Can Mold Cause Constipation or Diarrhea? How Often You Should Go Number 2
If your bathroom trips are too few or too many, mold might be the culprit. Hi! Iâm Dr. Jill Crista, naturopathic doctor, mold expert, and author of Break the Mold, and Iâm here to walk you through why getting your gut in rhythm, specifically aiming for two solid number 2s a day, is essential for mold recovery.
Letâs break down the Goldilocks principle of gut health so you can keep healing strong.
Why Mold Messes with Your Digestion
One of the most common symptoms I see in mold-affected patients is disrupted digestion. And it usually shows up as either constipation or diarrhea.
Not enough daily BMs? You may be reabsorbing mold toxins. Too many? You might be flushing out your microbiome and the nutrients you need to heal.
- Constipation: Mycotoxins that arenât excreted get recycled back into your system, worsening symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation.
- Diarrhea: Going too often can wash away beneficial microbes and block absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and essential fatty acids.
The goal is that “just right” sweet spot. And that brings us to…
The âJust Rightâ Principle: 2 Number 2s
Hereâs what Iâve seen over and over again in clinical practice: 2 number 2âs per day is âjust right.â Think of Goldilocks. Thereâs a sweet spot. Why two?
- Optimal Detox:Your liver uses bile to carry mycotoxins into the gut. Two BMs a day keeps that bile (and the toxins it carries) moving out.
- Gut-Brain Connection: Two daily BMs suggests your microbiome is making the neurotransmitters that keep you calm, clear, and focused.
- Recovery Ease: 2 seems to be the magic number for my patients who recover with more ease.
Not too few, not too many. Just right.
If Youâre Going Too OftenâŠ
More than two BMs a day? That might mean you’re losing more than just toxins.
- Microbiome Loss: Frequent BMs can flush out the good bugs that keep your immune system strong.
- Nutrient Drain: Fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3s may be getting pushed out before they can be absorbed.
What to do:
- Focus on Fiber: But not just any kind. If youâre mold-affected, skip whole grains. The carb part of the grain can feed the fungus.
- Choose Bran: Try oat bran, rice bran, or psyllium for effective binding without feeding the fungus.
- Cooked Veggies + Oils: Lightly cooked veggies, sautéed or steamed, drizzled with oils = formed, sinkable, nutrient-rich stools.
If Youâre Not Going EnoughâŠ
If you’re more on the constipated side, hereâs the thing: laxatives alone usually aren’t enough. They act on the lower end of your digestive tract. But we need to get things moving higher up in the tube.
What to do:
- Add Bitters: Bitters like gentian or dandelion stimulate bile flow from the top down.
- Taste Your Food: Slowing down and actually tasting your food helps trigger digestive reflexes, your bile included.
- Combine It: Bitters + fiber is a powerful combo to get your gut moving and trap bile-bound mycotoxins and keep things moving.
How Bitters Help You Hit the Mark
Bitters are one of my go-to tools to help people find their gut rhythm. They help activate your digestive system before food even hits your stomach.
- Stimulate Bile: Bitters get bile flowing, helping move toxins out from the top of the tube to the toilet.
- Whole-Gut Action: Unlike laxatives that only work downstream, bitters get the entire digestive system moving.
- Support Detox: Bitters + fiber = grab the bile, trap the toxins, and get them out.
New to bitters? Start with a few drops before meals. And yesâthe bitterer, the better. You can check out my go-to bitter.
Youâre Ready to Balance Your Gut!
Whether youâre going too often, not often enough, or just trying to land that “just right” rhythm, the goal is simple: two solid number 2s a day.
Thatâs your mold recovery rhythm. Thatâs your body clearing house and keeping nutrients in. Support it with bitters, bran, cooked veggies, oils, and a mindful pace at meals.
Youâre not just working toward better poops. Youâre building a foundation for full-body recovery.
Want more gut support? Join my newsletter for tips, or check out the bitters I recommend to keep things flowing.
Youâve got this, friend. Letâs keep healing strongâone good poo at a time. đ©đ
Disclaimer This content is health information and not intended as personal medical advice. Viewing will not establish a doctor-patient relationship. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information discussed is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Reliance on information provided by Dr. Jill Crista, employees, or others appearing at the invitation of Dr. Crista is solely at your own risk.edical condition. The information discussed is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Reliance on information provided by Dr. Jill Crista, employees, or others appearing at the invitation of Dr. Crista is solely at your own risk.