Chronic Immune Response Syndrome or CIRS results from biotoxins entering the body. It is a multi-system and multi-symptom illness, which means that it takes multiple forms and affects different parts of the body. Keep reading below if you want to learn more about this condition.
What Are the Causes of CIRS?
CIRS is generally caused by inhalation or general exposure to molds and mold spores. Hence, its moniker “mold illness.” Various types of molds can cause this condition. Multiple studies have shown that mycotoxins produced by some types of molds can damage our body's systems, often the respiratory and nervous systems.
What are Mycotoxins?
Mycotoxins are the by-products produced by molds during their metabolic process. They are spread through the air through spores of mold fragments. Due to their minute size, these vessels easily enter our bodies through the nose or mouth, or in some cases, our skin. Mycotoxins can also enter your body when you ingest food contaminated by mold.
These biotoxins can cause inflammation in the body by causing our body to generate pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that help your immune system communicate. Although these proteins are supposed to be a crucial part of our immune system, mycotoxins overstimulate their production.
Common Molds That Produce Mycotoxins
Stachybotrys (Black mold)
First on our list is no other than the dreaded black mold. Stachybotrys is commonly found in damp and poorly ventilated areas. Most notable among its strains are the Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata, both of which produce harmful biotoxins. Removal of this mold requires the help of mold specialists.
Trichoderma
One of the most common types of mold is the Trichoderma, often called the common house mold. It is present in soils and damp areas almost in every country around the world. The abundance of organic matter and moisture is the perfect breeding ground for this mold. Most of its strains only release mycotoxins under certain conditions; however, it is still considered dangerous.
Mucor
One strain of Mucor, specifically the Mucor indicus, produces mycotoxins that cause zygomycosis, which is a broad term for mold infections. This toxin can cause the death of infected living tissues, so, it is hazardous and must be eliminated as soon as identified. Some strains can also cause mucormycosis or the infection of the blood due to Mucor.
How to Prevent the Growth of Molds in Your Homes
Molds have been around for millions of years. So, it is no surprise that they have adapted to survive the harshest conditions. Molds and mold spores can be found almost anywhere.
No matter the precautions we take, it is virtually impossible to guarantee that no mold will enter houses. However, this does not mean that we can not minimize mold growth. Here are some ways to prevent or reduce mold growth in your home.
Make Sure to Add Proper Ventilation to Your Home
Moisture is every mold’s best friend. Like with any fungi, the presence of moisture helps speed up the growth of molds. The lack of proper ventilation allows moisture to build up inside your property. So, having adequate ventilation for your home can significantly slow down mold growth.
Installing exhaust fans in different parts of your home is an excellent start to improving your home’s ventilation. You can also leave your windows open to allow wind to move within your property freely. For basements, a strong fan can help move stagnant air around.
Kill Molds With Natural and Chemical-Free Home Remedies
Finding mold in your home can be extremely worrying for new and old homeowners. Do not panic. Finding mold in your home is natural. Even with all the precautions, getting some mold in your home can and will almost always happen.
There are plenty of industrial-grade products out there that you can buy to eliminate molds. Unfortunately, many of them are expensive, and some can also be harmful to kids and pets. Luckily, there are many natural home remedies that you can use to kill molds. For example, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice can quickly kill these pesky fungi.
Control the Humidity of Your Home
A humid home is a perfect environment for fungi, such as molds. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests keeping humidity in our homes at below 50% to prevent mold growth. If possible, use a hygrometer to measure your home’s humidity accurately. If you find it higher than CDC’s suggested 50%, use dehumidifiers or an air conditioner to reduce it.
Besides reducing humidity, you should also take steps that prevent increasing it. Some easy ways to do this are:
- Drying your clothes outside
- Fixing leaky pipes
- Taking Cooler Showers
- Installing proper ventilation
Locate and Fix Any Leaks
Leaks can contribute to mold growth in your home. A damp flooring can increase the humidity of your house, making it a suitable breeding place for molds. Furthermore, water-damaged homes are more prone to toxic types of molds. The abundance of water will also make it harder to eliminate any mold that may have infested your home already.
