Podcasts about cirs

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of he Less Stressed Life, I'm joined again by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to continue our conversation about CIRS and mold, this time focusing on the health of your home.After navigating multiple mold exposures herself, Jenna has learned firsthand how overwhelming the environmental side of healing can feel. We talk about what she wishes she had known earlier, including proper mold removal, small particle cleaning, HVAC maintenance, humidity, and when an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may be helpful. We also discuss practical ways to support a healthier home without feeling like you have to figure everything out overnight.KEY TAKEAWAYS:

In this episode of The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston, host Dr. Mary Ann Pinkston sits down with pharmacist Ray Solano from PD Labs to discuss cutting-edge integrative science and brain health solutions. They explore the neuro-regenerative properties of RG3 and RB1 ginsenosides, how nasal spray formulas are helping combat cognitive decline, and the role of Alpha-GPC and nicotinamide riboside in mitochondrial energy. Additionally, Dr. Pinkston and Ray break down critical updates regarding thyroid glandular availability, compounding pharmacy benefits, and off-label therapeutic solutions like VIP nasal spray for pulmonary hypertension and CIRS. Learn more about PD Labs: pdlabsrx.com Explore past episodes and resources with Dr. Pinkston: drpbetterlife.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk a lot on this show about root causes...what you eat, what you're exposed to, what you're healing inside of. This episode is about the one almost nobody checks: the air in your own home. Ariana Thacker is a chemical engineer and venture capitalist who, by her own description, was a highly functional human — daily boot camp, dialed-in diet, running a VC firm solo. Within months of moving into a new apartment, she was rereading simple emails just to process them, losing clumps of hair, and getting winded on the stairs. She saw more than a dozen providers — immunologists, allergists, pulmonologists, neurologists, PCPs — and none of them ran the right test. Most didn't believe mold could cause a whole-body inflammatory response at all. It took a Shoemaker-certified physician to name it: CIRS, chronic inflammatory response syndrome. She had one of the "dreaded" HLA haplotypes — part of the roughly 24% of the U.S. population that can't clear biotoxins on its own. She got better. Then she built the road she'd just clawed her way down. Ariana is the founder and CEO of MoldCo, a virtual clinic that answers three questions: Am I being exposed? Is mold making me sick? How do I get better? — with a $199 home test and a lab panel that starts at $56, roughly a tenth the cost of what most people pay to guess. Jen shares her own story too: a mold inspection that came back clean, and the leak found years later behind the living room wall by the family who bought the house. In this episode Why "highly functional" doesn't protect you — and how fast the symptoms started The 24% with a genetic susceptibility to mold, and what HLA haplotypes actually mean What CIRS is, and why ~80% of cases trace back to a water-damaged building Why the urinary mycotoxin test may be sending people down the wrong path — and the inflammatory markers (MMP9, MSH, TGF beta-1, C4A) that matter more How to hire a mold inspector who's actually qualified — the certifications to ask for and the 70-page report you should expect Why mold grows within 24–48 hours of water intrusion, and why new builds can be worse, not better The "canary effect": why one person in a house gets sick and nobody else does Prescription binders vs. natural binders — and why the natural route can take ten times longer Do air purifiers actually help? Moldy coffee and protein powder: is ingested mold the real threat, or is it what you're breathing? The environmental red flags to walk your own house for this week If you take one action Look up Shoemaker biotoxin symptom clusters (S-H-O-E-M-A-K-E-R). If a lot of those boxes light up for you — you only need one symptom per box to count — that's a strong signal to investigate your environment. Then walk your home for: that earthy, musty odor (especially in a basement), visible mold, peeling or cracking paint, warped flooring, dust on your HVAC vents, and indoor humidity consistently above 60%. Connect with Ariana MoldCo — moldco.com Instagram — @themoldcompany LinkedIn — in/arianadthacker X — @m0ldilocks

Send us Fan MailMOLDCO DISCOUNT: Use code LESSSTRESSED20 for 20% off the Complete Panel and Home Dust Test. Find those tests here https://www.moldco.com/testing.Mold exposure can feel like an expensive and overwhelming rabbit hole, especially when symptoms span multiple systems and conventional testing keeps coming back normal. This week on The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Ariana Thacker of MoldCo to talk about making mold and CIRS testing and treatment more accessible and less overwhelming. We cover the symptoms and environmental clues that may point toward mold exposure, MoldCo's $56 starter blood panel, home and genetic testing, and why some people are more susceptible than others. Ariana also walks us through their simplified approach to the Shoemaker Protocol, including prescription binders, nasal sprays, and VIP, and shares an important reminder for anyone navigating mold illness: there are solutions, and people do get better.KEY TAKEAWAYS:

**Our final Wholeness Method cohort of 2026 is open now.**Can you follow a carnivore diet, improve your environment, take the right supplements, and still feel stuck in chronic illness? Judy Cho sits down with licensed clinical social worker and Wholeness Method practitioner Lauren Cogan to examine nervous system dysregulation, trauma responses, anxiety, people-pleasing, boundaries, CIRS, mold illness, and the mind-body patterns that can remain after the physical foundations are addressed.This conversation explores why some behaviors that appear to be personality may actually be protective responses, why understanding a pattern is different from changing it, and how chronic illness can alter the way someone interprets every new healing strategy. This is not an argument against carnivore or functional medicine. It examines the additional layer that may matter when diet, sleep, lifestyle, and protocols have helped, but the body still does not feel safe. How trauma and anxiety show up in the bodyWhen anxiety can look like ADHDTalk therapy, somatic work, and nervous system healingHow childhood shapes the stress responseWhen a trauma response feels like personalityA chronic illness transformation storyWhy saying no can trigger fight or flightThe crash that can happen before a health issue_____EPISODE REFERENCESWholeness Method CohortWholeness Method ResourcesWEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to share the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After multiple exposures to water-damaged buildings, they both began experiencing unexplained symptoms, with Jenna developing debilitating panic attacks, severe insomnia, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite being told by multiple healthcare providers that it was "just anxiety," she continued searching for answers until she finally received a CIRS diagnosis. We also discuss what CIRS is, how it differs from mold illness, why environmental testing matters, and the role of the Shoemaker Protocol in recovery.KEY TAKEAWAYS: What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Common neurological symptoms of CIRS  The difference between CIRS and mold illness  Trusting your body when answers don't add up  Why environmental testing matters  Finding the right tools for your healing journey ABOUT GUEST:Jenna is a registered dietitian via her business Nutritiously Jenna and associate practitioner at Less Stressed Life Nutrition. She started working with Christa in 2018 doing mentorship hours for her undergraduate degree. Her passion for women's wellness came from her firsthand struggles flaring with a variety of gut, detox/drainage, nervous system, and energy issues. In January 2026 was when she officially learned that CIRS was a piece of not only her health story but also, her husband's after a variety of exposures to biotoxins in their homes. Through this experience, her goal is helping other "misunderstood" clients better understand how their symptoms can be influenced by the health of their environment.WHERE TO FIND GUEST: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslyjenna/SPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor.

Chemical engineer and MoldCo founder Ariana Thacker discusses mold-related illness, including chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), as a major blind spot in conventional care for chronic, multi-system symptoms. Thacker recounts developing rapid-onset brain fog, slurred speech, GI issues, hair loss, weight gain, and shortness of breath after six and a half months in a moldy Miami apartment, seeing over a dozen specialists who attributed symptoms to stress or anxiety. They discuss exposures beyond allergy (mycotoxins, VOCs, microbial fragments), genetic susceptibility (HLA haplotypes), and prevalence estimates tied to water-damaged homes. The episode covers home detection (sensory/visual checks, humidity, dust PCR/ERMI testing, certified inspectors) and diagnostics/treatment via Shoemaker-related biomarkers and protocols, including low-starch diet guidance and VIP peptide therapy, plus MoldCo's testing and virtual care services.

In this CIRS Group Podcast episode, hosts Jacie and Barbara interview Brian Tinker, founder of Breathe Well Homes and a master builder with 30+ years of experience, whose work became personal after his wife's CIRS diagnosis revealed their home's role in her illness. Brian explains how moisture control is the core issue behind mold problems and why modern “tighter” energy codes can create sick homes without proper ventilation. He highlights common high-risk materials and methods (e.g., OSB, MDF, spray foam off-gassing, flex ducting, traditional grout), shares practical strategies for moisture management, wall assemblies that can dry, and using ERV/HRV systems to keep homes breathing. He discusses cost increases (about 35–45%), his course and consultations, remote build guidance, and his newer Breathe Well Vans concept, plus interest in manufactured homes for faster, lower-cost options. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 02:00 Brian's CIRS-aware home building journey 04:52 Why modern homes are so prone to getting mold 07:34 Common building materials that promote mold and trigger CIRS 10:58 Brian's opinion of the best era for older homes 13:14 Moisture management for the modern home 17:19 Is there a compromise between energy efficiency and clean air? 21:40 What is a passive house? 23:39 The cost of building a CIRS-aware home 28:32 The Breathe Well Homes mission, and vans! 35:05 Post-interview wrap up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Brian's website: https://breathewellhomes.com/ Breathe Well Vans: https://www.instagram.com/breathewellvans 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.

Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health.Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____Can eating more fat stall weight loss, even on a zero-carb carnivore diet? In this episode, Judy Cho sits down with Craig Emmerich to examine why some people lose weight effortlessly on carnivore or keto while others gain weight, struggle with hunger, or see their metabolic health worsen. They discuss dietary fat, protein intake, calories, leptin resistance, muscle loss, fasting, thyroid function, hormones, and why postmenopausal women may respond differently than men.The conversation also moves beyond macros into the limits of diet itself. Craig shares what years of strict carnivore could and could not resolve in his own experience with Lyme disease, mold illness, CIRS, inflammation, and chronic pain. This episode challenges several popular carnivore claims while offering a more individualized framework for weight loss, body composition, metabolic health, and long-term healing.We discuss the following: The fat debateThe Randall effectFat gain without carbs?Stress, cortisol, and obesityFat threshold explainedPractical protein and fat targetsLeaner carnivore satietyNutrition misinformation onlineAdjusting fat intakeWhy carnivore harder isn't the answerWhy some people leave carnivoreWhere to start for complex cases _____EPISODE RESOURCESWhy Diet Alone May not be Enough - Lyme, CIRS and Autoimmune Interview with Craig EmmerichKeto Maria WebsiteThe Art of Metabolic Health Book_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Barbara and Jacie are back, this time to share Jacie's personal health update while she deals with a CIRS relapse after moving into a new apartment. Jacie describes worsening histamine flares, a return of autoimmune symptoms like uveitis, and home testing that showed borderline endotoxins (100), and extremely high actinos (6 million). This prompted a small-particle cleaning and skin/environment retesting that suggested her boyfriend's microbes were contributing. While waiting to see CIRS clinician Dr. Andrea Jordheim, Jacie used an AIP diet, curcumin, astaxanthin, acupuncture, and a vibration plate to feel better. She reviews her extensive testing results (GI, infections, metabolomics, sinus, spike protein), her boyfriend's gut results (high Campylobacter, low Akkermansia), her dysbiotic gut findings and leaky-gut indicators, a very high spike protein result (23,000 vs 0.08), and next steps including fasting, nattokinase, quercetin, methylation and genetic testing. In her next update, she'll share MARCoNS and water testing (for uranium) results. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:06 Surprise puppy Story 02:20 Jacie's CIRS relapse 03:27 Histamine flares and uveitis 04:41 Home dust tests and skin tests to check for exposure 06:22 Feel better while waiting for your doctor: nutrition and supplements 07:44 Acupuncture and vibration plate 09:54 Doctor appointment and labwork 12:02 All the tests! 14:29 Working with Dr. Andrea Jordheim 15:55 Jacie's boyfriend's gut results 16:50 Jacie's GI dysbiosis findings 19:55 Spike protein test results and FLCCC protocol 22:17 Remaining tests 23:00 Concerning uranium levels in water 24:07 Minerals and methylation 26:16 Difficulty using carbs for fuel 29:06 Celiac genes, staying gluten free 31:46 High MPO may indicate endotoxins 33:05 Hormones, methylation, and hydration 34:38 Next testing, and supplements prioritized 36:10 The importance of collaborative care with your doctor 38:56 Wrap up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Work with Dr. Andrea Jordheim: https://mytransformationwellness.com/ Our interview with Dr. Lacey Venanzi: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=2HQ43ju_lV7PwC3w Celiac blood test: https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/cyrex-array-3x 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.  

In this final CIRSx 2026 recap, Jacie and Barbara cover the conference's lifestyle-focused talks and share takeaways for listeners. They highlight Mike Pelletier's practical strategies to accelerate CIRS recovery, including prioritizing sleep (consistent bedtime/wake time, cool room, morning light, lowering bedroom CO2, reducing nocturia by shifting fluid intake earlier, and improving nasal breathing), plus frequent “exercise snacks,” movement, and whole-food nutrition. They discuss Lauren Loewenstein's talk on sharing CIRS stories via social media and how coaches can bridge patients, physicians, and remediation teams. They also cover Dr. Hamid's talk on acupuncture as an adjunct for anxiety and autonomic dysregulation, including self-regulation tools like breathing and HRV training. They summarize Dr. Craig Tanio's Aventhea Trial emphasizing multi-root-cause precision medicine and prevention. Finally, they recap interior designer Kaleigh Concannon's talk on creating low-tox homes, noting challenges with foam/off-gassing in mattresses and couches and focusing on practical risk reduction over perfection. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:40 Mike Pelletier's lifestyle tips 03:54 Sleep Optimization Tips: sleep, sunlight, lower CO2 06:52 Mouth Taping Debate 08:40 Exercise snacks, temperature, bedding, UV index, movement 14:28 Lauren Lowenstein: leveraging social media to share your story 18:44 Dr. Ilyas Hamid: acupuncture for nervous system regulation 25:52 Dr. Craig Tanio's research on reversing neurodegeneration 29:24 Kaleigh Concannon: low toxicity home design 33:52 Final Thoughts For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Reach out to Mike Pelletier to work with him: mike@thrivalhealth.com Collagen infused mouth tape: https://taped.co/products/mt?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23832672398&gbraid=0AAAABBabV6YK8NK1i2DgtSefZ-Zp7G17B&gclid=CjwKCAjwpqHTBhAcEiwAj2AfuhpIoyBoY6Nl5w2f6VNNrw8O9yqsQVCh0s3ogzbeuHjKseVQ-C83JhoCU1MQAvD_BwE Weird chin strap thing (may or may not work lol): https://www.amazon.com/facelift-compression-garment/s?k=facelift+compression+garment Lauren's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiotoxinlady Jacie's favorite Qi Gong video: https://youtu.be/onA4pogScVg?is=Shg-9oM-_C7onpwW Dr. Ilyas Hamid's website: https://acuhollywood.com/ Dr. Craig Tanio's website: https://www.rezilirhealth.com/doctors/craig-p-tanio/ Sign up to Kaleigh's low tox newsletter: https://www.uniquelyyoudecor.com/newsletter 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.

What if the reason your Lyme treatment isn't working has nothing to do with the infection itself?In this episode of Integrative Lyme Solutions, Dr. K talks with pediatrician Dr. Scott McMahon, Medical Director at Moldco, about the immune system reaction that keeps so many chronic Lyme patients sick long after the bacteria are gone. Dr. McMahon explains how dead pathogen fragments can keep triggering the innate immune system, why standard labs like CBC and CRP almost always miss it, and which specific markers (TGF-beta 1, MMP9, C4a) tell the real story. He also walks through his treatment approach with binders, a low-amylose diet, and VIP peptide therapy, and shares data from his work on children with recurrent headaches, stomach issues, and PANS/PANDAS whose symptoms resolved once the underlying inflammatory response was addressed.This conversation covers what chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) is, why it so often overlaps with Lyme and mold illness, and how the hypothalamus, blood-brain barrier, and autonomic nervous system get pulled into the mix. If you've been treating the infection but still aren't getting better, this episode explains the piece that's likely missing.Key Takeaways:0:00 Introduction0:53 Immune response drives chronic Lyme symptoms2:53 Key labs standard testing misses6:30 Dead pathogen fragments trigger the immune system9:33 Binders, diet and VIP reset the response16:57 Kids' unexplained symptoms trace back to CIRS30:00 CIRS disrupts the blood-brain barrier and hormones35:26 Low-cost telehealth model closes the access gap Schedule a Free 15-Min Cancer/Lyme Consultation at The Karlfeldt Center: 208-338-8902Resources:Moldco - https://www.moldco.comSurviving Mold (Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker) - https://www.survivingmold.comIncellDx (Dr. Bruce Patterson) - https://www.incelldx.comKlinghardt Institute (Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt) - https://klinghardtinstitute.com/Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions.

Barbara and Jacie continue their CIRSx 2026 recap with the medical talks, emphasizing that the episode should not be considered medical advice and encouraging listeners to consult their own CIRS practitioners. They summarize Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker's talk on “triple positives” on GENIE (AKT, RELA, tubulin) as an early risk pattern for neurodegeneration including Parkinson's, highlighting the promise of early intervention. Dr. Lacey Venanzi focused on gut-driven inflammation in CIRS via LPS, dysbiosis, permeability tied to low MSH, and discussed preferred microbiome testing. Dr. Kellen Milani shared a stalking experience and the need for practitioner boundaries. Louise Carter reviewed GENIE/HLA patterns, suggesting CIRS subtypes and vascular dysregulation. Dr. Eric Dorninger covered step five of the Shoemaker Protocol: androgen correction, especially DHEA, plus additional testing options like DUTCH. Dr. Scott McMahon critiqued overly broad test interpretation. Dr. Oseni discussed pulmonary manifestations of CIRS and spirometry, noting TGF-beta1 and fibrosis. Dr. Peg DiTulio reviews MARCoNS treatment data, maintenance strategies to prevent recolonization, and when to consider ENT/dental issues. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:00 Dr. Shoemaker on Triple Positives 03:34 Dr. Lacey Venanzi: Gut Endotoxins and Actinos 10:03 Dr. Milani: her story of being stalked by a patient 15:58 Louise Carder's talk on GENIE subtypes 20:46 Dr. Eric Dorninger's hormone support talk 24:52 Dr. Scott McMahon on proper medical terms 32:18 Dr. Oseni on testing lung capacity 35:57 Dr. Peg DiTullio: lessons from treating MARCoNs 42:59 Wrap Up Next Episode For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: Dr. Lacey Venanzi's website: https://www.drlacey.org/ Our interview with Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=A4SrJ6tmY_zr1u53 Dr. Lacey's new podcast with Dr. Christian: https://www.coherencedx.com/ Dr. Kellyn Milani's website: https://remedynaturalhealth.com/ Louise Carder's website (for UK based patients): https://www.colabeu.com/ Dr. Eric Dorninger's website: https://drdorninger.com/ Our interview with Dr. Anjali Noble about hormones and menopause: https://youtu.be/OStNHRNffqw?si=PUfXfmfcAoVbvFR1 Our episode on urinary mycotoxin tests: https://youtu.be/qWIIBaMybFA?si=5yoXqYTGvDSC6YG6 Our interview with Dr. Peg re: tick borne illness: https://youtu.be/czSjykCdOR4?si=P-oePTLGCG-ujip6 Dr. Peg DiTulio's website: https://regenixhealing.com/ Our episode all about MARCoNs: https://youtu.be/wOSmKcZr06s?si=7s7wJKQQa7EidDel 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.

