Case Study: Reversing Mould Toxicity Through Functional Medicine

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This case study explores how functional medicine can support chronic mycotoxin and mould toxicity. The client had struggled with mould intoxication for more than seven years, experiencing persistent fatigue, gut issues, low energy, poor sleep, and overall reduced quality of life. After beginning a personalised functional medicine programme with Paul Foley, significant improvements were seen in energy, relaxation, sleep quality and daily functioning within 3–4 months.

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 Background

• Client condition: 7+ years of mould/mycotoxin exposure

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• Main symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Brain fog + cognitive slowing

  • Anxiety + sleepiness

  • Digestive issues linked to SIBO

  • Poor stress tolerance

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• Previous attempts: Multiple practitioners, no significant progress

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• Functional Medicine Toxicity Questionnaire (Score):

  • Starting score: 68 (severe toxicity)

  • After 12 months: –10 (symptom-free baseline)

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 A 78-point improvement

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This is a full reversal of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) symptoms.

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Root-Cause Findings

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Testing and assessment confirmed:

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1. Mycotoxins: Evidence of chronic mould exposure

2. Gut HealthSIBO + high fermentation intolerance

3. Detox pathways Impaired phase 2 liver detox, low glutathione

4. Immune System Over-activated, inflamed, “on alert”

5. Nervous SystemHPA-axis stress pattern (wired + tired)

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Nutrition Strategy

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 Phase 1: Anti-fungal / low-mycotoxin diet

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• Low-fermentation SIBO diet

• No aged, mould-grown or high-histamine foods

• Gluten-free, dairy-free, low sugar

• High-protein, high-nutrient real food

• Target: Reduce fuel for mould + calm gut inflammation

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 Phase 2: Gut repair & metabolic reset

• Rebuild the mucosal lining

• Reintroduce tolerated foods

• Build metabolic resilience

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 Supplement + Detox Protocol (Key Themes)

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Goal/Strategy:

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• Bind & remove mycotoxins/charcoal & binders (rotated)

• Support liver detox - Glutathione, NAC, phase-2 support

• Repair gut barrier - Zinc carnosine, amino acids, probiotics (carefully selected)

• Lower inflammation - Omega-3s, curcumin, targeted botanicals

• Nervous system reset - Adaptogens + breathwork + vagus stimulation

• Everything was personalised, titrated and reviewed monthly.

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 Results Over 12 Months

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Start of Treatment:
Toxicity Score 68 | Energy 3/10 | Severe brain fog | Poor sleep | Persistent bloating

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3 Months:
Score 42 | Energy 5/10 | Brain fog reduced to moderate | Sleep improving | Gut symptoms easing

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6 Months:
Score 15 | Energy 7/10 | Mild brain fog | Stable sleep | Gut function 70% better

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12 Months:
Score –10 | Energy 9/10 | Brain fog resolved | Restful sleep | Normal digestion

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Summary of Results

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• Reduced fatigue

• Higher daily energy

• Improved sleep quality

• Better stress resilience

• Less brain fog

• Clearer gut function

• Overall improved well-being

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 Why This Worked

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• We didn't chase symptoms — we treated the cause

• A mycotoxin-safe diet stopped the daily re-triggering

•  Gut + liver detox pathways were rebuilt, not overloaded

• Nervous system support = less inflammation, faster healing

• Every phase was measured + adapted (not copy-paste protocols)