The CIRS Group Podcast

thecirsgroup

CIRS, or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, can happen to 25% of the population and is usually triggered by a biotoxin in the environment, like mold, red tide, lyme (tick bite), and even some medical interventions. Those with CIRS are susceptible to these toxins and cannot clear them on their own. Thankfully, treatment is possible, but given that people suffering with CIRS have difficulty processing new information, we created The CIRS Group and now, this podcast, to help people better understand and identify this treatable illness. Jacie is a 3 year carnivore, certified nutrition coach, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a wealth and wellness coach, 2 year carnivore and a big fan of health and freedom. Along with Jacie, she co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis.

  1. 3d ago

    Dr. Andrew Heyman on the Cell Danger Response: Why CIRS Patients Stall & How to Heal Beyond Mold

    On this episode of The CIRS Group podcast, hosts Jacie and Barbara interview Dr. Andrew Heyman about Dr. Naviaux’s cell danger response (CDR) framework and why it can explain stalled recoveries in chronic mold-related illness and CIRS. Heyman describes how mitochondrial “danger mode” drives three phases: initial inflammation (innate immune activation), rebuilding via aerobic glycolysis, and reintegration requiring “all clear” signals like VIP, which positions CIRS as a subset of CDR. He emphasizes total toxic load (mold/biotoxins plus chemicals, metals, infections, gut-derived endotoxins, physical trauma, and emotional trauma), and discusses the neuroendocrine-immune axis (VIP, MSH, PACAP) and autonomic/vagal tone as key to recovery. He outlines his BeyondMold.com five-phase clinical program: environment/binders and chemical detox support, pathogen work, gut optimization, metabolic/hormone rebuilding with nervous system support, and a final readiness-to-heal/phenotyping phase using targeted safety signals (including VIP forms). TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro to Dr. Andrew Heyman 02:38 What Is Cell Danger Response? 06:38 CIRS in the context of Cell Danger Response: changing gene expression 12:18 The role of total toxic load and co-infections 16:52 How the nervous system is affected by Cell Danger Response 22:27 Why having a solid practitioner in your corner is so important 23:56 The limitations of CIRS diagnostic testing 28:47 Beyond Mold framework for healing in five phases 37:18 Are you ready to heal? 46:16 Advice for stalled patients 51:14 How to work with Dr. Heyman and Beyond Mold For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com WORK WITH DR. HEYMAN: https://beyondmold.com/ Dr. Heyman Q&A mentioned in the outro: https://www.youtube.com/live/EWoki09eHhk Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    56 min
  2. Jun 17

    Phase 5: Restore brain volume and repair inflammation markers (Shoemaker Protocol Series)

    Barbara and Jacie wrap up their five-part Shoemaker Protocol series with Phase 5: Repair and Restore. This phase focuses on normalizing innate immune markers (MMP-9, C3a, C4a, and TGFb1) and restoring brain volume. They explain that low-starch/gluten-free diet helps bring down MMP-9, while persistently elevated C3a/C4a or TGFb1 often signal ongoing exposure, gut issues, tick-borne illness, or dental cavitations. The episode culminates with VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) nasal spray (the most anticipated step of the entire protocol!) which supports anti-inflammatory pathways, neurological function, and brain volume restoration over 6–12 months. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction: Phase Five 01:24 Medical Disclaimer 01:55 Innate Immune Markers and VIP Nasal Spray 02:50 Understanding MMP-9 05:14 C3a and C4a Markers 07:20 TGFb1 08:18 VIP Spray Treatment 10:34 Closing Thoughts For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    11 min
  3. Jun 10

    Keys to feeling better: Repair metabolism, detox pathways, hormones & electrolytes

    In this CIRS Group Podcast episode, Jacie and Barbara cover phase four of the Shoemaker Protocol, focused on restoring normal metabolic function after biotoxin elimination. They explain that this phase may include supporting detox pathways for “normal” toxins and heavy metals (e.g., daily bowel movements, B vitamins, methylation support, sauna or hot baths, lymphatic techniques, and using binders like charcoal or clay for inorganic toxins), addressing androgen/sex hormone imbalance linked to low MSH (including signs of low testosterone or estrogen dominance, supplementing DHEA), and correcting fluid/electrolyte balance via ADH regulation (symptoms like thirst, frequent urination, nocturia, and static shocks). They discuss electrolyte options, a DIY recipe, and provider-monitored desmopressin if needed, and note this phase can also involve investigating other lingering issues or co-infections before moving to phase five. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome to Phase Four 01:00 The purpose of repairing damage done by CIRS 03:14 Detox Pathways basics 05:33 Binders for heavy metals 07:05 Androgen & hormone balance 09:40 Fluid and Electrolyte Issues: ADH/Osmolality 12:21 Electrolyte options 14:12 Desmopressin reset explained 15:41 Tidying up and co-infections 17:22 Next Phase and wrap up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Electrolyte caps Barbara uses: https://redmond.life/products/re-lyte-hydration-support-plus-caps LMNT Recipe (check FAQ): https://drinklmnt.com/pages/ingredients Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    18 min
  4. Jun 3

