Healing Mold Exposure and the Quest for Superhuman Vagus Nerve
Imagine a lush orchard where the brain is the fruit, flourishing at the tree's peak. The vagus nerve represents the foot, branches, roots, and all the intricate connections that sustain this tree of life. When healthy, these roots and branches nourish the fruit, allowing it to thrive. But what happens when toxic mold infests this intricate system?
Much like mold on a plant, mold within the body acts as a poison to the vagus nerve's branches. I have spent years seeking ways to maximize vagal tone and heart rate variability (HRV), reaching an extraordinarily high level for my age. Yet, I recently uncovered the last hurdle to elevate my HRV to a truly superhuman level: the insidious presence of mold.
Let's explore how this discovery unfolded and what it means for the broader landscape of human performance, wellness, and the profound connection between our bodies and nature.
The Brain's Connection to Nature: The Vagus Nerve as a Living Plant
The vagus nerve's complexity and reach within our body make it akin to the roots and branches of a tree. It touches every vital part of us, influencing our mental, emotional, and physical health. The brain, the crowning fruit of this tree, relies on the nourishment that a healthy vagus nerve provides.
By maintaining the integrity of our vagus nerve, we ensure that our brain and entire being flourish. But if toxins such as mold invade this system, it's akin to a plant suffering from disease; the whole tree is at risk.
My Personal Journey: Uncovering the Hidden Mold
My journey to nourish the 'orchard within' led me to discover the presence of mold in my body. This realization came after achieving a remarkable HRV score, indicative of a super healthy nervous system. However, to push it to an even higher level, I needed to address the hidden toxicity affecting the branches of my vagus nerve.
This discovery dates back to a damp bedroom from my childhood. After sufficient exposure, the mold can flourish and grow by itself, never needing external sources. This toxic invader was likely the catalyst for anxiety and depression that hit me in 2015.
Mold's Impact on Human Performance
The effect of mold on the human body goes deep, reaching as far as the mitochondria and brain cells. Studies have linked mold exposure to symptoms of MS, ADHD, and there are ongoing investigations related to autism. I suffered multiple autoimmune diseases over the past eight years, including adult asthma, sinusitis, eczema, leaky gut, IBS, chronic fatigue, and more. Thankfully, all are now cleared, but the root cause remained unsolved until we found the pesky mold living in my body.
Unhealthy levels of Candida, high uric acid, impaired gallbladder and kidney functions—all were part of the domino effect, connected to the mold. Incredibly, it suppresses dopamine, which can significantly impact mood. People with mold may also struggle to breathe effectively, resulting in shallow breathing and an increased fight-or-flight response.
A Natural Protocol for Healing
With the guidance of a functional doctor, I am on a path to rid my body of these molds using natural means. Functional medicine focuses on individualized and holistic approaches, identifying the underlying causes and treating the whole system. The goal is not just to alleviate symptoms but to heal the entire being.
Nasal breathing and slowing down the breath are part of the protocol to heal the body from mold. My goal is to remove it over the next three months, taking my vagal tone to a whole new level.
Glyphosate: The Hidden Culprit
Apart from mold, I discovered levels of glyphosate in my body, too. It's a harmful substance spread on non-organic farm-grown foods. The top 5 impacts of glyphosate on humans include:
Disruption of Hormonal Balance
Gut Health Issues
Increased Cancer Risk
Negative Impact on Mental Health
Impaired Kidney Function
Just One Thing Challenge: Shift to Organic Produce 🍅🌽
I encourage you to make a move to replace at least 20% of your produce with organic to avoid dangers like mold and glyphosate. Local produce is less likely to suffer mold, and focusing on organic can greatly impact the health of your vagus nerve.
Conclusion: A Journey to Wholeness
The vagus nerve, like a plant within our body, requires nurturing and protection from toxins. My quest for superhuman vagal tone has led me to uncover hidden molds and other toxic substances, addressing them with natural protocols and the wisdom of functional medicine.
I am excited about the future, knowing that the last hurdle in this journey is about to be cleared. Together, we can learn, grow, and flourish, one step at a time, in our quest for overall health and well-being.
Work with Justin Caffrey
If you're curious about my specific practices or want to follow along on this journey, Break the Mold by Dr. Jill Crista (link-to-book) is an excellent resource, and my 21-day course on the Vagus Nerve is now available.
I work with high-performance individuals, teams, athletes and global leaders. Contact me is you want to raise your game and discuss personal coaching with me.