Symptoms Caused By Toxic Mold

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on October 16, 2018. Posted in General Health.

Symptoms caused by toxic mold range from allergies to severe health problems

Patients who come to our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee will find a caring staff who understands the symptoms caused by toxic mold. Our providers are experts at diagnosing toxic mold illnesses. From teaching patients about home remediation for toxic mold, to providing medications and other treatments, our staff knows how to help patients get back to health.

Toxic mold is not the same as a mold allergy

A mold allergy affects the immune system, so when you are exposed to mold (usually a specific type), you have an allergic reaction. This causes allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing.

In contrast, toxic mold is a mycotoxin that is put off by a mold. When these mycotoxins are released, they cause different symptoms caused by toxic mold. These symptoms do affect the immune system, but it is not the same as an allergy response.

Mold illnesses can cause more severe symptoms

Symptoms caused by toxic mold become more severe with continued mold exposure. Here are some of the serious conditions our practitioners see.

Respiratory symptoms like wheezing, nosebleeds and sore throat
Circulatory problems such as low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat
Vision problems like blurry vision
Skin conditions such as dermatitis
Chronic fatigue
Muscle weakness and pain
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Symptoms of depression
Severe headaches
Dizziness
Hair loss

Misdiagnosis is common when patients have symptoms caused by toxic mold

Conventional medicine practitioners often misdiagnose symptoms caused by toxic mold, attributing them to other conditions. The treatments these physicians prescribe often leave patients frustrated and chronically ill because they fail to address the cause of the problem – toxic mold.

Mold itself is not toxic, but the mycotoxins the mold produces cause health problems. Only trained practitioners like the experienced staff at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee can recognize toxic mold illnesses.

Our experienced practitioners understand toxic mold illnesses

Our practitioners go above and beyond to treat people with toxic mold illnesses. When people come to our clinic with symptoms caused by toxic mold, our staff begins their extensive diagnostic process. Our treatment protocol is not limited to medication and home remediation. Our practitioners are trained in the Dr. Shoemaker protocols to address toxic mold. In addition, our patients receive nutritional supplements, dietary recommendations, immunotherapy and alternative therapies to improve their overall health and wellness. Treating the whole patient, not just the symptoms caused by toxic mold, helps our patients and improves their quality of life.

Patients who have given up hope due to chronic problems and symptoms caused by toxic mold should contact our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee for an appointment.

Diagnosing Toxic Mold Illnesses

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on October 16, 2018. Posted in General Health.

Our experienced practitioners are experts at diagnosing toxic mold illnesses

At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, our skilled practitioners combine experience and knowledge when diagnosing toxic mold illnesses. Illnesses caused by toxic mold cause symptoms that are often confused with other conditions and are misdiagnosed by conventional medicine. When patients receive the wrong diagnosis, they do not receive proper treatment and continue to suffer from chronic problems that severely affect their quality of life. Our practitioners leave no stone unturned when diagnosing problems caused by toxic mold.

Diagnosing toxic mold illnesses requires a thorough investigation

One test is not the answer to diagnosing toxic mold illnesses. Instead, trained practitioners need to utilize a combination of methods to determine whether patients are suffering from symptoms caused by toxic mold.

Our staff begins the diagnostic process by taking a thorough medical history that also addresses the environment in which a patient lives, works or studies. Taking time to carefully investigate a person’s environment is important when diagnosing toxic mold.

If a patient’s medical history and symptoms point to exposure to toxic mold, the next step is taking blood and urine samples and nasal swabs to look for evidence of toxic mold spores.

Another important part of diagnosing toxic mold illnesses is allergy testing. When patients come to our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee with signs of mold allergies, their treatment plan may include allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy.

The visual contrast sensitivity test

The visual contrast sensitivity test is helpful for diagnosing toxic mold illnesses that have caused severe symptoms that affect the nervous system. This test challenges a person’s ability to distinguish between black, white and shades of gray, testing the patient’s optic nerve function. The experienced practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee recognize that toxins can decrease the oxygen supply available to nerves, affecting their function. The visual contrast sensitivity test is very effective in determining whether the toxins from molds are negatively affecting patients.

An accurate diagnosis is critical for patients suffering from toxic mold illnesses

Diagnosing toxic mold illnesses requires time and attention. Our staff takes the time to be thorough and obtain an accurate diagnosis to help our patients return to optimal health.

Traditional medical doctors often tell patients that they have lupus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis or mental illnesses when they actually have toxic mold illnesses. Misdiagnosis leads to more serious problems, including chronically ill and depressed patients.

