Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

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CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

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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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA.

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 McLean, VA
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in McLean, VA

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.

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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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA 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.

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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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA.

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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA

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.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms McLean, VA

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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 McLean, VA
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms McLean, VA

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 McLean, VA

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!

phone-number(703) 822-5003

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Latest News in McLean, VA

New Elevated Menu Introduced At Matchbox McLean

Matchbox introduces a new elevated menu based on feedback from its customers in McLean, according to Thompson Hospitality.Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ETMCLEAN, VA — Matchbox recently rolled out a new elevated menu at its McLean location, featuring a selection of premium steak and seafood dishes catered to the tastes of its customers in McLean.“The great th...

Matchbox introduces a new elevated menu based on feedback from its customers in McLean, according to Thompson Hospitality.

Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff

|Updated Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 12:26 pm ET

MCLEAN, VA — Matchbox recently rolled out a new elevated menu at its McLean location, featuring a selection of premium steak and seafood dishes catered to the tastes of its customers in McLean.

“The great thing about Matchbox as a brand is that even though we have 12 restaurants, we want to be uniquely different in every neighborhood,” said Mumia Fatiu, vice president of operations at Matchbox.

Since its beginning as a neighborhood restaurant in 2003, Matchbox tries to listen to the community and find out what type of menu they’re craving, according to Fatiu.

“Throughout the day, we asked customers, ‘How are you enjoying your meal? Is there anything else on the menu that you would love to see?’” he said. “Without a doubt, steaks and seafood were two of the items they wanted to see.”

The new Matchbox Prime menu includes Lobster Cobb Salad, Chimichurri Steak, Atlantic Halibut, Truffle & Wild Mushroom Pizza, Branzino, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“USDA Prime cuts, expertly seasoned and finished with the brand’s signature garlic butter,” according to a Thompson Hospitality release. “Each steak is served with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, and grilled asparagus, creating a perfectly balanced and indulgent meal.”

“We've listened to our guests and we came to a realization that although we have 12 Matchboxes, each one of them has a little bit of their own nuance in the community,” said Alex Berentzen, Thompson’s chief operating officer, during a new menu tasting on Thursday night. “We wanted to introduce Matchbox Prime to offer a little bit more elevated menu items. You've got Matchbox favorites along with some prime seafood, prime steak and truffle pizza.”

In addition to Matchbox, Thompson owns 18 brand concepts and operates 65 restaurants in the DMV, including Milk & Honey, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza and Big Buns. The company typically introduces two menus a year at each of its restaurant locations.

“There's always something going on in our restaurants, usually seasonal, and then we have special menus around the holidays — St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day,” Berentzen said.

During the second week in April, Thompson is rolling out a universal loyalty program across all of its brands.

“You can start earning points by going to all of our different brands with different layers of unlocked benefits,” Berentzen said. “Towards the end of the year, we're launching a paid membership program, so we're very excited about that.”

Patrons can try the new prime menu at the Matchbox located at 1340 Chain Bridge Road in McLean. The restaurant is open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Celebrate Latin American Culture At MCC's Third Annual Fiesta del Sol

McLean Community Center's vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on March 22.Michael O'Connell, Patch StaffMarch 4, 2025 - McLean Community Center Press ReleaseMCLEAN, VA — Fiesta del Sol, McLean Community Center’s (MCC) vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on S...

McLean Community Center's vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on March 22.

Michael O'Connell, Patch Staff

March 4, 2025 - McLean Community Center Press Release

MCLEAN, VA — Fiesta del Sol, McLean Community Center’s (MCC) vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, music, food and dancing, returns for a third year on Saturday, March 22. The festival will be held from 5-10 p.m. and the event is free and open to the public. Tickets for food and drinks will be available for purchase onsite. Patrons must be 21 years or older to purchase alcohol. MCC, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

The event kicks off with Salsa Guy Richmond, who will teach a few basic salsa, merengue and cumbia dance moves—just in time to enjoy a live performance by Izis La Enfermera de la Salsa, a popular performer and Army nurse, who will be debuting her latest album, “A Mi Manera” (My Way). The celebration continues with the bandPablo Antonio y La Firma, which brings a rich history of musical excellence to the vibrant Latin music scene. The band will perform favorites, including “Acariciame.”

Fiesta del Sol is proudly produced by the McLean Community Center, with the assistance of VIP Impressions LLC. “Fiesta del Sol is a celebration of the rich and diverse traditions of the Latin community," said Beatriz Paz, Owner of VIP Impressions LLC. “This year’s festival will reflect the spirit of unity and joy found in the McLean community.”

Event highlights include:

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711 or visit mcleancenter.org.

The McLean Community Center, an agency of Fairfax County Government, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all programs, services and activities. We will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. To request special accommodations, call the Center 14 working days in advance of the event. To request this information in an alternate format, call 711.

STEM Essay Contest Winners Recognized By AAUW McLean Area Branch

The McLean Area Branch of AAUW sent this press release on March 19.MCLEAN, VA — The winners of the 2025 STEM Essay Contest sponsored by the McLean Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) were announced and recognized during the Branch potluck dinner held on March 18th at the McLean Community Center. The contest was open to 7th and 8th grade students (girls and boys) at six local public and private schools. The students were asked to discover and publicize women including women of color, who made a...

The McLean Area Branch of AAUW sent this press release on March 19.

MCLEAN, VA — The winners of the 2025 STEM Essay Contest sponsored by the McLean Area Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) were announced and recognized during the Branch potluck dinner held on March 18th at the McLean Community Center. The contest was open to 7th and 8th grade students (girls and boys) at six local public and private schools. The students were asked to discover and publicize women including women of color, who made a difference in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, but who received little or no recognition for their contributions while they were alive. Strong preference was given to essays about women who are not well known even today. Each essay described one woman’s contribution and its impact, as well as why the student selected the woman.

The winners of the contest are:

1st Place: Aanya Palit, Cooper Middle School (8th Grade) Honorable Mention: Claire Broderdorf, Longfellow Middle School (7th Grade) Honorable Mention: Ridheema Dusange, Luther Jackson Middle School (7th Grade) Honorable Mention: Clara Kosoff, Cooper Middle School (7th Grade) Honorable Mention: Yonatan Nikolich, Longfellow Middle School (7th Grade)

As part of the awards ceremony, the 1st place winner, Aany Palit, read her essay on Rajeshwari Chatterjee. She was one of India’s first female engineers, who was a pioneer in microwave engineering, a field that revolutionized modern telecommunications and defense systems. Other women who were the subjects of the winning essays were Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, Gladys West, Esther Lederberg, and Eleanor Griffin Dickson.

Fourteen volunteers from our branch served as judges: Janet Alejandro, Pam Bacher, Lynn Gutter, Christina Hamilton, Myrtle Hendricks-Corrales, Sherry Joslin, Mafalda Marrocco, Nina McVeigh, Tom McVeigh, Judy Page, Ruth Nowjack-Raymer, Diana Parsell, Caroline Pickens, and Cheryl Williams. The essay contest was managed by a steering committee, consisting of Myrtle Hendricks and Diana Parsell together with Judy Page, STEM Chair.

Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

For more information on the McLean Area Branch, visit the branch website at http://mclean-va.aauw.net.

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