Mould exposure is far more common than many people realise, particularly in older buildings, damp homes, poorly ventilated flats, and properties affected by leaks or flooding. While mould is often dismissed as a cosmetic or minor environmental issue, growing research and clinical experience show that chronic mould exposure can have significant effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall resilience. For many people, mould becomes the missing piece when symptoms don’t respond to treatment and healing feels out of reach.

Mould releases spores, fragments, and mycotoxins into the air. These are inhaled, absorbed through the skin, and swallowed, and the body interprets them as biological threats. In the short term, this triggers a protective immune response. The problem arises when exposure is ongoing. Instead of resolving, the body remains in a state of constant alert, placing continuous strain on the nervous system, immune system, gut, and detoxification pathways. This response is biological, not psychological, and reflects the body’s attempt to survive in an unsafe environment.

One of the earliest systems affected by mould exposure is the nervous system. Many people experience anxiety, panic, irritability, disturbed sleep, emotional reactivity, or a sense of being permanently “on edge.” Over time, the nervous system may swing between hyperarousal, characterised by anxiety and overwhelm, and hypoarousal, marked by exhaustion, numbness, or withdrawal. These symptoms are frequently labelled as primary mental health conditions, when in reality they are adaptive responses to a persistent environmental stressor.

The immune system is also heavily impacted. Chronic mould exposure can lead to increased inflammation, histamine intolerance, mast cell activation, new allergies, or autoimmune flares, particularly in genetically susceptible individuals. People often notice that they begin reacting to foods, smells, supplements, stress, or temperature changes that previously caused no issues. This heightened sensitivity reflects an immune system that is overloaded and constantly scanning for danger.

Gut health and skin health commonly deteriorate in parallel. Mould exposure can disrupt the gut microbiome, impair digestion, reduce stomach acid, and interfere with nutrient absorption. Symptoms such as bloating, IBS-type discomfort, food intolerances, eczema, itching, rashes, and poor healing are frequently seen. Nutrients essential for nervous system regulation, such as B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and iron, are often depleted, further compounding symptoms.

Genetics play an important role in how someone responds to mould. Variations in methylation, glutathione production, liver detoxification, and inflammatory pathways influence how efficiently toxins are processed and eliminated. When detox pathways are overwhelmed or genetically less efficient, mycotoxins may be reabsorbed rather than cleared, leading to worsening symptoms. This is why some people feel significantly worse when they attempt aggressive detox protocols without first addressing exposure or nervous system regulation.

One of the most frustrating aspects of mould-related illness is that supplements alone rarely resolve symptoms if exposure continues. No supplement can override a nervous system that feels constantly unsafe, and no detox programme can compensate for ongoing environmental stress. Healing requires a foundation of safety, both biologically and neurologically, before deeper repair can occur.

My work focuses on understanding the full picture rather than chasing isolated symptoms. I support people by identifying whether mould may be contributing to their health issues, interpreting advanced functional testing such as GI mapping and DNA-based nervous system and detox profiles, and understanding individual genetic vulnerabilities to inflammation, histamine, and stress. I take a gentle, nervous-system-led approach, helping the body stabilise before supporting detoxification, gut repair, and immune balance in a way the system can tolerate.

This work is not about fear or alarm. It is about clarity, compassion, and addressing root causes so the body can finally feel safe enough to heal. When mould exposure is recognised early, recovery is often far gentler and more effective. When it is missed or dismissed, symptoms tend to evolve rather than resolve, gradually eroding energy, resilience, and quality of life.

If you are dealing with unexplained anxiety, fatigue, gut issues, skin conditions, or stalled healing, particularly in a damp or mould-prone home, mould may be part of the picture. With the right testing, personalised support, and a nervous-system-aware approach, it is possible to move out of survival mode and back toward balance and health.

Let me help you….