If you're reading this, chances are you're dealing with the physical and emotional toll of mold exposure and biotoxin illness. Maybe you’re experiencing persistent sinus issues, fatigue, cognitive problems, or just a vague sense that something’s not right. You may have come across terms like CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), MARCoNS, or the Shoemaker Protocol—and now you're wondering: Where do I even start?
Perhaps you can’t find a biotoxin-trained practitioner. Or maybe you’ve found one, but their fees are simply unaffordable—sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. Or perhaps you prefer to be your own advocate, take ownership of your health, and manage your own recovery.
We created this guide to offer a simple, affordable, and practical path forward based on the foundational principles of the Shoemaker Protocol. While working with a CIRS-trained physician is ideal, it’s often cost-prohibitive or inaccessible. That’s why we’ve outlined a self-guided version of the protocol using testing and treatment options you can access from home.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your health, your primary care physician should always be your main source of medical guidance.
Step 1: Testing
Before beginning any treatment, it's helpful to get a basic diagnostic picture—and a baseline to track your progress. Most of these tests can now be ordered online without a doctor's prescription or arranged via a simple telehealth visit.
That said, testing can add significant cost. If you suspect mold exposure but are concerned about affordability, there’s no harm in starting the protocol and letting your body tell you whether you’re on the right track.
1. MARCoNS Nasal Swab
The gold standard MicrobiologyDX test is available from Empower Functional Health. This test checks for antibiotic-resistant staph in the nasal passages, a common finding in mold-exposed individuals. It’s simple to perform at home, and the lab provides clear results.
2. Blood Markers
Also available from Empower Functional Health, this blood panel includes:
· MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone): Often suppressed in mold illness
· C4a: Elevated levels can indicate immune activation
· MMP-9: A marker of inflammation and immune dysregulation
· HLA-DR test: An important test that shows whether you are genetically susceptible to biotoxin related diseases.
Some of these lab tests are also available individually from online resellers like WalkInLab.
Step 2: Break Down Biofilms
If you test positive for MARCoNS, or suspect sinus colonization, it’s important to break down the protective biofilm that allows bacteria to persist in the nasal cavity.
Use: BioFilm Clear Nasal Spray
This EDTA-based nasal spray was developed to help disrupt stubborn nasal biofilms. Use 1–3 sprays per nostril, twice daily. Start slowly (e.g., one spray in one nostril) and monitor for Herxheimer reactions (symptoms that can occur as bacteria die off). Some users may experience temporary drainage, fatigue, or mild inflammation.
Step 3: Support Detox Pathways
As biofilms break down and toxins are mobilized, it’s essential to support the body’s detox systems, especially the liver and antioxidant defenses.
Use: Liposomal Glutathione
Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant. It helps neutralize free radicals, support liver detox, and may reduce symptoms of toxin overload. Liposomal formulations offer improved absorption and cellular delivery compared to standard glutathione.
Use: Omega-3 (EPA and DHA)
Mold exposure often leads to persistent systemic inflammation, including neuroinflammation, a driver of brain fog, anxiety, and poor memory. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can help reduce inflammation, support brain function, and aid immune recovery. These essential fats also help repair damaged cell membranes.
Look for a high-quality fish oil providing at least 1,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. Both supplements are available from multiple online sellers.
Step 4: Bind the Toxins
One of the most essential, and frequently misunderstood, parts of mold detox is the binding step.
According to the Shoemaker Protocol, mycotoxins stored in bile can recirculate through the body unless actively bound and excreted. These are distinct from the bacterial toxins associated with MARCoNS in the nasal cavity.
Even after disrupting nasal biofilms and reducing MARCoNS colonization, systemic symptoms often persist unless you address these lipophilic mycotoxins. These are released into the bile and reabsorbed through enterohepatic circulation. Binding agents interrupt this cycle by capturing toxins in the gut and carrying them out through the stool.
Use: Cholestyramine or Colesevelam (Welchol)
These prescription bile acid sequestrants are a core part of the Shoemaker Protocol:
· Cholestyramine: The strongest binder available. Effective, but may cause constipation or bloating.
· Colesevelam (Welchol): Gentler, easier to tolerate, and still highly effective.
Colesevelam can be obtained affordably through the telehealth service TelyRx.
Step 5: Repair and Rebalance
Once inflammation has subsided and detox is underway, many practitioners recommend adding VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide), a neuropeptide that can help restore immune regulation, reduce brain inflammation, and support gut integrity.
Use: VIP Spray
This peptide is typically introduced in the final stages of the Shoemaker Protocol. It’s administered nasally and can be purchased from Power Peptides. Note that you will need to reconstitute the VIP for nasal use, but they do offer a kit to do this.
Optional Step: Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test
You can also take a VCS test to assess visual processing and neurological function—both of which can be affected by biotoxin exposure. While not diagnostic on its own, it’s a useful, low-cost tool to track your progress over time.
Take the test at vcstest.com.
Final Thoughts
Healing from mold-related illness takes time, but it doesn’t have to be financially or logistically overwhelming. By focusing on biofilm disruption, toxin binding, detox support, and immune system repair, you can make meaningful progress—even without access to a Shoemaker-trained physician.
This protocol is not a replacement for professional medical advice, but it may offer a manageable first step for those who are overwhelmed or underserved by the conventional healthcare system.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us at BioFilm Clear, we’re committed to supporting you on this journey.
