ModerateGBS: 71 (Moderate-High Risk)toxicity

Cholestyramine (Mold Detox)

Developer: Ritchie Shoemaker

3-6 months typical, ongoing if reexposure

Protocol Overview

Prescription bile sequestrant that binds mycotoxins and biotoxins in the gut for elimination. Part of Shoemaker CIRS protocol for chronic inflammatory response syndrome from mold.

Conditions Treated

Mold illness (CIRS)

mycotoxin exposure

bile toxin elimination

Protocol Steps

Diagnosis: Shoemaker CIRS protocol requires: VCS test (visual contrast sensitivity), HLA genetic susceptibility, labs (C4a, TGF-β1, MMP-9, MSH, others)

Mold remediation: Must remove from moldy environment and remediate (otherwise reexposure continues)

Cholestyramine: Prescription required - 1 packet (4g) mixed in water 2-4 times daily

Timing: Take 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime, away from all other medications/supplements (binds everything)

Duration: Typically 3-6 months until biotoxin markers normalize

Side effects: Severe constipation (common), bloating, nutrient deficiencies

Management: High fiber, magnesium citrate for constipation, supplement fat-soluble vitamins separately

Monitoring: Recheck CIRS markers monthly (C4a, etc.), VCS test, symptoms

Other binders: Activated charcoal, bentonite clay, chlorella as alternatives (less evidence)

Full CIRS protocol: Cholestyramine is step 1, may need VIP nasal spray, MARCoNS treatment, others

Key Resources

Surviving Mold by Ritchie Shoemaker, survivingmold.com, certified CIRS practitioners

Contraindications & Risks

Bile duct obstruction, severe constipation, nutrient deficiencies (take vitamins separately), intestinal obstruction

Important Notes

Shoemaker developed CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) diagnosis and treatment. Cholestyramine binds mycotoxins in enterohepatic circulation for elimination. Requires prescription. Very constipating. Must remove from mold exposure first. Controversial in mainstream medicine but established in environmental medicine. CIRS protocol is complex multi-step process. Insurance may not cover.

Also Effective For

Mold Illness / CIRS

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Supplements

Activated Charcoal Magnesium Citrate Chlorella

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 71 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate

GBS Score71 / 100

Categorytoxicity

DeveloperRitchie Shoemaker

Duration3-6 months typical, ongoing if reexposure

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.

Research Notes

10 protocol steps

3 conditions addressed

1 key resources

1 contraindications

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