CIRS and EMF Considerations

Navigating life with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) means constantly troubleshooting a world filled with invisible threats. This complex and multifaceted condition is triggered by environmental factors, often requiring a careful and strategic approach to minimize exposure to potential stressors.

 

For those managing CIRS, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have become an area of concern, as these invisible energy waves—emitted by everyday devices such as Wi-Fi routers, cell phones, and household electronics—can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals. Particularly for those who have developed sensitivities to EMFs, exposure can intensify their experience of symptoms, creating an additional layer of challenge in their CIRS management journey.

 

Beyond directly affecting symptoms, EMFs can also impact the environmental piece of CIRS, adding to the cumulative burden of stressors on the body. Understanding how EMFs influence both the environment and health while implementing practical techniques to reduce exposure can make a meaningful difference for many.

 

We’ll explore the nuances of EMFs within the context of CIRS and take a closer look into the science behind why they might contribute to symptom worsening, and offer best practices for mitigating exposure. Understanding these elements allows CIRS patients to take the right steps toward creating a safe environment that supports their healing journey.

 

What Is CIRS?

 

 

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a multifaceted health condition that affects various systems in the body, presenting a wide range of symptoms. At its core, CIRS stems from an exaggerated inflammatory response driven by an overactive immune system. Diagnosing CIRS requires a nuanced approach, typically involving comprehensive lab testing alongside an in-depth review of the patient’s health history to uncover the full scope of symptoms and underlying triggers.

 

The complexity of CIRS often leads to frequent misdiagnoses or ineffective treatments. Unlike many immune disorders, CIRS does not show up on standard autoimmune tests, making it challenging to detect through traditional medical testing. Effectively identifying CIRS demands a specialized diagnostic process, designed to pinpoint its root causes accurately. Achieving a precise diagnosis is critical to developing a treatment plan that targets the underlying factors, paving the way for meaningful, long-term healing and improved quality of life for those affected.

 

 

What triggers the intense immune response and inflammation often observed in CIRS? The primary drivers are biotoxins—harmful substances that can initiate and intensify CIRS symptoms. These toxins come from various sources, including:

 

• Water-Damaged Buildings: Approximately 80% of CIRS cases are associated with exposure to water-damaged environments where mold, bacteria, and other irritants flourish. Even particles from dead mold can provoke severe inflammation in sensitive individuals, affecting both mental and physical well-being.

 

• Insect Bites: Certain insect bites, particularly from ticks and spiders, introduce pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (responsible for Lyme disease) and Babesia microti. Additionally, venom from recluse spiders may lead to chronic health issues, potentially triggering CIRS in those predisposed.

 

• Contaminated Seafood: Consuming reef fish contaminated with ciguatera toxin, often due to algal blooms, is another biotoxin exposure risk. These toxins build up in larger reef fish that consume smaller contaminated fish, presenting a hazard to consumers.

 

• Toxic Water Exposure: Inhalation or skin contact with water affected by harmful algae, such as cyanobacteria or Pfiesteria, can spark the inflammatory response associated with CIRS.

 

• Other Biotoxin Sources: Additional triggers include certain vaccines, viral infections, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), endotoxins, and actinomycetes, all of which may contribute to the onset and progression of CIRS.

 

 

Biotoxins are tiny particles capable of penetrating cell membranes, which makes them challenging to detect with typical blood tests. These harmful toxins generally enter the body through inhalation, but they can also be introduced via contaminated food, insect bites, or contact with polluted water sources.

 

However, not everyone exposed to biotoxins, such as mold, will go on to develop CIRS. Genetic factors and life events significantly influence the risk of biotoxin-related illnesses. Specific factors—such as serious illnesses, surgeries, high fevers, pregnancy, heavy toxin exposure, or traumatic events—can initiate an intense immune response, or “cytokine storm,” potentially triggering CIRS in genetically predisposed individuals, particularly those with certain HLA-DR genes. As a result, CIRS can emerge unexpectedly at any age. Even in the absence of active symptoms, genetic testing can be valuable in assessing one’s risk for CIRS.

 

While most people can detoxify biotoxins naturally, those genetically predisposed to CIRS have immune systems that struggle to recognize and eliminate these toxins effectively. This can lead to an accumulation of biotoxins, resulting in chronic inflammation and long-lasting health complications.

 

For a more detailed understanding of CIRS, click here.

 

Pro-Tip: If you think you’re suffering from CIRS, start with our White Glove Service for comprehensive care.

 

What Is the Shoemaker Protocol?

 

 

The Shoemaker Protocol, created by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, offers a precise, step-by-step framework for treating CIRS and other biotoxin-related illnesses. Recognized as the only peer-reviewed, clinically validated approach for managing biotoxin conditions, including those triggered by mold, the protocol systematically addresses the inflammatory responses driving CIRS symptoms. Each stage of the protocol is carefully designed to counteract the diverse impacts of biotoxin exposure, providing a structured pathway to symptom reduction and long-term remission.

