds that stimulate Nerve Growth Factor which supports the growth, maintenance, and survival of nerve cells and neurons. This makes it exceptionally useful after brain injuries
• Homeopathy
• Vagus nerve support— See the nervous system resource for specific exercises to implement
• Minerals! Find our favorites in the Apothecary section under supplements & mores 
• Limit toxin exposure (especially while supporting the gut)
• Nourishing whole foods
• Targeted gut support (a list can be found in the supplement section of the apothecary) 
• Chiropractic care is critical after an injury to address the subluxations that occur during the trauma
• Cranial sacral therapy can restore the movement of cranial fluid and provide pain relief
• A functional neurologist can assess any damage and imbalance within the brain and help you to rehabilitate it through the use of functional exercises and therapies. 

Migraines & Headaches 

There are a plethora of factors that contribute to migraines and headaches so let us discuss a few of the main ones

1. Physical misalignment and tension- When there is tension and misaligned vertebrae in any area of the spinal cord migraines and headaches can become a product of this imbalance. When our posture is less than optimal our fascia, muscles, and nervous system are impacted. Our blood flow becomes greatly disturbed and the cumulative stress in these areas can trigger headaches and migraines. Healing Modalities is an excellent resource to explore bowspring, chiropractic, cranial sacral, acupuncture, and various forms of massage. All of these elements work with the body to return it to balance and many times relief can be instant. 
2. Trapped emotional energy- Everything in the universe is made up of matter (atoms and cells) and energy (electrical signals). This includes thoughts, emotions, and physical elements. When we experience an emotion there is a frequency and energy that composes it and if we do not successfully process it then that energy becomes trapped within the body. Depending on where this happens it results in a variety of symptoms. This happens because the stagnant energy directly impacts the body’s systems (also composed of energy) and their ability to function. We go into depth about this process and the findings of Dr. Bradley Nelson in the Inner Work section. This is a massively supportive element to the body as a whole but specifically can address reoccurring migraines and headaches. 
3. Chronic inflammation- This is much more of a broad term but when the body is out of alignment with its biological rhythms we are going to witness a greater susceptibility to symptoms in all of their forms including migraines and headaches. This is because we are wired to mirror and lean into natural cycles and elements and the lack of this creates inflammation and dysfunction. Focusing on quantum habits (grounding, circadian biology, movement, EZ water, food, etc) rebalances our cellular function and health as a whole because we are literally replenishing energy stores at the atomic level within our body and this grants it the ability to function as a whole again. This can be a complex subject but in terms of applying it, it is rather simple. Resources to help from Quantum Health experts + practitioners are found here, and we created a Circadian Biology resource as well.

While addressing the initial cause supportive elements and tricks include

Homeopathy. The right remedy can knock out your headache migraine. Check out Classical Homeopath Jennie Hoguland’s Headache Flow Chart on her Instagram (@the.enlightened.homeopath) for help on selecting and utilizing a remedy. You may consider working with a homeopath for targeted support (can address whatever imbalance is leading to reoccurring headaches at the energetic level)

Ice packs, COLD wet washcloths. Either fill a bucket of cold water or climb up on your counter and use your sink. Place your hands and feet in the water and place your head on your knees with an ice-cold washcloth or ice pack on your neck. Sit there for a while.

Occipital stimulation is a very effective tool to use for tension headaches beginning at the base (occipitals) of your head. Having someone gently place pressure here may provide tremendous relief.