    Break the Cycle of Chronic Mold Illness: treat MARCoNs and repair the gut

    Struggling with stubborn biotoxin illness (CIRS) and feeling stuck in your recovery? In this episode, we break down some of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in the Shoemaker Protocol, including binders, MARCoNS treatment, and gut support. Learn how binders like cholestyramine and Welchol work differently to remove biotoxins, why the wrong detox approach can trigger setbacks, and how to track your progress with tools like the Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test. We also dive into MARCoNS: why it's so common in CIRS patients, how it impacts MSH and overall health, and the treatment options available, from prescription nasal sprays to over-the-counter approaches. Plus, we discuss biofilms, reinfection risks, pet testing, and practical strategies for breaking the cycle. Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize your treatment plan, this episode will help you better understand the next critical steps in recovering from CIRS and mold-related illness. None of this is medical advice: always consult your CIRS practitioner for what treatment is right for you. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction & Recap 02:54 - Why phase three is the most anticipated part of recovery 03:26 - The most effective binders for detoxification: Cholestyramine and Welchol 06:00 - Over-the-counter binder options: Mycobind and Chitosan 07:05 - The importance of using the correctly charged binders 09:21 - Visual Contrast Sensitivity test: tracking biotoxin effects 13:00 - Treating MARCoNs: nasal testing, nasal sprays, and herbal options 14:15 - Cycle of MARCoNs and MSH depletion 16:19 - Nasal testing resources and nasal spray treatments (EDTA, BEG spray, X Lear) 17:35 - Testing the nasal biome with Sinus Key 19:14 - Impact of diet, microbiome, and specific food sensitivities on gut healing 25:14 - Supporting detox through bowel movements with magnesium 26:26 - The importance of sequencing treatment steps for optimum results 27:23 - Encouragement to stay on track, subscribe, and support the channel For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Our Binders episode: https://youtu.be/KAQfLXuPjFI?si=TcJo-YDEjVLNInqW Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) test options: https://www.vcstest.com/ https://www.survivingmold.com/store/online-vcs-screening https://beyondmold.com/product/visual-contrast-sensitivity-test/ MARCoNs test: https://www.microbiologydx.com/order-collection-kits SinusKey test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey Actinos episode where we reference the SinusKey: https://youtu.be/2rCXhUP6dbY?si=MBT7_esd0edmfhCX Dr. Christian Navarro Torres' website to book a consult: https://www.cirslab.com/ Dr. Andrea Jordheim's website to work with her: https://mytransformationwellness.com/ Our interview with Dr. Lacey Venanzi: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=wExZGivhkEALSR4O Our second interview with Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/7H6CKEhIMSU?si=WrMPttnfyRq2aMvC Dr. Lacey's website to work with her: https://www.drlacey.org/ Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    29 min
  5. May 27

    Fungal Colonization Isn't What You Think!