 

A crucial first step in the protocol is eliminating ongoing exposure to biotoxins. This may involve mold remediation, avoiding contaminated environments, and implementing environmental controls such as air filtration and proper ventilation. An often-overlooked element in this phase is EMF mitigation, which supports the environmental component of CIRS management. Reducing EMF exposure, particularly in the early stages of the protocol, can lessen the environmental burden on the immune system. We’ll delve deeper into how EMFs affect both the environment and health of CIRS patients later on.

 

After minimizing exposure, the protocol emphasizes removing biotoxins from the body with binders such as Cholestyramine (CSM) or Welchol, designed to capture and eliminate residual toxins. Later stages aim to restore immune and endocrine balance by normalizing inflammatory markers, stabilizing cytokine levels, and correcting hormone deficiencies. This sequential approach helps recalibrate the immune system, significantly reducing CIRS symptoms and supporting recovery and remission.

 

CIRS, EMFs, and the Toxin Bucket

 

 

In the context of CIRS, the concept of a “toxin bucket” is a helpful way to understand how the body accumulates and manages various toxins. For individuals with CIRS, drainage pathways—such as lymphatic, liver, and kidney systems—are often compromised, making it more difficult to effectively clear out accumulated toxins.

 

This can result in an “overflow” of the toxin bucket, intensifying symptoms and making it challenging for the body to reach a state of balance and healing. Reducing the load in this toxin bucket is crucial for supporting the body through CIRS treatment, and involves a multifaceted approach to limit exposure to new toxins while optimizing the pathways for drainage and detoxification.

 

EMFs are one of the less obvious yet impactful toxins that can contribute to the burden in your toxin bucket. Although EMFs are not a tangible substance, their presence can exacerbate CIRS symptoms, especially for those who are EMF-sensitive, by adding stress to an already overburdened system.

 

Finding a sustainable balance through EMF mitigation strategies can help lighten this toxic load. Reducing the cumulative impact of EMFs allows individuals with CIRS to experience fewer symptoms and create a more supportive environment for their body to heal, enhancing the effectiveness of their overall treatment protocol.

 

EMFs and Mold

 

 

EMFs have broader health implications which you can find here in this 650-page report by the BioInitiative Group which contains over 2,000 studies on the effects of EMFs. You can also read a quick overview about EMF safety here.

 

However, in the context of CIRS, EMFs can cause physical symptoms in mold patients with EMF sensitivities. EMFs may trigger mold colonization inside the body to release more mycotoxins.

 

EMFs can also significantly impact mold growth and mycotoxin production. There are four main categories of EMFs:

 

• Radio Frequency Radiation (RF): Higher frequency radiation created by cell phones, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, smart meters, radar, and many other technologies.
• Magnetic Fields: Magnetic fields are created by net current flowing. Wiring errors within homes can produce elevated magnetic fields. Less-than-ideal placement of pipes and cable lines as well as alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) transformers also create magnetic fields.
• Electric Fields: Electric fields are created by building wiring that’s energized.
• Dirty Electricity: Dirty electricity is higher frequency transients and harmonics that are found on building wiring. Power supplies that convert AC to DC, such as solar panels, generally create dirty electricity.

 

Most electronics emit some levels of EMFs but the most significant sources to consider within your home are smart meters, electric panels, Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, refrigerators/freezers, solar panels, Bluetooth devices, cell phones, smart TVs, computers, hair dryers, and wearable trackers (such as Oura and Whoop Strap).

 

Additionally, the 5G network utilizes many higher frequencies that have never been used or tested for human safety. Given the limited reach, 5G will require cell antennas every 100 to 200 meters, exposing many people to millimeter wave radiation. (Note: There are no current studies showing the effects of 5G and mold – we can only theorize the potential risks in this context based on the additional EMF exposure produced).

 

Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, a medical practitioner and Building Biologist, discovered a connection between EMFs and mold. You can watch this YouTube video of his findings here. Essentially, Dr. Klinghardt showed that one inch of black mold on the wall produces 20-40 mycotoxins in 24 hours. However, when exposed to EMF such as Wi-Fi, it produced 2000 mycotoxins. It is believed that microbes exposed to EMFs act in self-defense, producing a significantly elevated level of toxins.

 

Here are additional studies and resources that show the correlation between EMFs and how they advance fungal growth:  

 

• Nonthermal effects of millimeter microwaves on yeast growth
  
• Determination of a thermal equivalent of millimeter microwaves in living cells
• Response of Aspergillus nidulans and Physarum ploycephalum to microwave irradiation
• Resonant microwave effect on locally fixed yeast microcolonies
• The effects of radiofrequency fields on cell proliferation are non-thermal
• Preliminary results on the non-thermal effects of 200-350 GHz radiation on the growth rate of S. cerevisiae cells in microcolonies
• Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation on physiological features of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain UCM Y-517
• ‘Radiation-eating’ Fungi Fining Could Trigger Recalculations Of Earth’s Energy Balance and Help Feed Astronauts
• Dr. Thomas Rau, Medical Director of Switzerland, interview on his concerns with EMF pollution

 

Given the potential for EMFs to drastically increase mold growth and mycotoxin production, having effective EMF mitigation strategies in place within your home is essential, particularly for those managing CIRS. Reducing EMF exposure allows you to create an environment less conducive to exponential mold growth, helping to prevent the release of high levels of mycotoxins that can further burden the body.

