How Long on Antifungals for Mold?

If you’re battling symptoms from a moldy building and wondering, “How long do I need to stay on antifungals?” you’re not alone. Mold can set up shop in your body, creating a fungal fire that’s tough to put out.

Hi, I’m Dr. Jill Crista, naturopathic doctor, mold expert, and author of Break the Mold. I’ve helped thousands of mold-sick patients recover, and one of the top questions I get is this: “When can I stop antifungals?”

Let’s walk through what’s really going on, and how we can get you safely to the other side.

How Mold Turns Your Body Into a Moldy Building

People who develop symptoms from a moldy building have often experienced a fundamental shift in their flora (think microbiome). Here’s what’s happening:

Mold Moves In: Mold moves in – into sinuses, respiratory passages, and your gut – creating fungal overgrowth that mimics a moldy building.
Body Burden: This overgrowth becomes a body burden, disrupting your microbiome.
Inflammatory Reaction: Your body’s inflammatory reaction to the unwanted invasion causes symptoms.

Want to get a clearer picture of mold’s impact? Start with my Mold Symptom Questionnaire.

How The Fire of Fungal Overgrowth Fuels Mycotoxin Smoke

Big thanks to Brian Karr at Mold Finders podcast for this analogy: “Fungus is the fire 🔥, and mycotoxins are the smoke 💨.” Here’s the breakdown:

Territorial Mold: Mold knows darn well it’s breeching past its allotted space, so much so that it spits out mycotoxins to defend its territory, worsening symptoms.
Smoke and Fire: To clear the “smoke” (mycotoxins), you must extinguish the “fire” (fungal overgrowth) with antifungals.
Monitoring Progress: I’ll often look at a urine mycotoxin test to confirm the fire’s out.

The goal? No more smoke! (which means, no more mycotoxins.)

My Approach to Extinguish the Fungal Fire

I usually start with herbs because I have a massive toolbox full of antifungal herbs (and pharmaceuticals when needed). Here’s my approach:

Herbal First: Unlike pharmaceuticals, which are reserved for invasive infections, I don’t have to wait to use antifungal herbs to tackle smaller fungal fires safely.
Many Ways To Help: Herbals have many actions to not only fight the fungal overgrowth, but reduce side-effects, increasing tolerance to the therapies.
Pharmaceuticals: These are an option, but I use them cautiously. They’re powerful, single acting, and can come with side effects.
Functional Testing: I watch symptoms and test results. When mycotoxins are no longer showing up, we’re getting somewhere.

This can take a loooooooong time. Fungi are tenacious, and good at dodging bullets. But once that fungal fire is out, it’s safe to start tapering antifungals with guidance.

So how long on antifungals? My answer: Until there’s no more smoke.

Practical Steps to Clear Mold and Wean Off Antifungals

This is how we break the mold and take back your health. Here’s how to put out the fungal fire:

Track Symptoms: Use my free Mold Symptom Questionnaire to monitor mold-related symptoms.
Use Antifungals: I recommend starting with herbs. Check out my store to find gentle and effective products to reduce overgrowth.
Follow a Low-Mold Diet: Cut back on fungal and fermented foods (like mushrooms, alcohol, and vinegars).
Wean Slowly: Don’t stop antifungals cold-turkey. Wean slowly and watch for a resurgence of any mold symptoms. If they creep back, you’re not done.
Reduce Mold Exposure: Use air purifiers, address leaks, and reduce re-exposure in your living and work spaces.

You’re Ready to Break the Mold and Thrive!

You can put out the fungal fire. You can clear the smoke. And you can get your life and health back!

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You’re on your way. Let’s break the mold for good!

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.