Barbara and Jacie kick off their annual CIRSx 2026 Conference recap series, focusing this episode on remediation and environmental talks, with a reminder to consult an indoor environmental professional (IEP) for climate-specific guidance. They summarize key presentations: Bill Weber and Christine Semabeu on prevention-first building and homeowner maintenance (leak management, access panels, alarms, early mechanical planning, and the book “Mold Controlled” by John Banta); contractor Brian Tinker on why building code isn't sufficient for “medically clean homes,” the need to budget for mold-safer materials, identify dust reservoirs, and validate with testing throughout construction; forensic engineer Joe Lstiburek's moisture-management building science emphasizing drying potential and prioritizing people/building health over energy efficiency; Air Oasis updates including a planned 2027 model with requested features and current 2.0 model features; Max McCord on using thermal imaging to find hidden moisture; Osman Zelaya on making inspection reports function like construction blueprints through clearer communication; and Jack Getz's case study building an 800 sq ft CIRS-friendly home over a garage with detailed design choices and costs. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:40 Bill Weber and Christine Cimabue: Prevention is better than remediation 07:00 Brian Tinker: building beyond code 12:03 Joseph Lstiburek - Building Science Masterclass: Don't do stupid things 16:07 Brad Baxter, COO of Air Oasis: new model in 2027 21:17 Max McCord: finding hidden moisture 24:51 Osmin Zelaya: better inspection reports - better communication 28:06 CIRS Friendly Home Case Study 35:09 Key Takeaways and Wrap Up For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS: Bill Weber's website: https://avelar.net/articles_publications/team/bill-weber/ Christine Cimabue's website: https://byholistichomes.com/ John Banta's book, Mold Controlled: https://www.johncbanta.com/publications Brian Tinker's website: https://breathewellhomes.com/ Joseph Lstiburek's website: https://buildingscience.com/users/jlstiburek Air Oasis air filters: https://www.airoasis.com/ Max McCord's website: https://www.stonecrest.team/ Osmin Zelaya's website: https://medviro.com/Leadership John Goetz's recommendation for people interested in building their own CIRS safe home: https://buildshownetwork.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.

Barbara and Jacie share “hot takes” after CIRSx 2026 in Fort Lauderdale. Barbara attended in person and Jacie watched virtually. They discuss feeling “weird vibes” and a more corporate yet conflicted identity, with misalignment about whether the conference is for providers, patients, or remediators, and concerns about limited innovation within the Shoemaker community. They encourage practitioners to seek innovation through CIRS Lab and mention Dr. Lacey Venanzi and Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres' work. They highlight standout talks from Brian Tinker on safe homes, Dr. Venanzi on endotoxemia/actinos in the gut, Mike Pelletier on patient lifestyle changes, Dr. Kellyn Milani on being stalked by a patient, Louise Carter on GENIE patterns, Jack Goetz on building a CIRS-conscious home, and Kayleigh Concannon on low-tox furnishings, while noting many other talks felt unhelpful and lacking actionable takeaways. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro: CIRSx 01:11 Hot Takes explained 03:25 Medical Disclaimer 03:48 Weird Conference Vibes 06:30 Who is CIRSx for? 07:57 Innovation beyond Shoemaker 10:56 Gatekeeping and publishing pressure 14:53 Tell me why I'm watching this 18:22 Standout talks and teasers 30:00 Up next! For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: If you're a health coach or practitioner in the CIRS space, join the practitioner membership at https://www.cirslab.com/ Our recent episode with Dr. Christian and Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/7H6CKEhIMSU?si=Dr18_Gg8fpZfkKsh Dr. Christian and Dr. Lacey's new podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CoherenceDX 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.

In this The CIRS Group Podcast episode, Jacie and Barbara explain MARCoNS (multiple antibiotic resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci) as a common deep nasal colonization in CIRS patients and why it's addressed as step three in the Shoemaker Protocol (after leaving exposure and using binders). They discuss how MARCoNS may perpetuate inflammation and low MSH, what symptoms can look like, and how to test via a deep nasal swab (ordered from MicrobiologyDX). They review Shoemaker-style treatments such as EDTA with silver, BEG spray, plus alternatives like xylitol sprays, ozone, red light therapy, and propolis sprays, along with titration and irritation considerations. They also cover why MARCoNS can recur (ongoing exposure, incomplete eradication, pets, personal items), debate whether MARCoNS is cause vs result, and mention broader nasal testing (MicroGenDX Sinus Key) and evolving approaches beyond the patented Shoemaker Protocol. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:31 What MARCoNS Means 02:41 Colonization vs Infection 03:30 Why you should care about MARCoNs 05:56 MARCoNs Symptoms 09:29 Timing your treatment for MARCoNs 10:41 Testing technique 14:32 How to understand your test results 15:55 Shoemaker-endorsed treatment for MARCoNs 20:37 Other options for treatment 28:58 Why do MARCoNs take hold, and why does it keep it from coming back 32:11 Do MARCoNS really matter? 34:49 Beyond MARCoNS sinus testing 36:40 The next frontier of sinus testing and treatment For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Order your own MARCoNs test: https://www.microbiologydx.com/order-collection-kits Our interview with Dr. Andrew Heyman: https://youtu.be/WwTRQTuUeC8?si=3HfIk0fE7OCCygj6 The CIRS Summit (to view Christian's talk on nasal treatments): https://cirs-summit-2025.heysummit.com/talks/how-the-latest-nasal-swab-testing-can-help-you-heal/ Order your own SinusKey test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey 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.