Patients who visit our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee can depend on us. Diagnosing toxic mold illnesses is one of our specialties. We take the time to get to the bottom of every problem. Patients who are looking for this kind of expertise and attention to detail should contact us for an appointment.

Preventing Toxic Mold Growth

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on October 16, 2018. Posted in Blog, General Health, Toxic Mold. No Comments on Preventing Toxic Mold Growth

Information you need about preventing toxic mold growth

Preventing toxic mold growth helps prevent mold allergies and toxic mold illnesses. The experienced practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee have some tips to help you reduce your exposure to toxic mold.

Preventing toxic mold growth begins with three critical steps

There are several crucial components of preventing toxic mold growth. You need to prevent moisture build-up, prevent airborne mold spores from entering the home, and focus on the kitchen and bathrooms, rooms where mold is especially prevalent.

Mold spores grow and thrive in moist environments. Mold allergies and illness are spread by airborne mold spores that enter the home through ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems, as well as through windows and doors. The spores can also attach themselves to clothing, bags or pets and bring the mold spores indoors. If you take the following three steps, you will be well on your way to preventing toxic mold growth in and around your home.

1. Protect your home’s air quality
  Preventing airborne mold spores begins by installing and using central air conditioning, if possible, with a HEPA filter attached, and changing air conditioning and heating filters often. Using air conditioning makes it easier to keep windows and doors closed to keep mold spores out. It’s also very helpful to keep the humidity level in your home at 35% or below or at a maximum of 50%.
2. Inspect your environment for water leaks and sources of moisture in and around your home
  Preventing toxic mold growth requires regular inspections of areas where water may leak, including appliance hoses, toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, hot water heaters, attics and ceilings. You should also have your sump pump inspected regularly.
3. Take extra care in the kitchen and bathroom areas
  Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly vulnerable to moisture problems, but proper ventilation can help quite a bit. The practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee recommend that you do not carpet moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. Frequent cleaning with mold-killing products will also help with preventing toxic mold growth.

Despite your best efforts, you may still have a problem with mold in your home. Rather than try to tackle it yourself, you should reach out to professional mold remediation specialists for help removing the mold.

The providers and staff at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee diagnose and treat toxic mold illnesses. Preventing toxic mold growth is something you can do to protect yourself and your family. Contact us for an appointment if you have been exposed to toxic mold or have symptoms of toxic mold illnesses or allergies.

Seeking Help for Lyme Disease

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on September 12, 2018. Posted in General Health, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Seeking Help for Lyme Disease

Patients shouldn’t take a “wait and see” approach when seeking help for Lyme disease

Lyme disease is so misunderstood and misdiagnosed that many people take a “wait and see” approach to seeking help for Lyme disease. The Lyme literate practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee encourage patients not to put off diagnosis and treatment. When ticks bite people, it’s best to get a medical opinion from a Lyme disease expert like Debra Muth ND, NP or Greg Brown MD and their team.

Begin seeking help for Lyme disease by searching for a Lyme literate practitioner

Seeking help for Lyme disease can be tricky for patients. When they pursue help from conventional medicine providers, their symptoms may be dismissed, ignored or misdiagnosed. On the other hand, a patient who sees a Lyme literate practitioner, like our functional medicine experts, is listened to attentively. Patient information is as important as testing when diagnosing Lyme disease.

Conventional medicine primarily relies on one or two tests to diagnose Lyme disease, and these tests do not always identify the disease in its earliest and most-treatable stages. Patients seeking help for Lyme disease from our providers discover that our staff does not rely on standard tests alone. Instead, our providers employ various testing methods and diagnostic tools to find the answers people need. In addition, our Lyme literate practitioners have the experience, knowledge and training to recognize the often hidden and hard to diagnose symptoms of Lyme disease.

Left untreated, Lyme disease causes more severe problems

When patients have suffered for months or years with the symptoms of Lyme disease because they were misdiagnosed, they are often hesitant about seeking help for Lyme disease. Procrastinating is a mistake because acute Lyme disease can become chronic, leading to more complicated problems, including neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Patients should never put off seeking help for Lyme disease. The compassionate and knowledgeable Lyme literate practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee are here to help. Contact us for an appointment.

Provider Experience with Lyme Disease

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on August 14, 2018. Posted in Blog, General Health, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Provider Experience with Lyme Disease

Learn the importance of provider experience with Lyme disease

Many patients do not understand the importance of provider experience with Lyme disease, but choosing an inexperienced practitioner can lead to misdiagnosis and years of bad health and frustration. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, our Lyme literate practitioners have diagnosed and treated thousands of cases of Lyme disease. A Lyme literate practitioner is someone who possesses extensive knowledge, experience and skill with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Our practitioners explain the importance of provider experience with Lyme disease

Provider experience with Lyme disease matters for many reasons. The Lyme literate practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee explain three of the reasons.

