Understanding CIRS
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a complex condition that develops when the immune system becomes chronically activated after exposure to biotoxins or other immune stressors. In simple terms, CIRS occurs when your body’s defense system gets “stuck in the on position.” Instead of turning off after fighting an infection or toxin exposure, the immune system continues to fire inflammatory signals throughout the body—long after the original trigger is gone.
This constant inflammation can affect the brain, hormones, muscles, digestion, and energy systems. Over time, patients often develop a wide range of symptoms that seem unrelated: fatigue, headaches, anxiety, pain, cognitive changes, or hormonal imbalance. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, CIRS is often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, or other “mystery illnesses.”
At Restorative Medicine Center, we approach CIRS differently. Rather than suppressing inflammation, we focus on understanding why it’s happening. Dr. Teresa Birkmeier-Fredal’s Root Cause Triad framework—Microbes, Toxins, and the Stress Response—guides every CIRS evaluation and treatment plan. This model identifies the hidden drivers of immune dysregulation so healing can happen at the deepest level.
What Causes CIRS?
CIRS is not caused by a single pathogen or event—it’s the result of an immune system overreaction to ongoing exposure to inflammatory triggers. Once these triggers overwhelm the body, the immune system loses its ability to self-regulate. Instead of responding normally, it continues to release inflammatory chemicals that damage tissues and disrupt normal communication between cells.
Biotoxins
Biotoxins are potent natural poisons produced by microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. Exposure can occur in water-damaged buildings, where mold spores and bacterial fragments circulate through indoor air and settle into the lungs and sinuses.
For individuals with certain genetic or immune vulnerabilities, these toxins are not effectively cleared from the body, creating ongoing inflammation and a cascade of symptoms—brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, sinus congestion, and mood changes.
Stealth Infections
Hidden infections are another common source of immune activation. Pathogens such as Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma can persist in the body for years, quietly triggering immune reactions without obvious signs of acute illness.
These stealth microbes produce inflammatory molecules and toxins that confuse the immune system, often leading to overlapping diagnoses like chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, or neuropathy. Identifying and addressing these infections is critical for full recovery.
Environmental Toxicants
In today’s world, exposure to chemical pollutants is nearly unavoidable. Heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can overwhelm detoxification systems, especially in those with genetic vulnerabilities affecting detox pathways.
When these toxins accumulate, they amplify inflammation, disrupt hormones, and weaken mitochondrial energy production—making it harder for the body to heal.
Metabolic Stressors
Sometimes, the problem isn’t just exposure—it’s the body’s inability to detoxify effectively. Nutrient deficiencies, poor sleep, and chronic stress all reduce the body’s resilience. When detox and repair systems are compromised, even small toxin exposures or minor infections can trigger a disproportionate inflammatory response.
The Root Cause Triad in CIRS Management
CIRS doesn’t develop from one isolated issue. It’s the result of interacting factors that keep the immune system stuck in overdrive. To untangle this web, Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal uses her Root Cause Triad framework—addressing Microbes, Toxins, and the Stress Response—to identify and treat the true origins of chronic inflammation.
Microbes
Stealth infections are one of the most common and persistent drivers of immune dysfunction. Pathogens such as Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, Mycoplasma, and mold-related microbes can linger long after initial exposure, releasing toxins and immune-activating proteins that confuse the body’s defenses.
Through advanced diagnostic testing and careful clinical evaluation, Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal identifies microbial triggers and patterns of immune reactivity. Once identified, treatment targets both the infection and the body’s inflammatory response, helping patients clear pathogens without overwhelming their system.
Toxins
Environmental toxins—including mold, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and chemical pollutants—are potent disruptors of immune function and detoxification. These compounds can impair liver enzymes, damage mitochondria, and perpetuate inflammation even years after exposure.
Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal emphasizes detoxification support as a key part of CIRS recovery. Her strategies may include:
- Liver and lymphatic support through targeted nutrients and herbal compounds.
- Binders (like activated charcoal or bentonite clay) to capture and eliminate circulating toxins.
- Adequate hydration to promote lymph flow and kidney clearance.
- Far infrared sauna therapy to enhance toxin elimination through gentle sweating.
- Air and water quality improvements to prevent re-exposure.
Stress Response
Chronic stress, trauma, and emotional overload can amplify inflammation by keeping the body’s fight-or-flight system permanently engaged. When the nervous system can’t shift back into a state of safety and rest, detoxification, repair, and immune balance all suffer.
Supporting nervous system regulation is essential for long-term CIRS recovery. Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal integrates:
- Mindfulness and breathwork practices to calm the autonomic nervous system.
- Limbic retraining programs to rewire chronic stress patterns.
- Sleep optimization and circadian rhythm restoration to strengthen immune resilience.