As a holistic and functional psychiatrist, I see many people who are highly sensitive. Most are deep divers into information and able to connect a lot of dots. Many are gifted. Many struggle with overwhelm and low stress tolerance. Some struggled with anxiety, inner tension, or feeling “too much” for as long as they can remember. Some feel different - that they don't fit in.As a holistic and functional psychiatrist with over twenty years in practice, I've worked with thousands of highly sensitive adults and children. Most are deep divers into information, able to connect a lot of dots — many are gifted. And yet many struggle with overwhelm, low stress tolerance, anxiety, or inner tension that has been there for as long as they can remember. Many feel different, like they don't quite fit in. What I've found is that sensitivity itself is rarely the problem — it's the seeming vulnerability to brain-related or physical conditions. Over the years I've found three different models to be especially useful in explaining some of the vulnerabilities and the strengths of those of us who are highly sensitive: Dr. Elaine Aron's work on the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), the nutritional medicine concept of Pyrrole Disorder, and Dr. Sharon Meglathery's RCCX Theory. Each looks at a similar group of traits through a different lens — psychological, biochemical, and genetic, respectively.Before I start, I want to emphasize that sensitivity is not a pathology or a diagnosis. It is actually a trait that has existed across human history for a reason. My goal is not to pathologize it, but to understand it — and to offer tools to those who have these traits but who are struggling with a condition more prevalent in those with these traits. As I go through these three frameworks, the overlap will be obvious and I'll highlight what each of these has to offer that the others don't.What You'll Learn* The HSP model provides validation and a language for sensitive individuals.* Pyrrole Disorder involves an overproduction of pyrroles, leading to nutrient depletion of nutrients critical for neurotransmitter functioning.* Pyrrole Disorder is common in brain-related conditions.* RCCX Theory connects genetic vulnerabilities to sensitivity and chronic illness.* Stress amplifies the experiences of highly sensitive individuals.* Understanding these models can lead to effective treatment options.* There are meaningful paths forward for those who are highly sensitive.Chapters* 00:00 Understanding High Sensitivity* 02:26 The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Model* 10:23 Exploring Pyrrole Disorder* 18:18 RCCX Theory Explained* 30:11 Intersecting Models: HSP, Pyrrole Disorder & RCCX Theory* 34:40 Conclusion and Path ForwardI. THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE PERSONIn the early 1990s, psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron identified a personality trait she called Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) — and the people who score high in it she called Highly Sensitive Persons, or HSPs.This is not a diagnosis. It is a trait, present in roughly 15–20% of the population. It has been found across more than 100 species — from fruit flies to primates. This tells us it is evolutionarily conserved — it confers survival advantages. In any social group, having members who are wired to notice subtle cues, process information deeply, and detect threats before others do is extremely valuable. Fitting with this, many of these individuals, who also struggle with complex chronic health issues are considered the “canaries in the coal mine” since their bodies react to environmental triggers (environmental toxins, chemicals, or stressors) long before the rest of the population.Dr. Aron captured the core features of this trait in an acronym she called DOES:D — Depth of processing: HSPs think deeply, reflect before acting, and notice subtleties that others miss.O — Overstimulation: Because they process so thoroughly, HSPs reach their threshold more quickly in high-stimulation environments.E — Emotional reactivity and Empathy: HSPs feel emotions intensely and are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them.S — Sensitivity to subtle stimuli: They pick up on things — in their environment, in social dynamics, in the body — that others simply don't register.As you can see, traits that are super powers, can become liabilities. The deep diver who loses sight of the big picture. The empath who absorbs everyone else's energy as their own energy becomes depleted. The person who withdraws from the world because the stimulation has simply become too much.HSP ResearchBeyond the clinical observations, there is now a growing body of neuroscience and genetic research supporting this trait. There is evidence that the brains of sensitive people are doing more, processing more and feeling more.fMRI studies (Acevedo, Aron et al., 2014) have shown that when HSPs view emotional images — particularly photos of loved ones expressing happiness or sadness — their brains show significantly greater activation in regions associated with awareness, empathy, and sensory integration.Twin studies show that Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) as defined by Dr. Aron is approximately 47% heritable. Small studies as opposed to large genome wide studies have focused on genetic variants involving dopamine and serotonin systems, such as a serotonin transport gene, a dopamine receptor gene, and COMT, which codes for the enzyme that metabolizes dopamine and norepinephrine.While this hints at a biochemical dimension, the HSP framework doesn't address this as directly as the other two models I'll discuss, nor does it explain the higher prevalence of physical health conditions in those who are highly sensitive.Research published in 2026 (Matsuzawa et al.) found that individuals high in SPS had substantially higher rates of depression (13.8%), anxiety disorder (10.5%), and developmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, compared to the general population.Despite this overlap with developmental disorders: unlike, ADHD, HSPs typically have excellent concentration in quiet environments. And unlike the social deficits described in ASD, HSPs tend to have heightened social attunement. They often feel too much of what's happening in social situations, not too little, even if they respond awkwardly at times.Research shows that high sensory processing sensitivity is associated with more frequent physical symptoms — back pain, fatigue, digestive issues, frequent illness.What This Framework OffersThe HSP model has given millions of people validation and a language for these traits that has allowed them to shift from “what is wrong with me” to “this is how I am wired.”It also offers an evolutionary reframe. High sensitivity is not a mistake and is not pathologic. It is a feature of the human population that has served us.What it doesn't offer is a biological explanation for why some sensitive people suffer so acutely — or a path toward biochemical intervention. II. PYRROLE DISORDERPyrrole disorder is a biochemical imbalance that has been recognized for decades, though it remains largely unknown in mainstream psychiatry. It involves an overproduction of pyrroles — metabolic byproducts that, on their own, are not a problem. When they are high, however, they can result in a depletion of zinc, B6 and a few other nutrients.First identified in the 1950s and first treated with zinc and B6 in the 1980s, pyrrole disorder is one of the most common nutrient imbalances found in brain-related conditions — and one of the most treatable. Yet most people who have it have never heard of it. I learned about pyrroles in 2014 when I first trained with the Walsh Research Institute.The Importance of Zinc, B6 & MagnesiumVitamin B6 is required to synthesize dopamine, serotonin, and GABA — three of the most critical neurotransmitters for mood regulation, anxiety, and stress response. Zinc plays a profound role in the central nervous system, the immune system, gastrointestinal tract (which we now know has its own significant influence on brain health) and connective tissue (joints and skin).Pyrrole Disorder Traits & SymptomsThe most consistent feature is low stress tolerance. People with elevated pyrroles are often described as those for whom life seems harder than it should be, every transition can be destabilizing and every large group or new environment feels like too much.The overlap with the HSP profile is striking, but here, we start to see not only traits, but symptoms.- Socially anxious, shy, or fearful since childhood, with severe inner tension- Sensitive to bright light, loud noises, textures, and odors- Avoids crowds, strangers, and new situations- History of reading difficulty- Poor short-term memory- Underachievement- Irritability, mood swings, bouts of depression- Tends to stay up late; little or no dream recall; morning nausea- White spots on fingernails; very dry skin; stretch marks; poor wound healing- Joint pain- Frequent infections or autoimmune tendenciesMost people with pyrrole disorder don't have all of these symptoms — but the inner tension, the high sensitivity, and low stress intolerance are very common.What the Data ShowsThe Walsh Research Institute has collected data on over 30,000 patients. Elevated pyrroles were found in:* 18% of those with ADHD* 24% of those with depression* 28% of those with behavioral disorders* 35% of those with autism* 35% of those with bipolar disorder* 30% of those with schizophrenia* 12% of those with PTSDAnd in only 8% of healthy controls — meaning those with no psychiatric diagnosis.What Causes Pyrrole Disorder?For many, there appears to be a genetic component, but for others, pyrroles appear to have increased due to high physiologic or emotional stress. Examples include candida overgrowth or other forms of gut microbial imbalances, mold toxicity, heavy metals, chemical exposures, illness, emotional trauma, major life transitions or even growth spurts in children.What This Framework Brings UsRelative to the HSP framework, an understanding of pyrroles gives a specific, treatable biological mechanism. When zinc, B6, Magnesium and other nutrients are depleted, we know how the brain's neurotransmitter functioning is affected — and we know what to do about it.Treatment from a Walsh Research Institute trained practitioner typically involves a nutrient protocol of zinc (based on zinc and copper testing), B6 or its active form P5P, and other nutrients for pyrrole disorder and other nutrient imbalances identified. For many patients, a lifetime of chronic inner tension and fearfulness begins to shift within days to a couple of weeks of starting the nutrients.Treatment doesn't change one's personality, but it can improve social discomfort, overwhelm, the anxiety, the depression that has been layered on top of that sensitivity.Where zinc deficiency can impact a lot of the physical conditions that appear to be more common in those who are hypersensitive, it doesn't fully explain the significant hormonal, inflammatory, connective tissue symptoms and autoimmunity we see in many who are hypersensitive.III. RCCX THEORYRCCX theory has been proposed by Dr. Sharon Meglathery, MD — a psychiatrist and internist whose own complex health history (which is very similar to my own) led her to one of the most compelling explanations I've encountered for why hypersensitivity, neurodivergence, psychiatric conditions, MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), EDS (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome), POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and/or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and autoimmunity tend to cluster together in certain individuals and families.RCCX refers to a module of four genes on chromosome 6. Three of them appear to be particularly important to our health, and two of those have very high rates of mutation.The Three Key Genes(1) TNXB codes for a protein involved in connective tissue. Variants range from subtle joint hypermobility to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. But connective tissue isn't just about joints — it's also about the permeability of the gut-blood barrier, the blood-brain barrier, and vulnerability to upper cervical (neck) instability, which can put tension on the vagus nerve and affect the entire autonomic nervous system.(2) CYP21A2 is the most important gene in the module when it comes to psychiatric conditions. It codes for 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme needed to convert 17-hydroxyprogesterone into cortisol. When there is a mutation — and there can be many, of varying degrees — the body may struggle to meet the demand for cortisol under stress. A weakness on this gene could have two primary effects:First — The theory holds that many people with CYP21A2 mutations, even without hypermobility, may develop what Dr. Meglathery calls a “brain wired for danger” — essentially, a nervous system calibrated toward threat detection from early in life, with minimal trauma required. A mutation on CYP21A2 may essentially result in relatively higher androgens impacting the amygdala — the brain's fear and emotional center. Studies have found that hypermobile individuals (who often carry TNXB mutations) have a larger-than-normal amygdala.Second — because of this mutation, the body may not be able to keep up with the body's need for cortisol (especially when under stress). This deficit causes the brain to release corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to signal the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol. CRH binds to mast cells and activates the immune system — leading to secondary brain inflammation. This is the inflammatory pathway that can result in a number of secondary health issues including MCAS, CIRS, POTS, CFS and more.(3) C4 is involved in immune response and autoimmunity, and has been linked to schizophrenia. This gene variant is not as common as the first two referenced, though I do see a number of families who also have autoimmunity impacting multiple family members.The CAPS Psychological ProfileDr. Meglathery uses the term CAPS — CYP21A2 Mutation Associated Neuropsychiatric Spectrum — to describe the psychological profile she has observed in people with this genetic vulnerability. These traits can exist long before any formal psychiatric diagnosis, and they are not inherently pathological. - Anxiety and over-arousal during times of stress — high adrenaline, insomnia, sometimes manic-like characteristics- Under-arousal during low-stress periods — leading to ADD presentations, compulsive behaviors, or thrill-seeking to raise arousal- High emotionality, sensitivity, and reactivity to environmental stimuli- Sensory processing difficulties — typically over-stimulation in loud or chaotic environments- A strong ability to read emotions in others, paired with social awkwardness in response- Easily affected by events others would consider minor — an offhand comment, a disturbing movie- A tendency toward nonconformity- Special abilities: gifted musicians, scientists, creatives, systems thinkers- Hyper-focus and obsession with areas of deep interest, often leading to remarkable accomplishments- High tenacity and determination, when not derailed by overstimulation or past trauma- Strong emotions — positive or negative — that can manifest as obsessional worrying, harm avoidance, OCD tendencies, or very high standards for self and othersDr. Meglathery also notes — and I have observed this clinically — that people with this profile tend to find each other through friendships, partnerships and marriage. They are drawn together by shared sensitivities, emotional depth, and intellectual gifts. This means children are likely to receive a tendency towards CAPS from both sides.Women who are appear to have CYP21A2 mutations often have a male-pattern finger length ratio — the ring finger longer than the index finger — a possible marker of androgen exposure during development.What RCCX OffersRCCX theory offers the broadest biological framework we have for understanding why sensitivity, psychiatric vulnerability, and complex chronic illness so often travel together in the same people and families. It connects the nervous system, the immune system, the hormonal system, and connective tissue under one genetic umbrella.It also points toward specific interventions: nervous system regulation (limbic retraining, vagal work), mast cell management, and addressing the downstream biochemical consequences of cortisol dysregulation.The limitation is that genetic testing for variants on the gene for 21-hydroxylase is not yet widely available, which is why this isn't a gene that you'll see referenced when it comes to HSP, though I would argue it is likely the most prevalent. RCCX remains a clinical theory — but one that explains the constellation of traits and symptoms of most of the people that I in my practiceIV. WHERE THESE MODELS INTERSECTWhere Might Pyrrole Disorder and RCCX Theory Meet?The symptom overlap is almost complete: poor stress tolerance, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, inner tension, connective tissue symptoms, frequent infections, autoimmune tendencies. Relatively low zinc would impact most of these shared symptoms, but there may be a potentially deeper connection.21-hydroxylase contains a pyrrole-like structure — heme — within it. Could a mutation resulting in abnormal 21-hydroxylase lead to a buildup of abnormal heme-like compounds, contributing directly to pyrrole disorder? This is not proven, but in an exchange about this with Dr. Meglathery, she indicated that she also believes there is a strong association, and the biochemical logic is compelling.This matters, because we know what helps pyrrole disorder. We have a treatment — treatment that can complement what RCCX theory makes evident — that the stress response has to be addressed.Stress (again from any cause - physiologic or emotional) is the great amplifier across all three models. Stress worsens the HSP experience, and tips the CYP21A2 mutation from manageable to destabilizing (through the hormonal consequences and the inflammatory cascade) and yes, it even causes pyrroles to increase.BRINGING IT TOGETHERFor someone who is highly sensitive, and struggling with brain related or physical symptoms or conditions, pyrrole disorder and even RCCX theory are worth considering because they offer tools and start to answer, “What Can We Do About It?”The three frameworks work together:The HSP model offers validation and language. It shifts the frame from deficit to difference. It reminds us that sensitivity is not pathology — it is a trait with evolutionary value, and it comes with great strengths.The Pyrrole model offers a treatable nutrient imbalance. It explains, at the neurotransmitter level, why stress hits harder for these individuals. Treatment doesn't take away the sensitivity; it lifts the weight that has accumulated on top of it.The RCCX model offers the broadest systems view. It connects the dots between what the body is doing — the immune activation, the hormonal dysregulation, the connective tissue involvement — and the psychiatric and psychological profile that tends to accompany it. It also provides additional tools: nervous system regulation, mast cell support, hormonal awareness.If any of this resonates — the sensitivity, the inner tension, the feeling of always being at the edge of overwhelm — please know that there are roots to explore and meaningful paths forward.If you are looking for someone trained by the Walsh Research Institute knowledgeable in assessing for and treating pyrrole disorder (and other common nutrient imbalances impacting brain health), or learning more about Dr. Aron's work on HSP and Dr. Meglathery's RCCX theory, I am providing those links below.And as always, I welcome your thoughts, experience and questions.Until next time,CourtneyAbout the AuthorDr. Courtney Snyder MD is a Holistic and Functional Child and Adult Psychiatrist who offers non-patient consultations to individuals and practitioners nationally and internationally in addition to her treatment practice serving FL, IN, KY, OH. Her educational content, shared through her website, Substack Newsletter, the Holistic Psychiatry Podcast and YouTube Channel reaches readers and listeners in over 160 countries.ResourcesWalsh Research Institute: walshinstitute.orgRCCX Theory — Dr. Sharon Meglathery: rccxandillness.comDr. Elaine Aron — The Highly Sensitive Person: hsperson.comOther Sources: Acevedo et al. 2014, “The Highly Sensitive Brain,” Brain & Behavior | Matsuzawa et al. 2026, Psychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences ReportsMedical Disclaimer:This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit courtneysnydermd.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Craig Emmerich as my guest. He's an electrical engineer and bestselling author who works closely with his wonderful wife, Maria. Craig has been following a keto diet for over 17 years and a carnivore diet for over six years to help him overcome chronic Lyme disease and inflammatory response syndrome. Focusing on the science of human nutrition, he has helped thousands of clients regain their health and vitality. In today's discussion, we explore the principles of metabolic health, the role of ultra-processed foods, the bliss point, and the loss of nutrient density. We examine midlife changes in metabolic health and body composition, and highlight the critical importance of metabolic flexibility and adequate protein intake. Craig clarifies why body composition should be considered rather than the scale and explains how he determines carbohydrate tolerance. We also examine the research on the gut microbiome, the insulin-fat cell relationship, insulin resistance, fasting, and the protein-sparing modified fast as strategies for weight loss, and discuss leptin resistance, alcohol, the effects of cortisol and sleep on the hormone cascade, and troubleshooting women's midlife challenges around HRT, hydration, electrolytes, and body composition shifts. Stay tuned for today's informative discussion with Craig Emmerich, who has recently launched a new book, The Art of Metabolic Health, that he and his wife co-authored. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The importance of consuming whole foods and prioritizing your protein intake How companies engineer foods to encourage overeating Why body composition matters more than the number on the scale How building and maintaining muscle helps to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health Why adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining and improving bone density How your carbohydrate intake should be tailored to suit your personal goals, health status, and your response to different foods How insulin resistance develops Why alcohol can interfere with fat loss efforts How inadequate sleep can worsen insulin resistance Bio:  Craig Emmerich Craig Emmerich, who graduated in Electrical Engineering, has spent the last 16-plus years researching nutrition and working with thousands of clients alongside his wife, Maria Emmerich. He is an international bestselling author of “Keto: The Complete Guide” and “The Carnivore Cookbook”. He uses his knowledge of how our bodies work to help clients heal and lose weight, leveraging their biology to make it easier. Craig has helped hundreds of thousands of people regain their health and vitality with a strong focus on the science of human nutrition. Craig has been keto for over 17 years and carnivore for over 6 years to help treat his chronic Lyme disease and CIRS pain. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia's book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Craig Emmerich On his website

