Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Germantown, MD

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Germantown, MD for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment Germantown, MD

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Germantown, MD.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Germantown, MD
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Germantown, MD

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Germantown, MD

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Germantown, MD

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
Mold Poisoning Symtoms Germantown, MD

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Germantown, MD tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Germantown, MD

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Germantown, MD.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Germantown, MD

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

CIRS Treatment Germantown, MD

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Germantown, MD

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Germantown, MD

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Germantown, MD

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Germantown, MD
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Germantown, MD

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Germantown, MD

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

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Latest News Near Germantown, MD

“No Kings” Demonstrations Planned Across Montgomery County This Saturday - The MoCo Show

Montgomery County residents are expected to join “No Kings” demonstrations on Saturday, October 18, as part of a nationwide day of peaceful protests promoting civic engagement, accountability, and democracy. Organizers emphasize nonviolence and lawful participation, with events planned across the county in locations including Germantown, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Olney, Bethesda, and Silver Spring.“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to d...

Montgomery County residents are expected to join “No Kings” demonstrations on Saturday, October 18, as part of a nationwide day of peaceful protests promoting civic engagement, accountability, and democracy. Organizers emphasize nonviolence and lawful participation, with events planned across the county in locations including Germantown, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Olney, Bethesda, and Silver Spring.

“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

Below are locations and times where participants are planning to meet across Montgomery County (list may not include all locations). To view all locations and details, visit https://www.nokings.org and type in your zip code. Please note different locations have slightly different times. There is also a resource guide and facts about understanding rights as a protester here: https://www.nokings.org/kyr

Sat, Oct 18

12850 Middlebrook Road

Germantown, MD 20874

12:00 PM — 3:00 PM EDT

Sat, Oct 18

2:00 PM — 4:00 PM EDT

United Church of Christ Seneca Valley

Germantown, MD 20874

Sat, Oct 18

19701 Fisher Ave

Town flagpole

12:00 PM — 2:00 PM EDT

Sat, Oct 18

Exit 12/Watkins Mill Rd/N, I-270

Gaithersburg, MD 20879

2:00 PM — 5:00 PM EDT

NO KINGS Muddy Branch I270 Overpass Banner Drop

Saturday, October 18

2 – 5pm EDT

Muddy Branch I270 Overpass

389 Muddy Branch Rd

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

NO KINGS Rockville MD

Saturday, October 18

11am – 1pm EDT

Frederick Road & Redland Boulevard

Rockville, MD 20850

NO KINGS Olney, MD

Saturday, October 18

2 – 4:30pm EDT

Georgia Avenue & Olney Laytonsville Road

Olney, MD 20832

NO KINGS North Bethesda

Saturday, October 18

10am – 1pm EDT

Strathmore Avenue & Rockville Pike

North Bethesda, MD 20895

NO KINGS Takoma Park

Saturday, October 18

11am – 1pm EDT

New Hampshire Avenue & Sligo Creek Parkway

Takoma Park, MD 20912

NO KINGS NIH –Defend Medical Research

Saturday, October 18

10am – 12pm EDT

NIH/Medical Center Metro stop

Rockville Pike

Bethesda, MD 20814

NO KINGS Chevy Chase! Line the Streets: Connecticut Ave.

Saturday, October 18

10am – 12pm EDT

Connecticut Avenue & East-West Highway

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Sat, Oct 18

11:00 AM — 1:00 PM EDT

Leisure World Plaza

Silver Spring, MD 20906

Zeina Davis | President 240-535-8847 www.mosaiccreativeagency.com Instagram: @mosaiccreativeagency

Governor Wes Moore Celebrates Opening of $12.5M AV Defense Facility in Germantown, Bringing 200 New Jobs - The MoCo Show

On Wednesday, Governor Wes Moore joined AeroVironment (AV) to celebrate the grand opening of its $12.5 million defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown, which is expected to create over 200 high-tech jobs and expand the company’s statewide workforce to 600. The project represents a major investment in Maryland’s aerospace and defense sector and received support from both state and county economic development programs.Per the news release distributed on Wednesday, July 16: “Governor Wes Moore today jo...

On Wednesday, Governor Wes Moore joined AeroVironment (AV) to celebrate the grand opening of its $12.5 million defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown, which is expected to create over 200 high-tech jobs and expand the company’s statewide workforce to 600. The project represents a major investment in Maryland’s aerospace and defense sector and received support from both state and county economic development programs.

