The question isn’t whether mold affects the body, it’s where it can linger.

That distinction came into focus through two studies by Dr. Joseph Brewer, an infectious disease specialist, and they meaningfully shaped how we approach mold-related illness in the clinic.

Brewer was studying patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a condition marked by profound fatigue, brain fog, and symptoms that worsen with even minimal activity. He wanted to understand whether mold-related illness could be playing a role.

To explore that possibility, he began by looking for evidence of mold activity inside the body.

In one study, 112 patients with CFS underwent urinary testing for mycotoxins, toxic compounds released by certain molds.
The results were striking.

93% of chronic fatigue patients tested positive for mycotoxins. But where were the mycotoxins coming from?

Brewer proposed that mold could be colonizing the sinuses, creating a hidden reservoir that continuously released mycotoxins into the body.

So he tested that idea directly.

In a follow-up study, the same patients received targeted sinus antifungal support using amphotericin B, delivered through a nasal atomizer designed to reach deep into the sinus cavities.

After six months of sinus support, 94% of patients experienced symptom improvements, with 30% experiencing near-complete CFS symptom resolution.

Notably, however, some symptoms returned after treatment stopped. This suggests that while sinus-focused support can be effective, it may not be sufficient on its own. Mold can persist in other areas of the body, including the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

This is where research like this changes how we practice.

Rather than viewing sinus treatment as a standalone solution, it became part of a broader shift in how we think about mold-related illness. In practice, we often find that systemic antifungal support (both pharmaceutical, like the study, and natural) plays an important role in more complete and durable recovery.

We’ve also worked to make this process more streamlined and accessible, removing barriers that once made this type of care difficult to navigate.

This is how we continue to refine care: by letting good research shape better outcomes.

Book an Appointment →

In Health,

Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC

Adjunct Professor, University of Bridgeport
Clinical Researcher

P. S. A colleague and friend of mine is currently enrolling participants for a Lion Diet research study. If you’re curious and want more information, you can fill out a short eligibility form to be contacted by the study team.