Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) & PTSD: The Hidden Connection

cirs mitochondria

What is CIRS and How Does It Affect Your Health?

If you’ve been battling chronic fatigue, brain fog, frequent infections, or unexplainable inflammation, you may have Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)—a little-known yet debilitating condition that affects 20-25% of the population.

CIRS is triggered by biotoxin exposure from sources like mold, Lyme disease, cyanobacteria, or viral infections. Unlike temporary inflammation, CIRS keeps the immune system stuck in overdrive, leading to multi-system dysfunction that is often misdiagnosed as autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even anxiety disorders.

The Link Between CIRS and PTSD

One of the most shocking discoveries in functional medicine is that CIRS can activate genes associated with PTSD. Chronic inflammation disrupts brain function, particularly in areas that regulate fear, memory, and emotional processing.

According to Dr. Brian Rogers, a leading CIRS expert featured on the Gutsy Health Podcast, people with CIRS often develop heightened stress responses, severe anxiety, and even panic attacks—not because of external trauma, but because their immune system is sending danger signals to the brain.

"SIRS and PTSD go hand in hand. Chronic inflammation can turn on the PTSD gene, keeping people stuck in a state of fight-or-flight mode—even if their external environment is safe." – Dr. Brian Rogers

Symptoms of CIRS: Do You Have It?

Because CIRS affects multiple systems in the body, symptoms can vary widely. Here are some of the most common signs:

Neurological & Cognitive Symptoms

Brain fog, poor memory, difficulty concentrating
Chronic anxiety, depression, mood swings
Insomnia and frequent waking at night

Digestive & Immune System Symptoms

Leaky gut syndrome that doesn’t heal with standard protocols
Food sensitivities and histamine intolerance
Frequent infections (sinus infections, UTIs, chronic strep)

Hormonal & Metabolic Symptoms

Unexplained weight gain that doesn’t respond to diet changes
Chronic fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep
Adrenal dysfunction and thyroid imbalances

If these symptoms sound familiar, CIRS may be the missing link in your health journey.

Why Traditional Treatments Fail for CIRS Patients

Most gut healing protocols, detox programs, and even functional medicine treatments fail for people with CIRS because they don’t address the root cause: biotoxin-triggered immune dysfunction.

Dr. Rogers explains that the first step in healing from CIRS isn’t just taking probiotics, supplements, or adaptogens—it’s removing the trigger that’s keeping the inflammatory response turned on.

The 3-Step Approach to Healing CIRS

1️⃣ Remove the Trigger

Identify and eliminate exposure to mold, Lyme disease, or environmental toxins
Test your home and workplace for water damage or hidden mold

2️⃣ Use the Right Binders to Detox

Not all detox binders work for CIRS
Dr. Rogers recommends specific binders that remove SIRS toxins without worsening symptoms

3️⃣ Support Mitochondria & Reduce Inflammation

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor in CIRS-related fatigue
Treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, and neurofeedback can accelerate healing

How to Get Tested for CIRS

Dr. Rogers recommends low-cost screening tests to determine if you may have CIRS:

VCS Test (Visual Contrast Sensitivity) – A quick online test for neuroinflammation
HLA-DR Genetic Testing – Determines genetic susceptibility to biotoxin illness
C4a, TGF-beta1, and VIP levels – Lab markers that indicate chronic immune activation

If you suspect CIRS is affecting your health, book a consultation with Dr. Brian Rogers at Provo Health to start a personalized treatment plan.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Episode: Understanding Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) with Dr. Brian Rogers | Gutsy Health Podcast
🔗 Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/gutsy-health-nutrition-and-medicine/id1474697743?i=1000699642206

Final Thoughts

CIRS is often misdiagnosed, leaving people stuck in a never-ending cycle of chronic illness. If you've been told your symptoms are just stress, anxiety, or “in your head,” it’s time to dig deeper.

The good news? CIRS is treatable. With the right approach, you can heal your body, restore your energy, and regain control over your health.