    For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Is mold colonization the same as CIRS? Could what looks like a fungal infection actually be something else entirely? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Dr. Lacey Venanzi and Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres to break down the difference between mold/fungal colonization and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), explore the surprisingly important role of actinobacteria, and walk through practical, affordable treatment strategies: from pharmaceutical antifungals to botanicals and nasal rinsing. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:19 Meet the guests: Dr. Lacey Venanzi & Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres 02:25 What is mold or fungal colonization? 05:01 Is fungal overgrowth a root cause or a downstream effect? 06:08 CIRS vs. fungal colonization: Two distinct diagnoses 07:45 Symptoms of fungal colonization (skin, gut, sinuses, cravings) 10:56 Pharmaceutical antifungals and herbal antifungals 15:30 Risks of using antifungals in CIRS patients 17:25 Why some patients improve on antifungals 19:55 Why timing matters: get out of exposure first 22:25 Actinobacteria: the overlooked player in CIRS 24:19 How actinobacteria mimics fungal infections 26:32 Testing: options, limitations & what to look for 28:15 Key botanical treatments: Horopito, thyme, clove, eucalyptus & tea tree 29:00 Affordable testing options for patients 32:20 Safe steps patients can take (Horopito) 32:49 Dilute the bacteria, lower the burden: cleaning and motility 33:56 Probiotics & prebiotics for fungal/actino burden 35:36 Topical treatment: Horopito Lotion 37:05 Nasal treatment: saline & baby shampoo technique 39:00 Barbara's saline rinse tips & real-world experience 44:03 Why baby shampoo works (surfactants explained) 45:11 Horopito cream for nasal & skin use 47:10 Coherence DX and additional resources Check out Dr. Lacey and Dr. Christian's new company Coherence DX! https://www.coherencedx.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CoherenceDX Dr. Lacey's website: https://www.drlacey.org/ Dr. Christian's website: https://www.cirslab.com/ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Our Actinos Episode: https://youtu.be/yf9EoTbyAEo?si=nZIZAAlPlBgnObfI Our Actinos Cleaning episode: https://youtu.be/2rCXhUP6dbY?si=TRx356TkQBm1BBJn Our first interview with Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=8tHFQCKqrLxiFESq Our latest interview with Dr. Christian: https://youtu.be/Lc_LfUeiYTM?si=6CFLE6w71gtSqStj CSA (comprehensive stool analysis) from ParasiteTesting.com: https://www.parasitetesting.com/CSA?srsltid=AfmBOor_itSEGDFWmeorkB2spnrFXO48-f07lwE7G8V8Hc9NxB4Y92AJ Cheap gut test: https://www.ombrelab.com/products/ombre-gut-health-test?selling_plan=2189295771 More comprehensive gut test: https://www.tinyhealth.com/adult-test SinusKey nose test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey Horopito capsules: https://kolorex.com/collections/gut-care/products/candia-balance-gut-care-60 Dr. Lacey's favorite probiotics: BioGaia: https://a.co/d/0cQZgJhw Florastor: https://a.co/d/09oFxiLs Sun Fiber: https://a.co/d/0hkdbUZh Horopito topical cream (the gentlest option): https://kolorex.com/products/vaginal-care-cream Neti Pot Barbara uses: https://a.co/d/08DKajTT Nasal swabs Barbara uses: https://a.co/d/0fgglU5f Fragrance free Baby Shampoo: https://www.target.com/p/johnson-39-s-sensitive-care-baby-2-in-1-body-wash-38-shampoo-lightly-scented-13-5-fl-oz/-/A-87442350#lnk=sametab Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    51 min
  6. May 20

    Shoemaker Protocol Phase Two: Fish oil, limbic retraining, & get out of exposure

    For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara cover Phase Two (part two of five) of the Shoemaker Protocol for CIRS, focusing on foundational steps before starting binders:  Lipid replacement therapy (primarily fish oil) to lower inflammation and help prevent common binder side effects like fatigue, constipation, and overall dryness, with Shoemaker-recommended omega-3 dosing (EPA 2,400 mg and DHA 1,800 mg daily) and cautions about blood-thinning;  Limbic retraining to address errant threat signals from chronic illness, with nuance that intensive programs can be too difficult early on and may work better once out of exposure and/or on binders, while also warning against symptom suppression without addressing root causes;  And the critical priority of getting out of exposure through testing (dust tests for mold, endotoxins, and actinos), remediation or moving, and exploring hidden, internal exposures that can cause plateaus or backslides in your health. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, all about Phase Three, removing the toxic burden! For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Phase Two of the Shoemaker Protocol 01:25 Why this foundational phase matters 02:54 What is Lipid Replacement? and why is it important? 06:17 Fish Oil / lipid dosing tips 08:04 Limbic Retraining explained 10:51 When Limbic Retraining backfires 14:23 Hyperreactivity Catch-22 18:25 Get out of exposure 20:42 Hidden exposures and healing stalls 22:27 Key takeaways and next phase 24:08 Wrap up and resources For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Check out these episodes mentioned in this episode: Interview with Michael Schrantz about remediation: https://youtu.be/_BEwFVdpRcY?si=mzNeGslwGjaYhWqi Interview with Bill Weber about testing your home: https://youtu.be/RlKjTqVAeNU?si=Eymfvcdk4G6kzylV Interview with Kendra Seymour on choosing a remediator or IEP: https://youtu.be/zmt9e42LLac?si=cTTvunobvEt8YL_n Dust testing 101: https://youtu.be/nRrZs7xbXcc?si=55oXFRCV5kO_p0JD Endotoxin episode: https://youtu.be/O0iKndNzfYA?si=X-iX1NoRO2U7U-QV Actinos episode part one: https://youtu.be/yf9EoTbyAEo?si=d2KUSzNpX2cs0DKE and Part two: https://youtu.be/2rCXhUP6dbY?si=wDHiSy58Vw5fZ5fa Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    26 min
  7. May 13

    How to Get Diagnosed: Healing from Chronic Illness

    For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Uncover the truth behind chronic illnesses that are often misdiagnosed for years. If you’ve been told your symptoms are anxiety, IBS, or autoimmune, this episode explores a groundbreaking approach that could change everything. Learn how the Shoemaker Protocol, backed by clinical research, helps identify and treat CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) caused by biotoxin exposure like mold. In this episode, Barbara and Jacie walk through the first phase of the Shoemaker Protocol: determining whether CIRS is the root cause of your symptoms. You’ll learn how to recognize key symptom patterns, use the validated VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity) test, and identify common exposure sources such as water-damaged buildings and tick bites. What you’ll learn: • The 35 symptom clusters linked to CIRS and how to assess your own • How the VCS test can be an early screening tool • Common exposure triggers that are often overlooked • The role of genetics and why pattern recognition matters • The first steps to begin a clinically validated path to recovery CIRS can create widespread disruption in the body, from immune dysfunction to neurological symptoms, and is frequently mistaken for other conditions. This episode helps you connect the dots so you can move toward targeted, effective healing. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or searching for answers after years of confusion, this is part one of a five-part series designed to bring clarity, direction, and hope. Explore more resources and support at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro: an answer for healing 01:35 - Why we're covering the five phases of the Shoemaker Protocol 02:53 - What is CIRS? 04:09 - Common misdiagnoses 05:25 - Understanding CIRS Symptoms 08:23 - Four Pillars of CIRS Diagnosis: First, Symptom Clusters 09:00 - Second: Visual Contrast Sensitivity Test 12:48 - Third: Exposure History and Its Importance 16:25 - Fourth: Blood Work and Genetic Testing 19:20 - What CIRS is Not 20:30 - Next Steps for Diagnosis 22:15 - Personal Experiences and Hope for Healing 24:00 - Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    25 min
  8. May 6

    Do you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)? This could be the missing key to healing!

    For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara discuss chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), emphasizing it as a real, multisystem illness rather than “just being tired,” and describe hallmark symptoms like post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, brain fog/word-finding issues, orthostatic intolerance, sensory sensitivity, pain, headaches, and the push-crash cycle. They explain how ME/CFS is often hard to diagnose due to lack of a single definitive test, the use of exclusionary testing and symptom criteria, and how cardiopulmonary exercise testing can objectively demonstrate impaired recovery and reduced oxygen utilization, which is useful for disability or legal documentation. They argue the diagnosis is a label, not a root cause, and propose chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) from biotoxin exposure (often water-damaged buildings/mold) as a potential driver, citing Dr. Ming Dooley’s review comparing ME/CFS research to CIRS treatment outcomes. They outline next steps: assess exposure history and symptom patterns, take symptom clusters and the VCS test, find a CIRS-literate practitioner, address current environments before protocols, and explore resources and their community membership. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro to Chronic Fatigue / medical disclaimer 02:30 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is real, let's ask WHY 04:26 What is ME/CFS? 06:40 The CFS lived experience 09:09 Getting a ME/CFS diagnosis 11:05 Labels vs root cause 12:08 What is actually happening when you have ME/CFS 13:01 How CIRS may cause ME/CFS: published research backed 15:29 Why doctors miss CIRS 17:14 Next steps if you want to seek treatment 20:10 Testing and find a practitioner that is Shoemaker Certified 21:04 Resources For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Ming Dooley's published research connecting CFS and CIRS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40806417/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11623837/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41265402/ VCS test and symptom questions for CIRS: https://www.survivingmold.com/store/online-vcs-screening Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs The CIRS Group: Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/ Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources: Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/ Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching: Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

    22 min
5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

CIRS, or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, can happen to 25% of the population and is usually triggered by a biotoxin in the environment, like mold, red tide, lyme (tick bite), and even some medical interventions. Those with CIRS are susceptible to these toxins and cannot clear them on their own. Thankfully, treatment is possible, but given that people suffering with CIRS have difficulty processing new information, we created The CIRS Group and now, this podcast, to help people better understand and identify this treatable illness. Jacie is a 3 year carnivore, certified nutrition coach, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a wealth and wellness coach, 2 year carnivore and a big fan of health and freedom. Along with Jacie, she co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis.

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