Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Sterling, 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 Sterling, VA for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

Service Areas

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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, VA
 CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Sterling, 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 Sterling, VA

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Sterling, 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.

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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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.

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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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.

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 Sterling, VA
 Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Sterling, 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 Sterling, 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!

Appointment Form

Latest News in Sterling, VA

Trump watches fireworks alongside Melania during star-studded reception as inauguration weekend kicks off

He’s coming in with a bang.President-elect Donald Trump, alongside his wife Melania and other family members, watched as fireworks lit up the sky from the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, on Saturday during a star-studded reception ahead of Inauguration Day.The show went off for the crowd just before 10 p.m.Around the same time, Trump’s...

He’s coming in with a bang.

President-elect Donald Trump, alongside his wife Melania and other family members, watched as fireworks lit up the sky from the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, on Saturday during a star-studded reception ahead of Inauguration Day.

The show went off for the crowd just before 10 p.m.

Around the same time, Trump’s Truth Social account ripped New York Attorney General Letitia James’ case against him.

“What is going on with this totally corrupt New York Judge,” Trump said.

“He was replaced until the “bosses,” who have been after me for years, found out about it? New York Courts must be investigated!”

Shortly after, Trump posted a nearly 15-minute video showcasing the soon-to-be 47th president and first lady standing side by side on a balcony at his golf club and applauding the massive pyrotechnic display.

Afterward, Trump busted out one of his signature dance moves in front of the crowd.

President @realDonaldTrump and @MELANIATRUMP arrive at Trump National Sterling, VA! ???????? pic.twitter.com/ZCIcCJz3O6

— Margo Martin (@margomartin) January 19, 2025

The incoming commander in chief hosted a party for 500 guests — including cabinet nominees Pete Hegseth and Lee Zeldin.

Trump was also joined by his kids Don Jr, Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany.

An Elvis impersonator performed for the group earlier on in the night, Trump aide Margo Martin posted on X.

Trump and his family flew in an Air Force plane from West Palm Beach, Fla. to Washington earlier Saturday to kickstart his inauguration weekend.

Following the party, Trump will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on Sunday.

He will later hold a “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” inside the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.

On Monday, Trump will be sworn in as United States’ 47th president at noon local time, which is set to take place in the Capital Rotunda for the first time in four decades because of extreme cold weather conditions

With Post wires

Rodent Droppings, Ice Machine Mildew Among Ashburn, Sterling Restaurant Violations

The Loudoun County Health Department found rodent droppings, a brown and green mildew on an ice machine part and more violations.Patch StaffASHBURN, VA — Numerous restaurants in the Ashburn and Sterling area recorded violations during health department inspections in the early days of 2025.Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected. For every obse...

The Loudoun County Health Department found rodent droppings, a brown and green mildew on an ice machine part and more violations.

Patch Staff

ASHBURN, VA — Numerous restaurants in the Ashburn and Sterling area recorded violations during health department inspections in the early days of 2025.

Violations at restaurants typically focus on factors that can contribute to food contamination. The local health department can also perform a re-inspection to ensure that possible violations have been corrected. For every observed violation, the inspector provides a specific corrective action that can be completed to rectify the violation.

Sometimes these are simple, and violations can be corrected during the course of the inspection. Some common violations may include foods hot holding or cold holding at improper temperatures, foods without dates marked, and sanitizer with improper amounts of chroline.

Here are the January restaurant inspections in and around Ashburn and Sterling up to Jan. 9, according to the Loudoun County Health Department. The most violations were 16 at Tava Fry. Other violations included rodent droppings at Tipicos Dona Gloria Restaurant and green and brown mildew in an ice machine at Tommy's Place.

Tava Fry: 44054 Pipeline Plaza #140 Ashburn, VA 20147

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

Last inspection:

South Block: 20327 Exchange St Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: Jan. 9

Violations:

Doughlab: 21426 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling, VA, USA #180 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan.8

Violations: The purpose of todays visit is to conduct a pre-opening inspection. Facility not approved at time of inspection. Facility is to call EHS when items below have been corrected.

Facility is in need of correcting the following:

MatsuPoke: 44260 Ice Rink Plaza #107 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: Jan. 8

Violations:

Running Dish: 47100 Community Plaza 134 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 8

Violations:

Capitol Grounds Coffee (MAIN TERMINAL): 1 Saarinen Cir. Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: Jan. 8

Violations:

Delicioso: 45665 W. Church Rd #112 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 8

Violations: No violations found.

Benihana: 21089 Dulles Town Circle Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations:

China Gourmet Inn: 20789 Great Falls Plaza #118 Sterling, VA 20165

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations:

La Pupusa Loca: 309 South Sterling Blvd Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations:

UP Ashburn LLC: 20051 Riverside Cmns Plz #136 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations: No violations found. Permit handed to person in charge.

Tipicos Dona Gloria Restaurant: 317 Enterprise St Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations:

Velocity Wings: 20789 Great Falls Plaza #162 Sterling, VA 20165

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations: No violations found. The purpose of today's follow-up inspection was to confirm that proper testing strips have been procured for the three basin sink. Correct testing strips have been obtained.

Hunan Village: 42920 Piccadilly Plaza #131 Ashburn, VA 20147

Last inspection: Jan. 3

Violations:

MG Food US: 47024 Leesburg Pike 104 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations:

Ox Deli: 23035 Douglas Court #136 Sterling, VA 20166

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations:

Tommy's Place: 156 Enterprise Street Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations:

Chuy's: 21365 Epicerie Plaza Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations:

Mika's Pizza: 21475 Epicerie Plaza #100 Sterling, VA 20164

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations:

Locals Tacos & Tequila: 20789 Great Falls Plaza #176 Sterling, VA 20165

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations:

Shotted Specialty Coffee: 21100 Dulles Town Cir Dulles, VA 20166

Last inspection: Jan. 2

Violations: No violations found. Previous violations corrected.

Move aside pickleball: Indoor padel venue opens in Sterling

The fast-growing sport is a cross between tennis and squash.A fast-growing racket sport has made its way to Loudoun County — and it's not pickleball.The sport is padel and a new venue, Padel Up, has opened inside a former indoor ropes facility in Sterling. The 17,000-square-foot venue, from owner Sabah Alsabah, has four padel courts, along with a lounge where guests can order up organic smoothies, snacks and coffees.While pickleball has taken the U.S. by storm, padel — a cross between tennis and squash &mdash...

The fast-growing sport is a cross between tennis and squash.

A fast-growing racket sport has made its way to Loudoun County — and it's not pickleball.

The sport is padel and a new venue, Padel Up, has opened inside a former indoor ropes facility in Sterling. The 17,000-square-foot venue, from owner Sabah Alsabah, has four padel courts, along with a lounge where guests can order up organic smoothies, snacks and coffees.

While pickleball has taken the U.S. by storm, padel — a cross between tennis and squash — is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, played by an estimated 30 million people across 110 countries. The sport, which originated in Mexico, is also seeing modest growth in the U.S., with courts cropping up in such cities as Charlotte, Baltimore, Nashville and San Francisco.

Alsabah discovered padel a few years ago while visiting friends in the Middle East.

"My friends were playing this game that I'd never heard of before, and they convinced me to come out and play with them, and I was completely hooked," he recalled. "I came back to D.C., and looked for courts, and found they just did not exist."

So Alsabah, who has a background in marketing and consulting, set out two years ago to change that. With the aid of an outside broker, Bob Anderson at Cresa, he found the former Summit Ropes location at 44810 Old Ox Road. Summit Ropes, once hailed as one of the largest indoor ropes courses in the country, closed in the spring.

It took some time to home in on the Old Ox Road site. Most of the other venues Alsabah scouted were either too small or not zoned for recreation, but the former Summit Ropes space was an ideal fit, thanks to its 28-foot-high ceilings and columns spaced far enough apart to accommodate four, 33-foot-by-66-foot courts.

Alsabah signed the lease in July and retained a team including Powers Brown Architecture and Nova Medical Builders to design and build out the space. There were some setbacks, like a three-day port strike earlier in the fall that delayed delivery of the courts from Italy, but the courts finally arrived in October and Padel Up opened Nov. 18.

The location will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Memberships start at $99 a month, but nonmembers can also book court time.

If all goes well, Alsabah might look to open additional locations in the D.C. area. But he's self-funding the business, so he's taking things slow for now.

"I'm hyperfocused on making this a success here," he said.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.