Why Mold Exposure Is So Common — and So Easily Missed
Kurt Woeller, D.O. | Sunrise Functional Medicine
Mold thrives anywhere moisture lingers: behind walls, under sinks, in older HVAC systems, or in everyday household dust. Up to half of indoor environments show measurable mold growth, and even clean, well-maintained homes aren’t immune. Not all molds produce toxins, but the ones that do — such as Aspergillus and Penicillium — release mycotoxins that can interfere with cellular function and overwhelm the body’s natural detox mechanisms. Symptoms vary widely, often affecting multiple systems at once:
- Persistent fatigue or poor sleep
- Cognitive issues, concentration problems, or “brain fog”
- Mood shifts, irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Chronic sinus congestion or respiratory symptoms
- Digestive upset or new food sensitivities
- Headaches or migraines
- Skin rashes
- Muscle or joint pain
This broad symptom picture is part of why mold is so challenging to identify. Testing is essential — but not all tests tell the same story.
Organic Acids Test vs. Mycotoxin Profile: What’s the Difference?
- Organic Acids Test (OAT)
This test provides a snapshot of metabolic byproducts from the body and various microorganisms in the digestive tract. Certain organic acids produced by fungi can indicate mold exposure or colonization. In Dr. Woeller’s example from his recent talk, four specific markers — numbers 2, 4, 5, and 6 on the Mosaic Diagnostics OAT — are associated with Aspergillus exposure. When these markers rise, they may reflect elevated fungal metabolites from the gut. An increase in one of these markers indicates that there is an abundance of that particular fungus.
The OAT can also reveal additional information, such as Candida activity. For instance, elevated arabinose suggests mucosal reactivity in the gastrointestinal tract. But here’s the catch: the OAT shows exposure patterns and fungal metabolites — not the toxins themselves. That’s where the Mycotoxin Profile becomes essential.
- Mycotoxin Profile
Urine mycotoxin testing identifies the actual toxins produced by molds. This helps confirm not only exposure, but whether the body is accumulating harmful compounds. In the case highlighted by Dr. Woeller, elevations were seen in three medically significant mycotoxins:
- Ochratoxin A (Aspergillus)
- Gliotoxin (Aspergillus; sometimes produced in small amounts by Candida)
- Mycophenolic acid (Penicillium)
Seeing both the fungal metabolites on the OAT and the corresponding toxins on the Mycotoxin Profile creates a clear, aligned clinical picture. As he explains: “All three of these elevated mycotoxins line up exactly with what we see on the organic acids test. The combination of these two tests is definitely important.” This alignment is what allows for accurate interpretation — and a more strategic plan of care.
Why Both Tests Matter
Using only the OAT or only the Mycotoxin Profile can lead to an incomplete assessment.
- You might see mold metabolites (suggesting colonization or exposure) but not know what toxins the body is accumulating.
- You might see toxins but miss the gut patterns contributing to ongoing symptoms.
- Or you might miss mold entirely if your body’s detox pathways are sluggish and not releasing toxins efficiently.
Together, these tests create a fully integrated view of exposure, toxin load, and physiological response.
This combined approach is also what Dr. Woeller teaches in his Toxicity Mastery Course through Integrative Medicine Academy, where two full modules are devoted to mold and mycotoxin assessment, interpretation, detoxification strategies, and clinical case application.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Mold Exposure
Once testing paints a clear picture, treatment involves two major steps:
- Reduce or eliminate the source of exposure.
This might involve home inspection, remediation, improving ventilation, addressing leaks, or modifying humidity levels. Continued exposure makes healing far more difficult.
- Support the body’s detoxification and elimination pathways.
This often includes a combination of:
- Binders (such as activated charcoal) to capture toxins in the gut
- Glutathione to support liver detox processes
- Nutrients like NAC, antioxidants, and targeted botanicals
- Digestive support for patients with food sensitivities or gut imbalance
- Sweating (sauna, exercise) to support natural elimination
- Lymphatic support, such as dry brushing or gentle movement
Individuals vary widely in sensitivity, so many protocols begin gently and build gradually. A tailored, supervised plan — guided by precise lab data — is essential.
When to Retest
Most mold-support protocols run for at least three months. Retesting after this period helps determine:
- Whether toxin levels are decreasing
- Whether the elimination pathways are improving
- Whether residual exposure is still present
- Whether detox support should continue or shift in focus
Recovery from mold exposure can take time, but the right data makes the process clearer and more manageable.
Strategic Testing
Mold exposure is more common than most people realize — and its symptoms often mimic other health conditions. A strategic pairing of the Organic Acids Test and the Mycotoxin Profile provides one of the clearest, most clinically reliable ways to understand what’s really happening. As Dr. Woeller emphasizes, the most accurate picture comes from looking at both sides, “If you’re going to do the mycotoxin test, also do the organic acids test so you get a much more complete picture.”
With the right testing, targeted support, and guidance from an experienced functional-medicine provider, recovery is not only possible — it’s predictable. Learn more and request a consultation >>
Watch Dr. Woeller’s video on this topic below: