Mold Treatment Essentials: Our Top 4 Food Binders to Combat Mold 

Mold treatment starts with supporting optimal liver function. One of the liver’s most important responsibilities is detoxification. Liver detoxification refers to the binding, breakdown, and elimination of toxins, which include environmental chemicals, excess hormones, pharmaceuticals, and other waste products.

Many strains of mold can have very harmful effects on the body. Certain mold strains and the spores that they form, called mycotoxins, can even be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. Many mycotoxins can be especially harmful to liver and kidney function, immune and brain health, and hormone health (including thyroid and reproductive function).

Food binders serve an important role as mold treatment essentials to support liver function and bind mold mycotoxins for effective elimination. Let’s dive into our top 4 food binders to help combat mold!

What Are Food Binders and How Are They Involved in Mold Treatment?

Mycotoxins must first be bound up to be effectively eliminated. While there are supplements to help with this, we can also utilize food binders as a natural way to combat mold.  

Insoluble fibers are a key component of the foods that are natural binders. Insoluble fibers do not dissolve in water. They also help pull water into the stool, making it easier to pass and helpful for constipation. 

In the case of mold, insoluble fibers help bind mycotoxins in the digestive tract, soaking them up like a sponge. Fiber passes through our digestive tract undigested, so when they are eliminated, the bound mold mycotoxins are effectively eliminated with them. This makes the liver’s job of detoxifying mycotoxins easier!

We can utilize other types of binders in supplement form to combat mold mycotoxins, for example charcoal and clays. However, unlike these other binders, food binders provide additional beneficial nutrients, are more accessible, and don’t inhibit the absorption of important minerals. 

Charcoal and clay should not be taken with meals or for extended periods of time, because they do bind up important nutrients in addition to harmful substances like mycotoxins. Food binders and insoluble fibers, however, do not have this same effect and can be incorporated into meals and snacks daily!

Top 4 Natural Food Binders for Liver Detoxification and Mold Binding

#1. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are not only a great source of insoluble fiber, with 10 grams per 4 tablespoons, but they’re also rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols called lignans. These compounds are housed within the flaxseed and once cracked open, they begin to degrade. To get the most nutritional benefit, opt for whole flaxseeds that you grind fresh as opposed to ground flax or flax meal. Our favorite way to incorporate flax seeds is by adding 2-4 tablespoons into a delicious smoothie. Also try them freshly ground, added to a chia or flax pudding.

#2. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are another one of our favorite seeds. Not only do they have 4 grams of fiber per 4 tablespoons, but they are also a rich source of minerals, like zinc, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. Minerals serve as the spark plugs for all of the chemical reactions happening in the body all the time. They are especially important for optimal thyroid function! Similar to flaxseeds, you want to aim for 2 to 4 tablespoons daily, which can be added on top of a smoothie bowl, enjoyed as a snack, or even added to a pesto.

#3. Beans

Beans are another fantastic fiber source and food binder to incorporate daily to help eliminate mold. Just a ½ cup of canned beans (make sure they’re in a BPA-free can) has anywhere from 5 to 9 grams of fiber, depending on the type. This includes black beans, pinto, kidney, cannellini, navy, garbanzo, and more! Beans are also a good source of plant-based protein and minerals. Minerals are key for thyroid function, but they’re also essential for metabolism (energy production) and for combating oxidative stress. Aim to include at least ½ to 1 cup of any type of beans daily, as a side dish, added to a salad, or even hidden in a smoothie!

#4. Chlorella

Chlorella is a vitamin and mineral-rich algae that also has natural detoxifying properties. It’s an effective binder for mold treatment and elimination. While it technically is more of a supplement compared to a food source, its properties are more similar to food binders compared to charcoal or clay binders. Chlorella can be found in tablets and can be taken with any meal or added to a smoothie.

Supporting Gut Health During Mold Treatment

Mold mycotoxins are lipophilic, meaning they love fat and latch onto fats within the body. Within our gut mucosa, or the protective lining of our gut, our cells here are quite rich in fat. 

80% of our immune system is housed within our gut, and these mold mycotoxins suppress that critically important immune activity and our immune system as a whole. This is because they cause damage to the cells of our gut lining. This also impacts the makeup of our gut microbiome. 

We know how important nutrition is to help promote microbial diversity within the gut. Different fiber sources feed different types of microbes and help promote a more diverse, balanced microbiome. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and ginger can help ease GI inflammation. Additionally, demulcents or mucilaginous herbs, such as aloe vera, marshmallow root, and slippery elm help soothe the gut lining. 

We can also utilize nutrition strategies to support the liver, which is key for digestion as well as detoxification. Impaired liver function especially impacts our ability to break down and absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K). Dark leafy greens, green tea, beets, and bitter foods such as arugula and dandelion greens all support liver function.

Start Your Mold Treatment!

Mold exposure from homes, food sources, and the environment is incredibly common. Incorporating food binders daily is a great place to start any mold treatment and to help support your body’s innate detoxification systems.

Mold illness can impact all aspects of our health, from gut and liver health, to brain and hormone function. We offer mold support in our 1:1 coaching program through advanced functional testing and personalized treatment plans. Apply for our waitlist today!

Written by Romana Brennan, MS, RD