415. JBP Episode Title | 1.18.24 | The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” Dr. Jordan Peterson invites Dr. Richie Schumacher and Dr. Scott McMahon to discuss their research on chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and its link to various health conditions. They explore the impact of water-damaged buildings and biotoxins on the immune system, as well as the genetic mechanisms behind chronic fatigue and other illnesses. The doctors also discuss diagnostic biomarkers and potential treatments for CIRS.

Main Takeaways

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and Water-Damaged Buildings

• Buildings with water damage and biotoxins can trigger an immunological response in about 25% of the population, leading to neurological and behavioral issues.
• CIRS is linked to conditions like sick building syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and degenerative neurological conditions.
• Living in water-damaged buildings with increased microbial growth can lead to chronic exposure and inadequate antibody production.
• Fungi and endotoxins from bacteria contribute to the development of CIRS.
• The prevalence of water damage in buildings is a widespread issue, affecting both modern and older structures.

Gene Mechanisms and Chronic Illnesses

• Abnormal antigen presentation and metabolism contribute to chronic fatigue and other conditions.
• Defective apoptosis and upregulated genes can lead to cell dysfunction, inflammation, and potential neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Genetic susceptibility plays a role in who gets sick and who doesn’t, with 95% of the population having some susceptibility.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome has 30 biomarkers, while fibromyalgia has none, leading to questions about the prevalence and distinction of fibromyalgia.

Biomarkers and Diagnostic Tools

• Multiple biomarkers, including visual contrast sensitivity and cytokine levels, can help diagnose and distinguish CIRS from other conditions.
• Neuroquant, a tool that analyzes MRI images, has been instrumental in identifying reproducible abnormalities in CIRS patients.
• Verbal fluency tests and neurologic assessments can indicate cognitive impairment and potential neurological damage.
• Early detection of symptoms and biomarkers can help predict the likelihood of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Treatment and Management of CIRS

• Treatment involves addressing exposures, such as leaving water-damaged environments and using binders to improve symptoms.
• Low-dose VIP therapy has shown potential in stopping or reversing symptoms of CIRS and degenerative neurological diseases.
• Individuals on treatment protocols may need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and environments.
• Early detection and treatment of CIRS in children can prevent the development of chronic headaches and abdominal pains.

Summary

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and Water-Damaged Buildings

Dr. Richie Schumacher and Dr. Scott McMahon discuss their research on CIRS, a condition linked to water-damaged buildings and biotoxin exposure. They explain how these environments can trigger an immunological response in about 25% of the population, leading to neurological and behavioral issues. The prevalence of water damage in buildings is a widespread issue, affecting both modern and older structures. Fungi and endotoxins from bacteria contribute to the development of CIRS, and living in water-damaged buildings can lead to chronic exposure and inadequate antibody production.

Gene Mechanisms and Chronic Illnesses

The doctors delve into the gene mechanisms behind chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. They discuss how abnormal antigen presentation, metabolism, and gene activation contribute to these conditions. Genetic susceptibility plays a role in who gets sick, with 95% of the population having some susceptibility. Chronic fatigue syndrome has identifiable biomarkers, while fibromyalgia lacks specific biomarkers, raising questions about its prevalence and distinction from other conditions.

Biomarkers and Diagnostic Tools

The doctors highlight the importance of biomarkers and diagnostic tools in identifying and distinguishing CIRS. They discuss the use of visual contrast sensitivity tests, neuroquant analysis of MRI images, and verbal fluency tests to assess cognitive impairment and potential neurological damage. Early detection of symptoms and biomarkers can help predict the likelihood of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s. These diagnostic tools provide objective evidence for the existence and progression of CIRS, countering skeptics and facilitating accurate diagnosis.

Treatment and Management of CIRS

The doctors explore various treatment options for CIRS, which involve addressing exposures and improving symptoms. They discuss the use of binders like colostiamine and colostiaballus, as well as low-dose VIP therapy, to alleviate symptoms and potentially reverse multi-nuclear atrophy. Early detection and treatment of CIRS in children can prevent the development of chronic headaches and abdominal pains. Individuals on treatment protocols may need to make lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and environments, to manage their condition effectively.

Conclusion

This episode sheds light on the research and understanding of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), its connection to water-damaged buildings, and the gene mechanisms behind various chronic illnesses. The discussion emphasizes the importance of biomarkers, diagnostic tools, and early detection in accurately diagnosing and managing CIRS. The doctors’ insights provide valuable information for individuals experiencing symptoms related to CIRS and highlight the need for further research, awareness, and action in addressing the impact of water-damaged buildings on public health.