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.

Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health.Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____PCOS has a new name: PMOS, or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. The shift matters because PCOS was never really just about “cysts” on the ovaries. It has always been a broader endocrine and metabolic condition that can affect periods, ovulation, androgen hormones, insulin signaling, skin, mood, and long-term cardiometabolic risk.In this short solo episode, I break down why the name is changing, what PMOS means, how diagnosis works, and why symptoms like irregular periods may be less random than they seem. I also touch on the deeper question: could some cases of PMOS be an early warning sign of broader inflammatory or biotoxin-driven dysfunction, including CIRS?PCOS has a new name; symptoms and diagnosisPCOS and CarnivoreCauses of PCOS (PMOS)Insulin resistanceLoss of period, androgen hormones, LH, SHBGEndocrine disruptorsPMOS and low moodPMOS is CIRS?_____EPISODE REFERENCESPCOS in Lancet Complete Wellness PanelTest CIRS: (start here)What is CIRSCAC Founder interview on Pre Pre Diabetes Personalized Health Plan (symptoms)_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie to talk about the powerful connection between meditation, nervous system regulation, and healing while living with CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). We discuss how chronic illness can keep the body stuck in a constant state of stress and survival mode, and why nervous system work is often an overlooked piece of recovery. Melanie shares practical insights on slowing down, creating safety in the body, and using mindfulness practices to support healing without pushing yourself beyond your limits.One of the biggest themes of our conversation is learning to stop being so hard on yourself during the healing process. Recovery from CIRS is rarely linear, and we talk openly about the guilt, frustration, and pressure many people feel when they're not improving fast enough. This episode is a reminder that healing is not about perfection—it's about supporting the body with compassion, patience, and consistency.About our guest:Melanie Pensak supports people with chronic illness through screening for CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), tick confections and parasites.  She specializes in helping people use mindfulness meditation, nature and somatic practices for physical, mental and emotional support during recovery. Melanie is a certified grief educator and encourages all those with chronic illness to honor and transform loss and grief as they heal. Her medical background as a speech-language pathologist for 20 years, mindfulness teacher for a decade and personal journey healing from CIRS and multiple infections informs her ability to help patients get through the tough times with deep understanding on both the medical and emotional levels. You can learn more about her and CIRS on The Heart of CIRS Podcast and by reading her first book, Love for the Land: Practices for Deepening Connection to Earth and All Beings.Melanie's links:https://www.melaniepensak.com/schedule-with-me/ for booking links to all her 1:1 sessions https://a.co/d/cN4eR2R Link to book on Amazonhttps://www.instagram.com/meditation4cirs IG linkttps://www.instagram.com/love_4_the_land/ IG linkStephanie's links:Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drstephpeacockInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephpeacock/Website: https://stephaniepeacock.com/Substack: https://substack.com/@holistichubcommunity

Welcome to episode two of The Women's Health Wellness Edit — a brand new Slightly Spiritual mini series bringing you real, honest conversations with some of the top experts in women's health, longevity, hormones, brain health, and modern wellness. Because frankly? Too many women are being told their exhaustion, brain fog, anxiety, inflammation, and burnout are “normal” — and we think it's time for a deeper conversation. In today's episode, we sit down with Ariana Thacker, founder and CEO of MoldCo, for one of our most requested conversations yet: mold illness, mold exposure, mycotoxins, CIRS, and the hidden ways our environments can impact our health. Ariana shares her personal journey with mold illness and how it ultimately led her to build MoldCo, a healthcare technology platform dedicated to helping patients identify and navigate mold toxicity. Together, we dive into why so many people, especially women and children, are experiencing chronic symptoms while being told their labs look “normal,” and why mold illness is still so misunderstood in modern medicine. We discuss the difference between mold allergy and mold illness, common mold symptoms, symptoms of mold allergies, what mycotoxins actually are, and how mold exposure can impact everything from brain fog and fatigue to anxiety and inflammation. Ariana also explains how everyone in the same household can present completely differently, how does black mold affect you, and whether mold is dangerous for long-term health. Ariana breaks down colonized mold, the genetic component that can make some people more susceptible to mold illness, and why mold is often referred to as “the great mimicker.” This episode also covers: * Symptoms of mold allergies and how they differ from mold toxicity * Mold illness in children * Proper home testing and why air sampling alone often misses the full picture * Signs mold may be hiding in your home * Urinary mycotoxin testing and key biomarkers for mold illness * The Shoemaker Protocol and Dr. Shoemaker's work * Mold remediation tips and what to look for in a remediator * How to reduce mold exposure while traveling or living in a moldy environment * The truth about “black mold” vs. other toxic molds * Is mold dangerous? Understanding risk factors and susceptibility Whether you're actively navigating mold illness, questioning unexplained symptoms, researching mold exposure, or simply wanting to better protect your family's health, this episode is packed with practical information, validation, and actionable advice. As always, this episode is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health concerns. Keep in touch with Ariana: Website: https://www.moldco.com/ Testing: https://www.moldco.com/products YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themoldcompany Free Questionnaire: https://access.moldco.com/signs MoldCo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moldco/ Ariana's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianadthacker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoldcompany/ Ariana's X: https://x.com/m0ldilocks MoldCo's X: https://x.com/themoldcompany A gift from Ariana: use code MOLDTEST10 for 10% off MoldCo's home dust test If this episode spoke to you, subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform or share it with a friend! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slig…od/id1542525641 Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/slightlyspiritualpod/ Follow Cindy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/revealingsoul/ Follow Ali on Instagram: www.instagram.com/alitmoresco/

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.