Comprehensive CIRS Management at Restorative Medicine Center
Managing Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) requires more than a one-size-fits-all protocol. Each patient’s immune system, genetics, and exposure history are unique—so treatment must be tailored accordingly. At the Restorative Medicine Center, Dr. Teresa Birkmeier-Fredal uses a functional and integrative approach that personalizes every step of care, ensuring patients heal at a sustainable pace while addressing the true root causes of their inflammation.
Diagnostic Testing
The first step in managing CIRS is a thorough evaluation of the immune, hormonal, and detoxification systems.
Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal utilizes advanced testing to uncover hidden imbalances that standard panels often overlook. These tests help identify what’s keeping your immune system in “alarm mode” and guide a precise, individualized plan.
Advanced Biomarker Panels
These laboratory markers reflect immune system activity, inflammation levels, and genetic susceptibility:
- VEGF, MMP-9, TGFB1, C4a, C3a – Indicators of inflammation and vascular health.
- ADH and Osmolality – Evaluate fluid balance and antidiuretic hormone regulation, often disrupted in CIRS.
- Cortisol/DHEA ratio – Assesses stress response and adrenal function.
- Vitamin D ratio (D2/D3) – Helps gauge immune regulation and inflammation control.
- HLA Typing – Identifies genetic patterns that predispose individuals to poor biotoxin clearance.
Infection Panels
To detect stealth infections that often perpetuate CIRS, Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal orders targeted testing for:
- Lyme disease and co-infections (Bartonella, Babesia, Mycoplasma)
- Viral reactivations that may contribute to immune dysfunction
- Mold species and fungal markers that indicate biotoxin exposure
Environmental Assessments
Because environment plays such a key role in sustaining inflammation, the evaluation also includes:
- Mold and mycotoxin testing for home or workplace exposure.
- Heavy metal panels to detect mercury, lead, or arsenic burden.
- Chemical toxin testing for pesticides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Individualized Treatment Strategy
Once testing reveals the root causes, treatment focuses on calming the immune system, enhancing detoxification, and rebuilding resilience—without overwhelming the body.
Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal’s CIRS protocol progresses gently and logically, guided by real-time feedback from your body and biomarker trends.
Gentle Detoxification & Anti-Inflammatory Support
- Gradual use of binders and liver-supportive nutrients to help eliminate toxins safely.
- Anti-inflammatory support with curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, glutathione, and antioxidants to reduce systemic inflammation.
Pathogen Reduction Protocols
- Targeted antimicrobial or antifungal therapies for infections identified through testing.
- Phased treatment plans designed to minimize “die-off” reactions and allow steady progress.
Immune Modulation
- Balancing an overactive immune system using botanicals, peptides, and adaptogens.
- Restoring immune tolerance to reduce reactivity to environmental and microbial triggers.
Hormone & Mitochondrial Optimization
- Support for thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone balance disrupted by chronic inflammation.
- Cellular energy enhancement through CoQ10, NAD+, methylene blue, and mitochondrial nutrients for improved stamina and cognitive clarity.
Stress Retraining & Sleep Restoration
- Incorporation of nervous system regulation techniques, such as limbic retraining, breathwork, and mindfulness.
- Focus on sleep quality, circadian rhythm alignment, and relaxation strategies to promote repair.
Tracking Progress
Healing from CIRS is not linear—it requires close monitoring and adjustment as the body begins to rebalance. Dr. Birkmeier-Fredal uses objective data and patient feedback to measure improvement over time.
Symptom & Treatment Timeline Tracking
Patients are encouraged to maintain a treatment and symptom timeline, noting how their body responds to each step of therapy. This helps identify which interventions are most effective and ensures pacing that the body can handle without flare-ups.
Regular Biomarker Review
CIRS-related lab markers are reviewed periodically to evaluate immune and detox progress. Adjustments are made as needed to prevent overactivation while supporting continued recovery.
Restore Balance. Reclaim Your Health.
If you’ve been living with chronic fatigue, pain, brain fog, or unexplained symptoms and still haven’t found lasting answers, it’s possible you’re struggling with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)—a condition that goes far deeper than surface-level inflammation.
At the Restorative Medicine Center, Dr. Teresa Birkmeier-Fredal takes an integrative, evidence-informed approach to uncover and correct the root causes of chronic inflammation. Through comprehensive testing, personalized detoxification, and immune system recalibration, she helps patients break free from the cycle of inflammation and finally begin to heal.
No quick fixes. No band-aid solutions. Just thoughtful, root-cause medicine designed to help your body restore balance and resilience for the long term.
Contact Us
📍 Restorative Medicine Center
705 Barclay Cir #115
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
📞 Phone: 248.289.6349
📠 Fax: 248-289-6923
🌐 Website: www.restorativemedcenter.com