Unveiling the Hidden Threats: Mold Toxicity, Lyme, & CIRS with Heather Sunderland

Mold toxicity and chronic Lyme disease are complex health challenges that often go undiagnosed or misunderstood. Many individuals struggle for years, facing debilitating symptoms and failed treatments. One powerful story of resilience and recovery comes from Heather Sunderland, a board-certified functional health coach, who overcame 28 years of undiagnosed chronic Lyme disease and mold toxicity through a unique, regenerative healing approach.

Heather’s Early Struggles and Search for Answers

Heather’s health challenges began in childhood, marked by chronic conditions that persisted into her adult years. In her 30s, she developed severe daily pain, which was labeled as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. By age 35, her pain and other symptoms had become so severe that she could no longer maintain her private practice.

Over the next two decades, Heather’s condition worsened. She experienced severe neuropathy, ligament laxity, trouble walking and standing, and irritable bladder, among other issues. Despite consulting numerous healthcare professionals, answers were elusive, and treatments failed to address the root cause.

The Turning Point: Identifying Lyme and Mold Toxicity

It wasn’t until Heather was 51 that a breakthrough came when testing revealed Lyme bacteria in her body. Although she did not meet the CDC's diagnostic criteria for Lyme disease, holistic practitioners recognized active Lyme through muscle testing, leading her to undergo herbal treatments like andrographis. This initial treatment brought her pain levels down significantly but did not resolve all of her symptoms.

Heather then moved to Arizona and joined health coaching school, where she met Bobbi McGrath, a colleague who introduced her to Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and mold toxicity as potential underlying issues. Testing confirmed CIRS, and despite following the Shoemaker protocol under the guidance of a naturopathic doctor, Heather saw little improvement. At this time, her diet was restricted to only 10 foods due to severe reactions.

The Regenerative Approach That Transformed Heather’s Health

The major shift in Heather’s recovery began when she met other coaches experienced with CIRS and mold toxicity who advocated a regenerative approach. This method focused on deep nourishment, alkalizing the body, and restoring gut health.

Heather’s health began to improve when she implemented these practices:

Regenerative Nutrition Protocol: Heather incorporated organic, regeneratively farmed superfood shakes that were easy to digest and rich in nutrients. Despite initially tolerating only small amounts, these shakes helped detoxify her system and heal her gut.

Supporting Detox Pathways: Using herbs, homeopathics, and food-based binders, Heather targeted toxin removal to alleviate her symptoms.

Mindset and Nervous System Work: Heather engaged in deep spiritual and emotional work, rewiring her brain and shifting her perspective on symptoms. Trusting that her body was healing, she reframed symptoms as signs of progress rather than setbacks.

Over time, these combined efforts transformed Heather’s health. Within months, her brain fog lifted, and she regained mobility, eventually discarding assisted walking devices. By 23 months, tests showed she no longer had Lyme, mold toxicity, or CIRS.

Lessons and Insights for Others

Heather’s journey underscores critical lessons for those facing chronic illnesses:

• Look Beyond Standard Testing: Traditional diagnostics may not capture the full scope of conditions like Lyme and CIRS. Holistic approaches can offer new insights.
• Address Environmental Factors: Mold exposure is often overlooked as a contributor to chronic illness. Identifying and mitigating environmental toxins is essential.
• Embrace a Holistic, Patient-Centric Approach: Recovery may require a combination of regenerative nutrition, detoxification, and mindset work tailored to each individual’s unique needs.

Join the Free Webinar to Learn More

To dive deeper into identifying mold toxicity and CIRS in clients, join Heather Sunderland and Bobbi McGrath for a free webinar:

Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
Time: 7 PM Eastern | 4 PM Pacific
Register here: https://navigatingmoldandcirs.com/

For more in-depth insights, watch the full conversation between Heather and Mayim Vega on the Arukah Holistic Podcast here.