Inexperienced providers often misdiagnose Lyme disease. Traditional medical doctors and other clinics rely on the Western blog test and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to diagnose Lyme disease. These tests miss about half of the cases, leading to misdiagnosis, a primary reason why provider experience with Lyme disease matters. Often, patients with Lyme disease are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or other autoimmune diseases, especially if they do not display the characteristic Lyme disease rash. Only 20-30% of patients develop the rash, so practitioners should not rely on finding this symptom.
Many practitioners totally rely on antibiotics for treatment. A study at Columbia University with mice found that antibiotics alone often cannot cure Lyme disease, yet many providers still rely on these medications to treat the disease. In this case, provider experience with Lyme disease matters because knowledgeable practitioners, like the ones at our functional medicine clinic in Milwaukee, understand that Lyme disease needs to be treated with a comprehensive treatment plan that is based on an individual’s needs and goes above and beyond antibiotics alone.
Ignoring the effects of Lyme disease on the immune system often leads to more health problems. Finally, provider experience matters with Lyme disease because many traditional doctors and other providers do not understand how Lyme disease affects the immune system. The disease lowers a patient’s immunity, making them vulnerable to coinfections and other health problems. It is vital to address the patient’s issues with immunity if he or she is to return to optimal health.

Our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee offers a comprehensive Lyme disease program

It’s safe to say that provider experience with Lyme disease matters. Our Lyme literate practitioners are ready to help. Contact us.

Lyme Disease Rash

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on July 16, 2018. Posted in Blog, General Health, Lyme Disease. No Comments on Lyme Disease Rash

Even if you don’t have the Lyme disease rash, you may still have Lyme disease

The Lyme disease rash is a telltale sign of the illness. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we emphasize the fact that 20-30% of people with Lyme disease develop the Lyme disease rash. It’s important that you understand this fact so that you can look for other signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have Lyme disease.

What is the Lyme disease rash?

The characteristic Lyme disease rash occurs in 20-30% of people with the disease. Typically, the rash appears about a week after a tick bites you, but it may appear anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite occurs. The rash begins at the site of the bite and gradually expands. You may notice a warm sensation, but won’t feel pain or itching. If you are one of the people who does not have a Lyme disease rash, you need to learn about the other symptoms.

Early signs and symptoms occur in the first 30 days after the tick bite

During the first three to 30 days after a tick bites you, you may not develop a rash, but you may experience the following symptoms of Lyme disease.

Fever
Chills
Fatigue
Headache
Aching muscles and joints
Swollen lymph nodes

Later signs and symptoms can occur months after a tick bite

The early signs of Lyme disease mimic so many other conditions that you may dismiss the symptoms, especially if you haven’t developed a Lyme disease rash. If you aren’t diagnosed and treated in the first month after a bite, your symptoms may change and become more severe.

Stiff neck
Severe headaches
Severe swelling and arthritic joint pain, particularly in large joints like the knees
Irregular heartbeat
Heart palpitations
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Drooping or loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of your face
Tingling, numbness or shooting pains in the hands and feet
Short-term memory issues

Our practitioners are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease

Even if you don’t have a Lyme disease rash, you need to seek help from an experienced Lyme literate practitioner as soon as you are able if you notice signs and symptoms. At our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee, we understand the complexities of Lyme disease. Contact us for an appointment.

Seek Treatment from a Hormone Therapy Expert

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on June 12, 2018. Posted in Blog, General Health, Hormones. No Comments on Seek Treatment from a Hormone Therapy Expert

Three reasons to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert

Due to the increasing amount of inadequately trained hormone providers, it’s imperative to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert like the experienced hormone providers at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee. Our hormone providers, Debra Muth ND and Amy Hoffman NP, have the skill, knowledge and experience to administer bioidentical hormones.

Why you should seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert

Our hormone providers want to explain why it’s so important to seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert.

When you seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert, you are receiving care from a practitioner who has specialized knowledge. Not all hormone providers are equally well-trained. Some may have received a minimal amount of training and information about hormones, while others, like Dr. Muth and Amy Hoffman, possess extensive credentials.
For example, when you seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert like Dr. Muth, you are going to receive care from a leader in the field who has been administering bioidentical hormones to patients since 1988.
An expert in hormone therapy understands the various methods of administering bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones can be administered in several forms. Many providers use pellets, but the experts at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee do not use this type of hormone because pellets can cause many problems. When you seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert like our providers, you will discover that hormones administered in a transdermal form, or through the skin, are more controllable and less expensive. Oral medications, gels, creams and injections are also available.
When you purchase hormone supplements from an expert, you can rest assured that they only use accredited, reliable compounding pharmacies. The final reason why you should seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert is the way hormones are created. Our bioidentical hormones are only created from the best raw materials, never ingredients grown in a toxic environment. They are created at accredited, reliable compounding pharmacies to ensure the highest quality.

