Testing Mycotoxins has been done for many years, but what is the best practice in mycotoxin testing is highly debated in the medical field. Dr. Andrew W. Campbell and Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker are two thought leaders on mycotoxin testing & treatment. They have developed distinctive approaches for testing mycotoxin exposure to your body.
Some believe Shoemaker’s approach to testing mycotoxins is the most effective, and others believe Campbell’s approach is the best. We are going to break down the different approaches and schools of thought. PEAK Integrative medicine approaches mycotoxin testing following Dr. Campbell’s approach because we appreciate the individualization and value the immune-focused outlook.
Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s Protocol For Mycotoxins
Shoemaker’s approach is more of a standardized and protocol-based approach to mycotoxin-related conditions. His protocols revolve around Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This condition Dr. Shoemaker has said, is triggered by exposure to toxins. The steps to his protocol are:
- Diagnosing: He uses biomarker testing for mycotoxins, which is done through urine tests. While this can confirm mycotoxins, it is designed to identify the physiological impact of CIRS, not the direct mycotoxin load.
- Eliminate The Source: Remove the mold from the person’s home or workplace.
- Treating Mycotoxins: Treatment is approached with a key focus on the inflammation (CIRS). The steps focus on removing the source of exposure and calming inflammation with certain lifestyle changes. Hormone correction may also be a secondary step in the process.
Learn more about the steps to Shoemaker’s Protocol For Mycotoxins.
Dr. Andrew W. Campbell’s Approach To Mycotoxins
Campbell has extensive work in mold and mycotoxin illnesses and recognizes that mycotoxins can cause a myriad of symptoms. The symptoms that result may overlap with many other chronic diseases, making an accurate diagnoses like those that result from Campbell’s approach important.
- Diagnosing: He supports extensive testing to determine whether mycotoxins are present in the body, using sophisticated blood tests and symptom evaluations to create a diagnosis. Urine mycotoxin tests are not central to his approach.
- Eliminating The Source: While eliminating the source is important, Campbell’s approach recognizes dormant mycotoxins may persist in bodily tissues for many years, causing stubborn symptoms in some people.
- Treating Mycotoxins: Campbell’s approach emphasizes the need to stabilize the immune system first, then support detoxification and promote general health through dietary adjustments, supplementation, and lifestyle alterations. He stresses the significance of an individualized treatment plan made to fit each patient’s unique requirements and circumstances.
Dr. Campbell has a website dedicated to this information and extensive informational videos on YouTube walking you through understanding mycotoxins and proper treatment.
Comparing Dr. Campbell & Dr. Shoemaker
Dr. Campbell and Dr. Shoemaker agree that mycotoxins present health problems, including major long-term health problems. They also agree that it is critical to treat them; their methods and approaches are different.
How They Diagnose Mycotoxins
While Dr. Shoemaker uses a variety of biomarker tests to determine the physiological consequences of CIRS as proof of exposure, Dr. Campbell prefers a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms in conjunction with direct testing for mycotoxins. In our experience at PEAK, Campbell’s approach aligns closely with our diagnostic philosophy and individualized care goals.
How They Differ In Treating Mycotoxins
Campbell supports an individualized treatment plan that emphasizes detoxification and overall health improvement. While acknowledging the necessity of detoxification, Shoemaker also recommends a more organized and stepwise treatment plan created especially to address CIRS. While Shoemaker’s approach can work in many cases, we have seen in our own practice and experience that Campbell’s approach aligns with our personalized care goals and diagnostic philosophy.
Contact PEAK Integrative Medicine To Test & