E97- Visual Contrast Sensitivity Testing & Mold Illness

E97- Visual Contrast Sensitivity Testing & Mold Illness

What if one of the most helpful screening tools for mold illness wasn't a blood test, urine test, or expensive laboratory assessment—but a simple visual test you can complete in just a few minutes? In this episode of Balance Banter, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Calise shares how Visual Contrast Sensitivity Testing (VCS) became one of the first clues in her own journey toward uncovering mold illness, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), and the root cause of years of debilitating symptoms. After developing histamine intolerance, mast cell activation symptoms, POTS, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and other neurological symptoms, Kristie discovered VCS testing while searching for answers. Although the test is not intended to diagnose mold illness, it can provide valuable information about possible biotoxin exposure and help determine whether further investigation may be warranted. In this episode, you'll learn: • What Visual Contrast Sensitivity Testing measures and how it differs from a traditional visual acuity test or standard eye chart  • How the visual system and brain function can be affected by mold exposure and other biotoxins  • Why low contrast sensitivity may occur in some individuals with CIRS and biotoxin illness  • How the testing process evaluates the ability to distinguish subtle differences in gray contrast across different levels and spatial frequencies  • The strengths and limitations of VCS results as a screening and diagnostic tool  • Why Kristie often uses VCS testing as a first step before recommending more advanced testing for mold exposure, Lyme disease, heavy metals, and other environmental exposures Whether you're dealing with brain fog, chronic illnesses, unexplained symptom clusters, or suspect a toxic environment may be affecting your health, this episode will help you understand how VCS testing works and whether it may be a useful next step on your healing journey. ✨ Take the VCS test using the link below. If your results suggest a possible VCS deficit or biotoxin-related issue, schedule a Root Cause Clarity Session with Kristie to review your results and discuss personalized next steps! ==> Link to Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test [https://www.survivingmold.com/store/online-vcs-screening] Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com [https://balanceworkoutapp.com] Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ [https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/] Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/balanceworkoutapp/] ⚫Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579567048311] ⚫Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmE1Qi0qlRgwgpDO50F1Dtg] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

E96- MCAS: Proposed Criteria to Diagnose and What Triggers It (Rerun)

In one of her most personal episodes, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Calise dives deep into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)—a complex mast cell activation disorder that played a major role in her chronic illness journey long before it became widely recognized. MCAS is considered one of several mast cell disorders, where mast cells—an important type of immune cell and part of your immune system—release excessive chemical mediators such as histamine. This process, known as mast cell degranulation, can affect multiple body systems and contribute to a wide range of symptoms including brain fog, stomach pain, flushing, heart rate changes, low blood pressure, allergy-like symptoms, histamine intolerance, and severe reactions. In this episode, Kristie discusses: • The history and diagnosis of MCAS and how it differs from systemic mastocytosis  • Common MCAS symptoms and why many patients have normal blood tests and serum tryptase levels  • Current diagnostic criteria, blood samples, urine tests, and genetic testing options  • The connection between MCAS, mold exposure, chronic infections, long COVID, autoimmune diseases, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)  • Common triggers including environmental triggers, temperature changes, high-histamine foods, stress, and infections  • Pharmaceutical treatment options such as mast cell stabilizers and cromolyn sodium  • Natural approaches including a low-histamine diet, lifestyle changes, nervous system support, and symptom management strategies Kristie also shares why she believes MCAS is often a symptom of deeper dysfunction rather than a known cause itself. Whether you're dealing with MCAS flare-ups, severe symptoms, or trying to understand the root causes behind mast cell activity, this episode offers both scientific insight and personal perspective. If you've been told your labs are normal but you're still experiencing wide-ranging symptoms, this episode may provide the validation, education, and next steps you've been searching for. 🖤 Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com [https://balanceworkoutapp.com] Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ [https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/] Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/balanceworkoutapp/] ⚫Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579567048311] ⚫Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmE1Qi0qlRgwgpDO50F1Dtg] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

