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Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex, multi-system condition caused by biotoxin exposure, leading to persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and neurological dysfunction. CIRS is most commonly triggered by exposure to mold toxins (mycotoxins), Lyme disease, cyanobacteria, and other biotoxins that the body struggles to eliminate.

Functional medicine takes a root-cause approach to diagnosing and treating CIRS by addressing toxin burden, immune dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and systemic inflammation. This integrative strategy helps individuals suffering from CIRS achieve long-term recovery and improved quality of life.

Symptoms of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

CIRS presents with a wide range of symptoms affecting multiple body systems. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Neurological & Cognitive Symptoms

• Brain fog & memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating (often called “mental fatigue”)
• Headaches & migraines
• Mood disorders (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Sensory sensitivity (light, sound, smell intolerance)

Respiratory & Immune Symptoms

• Chronic sinus infections
• Shortness of breath & asthma-like symptoms
• Recurring infections & immune weakness
• Unexplained inflammation & body pain

Gastrointestinal & Detox Symptoms

• Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, & food intolerances
• Liver congestion & sluggish detox pathways
• Chemical & environmental sensitivity

Musculoskeletal & Hormonal Symptoms

• Chronic fatigue & muscle weakness
• Joint pain & stiffness
• Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, estrogen dominance, thyroid dysfunction)
• Sleep disturbances & unrefreshing sleep

Because CIRS symptoms overlap with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and mold illness, proper testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

Functional Medicine Testing for CIRS

Traditional medicine often fails to diagnose CIRS because standard lab tests do not detect biotoxin illness effectively. Functional medicine practitioners use advanced diagnostics to assess inflammation, immune dysregulation, and biotoxin burden.

1. Inflammatory & Immune Dysfunction Markers

• C-reactive protein (CRP) – Measures systemic inflammation.
• Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) – Assesses chronic immune activation and tissue damage.
• C4a & Complement Testing – Evaluates immune system overactivation.
• VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) – Identifies poor oxygenation and mitochondrial impairment.

2. Biotoxin & Mycotoxin Testing

• Mycotoxin Urine Test (Real-Time Labs, Great Plains, Vibrant Labs) – Detects mold toxins in the body.
• Nagalase Levels – Indicates immune suppression caused by chronic infections or mold exposure.
• Marcons Testing (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) – Identifies chronic nasal staph colonization, common in CIRS patients.

3. Genetic Susceptibility & Detoxification Markers

• HLA-DR Testing – Determines genetic susceptibility to biotoxin illness.
• Glutathione & Methylation Panel (MTHFR, COMT, CBS) – Evaluates detox capacity.
• Heavy Metal Testing (Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Aluminum) – Assesses toxic load interfering with recovery.

4. Mitochondrial & Neurological Function Tests

• Organic Acids Test (OAT) – Detects mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.
• Neurotransmitter Panel (Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate) – Evaluates neuroinflammation and brain chemistry imbalances.
• Brain MRI with NeuroQuant – Measures brain volume loss and atrophy in CIRS patients.

5. Hormonal & Adrenal Function Testing

• Cortisol Awakening Response (DUTCH Test) – Assesses adrenal fatigue and stress response.
• Full Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies) – Evaluates thyroid dysfunction common in CIRS.
• Sex Hormones (Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone, DHEA, SHBG, LH, FSH) – Identifies hormonal imbalances linked to chronic inflammation.

Functional Medicine Treatment for CIRS

A functional medicine protocol for CIRS focuses on eliminating biotoxins, restoring immune function, supporting detoxification pathways, and repairing mitochondrial damage.

1. Removing the Source of Biotoxins

• Mold Remediation & Environmental Detox – Removing exposure to mold and water-damaged buildings.
• Air Filtration & HEPA Filters – Reducing indoor mold spore count.
• Binders for Mycotoxins & Biotoxins – Activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella, and zeolite help remove toxins.

2. Supporting Detoxification Pathways

• Liposomal Glutathione & N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) – Enhance liver detoxification.
• Infrared Sauna & Lymphatic Drainage – Supports toxin elimination through the skin.
• Milk Thistle & Dandelion Root – Herbal liver support.
• Epsom Salt Baths – Magnesium sulfate assists detoxification.

3. Balancing the Immune System & Reducing Inflammation

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – Modulates the immune response and reduces inflammation.
• Curcumin & Resveratrol – Anti-inflammatory support.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) – Helps regulate immune function.
• Probiotics & Gut Healing (L-Glutamine, Zinc Carnosine, Collagen Peptides) – Supports gut health to lower inflammation.

4. Restoring Mitochondrial Function & Energy Production

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) & PQQ – Boost ATP production and cellular energy.
• L-Carnitine & Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) – Supports mitochondrial repair.
• D-Ribose & Magnesium Malate – Improves energy levels and muscle recovery.

5. Neurological & Cognitive Recovery

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (Cold Therapy, Meditation, Breathwork) – Reduces neurological inflammation.
• Ginkgo Biloba & Bacopa Monnieri – Enhances brain function and circulation.
• Brain Retraining Techniques (DNRS, Gupta Program) – Helps regulate the overactive limbic system.

6. Balancing Hormones & Adrenals

• Adaptogenic Herbs (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil) – Supports stress resilience.
• Phosphatidylserine & Electrolytes – Helps regulate cortisol levels and adrenal function.
• Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (if needed) – Restores hormone balance in severe cases.

Long-Term Management & CIRS Recovery Strategies

• Ongoing Functional Testing – Monitor inflammatory markers, immune function, and detox progress.
• Regular Environmental Inspections – Ensure living and working environments remain mold-free.
• Continued Mitochondrial & Neurological Support – Optimize brain health and energy metabolism.
• Stress Reduction & Sleep Optimization – Crucial for immune system regulation and recovery.

Final Thoughts: A Personalized Approach to CIRS Treatment

CIRS is a complex condition that requires an integrative, root-cause approach. Functional medicine provides a personalized strategy to eliminate biotoxins, restore immune balance, and heal mitochondrial dysfunction for lasting recovery.