12. Functional Medicine and Mold: A Deep Dive into Mycotoxin Testing with Mike Schrantz

In this episode of the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast, I sit down again with my friend and colleague Mike Schrantz, an Indoor Environmental Professional I often call the “Doctor of Homes.” I’m the “Doctor of People,” and together we work at the intersection where sick buildings and sick bodies collide.Today we step into a thorny topic that affects a lot of patients and a lot of practitioners: human mold testing, specifically urine mycotoxin testing.If you have ever had a urine mycotoxin test, or if you have been told your results prove you “have mold,” you are going to want to hear this conversation. If you are a practitioner using these tests, you may feel challenged by what we say. Our intent is not to criticize, shame, or polarize. Our intent is truth telling and clarity, because the stakes are real. These results can lead to major decisions about treatment, remediation, belongings, and even moving.We walk through the two major camps we see in the mold illness world today. One is the Shoemaker and CIRS framework, where testing is focused largely on blood-based inflammatory markers and pattern recognition. The other camp is the growing use of urinary mycotoxin testing through labs like RealTime, Vibrant, and Mosaic. We discuss how urine mycotoxin testing is sometimes being used as a standalone diagnostic tool, and why that can become dangerous.Mike shares what he sees in the field when people come to him with a urine mycotoxin result and a diagnosis that triggers panic, decision fatigue, and expensive next steps. We talk about the hard questions that still need answers, including how labs establish “normal” versus “elevated,” what healthy control data is being used, and why repeatability and interpretation are major concerns.A key theme is this: mycotoxins can show up in urine even in people who feel well, and mycotoxins can also come from diet and everyday exposures, not only from a moldy home. That does not mean a urine test is useless. It means the results need context. A urine mycotoxin test can be one piece of the puzzle, but it is rarely the whole puzzle.We also discuss provocation testing, the difference between qualitative and quantitative meaning, and why overconfident conclusions can cost people more than money. They can cost peace of mind.This episode is for anyone trying to avoid rabbit holes and get real about what these tests can and cannot tell you. Whether you are a patient or a clinician, the goal is the same: make decisions with clarity, not fear.If you want help navigating mold illness step by step, including testing, interpretation, environment, and treatment sequencing, my team at Root Seek is here to support you.Let’s get real and get results.About Michael Schrantz, IEP Michael Schrantz is a certified indoor environmental professional (IEP) and the founder of Environmental Analytics. He has worked with thousands of clients navigating mold-related illness and environmentally complex cases, and he hosts the IEP Radio podcast. Michael is a recurring guest on the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast and brings the perspective of both a seasoned environmental professional and someone who has personally walked through chronic illness and come out the other side.Website: environmentalanalytics.net Podcast: IEPradio.comReady to stop guessing and finally get a clear plan?Join Dr. Su for the Ask Dr. Mark Clinical Q&A Call, a small-group call limited to about five people each month where you can bring your real questions and get real direction.Book your spot: https://go.rootseekhealth.com/askdrmarkOr download the free Lab Results Guide if you have ever been told your labs are normal while still feeling terrible: https://labsoptin.rootseekhealth.com/labs/Connect with Dr. Su: IG | @rootseekhealthDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only.  Information discussed is not intended for diagnosis, curing, or prevention of any disease and is not intended to replace advice given by a licensed healthcare practitioner. This podcast and its guests may have direct or indirect financial interests associated with products mentioned.