Send Vanessa a Text MessageSupport Vanessa and Intentionally Well:Support the Intentionally Well PodcastIWP Recommended ProductsWhat happens when the experience of chronic illness itself becomes traumatic?In today's episode, we explore the intersection of chronic illness, health trauma, the nervous system, and the brain-body connection. This conversation goes beyond root causes and diagnoses to examine what living in survival mode for long periods of time can do to the body, mind, and healing process over time.Dr. Krista Morton and I discuss how chronic illness can shape the nervous system, reinforce fear patterns, impact emotional safety, and create physiological adaptations that many people living with complex illness know all too well. We also talk about the nuanced relationship between real physical illness and nervous system involvement—and why acknowledging the brain's role in healing is not the same as dismissing physiological dysfunction.This was a deeply thoughtful conversation that weaves together physiology, trauma, emotional health, nervous system regulation, and faith in a grounded and compassionate way.Dr. Krista Morton, D.Sc., MA, INHC is an integrative medicine practitioner and founder of SomaSonder Wellness, where she works with individuals navigating complex chronic illness through a whole-body, root-cause approach that honors both physiology and lived experience. Her work focuses on conditions including mold illness, Lyme disease, MCAS, CIRS, autoimmune conditions, and nervous system dysregulation.In this episode, we discuss: Health trauma and the long-term impact of chronic illness  How the brain and nervous system adapt to prolonged stress and illness  Chronic illness as a survival state  Fear, hypervigilance, and symptom amplification  Complex PTSD and the nervous system  Brain retraining and neural pathways  The relationship between physiology and emotional health  Mold illness, Lyme disease, MCAS, and chronic inflammatory conditions  Root-cause healing and whole-body approaches  The role of faith, resilience, and emotional safety in healingConnect with Dr. Krista Morton:Dr. Krista's WebsiteFollow Dr. Krista on InstagramBooks Referenced:You Were Never BrokenHealing the Shame That Binds YouConnect with Vanessa and the podcast: IWP Website: Intentionally Well PodcastPodcast on InstagramVanessa on InstagramPodcast on YouTubePodcast on TikTokPodcast on XEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

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.

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.

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this episode, Barbara and Jacie discuss how CIRS patients can tell when they're ready to move to the next step of the Shoemaker Protocol or “graduate,." As always, healing is gradual and should be guided by a CIRS-literate practitioner. They recommend tracking symptoms over time and checking three key questions: whether symptoms are improving, whether labs support improvement, and whether ongoing exposure is still occurring. The Shoemaker Protocol can be divided into three phases: (1) getting out of exposure by identifying and removing biotoxins, (2) clearing biotoxins with binders like cholestyramine (often causing temporary fatigue/constipation) and treating MARCoNS; and (3) repairing immune and hormonal dysfunction with supportive therapies, diet, and lifestyle supports. They also cover what “graduation” means, and common side quests if stalled, including Lyme, gut issues, dental problems, microbiome disruptions, spike protein, and autoimmune-related damage. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:18 The benefits of symptom tracking 03:16 The Shoemaker Protocol in three phases 04:15 Phase One: get out of exposure 06:13 When you can graduate to phase two 09:02 Phase Two: clear the biotoxins (take binders) 11:12 MARCoNs treatment 12:20 Phase Three: repair and regulate 15:03 Fix your brain with VIP Spray 18:51 What "graduation" actually means: Life after CIRS 20:19 When you stall, check for exposure 21:36 Check for Co-infections, co-morbidities, other side quests 25:26 Final takeaways For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Our Neuroquant episode: https://youtu.be/Lc_LfUeiYTM?si=DNbUj0nSdaXFGIqr Our interview with Jenny Johnson, about Life After CIRS: https://youtu.be/-c_bWUjP_uI?si=3hCbQ_CIkBbXvtTa 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.

Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health.Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____Mikhaila and I talk about what it really looks like when a carnivore diet doesn't fully resolve your symptoms, and how to troubleshoot when you feel stuck despite doing everything “right.” We dive into histamine intolerance, nutrient concerns like folate, and why some people remain highly sensitive even after years on a strict meat-based diet. A big part of our conversation focuses on Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), how environmental toxins like mold can keep your immune system stuck in overdrive, and why diet alone may not be enough for full healing.We also walk through testing options, root cause medicine, and how to move from just managing symptoms to truly expanding your food tolerance and overall health. Make sure to listen to the full interview to learn more.We discuss the following:Judy's background and healing journeyBreaking through carnivore plateausWhat is CIRSCIRS immune dysfunction explainedWhy carnivore isn't everythingFolate and nutrient concernsHistamine intolerance Probiotics and immune reactivityBinders and detox approachJudy's take on honey and fruitIodine calcium supplementationFrom standard diet to carnivore____EPISODE RESOURCESAll About CIRSCIRS HandoutMINI CIRS TestingCIRS TestingNutrition with Judy CIRS PlaylistNutrition with Judy Carnivore for Beginners PlaylistMold: The Root Cause Behind Food Sensitivities? - Interview with Judy ChoMikhaila Peterson's WebsitePeterson Academy_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In their 150th The CIRS Group podcast episode(!!), Jacie and Barbara share practical guidance for reducing actinos in the home, emphasizing that consistent removal matters because a CIRS patient can react whether actinos are dead or alive. This is NOT medical advice: Actinos guidance is leading-edge in the CIRS space, but they share what has worked for them and members of The CIRS Group.  For skin, they discuss Defense soap, lava soap, Selsun Blue, Lume acidifying wash, and Johnson's Baby Shampoo (noting dryness/irritation tradeoffs), plus probiotic lotion for localized issues. For laundry, they recommend washing clothing after one wear, and frequently washing bedding, pillows, and towels. For the home, they advise using a sealed HEPA vacuum broadly (walls, furniture, mattress, woven items), dry and damp dusting (including walls with a wet Swiffer), and using masks. If you feel overwhelmed, try breaking cleaning into manageable chunks, and consider help from cleaners, friends, or family. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 150th Episode Kickoff 01:18 Intro and disclaimer 02:25 Why aren't you in The CIRS Group? 04:10 Why consistent cleaning is important 05:18 Human derived actino tests and strategies 06:57 Skin/hair washing options 11:50 Laundry washing strategies 15:42 Home cleaning strategy (small particle cleaning or SPC) 16:49 Vacuuming and wet wiping / dry wiping 21:36 Making it sustainable 25:34 Wrap Up and Next Steps For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE: Book a consultation with Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres: https://consult-christian.as.me/schedule/a89e8b00/appointment/ Book a consultation with Dr. Andrea Jordheim: https://mytransformationwellness.com/about/ SinusKey test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey Book a consultation with Dr. Lacey: https://www.drlacey.org/ Skin Actino test: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/actino-skin/?v=7516fd43adaa Larry Schwartz interview on Actinos: https://www.betterhealthguy.com/episode171 Jenny's actinos episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUIvXrWYZOQ&pp=ygUUamVubnkgam9obnNvbiBhY3Rpbm8%3D ISEAI SPC protocol https://iseai.org/small-particle-cleaning-guide-for-people-with-mold-related-illness/ 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.

A 96% accurate blood test for ME/CFS just dropped. And yes, it matters. But not for the reason you think. Today, I'll break down exactly what the new EpiSwitch test found, what it cannot tell you, and why no single lab result has ever been what actually gets people better. After a decade of working with long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome patients, I've seen one consistent pattern: the people who recover are not the ones with the best test results. They're the ones who addressed all five root causes, no matter what the labs showed. In this episode, you'll learn: What the EpiSwitch test actually measures and why 96% accuracy is not the full story Why a negative result does not mean you are well What the "Toxic 5" are and why missing even one keeps people stuck How imperfect lab tests have fooled even experienced clinicians Why nervous system dysfunction is now confirmed in 57% of long COVID patients Discover your fatigue score and the root causes keeping you stuck: https://myfatiguescore.com Free Fatigue Masterclass: https://www.energymdmethod.com/masterclass-registration See real client results: https://energymdmethod.com/results Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - What Is the New ME/CFS Blood Test? 00:57 - How the EpiSwitch Platform Works 01:27 - Epigenetics Explained Simply 01:56 - The Helmholtz Center Study and the LCMO Cell 02:21 - Why This Validation Matters 02:50 - What the Headlines Are Leaving Out 03:19 - Why ME/CFS and Long COVID Are Not One Single Disease 03:48 - Evan's Personal Story and the Diagnosis Gap 04:46 - The Mold House Analogy 05:16 - CIRS and the Limits of Inflammatory Markers 05:46 - What Actually Drives Recovery: The Toxic Five 06:15 - Why Lab Tests Are Imperfect and What to Do About It 07:09 - Root Causes 11:53 - The Pattern Evan Has Seen in Every Recovery 12:23 - What the New Test Cannot Give You 12:51 - Celebrate the Science, But Don't Wait for It 13:43 - Three Things to Take Away from This Episode 14:40 - Free Masterclass Invitation 15:10 - Share This with Someone Who Needs It Subscribe to the EnergyMD Podcast for weekly conversations with leading experts on resolving ME/CFS and Long COVID by addressing the real root causes. . For more information about Evan and his program, Click Here.   Prefer to watch on Youtube? Click Here.   Please note that any information in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

