What is Mold Toxicity and CIRS
Do you suspect living or working in an environment with mold problems? Are you experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, aches, skin rashes, frequent infections, insomnia, brain fog, mood swings, or even depression?
Millions of people experience these and more symptoms that seriously affect their lives. They see countless doctors only to be given labels, including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, or worse, being told everything is normal or “it’s all in your head.”
Mold toxicity, or mycotoxin illness, arises from exposure to toxic substances produced by certain molds that thrive in damp, warm, and humid environments, potentially contaminating the air, food, or surfaces. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a severe inflammatory condition triggered by genetic susceptibility and prolonged mold exposure, often found in water-damaged buildings, leading to an overload of toxins in the body that it cannot effectively process. Individuals with CIRS may experience an intense internal inflammatory response.
What is the Shoemaker Protocol?
The Shoemaker Protocol, developed by Dr Ritchie Shoemaker, is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to treating individuals suffering from mold-related illnesses and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This protocol aims to address the complex and multifaceted nature of mold toxicity, which can have a profound impact on a person’s health and well-being.
The Shoemaker Protocol consists of several key components:
Diagnosis and Testing
The first step in the Shoemaker Protocol is proper diagnosis, often involving a detailed medical history, physical examination, and specialized laboratory testing. This may include testing for mycotoxins, inflammatory markers, and immune system function.
Mold Exposure Remediation
Identifying and removing the source of mold exposure is crucial. Whether it’s in a residential or workplace setting, mold remediation helps prevent ongoing exposure.
Prescription Medications
Dr. Shoemaker’s protocol includes prescription medications to regulate inflammatory markers, support detoxification pathways, and modulate the immune system. Medications like cholestyramine or Welchol are often prescribed to bind mycotoxins and remove them from the body.
Biotoxin Binders
Patients are typically advised to take biotoxin binders like activated charcoal or cholestyramine to help absorb and eliminate mycotoxins circulating in the body.
Dietary Plan
A strict dietary approach, known as the “Shoemaker Diet,” is often recommended. It emphasizes nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and avoids those that may exacerbate mold-related symptoms. This diet can help reduce the overall inflammatory load on the body.
Supplements
Nutritional supplements, including antioxidants and vitamins, are commonly used to support the body’s detoxification and healing processes.
Lifestyle Modifications
Reducing exposure to environmental toxins and promoting overall well-being through lifestyle adjustments is an integral part of the protocol. This includes stress management, proper sleep, and exercise.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Continuous monitoring of a patient’s progress is an essential part of the process. Our CIRS team works closely with all GWCIM integrative medical consultants and, together, they can make adjustments to the treatment plan when necessary.
The Shoemaker Protocol is available at GWCIM
Dr. Jonah Yakel is a chiropractor and functional health practitioner and certified Shoemaker Protocol provider who focuses on mold-related illness, inflammation, CIRS, and autoimmune-related conditions. Dr. Yakel works in close collaboration with Dr. Mikhail Kogan and Dr. Calvin Richards, ND, PA-C to provide the intense follow-up often needed for those recovering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and Mold Toxicity related illness.
Mold testing in your home or workplace
Our GWCIM team recommends our affiliated Mold Inspector Dr. Sogonov at InSitu testing company who will come to your space and inspect on-site, the first common step of evaluating one’s residence or workplace for mold exposure is a direct-to-consumer test through EnviroBiomics. In this 30 min interview Dr. Misha Kogan and the Science Director of EnviroBiomics, a leading mold testing company that we have been using at GWCIM, discuss mold testing.
Our Certified Shoemaker Protocol specialist
Dr. Jonah Yakel is a chiropractor and functional health practitioner focused on mold-related illness, inflammation, CIRS, and autoimmune-related conditions. For years Dr. Yakel unknowingly battled with CIRS experiencing chronic pain, debilitating fatigue, and severe cognitive impairment—despite working with some of the best doctors, sticking to a strict diet, and taking every imaginal supplement. He began Dr. Shoemaker’s protocol and he was able to heal, recover, and ultimately, get his life back.
Today, Dr. Yakel provides consultations and coaching via video while working in close collaboration with Dr. Mikhail Kogan and the GWCIM team to provide the intense follow-up often needed for those recovering from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and Mold Toxicity.
Navigating and recovering from mold-related illnesses can be a complex and intensive process. Drawing from his personal experience and recovery and working with experts in the field, including Dr. Richie Shoemaker, Dr. Yakel brings a depth of knowledge to support people in the healing process.
CIRS is real and can have significant impacts on your health. The good news is that there are approaches available to manage these impacts! Talk to GWCIM specialists Dr. Jonah Yakel and Dr. Mikhail Kogan.
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