GENETICS

Thanks to Dr Ritchie Shoemaker, we know that there is an established correlation of the HLA genes and CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome).  Not only did he coin the term and name the malady — his research has proven that 25% of the population has difficulty breaking down and removing toxins from their systems.  This inability to detoxify, compromises their health and causes a cascade of inflammation, which can be described as CIRS. 

Theoretically, the other 75% of the population, without these specific HLA gene variants, does not have as much trouble clearing toxins.  That may be true, but let’s give that a closer look.  What about genetic correlations to other diseases, such as MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s?  These are also chronic diseases with pronounced neurological effects.  It seems very possible that toxins could play a role in each of these, perhaps with different genes (other than HLA) being affected — but so far, there haven’t been enough studies looking into that.[

This also begs the question – Is it mere coincidence that HLA variants are affiliated with Diabetes, Crohn’s, and Celiac?  What if mycotoxins, or biotoxins, are triggers for these diseases as well?  (C’mon 23 and Me, where is the research?!)  Is anyone asking these questions?  Perhaps the medical “end state” depends on which particular toxins are involved, as they all have different effects on the body.

Genetic testing can reveal your HLA codes, letting you know if you have the variants that make it more likely that you may succumb to the effects of toxic mold.  However – it is of significant importance that having an HLA amongst the 75%, should not be construed as having the ability to live in a moldy environment with impunity.  You may not get as sick as the 25% getting CIRS, or ME/CFS, for example – but you may well have other genes involved that make it more likely to get some other disease, or a cancer that research hasn’t figured out yet. 

Time and time again, we have annoyed people when we discuss our story and draw parallels between mold, and mystery diseases, as well as specific cancers.  A number of mycotoxins are KNOWN to be carcinogenic. Yet, I can’t count the number of times it has made people uncomfortable enough to say emphatically – “Not everything is mold!!!” Knowing there is significant evidence to support it, David and I both walk away thinking, “Yeah – but what if much of it is?!!”