CIRS Simplified

The CIRS Protocol

Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's clinically proven, step-by-step approach to systematically identify, treat, and monitor Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome caused by biotoxin exposure.


CLICK EACH TILE

1
🏠
Remove from Exposure
Remediate all biotoxin sources — mold, endotoxins, actinobacteria.
STEP 1
Remove from Exposure
Goal: Identify and eliminate all sources of biotoxin exposure.Remediate water-damaged buildings, HERTSMI-2 below 10, address endotoxins, and avoid re-exposure. Without removing the exposure source, subsequent treatments will be challenging or ineffective .
2
💊
CSM / Welchol Binders
Use bile sequestrants to bind biotoxins in the gut and prevent recirculation.
STEP 2
CSM / Welchol Binders
Goal: Bind circulating biotoxins in the intestinal tract. CSM (cholestyramine) is the most effective bile sequestrant ; Welchol is a more gentle bile sequestrant for those with sensitivities. Non prescription alternative use Mycobind.
3
🦠
Eradicate MARCoNS
Clear MARCoNS from nasal passages — typically 1 month after starting binders.
STEP 3
Eradicate MARCoNS
Goal: MARCoNS colonize nasal passages in ~80% of CIRS patients, producing exotoxins that lower MSH. Treated with compounded BEG nasal spray (Bacitracin-EDTA-Gentamicin), or Biofilm Clear for 60 days. Confirm eradication with post-treatment nasal culture.
4
🌿
Correct AGA IgA/IgG
Address antigliadin antibodies linked to gluten intolerance from biotoxin inflammation.
STEP 4
Correct AGA IgA/IgG
Goal: Elevated AGA indicates immune reactivity to gliadin driven by biotoxin-induced intestinal permeability. Typically requires a gluten-free diet for 3 months. If levels remain elevated, investigate for celiac disease or persistent gut inflammation.
5
Correct Androgen Levels
Restore testosterone and DHEA-S depressed by MSH deficiency and inflammation.
STEP 5
Correct Androgen Levels
Goal: Low MSH suppresses androgen production. Low testosterone and DHEA-S contribute to fatigue and cognitive issues. DHEA is often used when appropriate to support both pathways, while VIP at the final step may help normalize hormone signaling more broadly. HRT may also be considered when needed under physician supervision.
6
💧
Correct ADH/Osmolality
Treat low ADH causing presentation of POTS, excessive thirst, urination, and static shocks.
STEP 6
Correct ADH/Osmolality
Goal: Correct low ADH and elevated Osmolality to restore balance. These can lead to excessive thirst, frequent urination, electrolyte imbalance, and static shocks. If needed additional treatment: DDAVP (desmopressin) nasal spray.
7
🔬
Correct MMP-9
Lower elevated MMP-9 — a metalloproteinase driving tissue destruction.
STEP 7
Correct MMP-9
Goal: MMP-9 destroys connective tissue when elevated, contributing to neurological inflammation and blood-brain barrier compromise. Treatments: low-amylose diet, omega-3 fatty acids, VIP, Target below 332 ng/mL.
8
Correct Low VEGF
Restore VEGF — critical for capillary perfusion and oxygen delivery.
STEP 8
Correct Low VEGF
Goal: Low VEGF reduces capillary density and oxygen delivery, causing exercise intolerance and shortness of breath. VIP therapy and correcting MSH deficiency are key approaches. Exercise capacity improves as VEGF normalizes.
9
🧊
Correct Elevated C3a
Lower complement C3a elevated by innate immune activation from biotoxins.
STEP 9
Correct Elevated C3a
Goal: Elevated C3a indicates ongoing complement system activation. Associated with increased inflammatory cytokines and mast cell activation. C3a typically normalizes as overall CIRS treatment progresses. Target below 46 ng/mL.
10
Correct Elevated C4a
Address highly elevated C4a — the most sensitive marker of biotoxin exposure.
STEP 10
Correct Elevated C4a
Goal: C4a is the most sensitive blood test for active biotoxin illness (normal below 2830 ng/mL). It directly indicates complement activation from biotoxins. Normalizes with successful binder therapy, exposure removal, and VIP.
11
🌈
Correct Elevated TGF-b1
Lower TGF-b1 driving autoimmunity, fibrosis, and Th17/T-reg imbalance.
STEP 11
Correct Elevated TGF-b1
Goal: Elevated TGF-b1 promotes immune dysregulation and autoimmune tendencies. Binders often lower TGF-b1, but if additional treatment is needed, Losartan is the primary treatment. Requires physician oversight. Monitor GFR as a potential side effect.
12
Correct Low VIP
Restore VIP — the master regulator controlling MSH, VEGF, C4a, and immune balance.
STEP 12
Correct Low VIP
Goal: VIP is the final and most powerful step. It normalizes MSH, VEGF, C4a, TGF-b1, and pulmonary arterial pressures. Only use after ALL prior steps are complete and patient is out of water-damaged building. Administered as intranasal spray 4x daily.

The protocol has been validated across multiple published clinical studies and represents the only treatment approach with documented clinical efficacy in the peer-reviewed literature for biotoxin-associated illness.

Shoemaker, R.C. (n.d.). Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol. Clinical Protocol. Surviving Mold.

Dooley, M., Vukelic, A., & Jim, L. (2024). Chronic inflammatory response syndrome: a review of the evidence of clinical efficacy of treatment. Annals of Medicine and Surgery, 86(12), 7248–7254.