Shoemaker Protocol

 

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Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)

is a disorder of the innate immune system. It has a number of causes. The most common cause of CIRS comes from exposure to water-damaged buildings. Some of the other causes are Ciguatera, Pfiesteria, cyanobacteria, algae blooms (red tide), and brown recluse spider bites.

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Water-damaged buildings do not affect everyone equally: some people may become very ill, while others may feel nothing at all in the

very same building. About a quarter of the population has 

a direct, genetic vulnerability to biotoxins from water-damaged buildings. These people cannot create the antibodies needed to remove the biotoxins. Without these antibodies, they become sick and stay sick. Even if they leave the water-damaged building, the patient will not get better without medical intervention. They may become increasingly more sensitive to ever-smaller exposures in a phenomenon we call "sicker, quicker."

 

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), over half the buildings in the U.S. are water-damaged. Exposure most commonly occurs in the home, workplace, and/or school. Any moisture not remediated completely within 48 hours can potentially cause illness in the vulnerable portion of the population. Common sources include flooding, leaks in the basement or a roof, plumbing leaks, and air-conditioning and ventilation systems issues.

 

Although patients may have acquired CIRS from different sources, symptoms are generally similar. Some of the common symptoms

may include:

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• fatigue

• poor sleep

• headaches

• abdominal pain

• diarrhea 

• difficulty breathing and cough

• muscle pain and cramping 

• numbness and tingling

• frequent urination

• heart palpitations 

• blurry vision 

• anxiety 

• depression 

• word-finding difficulties 

• "brain fog" and cognitive issues

 

The Shoemaker Protocol is a step-by-step approach to complex health issues caused by biotoxin illness. To date, this is the only therapy to have each step supported by rigorous, evidence-based, peer-reviewed research. Testing for CIRS may include symptom review, visual contrast sensitivity test (VCS), bloodwork, NeuroQuant MRI changes, and genomics (GENIE). GENIE can demonstrate changes in genetic expression with CIRS, giving insight into individualized treatment. ​

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Dr. Vukelic contributed to a recently published textbook:

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"Building on its predecessor, this new volume, Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Clinicians is an essential, peer-reviewed resource for practitioners, those in allied health care, and complementary/alternative medicine.  The book contains valuable information for healthcare providers to use by helping patients manage, treat and even prevent illnesses and put them on a healthy path to recovery."

​Nutrition and Integrative Medicine for Clinicians 1st Edition

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