Case Study: Reversing Chronic Fatigue & Mould Toxicity Through Nutrition & Functional Medicine

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 Background

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• A 30-year-old male presented with persistent brain fog, tunnel vision, derealisation, and fluctuating energy that began shortly after foraging and eating wild mushrooms in September 2023.
  He also reported:

• Gastrointestinal distress soon after ingestion

• Cognitive changes, motion-related blurring, and visual narrowing

• Increased urinary frequency and episodes of numbness in hands and feet

• He had a history of two previous tick bites (last in July 2023, in Scotland) and worked as a countryside ranger. His workplace maintenance shed was heavily contaminated with visible black mould, though his home environment was clean.

• Pre-existing conditions included occasional migraines (end of 2022, following dental work).

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Root-Cause Findings

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Testing and assessment confirmed:

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1. Initial Assessment and Laboratory Findings

2. The main differential considerations included:

3. Mycotoxin exposure from occupational mould

4. Tick-borne infection (Bartonella or Borrelia)  

5. Neurotoxic effects post mushroom ingestion

6. Tick-borne infections were later ruled out through clinical evaluation and testing.

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Test Results Summary

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• Urine testing showed clear evidence of mould toxin (mycotoxin) exposure.

• Several types of toxins were detected above the normal reference range:

• Ochratoxin A: 7.8 ppb — high, confirming significant exposure.

• Gliotoxin Derivative: 4.6 ppb — high, another strong mould-related toxin.

• Trichothecene Group: 0.17 ppb — above normal limits, often linked to indoor mould.

• Zearalenone: 0.56 ppb — borderline (“equivocal”), suggesting mild exposure.

• Aflatoxin Group: not detected.

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In summary, the results confirmed multiple mould-derived toxins in the system, mainly Ochratoxin A and Gliotoxin, both known to affect energy, focus, and neurological function.

 

​Nutrition Strategy

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Phase 1 – Detoxification and Antioxidant Support
The initial focus was on gentle detoxification and antioxidant replenishment to help the body process and eliminate stored toxins. Nutritional and botanical supports were introduced to strengthen liver pathways and cellular energy.

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Phase 2 – Nasal and Sinus Restoration
Because exposure often occurs through inhalation, targeted nasal and sinus treatments were used to clear residual mould and biofilm build-up, improving breathing, focus, and sinus health.

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Phase 3 – Gut and Microbiome Rebalancing
Attention then shifted to the gut, where specific antifungal and probiotic support helped restore microbial balance and reduce systemic inflammation. This step was essential for stabilising digestion and immune resilience.

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Phase 4 – Lifestyle and Nervous System Recovery
The final phase combined lifestyle and nervous-system retraining methods, including gentle sauna use, breathwork, cold-water therapy, and visual exercises. Practices to calm the vagus nerve and support neuroplasticity were integrated alongside a clean, low-inflammatory diet.

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Supplements used in this case included, but were not limited to:

• Glutathione (liposomal form)

• Liver support nutrients

• Binders

• Calcium D-Glucarate

• Turmeric and Curcumin

• Ubiquinol (CoQ10)

• Activated charcoal and mineral binders (including Takesumi and Chlorella)

• Nasal biofilm support sprays (xylitol, EDTA, colloidal silver, propolis)

• Saccharomyces boulardii

• Antifungal botanicals (including oregano oil, undecylenic acid, and caprylic acid)

• Essential oil blends for biofilm disruption

• Vitamin B12 (hydroxocobalamin)

• Magnesium

• Iodine

• Electrolyte support

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Biohacks and Lifestyle Interventions

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• Lifestyle and nervous system supports included:

• Infrared sauna therapy

• Niacin sauna detox programme (short-term)

• Cold shower therapy

• Buteyko breathing practice

• Polyvagal retraining

• Eye yoga exercises

• 670 nm near-infrared light therapy

• Guided meditation and neuroplasticity work

• Mindfulness and grounding practices

• Gentle movement and outdoor activity

• Clean, low-inflammatory diet (AIP / low-mycotoxin focus)

• Adequate hydration and electrolyte support

• Structured sleep hygiene routines

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Outcomes

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Over the course of 12 months and seven structured treatment sessions, the client’s Toxicity Questionnaire score dropped from 155 → 4, and all neurological, visual, and gastrointestinal symptoms resolved.

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Session       Toxicity Score          Reported Progress

  1                      155                     Severe fatigue, cognitive fog, derealisation
  2                       50                      Moderate improvement in energy, digestion stabilising
  3                       68                      Temporary flare, visual focus improved
  4                       50                      Clearer cognition, reduced urinary urgency
  5                       66                      Minor regression after exposure episode
  6                       37                     Strong, stable energy and clarity
  7                       4                       Symptom-free, full cognitive recovery

Summary

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This case highlights the role of mycotoxin exposure in neurocognitive and visual dysfunction and the effectiveness of a structured detoxification and nervous system retraining programme.

By addressing biotoxin load, rebuilding mitochondrial and gut function, and supporting the vagus and visual systems, the client achieved full remission within one year.