The Connection Between Mold and Breathing Problems
Feeling like you can’t catch a full breath? Hi, I’m Dr. Jill Crista, naturopathic doctor, mold expert, and author of Break the Mold. Mold mycotoxins can train your body to breathe less deeply as a defense.
In this post, you will learn how that happens and how to reclaim the full, vibrant breath you deserve.
Why Mold Causes Shallow Breathing
One of the most common patterns I see with mold-sick patients is what I call “bare minimum breathing.” Here’s why mold affects your breath:
- Mycotoxin Defense: Mold mycotoxins in indoor air act like irritants. Your body adapts by limiting how much air you take in.
- Survival Mode: Your wise body learns to breathe just enough to survive. That shallow breathing pattern helps you avoid toxins but also limits your oxygen intake.
- Lingering Effect: Once your body learns to breathe this way, it can remain stuck in low‑oxygen mode unless you retrain your breath.
Signs You’re an Under-Breather
If mold exposure has trained your body to under-breathe, here are some signs:
- Frequent Sighing: This can be your body’s attempt to override shallow breathing and reset itself.
- Shortness of Breath: Feeling like you can’t take a full breath, even when at rest.
- Fatigue and Brain Fog: Less oxygen means less cellular energy, which leads to tiredness and trouble focusing.
How to Retrain Your Breath After Mold Exposure
It may sound strange, but breath is a skill you can refine. Try this practice:
- Alternate Nostril Breathing: A simple yogic breathwork practice that resets breathing patterns. You can find excellent demonstrations on YouTube.
- Clear the Alarm: Mold triggers an internal alarm. As you clear mold from your environment and from inside your body, this alarm settles, and deeper breath returns.
- Practice Daily: Like any retraining, consistency is key. Just five minutes each morning can shift your breathing from survival mode to full oxygenation.
Tips to Restore Healthy Breathing
Get back to full, robust, beautiful breath. Here’s how to support your lungs so they can function at their best:
- Practice Breath Retraining: Make breath retraining part of your daily routine.
- Support Lung Health: Nutrients from nature can help restore your respiratory system.
I often rely on Daily Lung Formula, which combines olive leaf, holy basil, mullein, marshmallow, plantain, and other herbs to help clear lingering mycotoxins and nourish respiratory tissues.
You’re Ready to Break the Mold and Thrive!
Mold can steal your breath, but you can get it back. With targeted lung support like the Daily Lung Formula and gentle breath retraining, you’re ready to breathe deeply and feel amazing again.
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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.