Welcome, y'all! I'm Tonya LaHatte, and I'm here to share a topic that is incredibly close to my heart: mold toxicity. If you've ever felt like your body is letting you down, and you've been left without answers, you're in the right place. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes—I've been there, frustrated and sick, and felt dismissed time and time again. My journey through mold toxicity brought me more than just a diagnosis—it gave me a purpose to help others understand what might be going on behind those mysterious symptoms.
What is Mold Toxicity?
Mold toxicity isn't just about seeing green fuzz on bread or noticing a musty smell in the basement. It’s much bigger than that. Mold is part of an entire inflammatory soup that includes fungi, bacterial fragments, and mycotoxins—all of which have the potential to wreak havoc on your health. When people hear “mold,” they often think of allergies or sneezing, but it goes far beyond that. This is about an ongoing toxic response in your body that’s affecting multiple systems—it’s something that’s not just irritating; it's debilitating.
My Journey with Mold Toxicity
I decided to write this blog because, like many of you, I was sick for a long time without anyone knowing why. When I first started experiencing symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, weird aches and pains—I went to doctor after doctor, and most of them shrugged and said, “It’s all in your head.” They recommended psychiatrists, but I knew deep down this wasn't about my mind playing tricks on me. There was something physical going on, and I wasn't alone—millions of Americans suffer from mold toxicity, and many have no idea.
Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Mold toxicity is tricky, and it can mimic other chronic illnesses. You might feel exhausted all the time or have strange muscle aches that come and go, maybe even mood swings that feel like they don't fit your personality. You could be suffering from shortness of breath, headaches, sensitivity to light, or even odd electrical shocks running through your body—all of these can be signs of mold exposure. When mold gets into your system, it doesn’t stay in one place—it spreads, affecting your brain, immune system, and more. It's why mold patients often end up with a long list of diagnoses, from chronic fatigue syndrome to fibromyalgia and even cognitive issues like brain fog.
The Struggle to Get Diagnosed
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced, and I’ve seen so many of my patients face, is simply being heard. This is where I coined the term “iatrogenic PTSD”—the trauma of not being believed by your healthcare providers. People walk into their doctor’s office looking for help and instead walk out feeling dismissed and broken. The truth is, mold toxicity is complex and, sadly, not yet widely understood by many in the medical field. But just because someone tells you “it’s all in your head” doesn’t make it true. You are not imagining these symptoms.
Mold is Everywhere
Mold is more common than we think—from our homes to schools and even workplaces. If your body is particularly sensitive, even a small amount of mold exposure can set off a cascade of reactions. I’ve seen families torn apart by misunderstandings about what mold can do. One person might be severely affected, while others in the same environment feel perfectly fine. This disparity is due to individual genetics and the unique way each of us handles toxins. Some people simply can’t make the antibodies needed to get rid of these toxins, which means the mold keeps circulating in their system, making them sicker over time.
What Can You Do?
If you suspect mold is behind your symptoms, the first step is awareness—start listening to your body and don’t dismiss the warning signs. Getting tested for mold can be challenging, but there are several methods available, from visual contrast testing to urine mycotoxin testing, that can help confirm whether mold is a problem for you. The key to healing is twofold: removing yourself from mold exposure and detoxifying your body with the right treatments.
In upcoming posts, I'll be talking more in-depth about testing options, treatments that can help, and ways to mold-proof your home. There is hope, y'all, and I’m here to walk this path with you. Remember, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not imagining this. Mold is real, and it can make you sick—but with the right steps, you can get your life back.
Stay Connected
If this resonates with you, stay tuned. There’s so much more I want to share about mold toxicity, from my personal stories to the practical advice that’s helped me and my patients. I want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, and to know that recovery is possible—one step at a time.
Thanks for stoppin’ by, y’all. Take care of yourselves, and let’s keep this conversation goin’. You deserve answers, and I’m here to help you find 'em.