E95- Signs & Symptoms that Mold Exposure is Making You Sick

Mold exposure can contribute to a wide range of chronic health issues—but because symptoms vary so drastically from person to person, indoor mold is often overlooked as a root cause of chronic illness. In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise shares her personal experience with mold toxicity, Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), MCAS, POTS, and severe histamine symptoms after long-term exposure to indoor mold. After spending years searching for answers, she eventually discovered that mold growth and poor indoor air quality were major drivers of her unexplained symptoms and inflammatory response. Kristie breaks down some of the most common warning signs that mold exposure may be affecting your health, including: • Mold allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, and allergic reactions  • Respiratory problems such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma symptoms, and difficulty breathing  • Histamine-related symptoms including flushing, mast cell activation, bloating, itchy skin, migraines, and food sensitivities  • Brain fog, memory loss, mood swings, chronic fatigue, and unexplained symptoms  • Gut dysfunction and immune system imbalance caused by mold spores and chronic inflammation You’ll also learn: • Why some people feel better away from home or while on vacation • How high humidity, water damage, leaky pipes, poor ventilation, crawl spaces, ceiling tiles, and damp areas increase mold risk • Why visible mold isn’t always present—even with serious mold problems • The difference between mold allergies, mold infection, and mold toxicity • Why individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases may be at higher risk Kristie also discusses the importance of  controlling humidity levels, improving indoor environments, and taking the first step toward uncovering whether mold could be a piece of your health puzzle. If you suspect mold exposure may be contributing to your symptoms, this episode will help you better understand the health effects of toxic molds and what next steps to consider. Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com [https://balanceworkoutapp.com] Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ [https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/] Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/balanceworkoutapp/] ⚫Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579567048311] ⚫Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmE1Qi0qlRgwgpDO50F1Dtg] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

E94- The 5R Protocol Approach to Healing Leaky Gut

Gut health plays a crucial role in overall health, immune function, and long-term healing—especially for those navigating chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and other chronic health conditions. When the gut lining becomes compromised—often referred to as leaky gut syndrome or intestinal permeability—it can lead to food sensitivities, brain fog, abdominal pain, and systemic inflammation. In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise breaks down the 5R protocol, a functional medicine approach and framework used to restore gut integrity, support the gut microbiome, and improve digestive system function. Rather than guessing, Kristie emphasizes the importance of a stool test as a first step to identify bacterial overgrowth, pathogenic bacteria, poor digestive function, and underlying root causes affecting the digestive tract. You’ll learn how each step of the 5R protocol supports gut healing: • Remove & Replace: Address harmful substances, bad bacteria, and food intolerances while supporting digestion with digestive enzymes, stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), bile acids, and digestive support • Repair: Heal the intestinal lining using key nutrients, amino acids, aloe vera, and gut repair strategies to improve nutrient absorption and reduce gut inflammation • Reinoculate: Reintroduce beneficial bacteria through targeted use of probiotics, probiotic foods, and prebiotic foods to support a healthy gut microbiome • Rebalance: Focus on lifestyle factors like stress management, sleep, and dietary changes to support the gut-brain axis and long-term gut health This step-by-step approach supports proper digestion, balances good bacteria, and helps reduce symptoms caused by poor gut health—from food allergies and joint pain to fatigue and autoimmune disorders. If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and address the root causes of your digestive symptoms, this episode will help guide your next step toward true gut healing and whole-body health! Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach  and the 5R protocol is right for you! 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ [https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/] Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com [https://balanceworkoutapp.com] Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ [https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/] Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/balanceworkoutapp/] ⚫Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579567048311] ⚫Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmE1Qi0qlRgwgpDO50F1Dtg] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.

E93- Cortisol: How Your Levels Affect Chronic Illness (Rerun)

Cortisol—often called the body’s primary stress hormone—plays a crucial role in your overall health. Produced by the adrenal glands (located on top of your kidneys) and regulated by signals from the pituitary gland and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol helps control your body’s stress response, blood sugar levels, immune function, and circadian rhythm. But when cortisol levels become imbalanced—whether from chronic stress, poor sleep, inflammation, or underlying health conditions—it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that impact your daily life. In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise breaks down how cortisol affects the body, including: * The difference between high cortisol levels and low levels of cortisol * How excess cortisol can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and cardiovascular disease * Why low cortisol may lead to fatigue, low blood pressure, weakened immune response, and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency * The connection between cortisol, mental health, autoimmune diseases, and chronic illness * How cortisol follows a natural circadian rhythm—and what happens when that rhythm is disrupted Kristie also explains how cortisol is measured through a cortisol test or blood sample, why test results can vary depending on the time of day, and when it may be appropriate to consult a healthcare provider or primary care doctor for further evaluation. If you’ve been feeling wired, exhausted, or stuck in a constant state of high alert, this episode will help you better understand your body’s stress response—and take the first step toward restoring balance! Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial! Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools. ➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com [https://balanceworkoutapp.com] Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support? Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you. 🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/ [https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/] Want more #BALANCE in your life?! ⚫Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/balanceworkoutapp/] ⚫Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579567048311] ⚫Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmE1Qi0qlRgwgpDO50F1Dtg] Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.