To check out the actinos cleaning protocol class Barbara just recorded, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Barbara and Jacie discuss actinos (actinobacteria) in the context of CIRS and how they can drive illness. Notably, Genie Test research suggests 42% of CIRS patients react to Actinos versus 30% to endotoxins and about 10% to mycotoxins. Today's episode covers testing strategies, and if human-derived actino scores are high, they suggest testing your skin with test swabs behind the ear after showering, with a goal of under 10,000 per species and good diversity. They also discuss cyanobacteria and water testing, soil-related sources, sinus microbiome testing (SinusKey), gut testing, and highlight CIRSLab's Christian Navarro Torres and Dr. Andrea Jordheim's important research in this field. SUBSCRIBE because part two will cover cleaning and removal! To check out the actinos cleaning protocol class Barbara just recorded, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:39 What are actinos? 02:37 Types of actinos and where they come from 06:13 Why actinos matter in CIRS 07:50 How to test for actinos 10:05 How and why to test your skin 11:43 Testing vs just cleaning 12:50 Disclaimer about actinos 14:18 How to deal with Cyanobacteria and water sources 17:25 How to deal with soil derived actinos 20:40 Human sources of actinos: skin, sinus, and gut 25:31 Part Two Teaser and Resources To check out the actinos cleaning protocol class Barbara just recorded, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: Actinos test for your home: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/actino-test/ Actinos test for your skin: https://www.envirobiomics.com/product/actino-skin/ SinusKey for a nasal test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey Check out our interview with Dr. Lacey to learn more about gut testing: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=etUt-z5YSl3-hOLs Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres' website: https://www.cirslab.com/ Dr. Andrea Jordheim's website: https://mytransformationwellness.com/about/ 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.

The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston welcomes the world-renowned Dr. Andrew Heyman for a deep dive into the "mystery illnesses" that are often ignored by conventional medicine. Dr. Heyman, a leader in the field of integrative medicine and clinical research, shares his personal 10-year battle with Lyme disease and how it led him to uncover the devastating reality of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)—commonly known as mold illness. In this episode, Dr. Heyman explains how environmental toxins and biological stressors can flip a "genetic switch" in your mitochondria, shifting your body from a healthy energy plant into a defensive "battleship mode." If you are struggling with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or weight gain, this conversation provides a roadmap for recovery. Dr. Heyman also introduces Beyond Mold, a groundbreaking platform designed to provide affordable, expert-led guidance for testing your home and healing your body. Key Highlights from This Episode: The 10-Year Diagnosis: Dr. Heyman shares his personal journey from being an Ironman-in-training to suffering from Bell's palsy and debilitating fatigue before finally discovering he had Lyme disease. The Mitochondrial "Battleship": Learn how trauma, stress, and toxins affect the mitochondria, causing chronic inflammation that traditional blood tests often miss. The "Big Three" Indicators: Dr. Pinkston and Dr. Heyman discuss the most reliable ways to identify mold illness: Typical Symptoms: Fatigue, brain fog, and unexplained weight gain. Home Environment: History of water damage, musty odors, or feeling better when away from home. Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test: A simple 10-minute online test that is 90% predictive of a "brain on fire." Brain Health & Trauma: Understanding the similarities between mold-related brain injury and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Affordable Solutions: An introduction to BeyondMold.com, a new resource offering low-cost telemedicine, home assessment tools, and expert support for those who feel the "cavalry isn't coming." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An interview with Dr. Eva KingOur homes are indoor environments of our own making. These environments exist to make our lives better but often unintentionally expose us to contaminants—chemical and microbial—that harm our health and wellbeing. For genetically susceptible individuals, these routine exposures can trigger a breakdown in the body's natural tolerance, leading to chronic inflammatory and neurological symptoms such as CIRS, TILT, and PANS/PANDAS. In a sadly apt metaphor, we are the canaries and our home is the coal mine. Today, we are joined by a frontline expert in this field, Dr. Eva King. Eva holds a Masters in Biochemistry and a Doctorate in Immunology/Epidemiology from the University of Oxford. She has dedicated more than two decades investigating the intersection of indoor environments and human health. Her focus is helping clients with underlying medical conditions identify and address building-related issues that contribute to their health problems. This interview is fuel for the journey to flip our indoor environments from being a major contributor to chronic disease to becoming a primary solution. This is a central and sobering topic for all of us with agency in the AEC. Please listen and share.Eva KingDr. Eva King, principal and founder of AURA EnviroScience, has been involved in investigations and research into indoor environments and health, allergens, asthma and immunology for about 20 years. Her work has been published in many peer-reviewed scientific publications, and she regularly presents at conferences and workshops.Her focus is helping clients with underlying medical conditions identify building-related problems that contribute to their health issues, often by direct physician referral.Dr. King received her Master in Biochemistry in her native Germany, and her Doctorate in Immunology/Epidemiology from the University of Oxford, UK, and is a Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC, ACAC #180311). She is a member of ASHRAE, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate (ISIAQ), and previously served on the Board of Directors and as Technical Conference Chair of the Indoor Air Quality Association.TeamHosted by Kristof IrwinEdited by Nico MignardiProduced by M. Walker

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara return from an unexpected break, caused by Jacie's autoimmune flare after moving into an apartment with a high actino score. Today's episode outlines what to do during a CIRS “flare” or symptom backslide. Some tips covered inclide: defining early warning signs, using objective tracking tools like the VCS test, symptom logs, and wearables, and scheduling periodic bloodwork (including MSH, MMP-9, and TGF beta-1). Their step-by-step approach emphasizes testing the environment (HERTSMI-2 or ERMI, plus endotoxins and actino), getting on waitlists for CIRS providers and Indoor Environmental Professionals, and addressing root cause through remediation, cleaning, and restarting the protocol. They'll also cover how to reduce inflammation with supportive measures while waiting for care. Once healed from CIRS, many patients build long-term resilience by investigating “side quests” like co-infections and keeping a clean environment. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Back from break 01:20 Disclaimer 02:05 What is a health or autoimmune flare? 03:03 How to monitor your health at home 05:11 First step to recover from a flare: testing 06:26 Environment testing options: Mold, Actinos, Endos 07:49 VCS and bloodwork testing 09:30 Schedule with an Indoor Environmental Professional and/or Doctor 12:05 Treat root cause, but reduce inflammation however you can 14:36 Work on nutrition, supplements, and other therapies 16:53 Cleaning and how Jacie made quick progress 18:01 Mindset: You are not at zero 19:22 Build resilience long term, and attack co-infections 21:17 Take care of yourself For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: Our episode on testing your environment: https://youtu.be/nRrZs7xbXcc?si=k3zDvBWc_wio7Idu Our episode that covers the VCS test/CIRS diagnosis: https://youtu.be/CCT2iJrbI7w?si=ttQT3rZFsgG2fOdu Our episode on CIRS Bloodwork: https://youtu.be/XMtbxLLZzaU?si=jn_lTvXeHBGKEpVl VCS Test: https://www.survivingmold.com/store/online-vcs-screening Environment Testing: https://lisbiotech.com/home/services-2/ 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.

Get personalized root-cause care with Empower Functional Health. Learn more at empowerfunctionalhealth.com_____Emily and I talk about my health journey: from years of plant-based eating and an eating disorder to finding stability with carnivores, and how diet can support recovery from mold illness and CIRS by lowering inflammation and strengthening the gut-immune system. We also cover practical carnivore troubleshooting (electrolytes, fat intake, meat variety, histamine sensitivity) plus the mindset and hope required to keep moving toward root-cause healing. Make sure to listen to the full interview to learn more.Emily is part of Malachi's Message, a nonprofit that supports families impacted by toxic mold through education, community, and resources. Alongside her work in the mold-illness space, she shares lived experience and a mission-forward perspective on what it takes to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually.We discuss the following: Judy's health journeyPostpartum crisis and 5150Keto to carnivore pivotCarnivore diet practice and dilemmaMissing root causeCarnivore for mold recoveryHistamine and the toxin bucket loadMedical system misses root causesGut-brain neurotransmitters linkCarnivore troubleshooting basicsMindset, hope, and the reticular activating systemStop “mold victim” identityFaith, despair, and healing_____EPISODE RESOURCESAll about CIRSCIRS HandoutCIRS BloodworkIs Your House Making You Sick? – Interview with Joshua RachalMalachi's Message Foundation WebsiteMalachi's Message InstagramTexas Mold Inspectors_____WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara discuss why unlimited money and access to extreme treatments doesn't usually lead to better or faster healing. Wealth can remove “financial friction,” which inadvertently encourages fear-based, urgent, and uncoordinated decision-making, including fringe or unregulated therapies, constant protocol switching, and symptom-focused biohacking without tracking or testing. They emphasize the importance of strategy, sequencing, and objective measurement, highlighting the Shoemaker Protocol as a foundational, ordered approach for CIRS treatment. They'll also cover how you can evaluate treatments and doctors, and why discernment and thoughtful pacing often matter more than money. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro, let's talk about money 03:33 Does more money mean worse health decisions? 04:22 Acknowledging the difficulty of healing without income 06:04 Sick and Wealthy Psychology Trap 08:51 Real world example of wealthy patient acting recklessly 12:40 Track results, not hype 14:31 There's not one miracle cure for chronic illness 16:00 Timing matters 17:51 Middle class advantages 19:35 How to determine the best treatment and doctor for you 22:40 What makes a great doctor 25:09 Discernment can be greater than money 25:52 Wrap up and encouragement For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Watch our first reaction video to Chris Williamson's health updates: https://youtu.be/5uTs5B6ySHQ?si=qLdsrLLbzmWkiOWK 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.

