CIRS (also known as biotoxin illness) is a cluster of symptoms relating to biotoxin exposure in genetically susceptible individuals. So lets break down the three parts of this description:
Symptoms
Symptoms of CIRS can cover many body systems and may be incredibly diverse. Some of the more common ones may include:
- Impaired memory and difficulty with word finding
- Congested sinuses and shortness of breath
- Deep persistent fatigue
- Extreme thirst
- Weakness and body aches
- Joint pain and muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Diarrhea with abdominal pain
- Heightened skin sensitivity
Biotoxins
Mould is the most commonly associated biotoxin when it comes to CIRS, however there are a number of other toxins that may trigger symptoms:
- Bacteria (such as borellia from tick or other insect bites)
- Parasites (such as babesia as above)
- Dinoflagelette algae which produces the Ciguatera toxin (from ingestion of infected seafood)
- Pfiesteria or Cyanobacteria (from contact with contaminated water, particularly in areas of high fish kills)
Genetic susceptibility
To determine if a patient is genetically susceptible to CIRS, a Human Leukocyte Antigen test is run. This looks for the sequencing present on a set of genes which regulate the immune system. Essentially if there is a coding issue on this set of genes, one part of the immune system will recognise that there is a biotoxin present in the body and produce inflammation to deliver antibodies to the site. However the other part of the immune system that is responsible for the antibody production fails to deliver. The biotoxin stays in place, with a perpetual cycle of inflammation responsible for the symptoms emerging.
CIRS is an issue which seems to be rapidly increasing in prevalence – even in the last few years I have seen a significant increase in patients presenting with this chronic and debilitating health concern. I believe this is due to an increasingly toxic environment, with those genetically susceptible individuals finally reaching a threshold of exposure that proves to be the ‘straw that breaks the camels back’.
So what to do about CIRS?
The first step is to find a qualified health practitioner that can review your history and symptoms to rule out any other health issues. If CIRS is indicated, I always start with the genetic testing outlined above as this can be a definitive way to rule out CIRS if the genetics are not present. If the genetics are present, I will start treatment with an effective toxin binder to help clear any free floating toxicity from the gut. Detoxification support is a key requirement and will involve liver, kidney, gut and mitochondrial support. Personalised treatment for specific symptoms is crucial and can vary widely based on the individuals presentation. Immune support is helpful in the long term to bolster inadequate antibody production.
Perhaps most important of all is to identify the source of toxin exposure and eliminate it. This will often be mould present in the home or workplace, which may be remediated with the help of an appropriately qualified professional (and no, bleach will not kill or remove the mould, only make it harder to see!). There have been occasions where the infestation is so extensive a patient has been forced to sell their home or change jobs.
Elimination of ongoing biotoxin exposure becomes more difficult when it is from an infective organism inhabiting the body – however with the right herbal, nutritional and lifestyle therapy, this can certainly be achieved.
So if you have mould present in the home or workplace, a history of tick or spider bites, or known exposure to dirty stagnant bodies of water, and you check a number of boxes in the symptom list above, I’d suggest getting screened for CIRS ASAP – it may just give you back that level of health you have been missing for so long.
In wellness,
James