 

EMF mitigation serves not only as a protective measure for individuals with EMF sensitivities but also as a preventative tool, reducing the likelihood of intensified mold proliferation and its associated health risks. Creating a low-EMF environment can significantly support the overall health of CIRS patients, helping to reduce inflammation triggers and providing a safer, healthier space for healing.

 

Protecting Your Home From EMFs

 

 

EMFs are everywhere and it is impossible to completely mitigate them – just like everything else, we want to be mindful of our overall exposure while finding that balance of protecting ourselves without causing any overwhelm or dysregulation. Just a reminder, our goal is to support healing rather than trying to be perfectionists. 

 

Here are some tips for protecting your home from EMFs as a preventative support for inhibiting mold growth and helping reduce symptoms in those that have EMF sensitivities.

 

• Smart Meters: You can request non-smart water and electric meters in your home (It may cost a fee to change this). If you have a smart meter and are unable to change it, consider purchasing a meter shield to reduce EMF exposure.
• EMF Protection: There are all sorts of different EMF protective technologies available including Faraday cases for your phone (you can also use the Airplane mode setting at night), laptop protectors, protective clothing and blankets, and general EMF blockers such as Aires Tech.  
• Wi-Fi: It’s ideal to turn off Wi-Fi at night if possible. If you’re unable to, try using EMF mitigation technology throughout your home. Limiting smart technology or keeping these items unplugged when not in use can also help. Use wired connections if possible.
• Bluetooth: Limit Bluetooth use and opt for wired headphones, use your phone on speaker so it’s not by your head, and either limit wearable devices or use Airplane mode frequently for wearables.
• Microwaves: Consider limiting the use of your microwave or removing it from your home altogether. Warming things up in the oven, on the stove, or air fryer are additional options to explore. If you decide to continue using your microwave, make sure to keep your distance and face away from it while in use.
• Cell Phones: Only sleep in the same room as your phone if it’s in Airplane mode or in a Faraday case. It should be at least 3 feet away from your head.

 

If you’re planning on moving in the future or are house hunting, try not to purchase a home that’s near cell phone towers, a lot of power lines, or right next to an airport.

 

Electric Car Considerations and Concerns

Electric cars are controversial when it comes to overall sustainability and the reality of lithium sourcing. We won’t get into that here but EMF considerations are key if you own or are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle.

 

• Mold Growth: It’s best to do regular inspections of your electric vehicle’s interior as the EMFs produced by the battery will accelerate any fungal growth. Try to limit liquids inside your car, manage the interior humidity with car dehumidifiers, and practice regular HEPA vacuuming and small particle cleaning practices.
• EMF Radiation: It’s probably not the best investment to purchase an electric car if you have CIRS or any EMF sensitivities. However, if this is the only vehicle available to you, reduce your exposure by wearing protective EMF clothing, disabling Bluetooth connections, hardwiring your phone into the system, and doing your best to limit the amount of time you spend in that vehicle.

 

If you do well in your electric car, that’s great. No need to prioritize replacing it but just consider the above to help manage your overall EMF exposure.

 

Solar Panel Considerations and Concerns

While solar panels can be a great source of financial savings and offer that off-grid living component, it’s important to consider the health impacts of the dirty electricity caused by converting DC to AC as well as the RF radiation from the smart meter.

 

For considerations and solutions regarding solar panels, along with the remainder of this content, please join our CIRS Group.

 

Closing Thoughts on CIRS and EMFs

Managing CIRS and reducing EMF exposure can feel overwhelming at first, especially when it seems like there’s so much to consider in creating a healthier environment. However, the good news is that most EMF mitigation strategies are passive, meaning they don’t require ongoing effort or maintenance. Once you invest in tools such as shielding materials, low-EMF appliances, or strategic placement of EMF sources, you’ve largely done the work—allowing you to enjoy a safer space without continual worry.

 

It’s essential to remember that this journey is not about achieving perfection all at once. Supporting your mental well-being is just as important as reducing environmental triggers, so take it one step at a time. Each small action you take contributes to lowering your toxin bucket load and creating a space more conducive to healing.

 

Trust the process, and give yourself credit for every step forward, no matter how small it may feel. Healing from CIRS is a gradual journey, and by setting up a healthy environment step-by-step, you’re building a foundation that supports both physical and mental well-being in the long run. Keep moving forward, knowing you’re creating meaningful change for your health and peace of mind.

 

 

Pro-Tip: Are you looking for more in-depth practitioner resources and a like-minded community to support you through your CIRS journey? Join our exclusive CIRS Support Group for the latest research, step-by-step protocol tools, and support to successfully achieve root-cause healing.

 

Work With Our Trusted CIRS Practitioners

The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be a trusted CIRS practitioner support serving clients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our clients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team is dedicated to finding the answers our patients need. We welcome you to explore our free resources and are always available to support you through personalized protocols. If you’re interested in working one-on-one with our CIRS nutritional therapy team to support you through your journey, our CIRS Support Package delivers the support and accountability for achieving root-cause healing.