The experienced providers at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee are the perfect example of why you should seek treatment from a hormone therapy expert. Our clinic provides the standard of care you deserve. Contact us for an appointment.

Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on May 15, 2018. Posted in Blog, Chronic Illness, General Health, Men's Health, Nutrition, Women's Health. No Comments on Benefits of IV Nutritional Therapy

Four benefits of IV nutritional therapy you should know about

The skilled practitioners at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee want you to know about four benefits of IV nutritional therapy. During IV nutritional therapy, vital nutrients, minerals and vitamins are administered through an IV drip in our office. The process takes anywhere from a half hour to six hours, depending on your needs. This therapy is a valuable treatment that helps many of our patients improve their health and quality of life.

Learn more about the four benefits of IV nutritional therapy

If you have a chronic condition or other health problems, you need to know more about IV nutritional therapy.

One of the main benefits of IV nutritional therapy is that it provides important minerals, amino acids, vitamins and nutrients directly to the bloodstream. Delivery to the bloodstream ensures that all the crucial nutrients are absorbed fully into the body where they can be used to improve your health.
IV nutritional therapy allows nutrients to bypass the gastrointestinal (GI) system, so the body absorbs the maximum amount of nutrition. Many patients have a damaged gastrointestinal system that may be inflamed or harmed by viruses or exposure to toxins. Bypassing the damaged system and delivering the nutrients via the bloodstream means that you will receive the maximum benefits of IV nutritional therapy.
IV nutritional therapy allows us to deliver larger doses of nutrients to your body than you could tolerate in oral doses. Higher oral doses of vitamins and other nutrients can enter the GI system and cause stomach problems. Delivery through an IV bypasses the GI tract, allowing us to deliver the maximum amount of nutrients your body needs.
One of the most important benefits of IV nutritional therapy is that it can be used to treat several conditions and chronic health problems.
- Immune deficiency
- Damaged GI tract
- Hydrochloric acid, or digestive enzyme, deficiency
- Lack of friendly gut bacteria
- Exposure to toxic metals
- HIV infection
- Hypertension
- Asthma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Congestive heart failure

If you are suffering from chronic health problems, and you are not getting relief from your current treatment plan, consider the benefits of IV nutritional therapy. The experienced team at our functional medicine clinic near Milwaukee can help you feel better. Contact us for an appointment.

Weight Loss Programs Redirected

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on January 16, 2018. Posted in General Health.

Managing Holiday Stress

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on December 12, 2017. Posted in Blog, General Health. No Comments on Managing Holiday Stress

Managing holiday stress – Tips for 12 or more days of bliss-mas

Managing holiday stress can help you experience more of the joy of the season and less of the humbug. The staff at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee has some tips to help you survive and thrive during the holiday season.

Your guide to managing holiday stress

It’s probably unrealistic to say that you can get through the holidays without any stress, but we believe managing holiday stress is within your reach.

Take a cue from the partridge in a pear tree, the turtle doves, the French hens and the maids a milking. Focus on a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy and whole grains. Don’t go overboard on sweet treats.
Mimic the four calling birds and call a friend. Get together with people who make you happy, but don’t cause you stress. Do it because it’s fun, not because it’s an obligation.
The geese a laying weren’t really lying around, but you should be. Rest is a wonderful way of managing holiday stress. Short naps are good for your health, and it’s also very important to get good sleep each night.
Imitate the swans a swimming, the ladies dancing and the lords a leaping. Even though you think you’re too busy to exercise, it’s important to make time for some form of stretching, cardio or strength training each day.
Take a hint from the pipers and the drummers. Play, sing or listen to music. Music is a proven way of managing holiday stress and calming your nerves.
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the sparkling beauty of golden rings, silver lights and the other beautiful sights of the season. A positive attitude and feelings of gratitude can help alleviate stress.

We’re here to help with holiday stress

If you are having difficulty managing holiday stress, see the providers at our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee. We provide treatments and therapies that can help.

Nutrition advice and supplements
Advice about food allergies
Alternative therapies, such as massage therapy
Help with sleep problems

Our alternative medicine providers work with people who need help managing holiday stress or daily anxiety. Contact our alternative medicine clinic near Milwaukee for an appointment.