This is a progressive, multisystem and multi-symptom illness caused by an abnormal immune response to certain biotoxins. The biotoxins enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, tick or spider bites and/or direct contact with contaminated water sources. Once in the body they begin circulating, they bind to receptors and start causing widespread inflammation. CIRS can often be misdiagnosed as something else, such as fibromyalgia, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), so it may take time to correctly identify as CIRS. The most common source of exposure is from water-damaged buildings, causing mould spores to develop in damp, decaying timber framing. In addition, some biotoxins produce certain bacteria, tick-borne microbes and fungi. For many people, biotoxins are recognised by the immune system correctly, broken down, and removed from the body. However, genetically susceptible people have immune systems that do not recognise the biotoxins and fail to remove them, leaving the biotoxins circulating in the body indefinitely, and causing inflammation throughout the body.
Some common symptoms indicating CIRS are: fatigue, weakness, headaches, skin sensitivity, sinus, cough, shortness of breath, red eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, poor memory and word-finding ability, night sweats, appetite swings, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, metallic taste, vertigo, tingling, ice-pick pain, morning stiffness, generalised aches and static shocks. Our Adelaide Naturopath has 25 years of experience in treating people with mould toxins.
Initially, a CIRS & Biotoxin Questionnaire can be filled in to determine if a mould test is necessary. If a positive test result is obtained, a full mould detox would be undertaken with a specialised diet, lifestyle recommendations and nutritional support to help eliminate the toxins and repair the gut. Exposure must be determined by testing the patient’s home and/or workplace or school for mould. Experts are trained in this field and also in the remediation of the problem areas.
1) Identifying and remediating the building(s) that have been waterdamaged, either in the workplace, school or home.
2) Treat the individual with natural binders that will attach to the toxins and help remove them via the gut.
3) Support immune system function.
4) Adopt a clean, appropriate anti-inflammatory, low starch diet to reduced the widespread inflammation that accompanies this condition.
5) Support gut repair and regeneration.
6) Support respiratory system function by eradicating MARCoNS, found deep in the sinuses and generally very difficult to remove.
As an experienced and leading Adelaide naturopath in South Australia, Merridy Casson has a unique functional medicine approach which revolves around identifying the underlying cause of her client’s health concerns or disease.
As an experienced and leading Adelaide naturopath in South Australia, Merridy Casson has a unique functional medicine approach which revolves around identifying the underlying cause of her client’s health concerns or disease.