Use Mold Inhibitor Paints
Paints with anti-fungal properties are available in most hardware stores. You can also buy mold inhibitors that can be mixed with any paint. Mold inhibitors contain fungicides that both kill molds and prevent their growth. Before buying mold inhibitors or antifungal paints, make sure to consult with a home improvement professional.
Natural Ways to Kill Molds
There are many products advertised that can kill molds. Many use powerful chemicals to destroy the fungi down to their roots. Sadly, many of these chemicals can harm you, your kids, or your pets. Killing molds using natural remedies is a better alternative to using these chemicals. Here are some natural products you can use to kill molds.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is completely harmless to kids and animals. Otherwise, we would not be using it for baking our favorite pastries. To use baking soda to kill molds, mix one cup of water and one cup of baking soda. Apply your mixture to any molds you can find. To target invisible growing mold, make sure to spread the paste beyond the mold colony's visible parts.
Vinegar
Fungi hate highly acidic substances. For this reason, vinegar is excellent in killing mold colonies. It also has antibacterial properties. So, using it to eliminate mold would be like hitting two birds with one stone. Spray or apply pure vinegar to any infestation you can find. You can also use a brush to help the vinegar seep deeper onto surfaces.
Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice’s highly acidic property effectively kills molds, and it can also help improve your home's odor. To kill molds, you can simply cut a lemon in half and use it to apply lemon juice mold colonies. Alternatively, you can squeeze the juice into a bowl and use a towel to apply it.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has powerful antifungal properties. It is used as a topical medicine for fungal skin infections and an antifungal remedy for homes. You can use a mixture of one teaspoon of tea tree oil and one cup of water to kill existing molds and prevent future growths.
What Are the Symptoms of CIRS?
Chronic Immune Response Syndrome is one of the hardest conditions to diagnose. It has plenty of symptoms that can easily be misdiagnosed as something else. Fortunately, many tests can be done to determine if you have CIRS. Most important among them all is assessing your environmental history.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of CIRS:
- Shortness of breath
- Disorientation
- Red eyes
- Temperature regulation or dysregulation problems
- Fatigue
- Memory issues
- Excessive thirst despite frequent water intake
- Headache
- Vertigo/Dizziness
- Sharp pain
- Static shocks
- Tearing
- Skin sensitivity
- Decreased assimilation of new knowledge
- Numbness
- Aches
- Morning stiffness
- Mood swings
- Increased urination/nocturia
- Muscle cramps
- Sinus problems
- Joint pain
- Cough
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty with focus/concentration
- Metallic taste
- Tremors
- Tingling
- Word finding difficulties
- Appetite swings
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Abdominal pain
- Sweats (especially night sweats)
- Unusual pain
- Migraine/facial pain
We highly discourage self-diagnosing yourself. If you feel any of these symptoms, contact a licensed physician to get a more accurate diagnosis.
What is the Cure for CIRS?
Treatment of CIRS can vary from person to person. However, the first step any CIRS patient needs to take is to remove themselves from the source. If your home has toxic molds, you first need to relocate to a mold-free place.
A trained health professional can also administer various drugs to help flush out the mycotoxins from your body. Monitoring should also be done to check whether the patient's condition is improving or not. A steady intake of nutrients and vitamins can also help alleviate the symptoms of this illness.
Bioactive Multi Can Help With CIRS
HealthyCell’s Bioactive Multi gel packets are filled with nutrients and vitamins that can help boost your body’s defenses. It is specially formulated to provide more than 100% of most of your daily micronutrient needs. HealthyCell’s Microgel technology also means your body absorbs the most from every drop.
Bioactive Multi is also stored in easy-to-drink packets. It also has natural flavorings to make healthcare fun and delicious. So, you can take it whenever and wherever. You can also mix it with your drinks or blend it with your fruit shake. Power up support for your immune system, brain, bones, and skin with Bioactive Multi.