Today's episode is a deep dive with the genius and the gem of a human, Dr. Eboni Cornish. Dr. Cornish is the Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and a Fellow, TrainingPhysician Preceptor, and President Elect of the Board for the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS).You don't want to miss this one!She is nationally recognized for her evidence-based work in neuroinflammation, autism, chronic toxicity, and complex chronic illnesses, including autoimmune disease, Lyme, PANS/PANDAS, mold illness, CIRS, and long COVID. By integrating advanced biomarker testing with Amen Clinics' SPECT brain imaging.https://www.instagram.com/dr.ebonicornish/https://www.instagram.com/amen_clinics/https://www.amenclinics.com/team/eboni-cornish-md/https://www.ilads.org/resource/My Website & Work with Me: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/faithandfit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.upliftfitnutrition.com⁠⁠⁠Email for coaching & phone consults: laceydunn@upliftfitnutrition.com & fitandfaith@gmail.comOrder my book "The Women's Guide to Hormonal Harmony" on amazon! 

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this week's episode, Barbara and Jacie explain why people with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) or mold illness should test their home (and workplaces) and when. They'll dig into why multiple tests are better to understand the full picture rather than relying on a single score, and recommend working with an IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) for interpretation and creating an action plan. They cover MSQPCR dust testing (ERMI/HERTSMI-2), best sampling practices, testing per room/floor, separate testing for basements/crawl spaces/attics, and using an outdoor control sample as well. They discuss why the mold species matter, where to get tests (LisBiotech), and some other methods your IEP may use to test your home: spore traps/air sampling, tape lifts, swabs, bulk sampling, and cultures. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Timestamps 00:00 Intro and disclaimer 01:43 Why should you test your home? 02:20 When should you test your home? 04:09 Side note about testing for mold, actinos and endotoxins 05:19 MSQPCR Dust Testing: ERMI, HERTSMI-2 08:26 How to interpret your ERMI or HERTSMI-2 results 11:06 Where to get MSQPCR dust tests 13:15 When should you hire an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) 14:36 Other methods of testing: Air Sampling 16:52 Tape Lift testing 18:34 Swab testing 19:09 Bulk Sampling 21:31 Culturable testing 23:21 Next Steps: vetting professional help 25:48 Retest during and after remediation For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: Order your dust testing: https://lisbiotech.com/ Our interview with Bill Weber: https://youtu.be/RlKjTqVAeNU?si=9VZ4RnafI6Gx2QRp Our interview with Michael Schrantz: https://youtu.be/_BEwFVdpRcY?si=kmMrR9lPBgffrFND The CIRSx course for Medically Important Remediation: https://institute.cirsx.com/course/mir101 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.

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Jacie and Barbara discuss how CIRS commonly affects body weight: often causing weight gain and resistance to fat loss, though some people experience extreme weight loss. They'll dig into why weight changes are driven by chronic, multi-system inflammation from biotoxin exposure (such as mold or Lyme), impacting hormones, metabolism, detox pathways, the brain, and the nervous system. It's not simply “calories in, calories out,” and listeners are encouraged to stop blaming themselves. Key contributors to weight gain include elevated cortisol, hormone disruption (leptin resistance, insulin resistance, altered thyroid signaling even with normal labs, and sex hormone imbalance), nervous system stuck in survival mode, why calorie restriction can reinforce danger signals, and how toxin storage in fat tissue can slow fat loss during detox. They emphasize supportive strategies aligned with the Shoemaker protocol: reduce exposure, calm inflammation, use binders and support detox (including daily bowel movements, sleep, gentle movement, sweating, and lymphatic support), prioritize blood sugar stability, eat adequate protein, sleep, and nervous system regulation. They caution that trying harder through calorie restriction, excessive cardio, and weight cycling can worsen stress signals, and raise concerns about GLP-1s. Focus on healing first: weight often shifts as a side effect of recovery. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why weight changes are so common with CIRS 01:00 Medical Disclaimer 01:13 Body image issues and bloating: Be comfy and buy clothes that fit 02:12 Inflammation, genetics, leptin, and why it's not just about calories 05:38 How CIRS causes weight gain: Cortisol, Hormones, and Survival Mode 10:45 Detox, fat storage & the unsexy truth: You've gotta poop! 12:11 Sleep, NEAT/BMR, and Exercise: Finding the Right Dose While Healing 15:02 Why “Trying Harder” Backfires: Dieting, Cardio, Weight Cycling & GLP-1s 17:32 Step-by-Step: Heal First to Lose Weight (Reduce Exposure, Detox, Protein, Sleep) 21:21 Real-Life Results, Encouragement, and Where to Get Support For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com HELPFUL LINKS Hashimoto's episode: https://youtu.be/EpmdvcBbsi4?si=Yxq0_lCaW-bXy2Dx Workout episode: https://youtu.be/69Weo6s1FAQ?si=IqJbBdo_upKtTxOJ 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.

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com In this week's episode, Barbara and Jacie discuss how anxiety and depression commonly show up in CIRS, and why these symptoms are often driven by biology and NOT personal weakness. Brain and body inflammation can disrupt neurotransmitters, increase inflammatory cytokines, affect mood regulation, and contribute to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and limbic system hypervigilance, leading to depression, anxiety, cognitive issues, and difficulty word-finding. They share personal experiences with OCD, suicidal ideation, and severe anxiety. They emphasize a “bottom-up” approach (reducing inflammation, treating CIRS/co-infections, addressing environment and exposures like mold) alongside “top-down” supports (therapy, limbic retraining, and community), noting therapy may be less effective without addressing root inflammation. They also highlight how mood improves with treatment, and suggest support options including The CIRS Group community and small group coaching through Untamed Iona (Dr. Lauren Sparks and Dr. Brenda Stewart). Check out our helpful links below the time stamps. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Anxiety & Depression in CIRS: Intro + Disclaimer 01:48 What is CIRS? and why mental health symptoms aren't your fault 02:49 Top-Down vs Bottom-Up Healing (Therapy vs Treating Inflammation) 05:07 Let's talk biology: brain inflammation, neurotransmitters & mood 06:24 Our stories: suicidal ideation, hypervigilance & tick-borne triggers 10:23 Blood-Brain barrier + limbic system: why you feel stuck in "threat mode" 12:42 The Moldy Doc: snowball effect + hope through treatment 14:38 Support Options: therapy, support groups, limbic retraining + resources 16:48 Wrap-Up: Calming the alarm + Finding the right order of healing for YOU 18:54 Join us at TheCIRSGroup.com HELPFUL LINKS: For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com Moldy Doc: https://moldymovie.com/ Untamed Iona's support groups: https://www.untamediona.com/therapy 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.

Welcome back to our weekend Cabral HouseCall shows!   This is where we answer our community's wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions to help people get back on track!   Check out today's questions:    Arianne: Hi Dr. Cabral, First, I want to say thank you for all of your resources! I start every day with your podcast - it is truly the best out there! My question is regarding the medication, Leucovorin, and its use in treating Autism. I have a 3 year old son who is non-verbal and is moderately Autistic. His pediatrician has prescribed Leucovorin on a titration schedule where he will be monitored for its effects. To note my own lab results, I have MTHFR, high levels of mercury and aluminum, low electrolytes/minerals, anemia/low ferritin, and gut issues - likely these were passed along to my son. I plan to have him complete the labs now that he is old enough. What is your advice on Leucovorin and its safety & efficacy, also should I be concerned with potential fillers and aluminum in the drug?       Sheena: Hi Dr C! Hope you and your team are well. I was just wondering if all bovine collagen has protein in it, even if it doesn't say it on the label? And if so, does the protein count towards my daily protein intake? Thank you so much in advance for answering!                                                                                                                                                                      Jonny: Hello Dr. Cabral, Recently done some mitochondrial testing and found that my complex 2+3 are operating at 16% activity, and complex 2 at 58%, so there unable to turn substrate into energy efficiently. I'm wondering if you have any advice. Currently dealing with CIRS, Sibo/dysbiosis/chronic stress/Trauma. Non starchy carbs make me jittery, as well as stressors in general, but it's not blood sugar, as I've worn monitors and my levels seem fairly ideal. I think it's the CIRS jitters, shakiness that I've heard you speak of. I just got your new book, so I'm going to read through that for any tips. Already taking adrenal soothe, working with a therapist, doing my best to lower the stressors in my life. I know 90-120 days for red blood cell/mitochondrial turnover, so things can take time. Thanks                            Anonymous: Hi Dr. Cabral, I've heard conflicting advice on cold plunging for people with high stress or adrenal dysregulation. How to you determine if cold exposure if supportive or not. Thanks!                                                                           Sarah: I'm curious about histamine intolerance and allergies. why do some people suddenly develop reactions to something that haven't had all their lives. I used to not be allergic to horses for instance, I could ride them when I was younger, but now I can't even be in the same room with someone who has been around them. Thanks for your help.                  Thank you for tuning into today's Cabral HouseCall and be sure to check back tomorrow where we answer more of our community's questions!    - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3620 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!