Mold’s Effect on Vitamin D
Struggling with your mood, immunity, hormones, or energy lately, and wondering if it might be mold? Hi, I’m Dr. Jill Crista, naturopathic doctor, mold expert, and author of Break the Mold.
In this article, I want to explain how toxic mold exposure blocks vitamin D absorption, and what you can do to reclaim your levels and your vitality.
Let’s dive in. You deserve answers, and you deserve to heal.
How Mold Blocks Vitamin D Absorption
Toxic mold is more than annoying. It’s dangerous. It releases mycotoxins, which are fat-loving, inflammation-driving toxins that act like little chemical bullies inside your body. One of the systems they bully the most is vitamin D absorption. Here’s how:
- Mycotoxin Interference: These toxins block vitamin D receptors and impair liver conversion. Even if you take supplements or get sun, your body may not use vitamin D effectively.
- Water-Damaged Buildings: Living or working in a water-damaged space increases the risk of chronic exposure, especially if it’s cold or dark outside.
- Silent Deficiency: Many of my patients are shocked to find low vitamin D levels, despite spending time outside or supplementing. Mold acts like a stealthy thief.
That’s why I say: Mold affected people need more vitamin D, and they need it in a form their body can actually use. That’s where smart strategies (and smart supplements) come in.
Why Vitamin D Matters for Mold Recovery
Vitamin D runs all kinds of things in your body. If you’ve been exposed to mold, vitamin D is no longer optional. It’s essential. Here’s why it’s a must-have on your mold-healing checklist:
- Mood Support: Vitamin D helps produce serotonin and supports healthy brain chemistry. Mold exposure can tank your mood. Vitamin D helps lift it.
- Immune Health: A strong immune system is your best defense against infections, inflammation, and autoimmunity related to mold.
- Hormone Balance: Vitamin D behaves more like a hormone than a vitamin. It supports thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive health, which often take a hit from mold.
- Bone Health: Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and helps rebuild tissues, bones, and joints already under physical stress from mold.
- Target Level: I recommend 60-90 ng/mL or 150-225 nmol/L for optimal mold recovery. This is well above the standard reference range.
Steps to Boost Your Vitamin D Levels
Now that you understand why it matters, here’s how to safely raise your vitamin D levels:
- Get Outside Every Day: Even on short, cold, cloudy days, your skin knows what to do. Try to expose your face or hands for 5 to 15 minutes a day.
- Test Your Levels: Ask your doctor for a 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test. Optimal levels for mold recovery are higher than the standard range. Aim for 60-90 ng/mL or 150-225 nmol/L.
- Supplement Smart: Sunshine alone often isn’t enough. I recommend Liposomal D+K for mold-sensitive individuals. It bypasses digestive blockages put up by mold and delivers vitamin D where it’s needed most.
Tips to Conquer Mold and Restore Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important, but it works best alongside a broader mold recovery strategy. Here’s your wellness checklist:
- Address Mold Sources: If you notice musty smells, leaks, or water damage, investigate. It may be time to test or move. My book Break the Mold has protocols to help.
- Purify Indoor Air: Use a high quality air filter. Dust with microfiber cloths, open windows on dry days, and air out closets and corners to improve ventilation.
- Clean Gently, Clean Smart: Use mold-safe, non-toxic cleaners. My DIY Natural Cleaning Spray is a favorite among sensitive patients.
- Prioritize Sun Exposure: Make it a habit to get sunlight daily, even during the cold winter months.
- Use Liposomal D+K: Pair vitamin D with K2 to guide calcium to bones instead of arteries. Liposomal forms support maximum absorption and benefit.
You’re Ready to Break the Mold and Thrive!
Mold may have drained your vitamin D, but it doesn’t get the final say. With the right support and strategy, you can restore your levels, regain your energy, and feel like yourself again.
I share more tools and insights in my book Break the Mold, because knowledge is power and healing is possible.
Take action today:
✔ Get outside
✔ Check your vitamin D
✔ Supplement with Liposomal D+K
✔ Read my book and become your own best mold advocate
You’re not alone in this. I’ve been there. And I’m here to guide you through.
Let’s break the mold together.
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.