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In this episode, I explore mold-related illness, with a particular focus on mold toxicity and mold colonization.
I discuss:
In the next episode, I’ll review research exploring the connection between mold and brain-related conditions, and address the question: “Can mold enter the brain, even in individuals who are not immunocompromised?” It’s important to recognize that mold toxicity rarely occurs in isolation. It often contributes to or exacerbates other underlying conditions, such as mast cell activation, electromagnetic hypersensitivity, multiple chemical sensitivity, pyrrole disorder, copper–zinc imbalance, low methylation, and increased susceptibility to microbial infections or autoimmunity. As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions. Until next time, Courtney
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Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much the fragmentation within modern medicine limits our ability to truly understand the root of illness. This episode is for anyone who’s visited multiple specialists for a range of symptoms and still doesn’t feel well, or for anyone curious about how seemingly disconnected health issues might actually be related. In this episode, I explore: - A letter from someone experiencing a wide array of symptoms who has consulted numerous specialists but still hasn’t found answers or real progress toward healing - How conventional medicine has splintered into more than 130 specialties and the consequences this has on diagnosis and care - The historical and current divide between psychiatry and neurology, even though both focus on the brain and nervous system - Why I find the term “mental illness” limiting and prefer to use the language of brain symptoms - A broader view of symptoms often labeled as psychiatric, including emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and sensory experiences, and how these can signal deeper physiological imbalances - An overview of neurotransmitters: what they are, what affects their levels, and how disruptions in these chemicals often lie at the heart of both psychiatric and neurological issues - A vision for a more integrative and connected approach to healthcare in the future If there’s a particular topic or personal concern you’d like me to cover in an upcoming episode or newsletter, feel free to email it to [email protected] Until next time, Courtney 
5 Possible Reasons & How These Are Addressed in Treatment
In previous newsletters, I’ve explored many of the common contributors to brain symptoms, including elevated pyrroles, copper-zinc imbalances, methylation disruptions, candida overgrowth, mast cell activation, mold toxicity, and genetic variants such as COMT and MAOA. Addressing these issues often requires supplementation, and in some cases, medication—particularly for mold treatment and mast cell activation. But what if a person struggles to tolerate a supplement or medication, experiencing worsened or entirely new brain symptoms? Why might someone react negatively to B6, SAMe, or Methionine? What could cause intolerance to folate, niacinamide, glutathione, specific herbal treatments, SSRIs, probiotics, antifungal medications, or detox binders like bentonite clay, activated charcoal, chlorella, or cholestyramine? In this newsletter, I’ll cover:
Adverse reactions can present with a broad spectrum of brain-related symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, depression, anxiety, agitation, and even more severe manifestations such as psychosis or mania. To encompass this range, I’ll use the term “reactivity.” While physical side effects can also occur, this discussion will focus specifically on brain-related symptoms. 
Attachment, Microbiome, Undermethylation, Low Zinc, Oxidative Stress, Mold Toxicity, Mast Cell Activation, RCCX Theory, Upper Cervical Instability, Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, Left & Right Brain
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ― Lao Tzu In this episode, I share my personal journey through illness and healing and how it has influenced my approach as a holistic psychiatrist. My hope for everyone listening is that your pursuit of health, happiness, or whatever it is you’re seeking brings you to a place of peace—and inspires a desire to support others on their own journeys. 
How Symptoms Such as Tantrums, Shyness, Oppositional Behavior, Severe Carb Craving, Perfectionism, Tics, Compulsions and Drunken Like Behavior Can Point to Specific Biochemical Imbalances
This newsletter was originally shared with paid subscribers in May 2024. In previous newsletters, I’ve explored the common underlying factors—or “roots”—that contribute to brain-related symptoms. Each root comes with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. Because children’s brains and bodies are still developing, and they lack the same degree of hormonal influences as adults, their symptoms and related psychiatric diagnoses often differ. For instance, inattention, hyperactivity, and an ADHD diagnosis can arise from various underlying imbalances. While I’ll address these common imbalances individually, it’s important to note that multiple factors can coexist. Below, I outline the most frequent imbalances I encounter in my work. It’s worth mentioning that teenagers’ symptoms tend to align more closely with those seen in adults. Each of these topics is linked to a more in-depth description if needed.
Food sensitivities can be present and result in a range of symptoms; however, one or more imbalances are also usually present and underlying the food sensitivities. 
Amygdala, RCCX Theory, CAPS Profile & 'Wired For Danger," Neuroplasticity, MCAS, EHS, CFS, POTS, CIRS, Mold Toxicity, Limbic System Retraining Programs For Adults & Children
Our limbic system, often referred to as the "lizard brain," plays a critical role in keeping us safe. However, when it’s overactive, it can make us feel perpetually unsafe. In a previous discussion, I explored how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) triggers fight, flight or shutdown responses when we sense danger. Although the ANS operates mainly outside the brain, it communicates closely with the limbic system. In this newsletter, I’ll cover:
Around 25% of people may be susceptible to mold toxicity, a surprisingly prevalent cause of various brain symptoms, such as brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, mood swings, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, and even psychosis. Mold toxicity can also be a hidden factor in conditions like pyrrole disorder, candida overgrowth, and copper-zinc imbalances, all of which can contribute to neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
Mold toxicity should be considered a potential cause when college students develop new mental health issues after being exposed to mold in their dorms or apartments. It can also lead to various chronic physical health problems, including autoimmune conditions. Based on my experience, mold toxicity is the most frequent cause of mast cell activation syndrome.
Jerry Parker, a Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) and Certified Microbial Remediator (CMR), has been a great resource to me both personally and professionally, providing valuable insights into the environmental factors related to mold. He owns Environmental Solutions Group, LLC, a company that has been serving residential and commercial clients for over 20 years. Jerry is now preparing to launch a new educational and consulting platform, 4 Indoor Air Quality LLC.
In this newsletter and video podcast, Jerry and I explore:
In a future episode, Jerry and I will delve into mold prevention with a specific focus on the interior of our homes. |
Courtney Snyder, MDFor anyone experiencing brain symptoms. This blog (and weekly newsletter) is your guide to demystifying root causes and learning about surprising paths to healing. From a holistic - functional adult and child psychiatrist dedicated to helping people heal and thrive. Categories
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