Houston Heat: Is AC Mold Fueling Leaky Gut?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 1, 2025

The air in Houston hangs heavy, thick with humidity, and for many, the only escape is the cool blast of air conditioning. But what if that very sanctuary is slowly making you sick? It’s a question many Houstonians aren’t asking, but desperately need to: could your AC be contributing to leaky gut?

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of your small intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to leak into your bloodstream. This triggers an immune response, leading to inflammation and a host of health problems, from fatigue and brain fog to autoimmune diseases.

The connection? Mold. Specifically, the mold that can thrive in the dark, damp environment of your AC unit. Houston’s climate is practically a petri dish for mold growth.

This isn’t some fringe theory. My own experience, moving from arid Arizona to Houston, was a stark lesson in the power of environmental mold. Within months, I developed digestive issues I’d never experienced before. Extensive testing revealed mold toxicity and, you guessed it, leaky gut. The culprit? A poorly maintained AC system in my new home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your gut health in the face of Houston’s mold challenge:

Step 1: Identify the Enemy – Mold in Your AC

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Proactive inspection is key.

Visual Inspection: Grab a flashlight and carefully examine your AC unit, both inside and out. Look for:
- Visible mold growth: This can appear as black, green, or white fuzzy patches. Pay close attention to the drip pan, coils, and air vents.
- Musty odor: A persistent musty smell, even after cleaning, is a strong indicator of mold.
- Water stains: These can indicate leaks, creating a breeding ground for mold.
DIY Mold Test Kits: Purchase a mold test kit from a local hardware store like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Follow the instructions carefully. These kits usually involve collecting a sample and sending it to a lab for analysis.
Professional Inspection: For a more thorough assessment, hire a certified mold inspector. Companies like Mold Inspection Sciences Texas (Houston) or EnviroTech Mold Remediation offer comprehensive testing and reporting. They can identify hidden mold and provide a detailed remediation plan. This is especially crucial if you suspect mold is present but can’t find it visually.

Challenge: Many homeowners only check the easily accessible parts of their AC unit. Mold often hides in the ductwork, requiring specialized equipment to detect.

Solution: Invest in a professional duct cleaning and inspection. Companies like Stanley Steemer (Houston) offer this service.

Step 2: Testing Your Home for Mold

Even if you don’t see mold in your AC, it could be lurking elsewhere in your home.

Air Sampling: This involves collecting air samples and analyzing them for mold spores. It’s a good way to assess the overall mold burden in your home.
Surface Sampling: This involves taking samples from surfaces suspected of mold growth. It’s useful for identifying the type of mold present.
ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) Test: This test analyzes dust samples to identify the presence and quantity of 36 different mold species. It provides a comprehensive assessment of your home’s mold burden. You can purchase ERMI test kits online and send them to a lab for analysis.
Houston-Specific Considerations: Houston’s high humidity makes it crucial to test areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements (if applicable).

Pitfall: Relying solely on visual inspection. Mold can grow behind walls, under carpets, and in other hidden areas.

Overcome: Use a combination of visual inspection and professional testing to get a complete picture of your home’s mold situation.

Step 3: Remediation – Getting Rid of the Mold

Once you’ve identified mold, you need to get rid of it.

Small-Scale Remediation: For small areas of mold (less than 10 square feet), you may be able to handle the remediation yourself. Wear protective gear (gloves, mask, eye protection) and use a mold-killing solution.
Professional Remediation: For larger areas of mold or if you’re sensitive to mold, hire a professional mold remediation company. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove mold.
AC Unit Cleaning: Clean your AC unit regularly to prevent mold growth. This includes cleaning the coils, drip pan, and air vents. Consider using a mold-inhibiting cleaner.
Duct Cleaning: As mentioned earlier, professional duct cleaning is essential for removing mold from your ductwork.
Houston-Specific Resources:
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Provides information on mold assessment and remediation.
- Better Business Bureau (Houston): Check the ratings and reviews of mold remediation companies.

Common Mistake: Trying to DIY remediation without proper training or equipment. This can actually worsen the problem by spreading mold spores.

Solution: If you’re unsure about your ability to handle the remediation safely, hire a professional.

Step 4: Dietary Changes to Heal Leaky Gut

Removing the mold is only half the battle. You also need to heal your gut.

Elimination Diet: This involves removing common gut irritants, such as gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and sugar. This allows your gut to heal.
Bone Broth: Rich in collagen and amino acids, bone broth helps to repair the gut lining.
Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria help to restore balance to your gut microbiome. Choose a high-quality probiotic with a variety of strains.
L-Glutamine: This amino acid is a key building block for the gut lining. Supplementing with L-glutamine can help to repair and strengthen the gut.
Specific Foods to Include:
- Fermented foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha are rich in probiotics.
- Healthy fats: Avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil help to reduce inflammation.
- Fiber-rich foods: Vegetables and fruits provide fuel for beneficial gut bacteria.

Challenge: Sticking to a restrictive diet can be difficult, especially in a city like Houston with its diverse culinary scene.

Solution: Find healthy alternatives to your favorite foods. Explore Houston’s many farmers markets for fresh, local produce.

Step 5: Lifestyle Changes to Support Gut Health

Diet is important, but lifestyle also plays a crucial role.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can damage the gut lining. Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Adequate Sleep: Sleep deprivation can disrupt the gut microbiome. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Regular Exercise: Exercise helps to reduce inflammation and improve gut motility.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your gut hydrated and functioning properly.
Houston-Specific Resources:
- Yoga studios: Many yoga studios in Houston offer classes specifically designed to reduce stress.
- Parks and trails: Explore Houston’s many parks and trails for outdoor exercise and relaxation.

Pitfall: Neglecting the importance of stress management. Even with a perfect diet, chronic stress can sabotage your gut health.

Overcome: Prioritize stress-reducing activities in your daily routine.

Step 6: Finding the Right Practitioners in Houston

Navigating the world of gut health can be overwhelming. Finding the right practitioners is essential.

Functional Medicine Doctors: These doctors take a holistic approach to health, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness.
Naturopathic Doctors: These doctors use natural therapies to support the body’s healing process.
Registered Dietitians: These professionals can help you develop a personalized diet plan to heal your gut.
Houston-Specific Recommendations:
- Dr. Mark Hyman-trained physicians: Search for physicians in the Houston area who have trained with Dr. Hyman, a leading expert in functional medicine.
- The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM): Use the IFM’s practitioner directory to find certified functional medicine practitioners in Houston.

Common Mistake: Relying solely on conventional medical doctors who may not be familiar with the nuances of leaky gut and mold toxicity.

Solution: Seek out practitioners who specialize in functional medicine or integrative medicine.

Living in Houston presents unique challenges to gut health, particularly due to the prevalence of mold. By taking proactive steps to identify and remediate mold, adopting dietary and lifestyle changes, and seeking out the right practitioners, you can reclaim your gut health and thrive in the Bayou City. Don’t let your AC become a source of illness. Take control and breathe easy, knowing you’re doing everything you can to protect your health.