Per the news release distributed on Wednesday, July 16: “Governor Wes Moore today joined global defense technology leader AV, also known as AeroVironment, to mark the official grand opening of its $12.5 million next-generation defense research and manufacturing facility in Germantown, Maryland. The 57,000-square-foot facility represents a significant milestone for AV and a major investment in Maryland’s lighthouse industries, as the is expected to create more than 200 high-tech, high-paying jobs—bringing the company’s statewide employment to 600 workers.

“AV’s reinvestment in Maryland strengthens our state’s position as a global hub for aerospace and defense,” said Gov. Moore. “By expanding its footprint in Germantown, AV continues to drive innovation in cyber, aviation, and emerging tech — creating high-skilled jobs and keeping Maryland at the forefront of cutting-edge research and discovery.” AV is a defense technology leader across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. The company develops and deploys autonomous systems, advanced cyber and electronic technologies, space-based platforms, and energy systems to meet defense mission needs. With a national manufacturing footprint and a deep innovation pipeline, AV delivers future-defining defense capabilities at speed and scale, with precise operational relevance.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this grand opening alongside so many esteemed partners and stakeholders who helped make this expansion happen, most notably our dedicated team of engineers and innovators whose ingenuity supports not only AV’s growth but our nation’s security,” said AV Real Estate and Facility Operations Vice President Deane Edelman. “This facility is more than a building—it is a hub for innovation, collaboration, and mission-driven work that will shape the future of defense technology.”

The expansion is part of AV’s continued growth following its May acquisition of BlueHalo and reflects the company’s deep commitment to advancing national security capabilities through next-generation technology. The facility’s advanced engineering labs, production spaces, and collaborative environments will accelerate mission-critical technologies like its PANTHER phased array antenna for hypersonic tracking and telemetry; Argus perimeter security system; and many of its artificial intelligence solutions.

“AV is focused on addressing the Department of Defense’s highest national security priorities,” said AV Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy Segment President Trip Ferguson. “That’s why we’re not only dedicated to the development of critical defense technologies, like autonomous systems, counter-drone systems, and space capabilities, but also to strengthening U.S. defense manufacturing capabilities. This new state-of-the-art facility in Maryland is another capstone in AV’s nationwide manufacturing network and a testament to the strength of our nation’s Defense Industrial Base.”

The Moore-Miller Administration supported the project through a $1 million conditional loan from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Advantage Maryland program and a $50,000 grant through the Partnership for Workforce Quality program. Montgomery County also provided a $100,000 conditional grant through its Economic Development Fund.

“On behalf of the State of Maryland, we are proud to support AV’s expansion in Montgomery County. This new facility’s impact on autonomous systems and cybersecurity services will keep our state competitive and thriving with cutting-edge technology,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “And with the addition of 200 new highly-skilled jobs, Maryland will remain a Mid-Atlantic leader in the aerospace and defense industry.”

“As we continue to expand R&D and manufacturing in Montgomery County, especially in advanced fields like biotechnology and aerospace communications, we are excited to welcome AV to our community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We appreciate their recognition of our strong talent pool and welcome them as an employer of more than 200 high-tech workers in Germantown.”

“Montgomery County proudly celebrates innovation and investments in cutting-edge research and technologies,” said Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart. “BlueHalo’s momentous expansion will boost our economy and bring high-paying, highly skilled jobs and attract top talent to Montgomery County.”

The new Germantown facility is AV’s seventh Maryland location, with additional offices in Annapolis Junction, Columbia, Jessup, and Stevensville—bringing the company’s statewide footprint to more than 176,000 square feet. AV employs 3,750 individuals in 30 U.S. locations across 14 states built to design, manufacture, and deliver next-generation technologies to serve the nation’s most critical missions.

“Congratulations to AV on the opening of their facility here in Germantown,” said Minkoff Development Co-President and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation Board Member Andy Chod. “Minkoff Development is proud to have built this state-of-the-art building and MCEDC looks forward to continuing to support AV’s business needs as they transition into this new facility. Montgomery County is home to many of the top defense technology companies in the nation, and AV’s continued growth and investment in this area is a testament to the county’s dynamic and innovative business ecosystem.”

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CIRS Treatment Germantown, MD

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