In this episode, we sit down with Level III Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Board Certified Health Coach, Clinical Advisor, and Certified AIP Coach, Ryan Monahan, to unpack the connection between mold, thyroid dysfunction, and detox overload. Ryan shares his deeply personal health journey—starting with unexplained Hashimoto’s symptoms and uncovering a hidden mold problem in his home that made everything worse. Once he moved out and began detoxing, everything shifted.

Together, we explore cutting-edge functional testing, lifelong detox strategies, nervous system rewiring, and the power of light-based therapies. Ryan reminds us that healing is never one-size-fits-all—but it is possible with the right tools, data, and mindset.

Key Takeaways:

• Mold is everywhere: Even mild exposure can impact thyroid, brain, and immune health—especially if you’re genetically predisposed.

• Ryan’s root cause: Mold exposure triggered his Hashimoto’s, fatigue, and inflammation. Moving to a mold-free home helped dramatically but it was just one of several drivers in his perfect storm of events.

• Testing is essential: Use ERMIs, OATs, and Mycotoxin urine tests to get the full picture. Test, don’t guess.

• Calcium D-glucarate supports mycotoxin detox through glucuronidation pathways.

• Daily detox is hygiene: Sauna, clean water, binders, antioxidants—this isn’t a protocol, it’s a lifestyle.

• Binders 101: Take activated charcoal or GI detox on an empty stomach, in the morning—and not with food or supplements.

• Nervous system is key: Programs like DNRS can rewire stress pathways and get you out of a sympathetic state helping to reduce mold sensitivity.

• Red light + PEMF = cellular magic: Red light therapy boosts mitochondrial ATP and can even help thyroid antibodies drop.

How to Evaluate Your Home for Mold:

1. ERMI / HERTSMI-2 Dust Testing

• Mycometrics – mycometrics.com

  • Uses qPCR dust analysis to detect mold DNA and assess toxicity via ERMI or HERTSMI-2

• EnviroBiomics – envirobiomics.com• Offers ERMI, HERTSMI-2, and Actino testing with Swiffer-based collection kits• Provides user-friendly scoring to evaluate environmental mold risk

  
  

2. DIY Mold Testing (Petri Dishes & Swabs)

• ImmunoLytics – immunolytics.com• Affordable at-home testing using petri dishes or surface swabs• Optional lab analysis includes professional consultation and mold species ID

  
  

3. Real-Time Indoor Air Quality Monitoring

• Sensio Air – sensioair.com• Smart sensor device tracks airborne mold, pollen, dust, and pet dander• Offers app integration and optional lab testing via the AirCare Kit

  
  

  Biological Mold & Mycotoxin Testing:

  To order any of these labs, contact Ryan or Molly directly. They will interpret and provide a personalized protocol for you.

  
  

1. Organic Acids Test (OAT)

• Identifies fungal and mold metabolites like arabinose and citramalic acid

• Assesses mitochondrial function, neurotransmitter balance, and detox capacity—often impacted by mold

  
  

2. Immunoassays / Mold Antibody Blood Tests (call Ryan or Molly to order these)

• Tests immune response (IgG, IgE, IgA) to mold species like Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, etc.

• Offered by labs like Vibrant Wellness, Great Plains Laboratory, RealTime Labs, and ImmunoSciences

3. Mycotoxin Testing (Urine)

• Detects mold toxins being excreted such as ochratoxin A, aflatoxins, and gliotoxin

• • Available through Great Plains (GPL MycoTOX) and RealTime Labs for toxic burden assessment