1023 - How Fungal Overgrowth Can Trigger Gut Symptoms (And What to Do)

1023 - How Fungal Overgrowth Can Trigger Gut Symptoms (And What to Do)

Author: Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC July 22, 2026 Duration: 1:55:01

📖 Full Mold Checklist & Resources Guide (Free Download) : https://drruscio.com/guides/get-home-mold-guide/ 

Could hidden fungus or mold exposure be driving recurring gut symptoms? In this episode, Dr. Scott Spiridigliozzi interviews Dr. Pejman Katiraei about a novel "backdoor" mechanism through which inhaled fungal toxins may reach the gut through the bloodstream, disrupt the microbiome, increase intestinal permeability, and contribute to persistent symptoms such as bloating, food reactions, fatigue, brain fog, and anxiety.

They also discuss how to identify possible fungal or environmental triggers and the practical steps that may help restore gut health and reduce symptoms.

 

✅ Start healing with us! Learn more about our virtual clinic:  https://drruscio.com/virtual-clinic/

 

➡️ Learn more about Dr. Pejman Katiraei:

https://drkatiraei.com/

https://wholistickids.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wholistickids/

We Tested Our Home and We Don't Have Mold! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcdjPSD5QDo

Mold Substack Protocol: https://pkatiraei.substack.com/p/mold-protocol-for-children-with-asd

 

💊 Featured Products & Supplements

EnviroBiomics Tests: https://www.envirobiomics.com/ref/27392/

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 NeuroNeeds Energy Needs: https://www.neuroneeds.com/product/energyneeds/

 

 

👇 Watch more videos like this 👇 

➡️ How to Tell If You Have Mold in Your Home (And What To Do Next): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utLr0rQghfs

➡️ Fungus – The Hidden Reason Symptoms Keep Coming Back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIb2DXdInv4

➡️ Mold Exposure Story: Healing Cordila's Fatigue, Weight Gain, & Nausea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdVGK5J2Skg

➡️ Top Treatments To Detox Mold Exposure and Mycotoxins For Good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSLtfGRNPKI

 

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRuscioDC?sub_confirmation=1

 

And if you have any questions or topics you would like covered in the future, let me know in the comments!

 

👇Read these next 👇

➡️ Mold Detox Diet: Foods that May Support Recovery:

https://drruscio.com/mold-detox-diet/

➡️ Black Mold Symptoms: What's Real, What's Not, and What to Do:

https://drruscio.com/black-mold-symptoms/

➡️ Are Your Seasonal Allergies Actually An Allergy to Mold?:

https://drruscio.com/allergy-to-mold/

 

📌 Timestamps

 

00:00 Intro 

03:36 Hidden Effects of Fungus & Mold

07:15 Surprising Fungus & Mold Facts

11:44 Signs of Mold Exposure

17:21 MCAS & Nervous System Signs

18:33 Gut Symptoms 

22:31 How It Triggers Leaky Gut

42:29 Gut-Brain Effects & Inflammation

50:17 Sinus Problems

52:54 Neurodegenerative Disease Connection

54:28 Best Mold Tests

01:28:25 Mold Diagnostic Framework

01:31:31 Dr. Katiraei's Protocol

01:37:57 Mitochondria Supplements

01:38:56 Gut & Antifungal treatments

01:45:50 Key Takeaways 

🎧 Audio Episode & Featured Studies 

📉 Dysmotility and proton pump inhibitor use are independent risk factors for small intestinal bacterial and/or fungal overgrowth: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23574267/

📉 Gut-Brain Inflammation and Disrupted Homeostasis Due to Activation of Mast Cells and Microglia:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41751904/

📉 Mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol Has Different Impacts on Intestinal Barrier and Stem Cells by Its Route of Exposure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32987679/

📉 Chronic rhinosinusitis and cognition: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40619980/

📉 A positive correlation between autonomic nervous system function and endoscopic disease severity in chronic rhinosinusitis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40988571/

 

Follow Me 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrRuscio

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drruscio/

 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

 

Music featured in this video: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, https://audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g 

 

*Full transcript available on YouTube by clicking the "Show transcript" button on the bottom right of the video.

Guest Links

https://drkatiraei.com/

https://wholistickids.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wholistickids/

We Tested Our Home and We Don't Have Mold! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcdjPSD5QDo

Mold Substack Protocol: https://pkatiraei.substack.com/p/mold-protocol-for-children-with-asd


Trying to make sense of the latest health trends and research can feel overwhelming. Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare cuts through the noise with grounded, evidence-based conversations. Hosted by clinician and researcher Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC, this podcast explores the practical side of functional health, where complex science is translated into actionable steps you can use. Episodes often start with a curious question-why does one diet work for some but not others, or what does the latest study really mean for everyday health-and follow the evidence where it leads. You’ll hear deep dives into gut health, nutrition, and fitness, balanced with a critical eye that isn’t afraid to debunk popular fads when the data doesn’t support them. The tone is conversational yet precise, reflecting Dr. Ruscio’s dual role as a practicing clinician and a dedicated investigator. Each discussion is built to provide clarity, leaving you with a clearer understanding of how your body works and what might help it work better. It’s important to note that this podcast is for educational and informational purposes. While Dr. Ruscio shares his expertise as a doctor of chiropractic, the content does not constitute personal medical or professional advice. Instead, think of it as a reliable source for thoughtful analysis, helping you have more informed conversations about your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare
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