What is CIRS or Mold Illness?

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex and multi-system illness.¹ Mold from water-damaged buildings can release biotoxins into the environment, affecting the body’s immune system response to produce widespread inflammation.² CIRS affects different systems of the body including the endocrine, nervous system, and immune system, which is part of the reason CIRS is so detrimental to one’s health. Many people may experience long-term health problems while struggling with CIRS. However, with intervention and a tailored approach, debilitating symptoms of CIRS can improve. Treatment focusing on the core symptoms and causes of CIRS can help minimize the impact of this illness on your everyday quality of life.

Symptoms of CIRS

CIRS can lead to a wide range of potential symptoms that vary from person to person. Persistent symptoms can affect work performance, social interactions, and personal relationships. Symptoms can make it difficult to concentrate or remember things, affecting daily activities such as driving, reading, and problem-solving. Those with CIRS have commonly reported symptoms, including the following:

Fatigue

• Fatigue experienced by those with CIRS can often vary from the type of typical tiredness that may occur after a busy day or an impaired night’s sleep.
• The persistent feeling of exhaustion can be debilitating, contributing to a feeling of chronic low energy.

Brain Fog

Brain fog is a common symptom of CIRS and a type of cognitive dysfunction that can cause difficulty with the following:

• Concentration
• Focus
• Memory
• Executive functioning³

Biotoxins in the body leading to biotoxin illness can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and chemistry which can contribute to these symptoms of brain fog.

Joint Pain

Typical joint pain can be characterized by aching, stiffness, or swelling in the joints, which may make it difficult to move without pain.⁴ Biotoxins entering the body can lead to pain and inflammation, damaging joints and other tissues. Joint pain becomes an issue when it begins to interfere with activities of daily living, including physical movement, exercise, or housework. Other consequences of joint pain may include feelings of anxiety, depression, and frustration due to limitations in productivity and sleep quality.

Headaches

Headaches can be moderate to severe in intensity and may be accompanied by previously discussed symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain. Pain medication is an option for treatment; however, reliance on these meds can lead to habit formation, which can create negative changes in the brain’s chemistry. It is, therefore, important to find alternative approaches for managing pain, such as the re-origin program.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Biotoxins have been found to impact the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and damage to the gut lining. Some key symptoms to be aware of include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and digestive issues. These symptoms may make it difficult to maintain a balanced diet. Malnutrition can further exacerbate symptoms of fatigue and brain fog, leading to weight gain, weight loss, or mood swings.

Other symptoms can include:

• Weakness
• Muscle Cramps
• Ice Pick Pain
• Light Sensitivity
• Red, Irritated Eyes (bloodshot eyes)
• Blurred Vision
• Morning Stiffness
• Disorientation
• Skin Sensitivity
• Mood and Appetite Swings
• Night Sweats
• Temperature Regulation Problems
• Excessive Thirst
• Increased Urination
• Static Shocks
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Vertigo
• Metallic Tastes
• Tremors⁴

The Role of The Limbic System

CIRS can dysregulate the limbic system, thus contributing to inflammation and further stress. The limbic system, responsible for the fight-and-flight response, is only activated under appropriate danger or threat. However, the impact of CIRS can lead to inflammation that impairs the limbic system, resulting in the “cross-wiring” of neuronal circuits in the brain. This can cause a range of symptoms, such as anxiety, cognitive impairment, memory problems, and reduced attention levels.

Common Treatment

Dr. Ritche Shoemaker developed the following treatment protocol to overcome CIRS or mold illness.⁵ A brief overview of the Shoemaker Protocol includes:

Identify and Address First

Evaluating your previous history of biotoxin exposure, and genetic testing can help identify the possible susceptibilities to CIRS. Avoiding re-exposure to mold is very important during the treatment process.

Manage Biotoxin Effects On The Body

The focus here is to remove the source of the biotoxins from the environment. Gold-standard testing for mold within the environment includes the ERMI mold test and the HERSTMI2 mold test. Following this, it is suggested that any water leaks be fixed and mold-contaminating substances be removed from the home environment.

Support the Body’s Natural Detoxification Process

If you have HLA-DR genes, which increase CIRS susceptibility, you may not be able to remove biotoxins without the support of medications or supplements. Recommended supplements may include binders that can help your liver in the elimination process. Other factors include a healthy diet, sufficient sleep and recovery habits, and regular exercise.

Addressing Remaining Health Issues

Considering and treating any other symptoms, including chronic infections and Lyme disease, along with reducing inflammation, are all part of the protocol to address any imbalances in the digestive, immune, and hormonal systems. Further recommendations of the protocol include anti-inflammatory medications such as cholestyramine and supplements that can aid this process of healing.

Monitor and Maintain

After recovery, maintaining long-term health and well-being will require regular check-ins with a healthcare provider. Adopting lifestyle modifications is necessary and important to healing and recovery.

The Shoemaker Protocol can be complex because of the individualized nature of treatment and may be time-intensive. Focusing on the underlying causes of CIRS, reducing the effects of biotoxins within the body, supporting the detoxification process, and addressing lifestyle factors can provide hope if you feel you’re struggling to overcome this complex condition.

Healing with re-origin

Taking small everyday steps to overcome CIRS may feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember that it’s entirely possible to overcome this condition. Most of the dysfunctions experienced with CIRS can be linked to an overactive or dysregulated limbic system.

Fortunately, through the principles of neuroplasticity, you can rewire neural connections to create stronger synaptic bonds. Participating in a neuroplasticity brain training program, such as the one we offer at re-origin, and as part of an integrative approach, can lead you through this process of minimizing any disabling side effects from an impaired limbic system. Join us today to learn how.

References

1. Shoemaker, R. C., House, D., & Ryan, J. C. (2014). Structural brain abnormalities in patients with inflammatory illness acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings: a volumetric MRI study using NeuroQuant®. Neurotoxicology and teratology, 45, 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ntt.2014.06.004
2. Mold Illness Diagnosis & What Happens in the Body | Surviving Mold. (n.d.). https://www.survivingmold.com/resources-for-patients/diagnosis
3. Ocon, A. J. (2013). Caught in the thickness of brain fog: exploring the cognitive symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Frontiers in Physiology, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2013.00063
4. Symptoms Of Mold Exposure | Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker – Surviving Mold. (n.d.). https://www.survivingmold.com/resources-for-patients/mold-symptoms
5. Shoemaker, R. C., House, D. E., & Ryan, J. M. (2013). Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings. Health, 05(03), 396–401. https://doi.org/10.4236/health.2013.53053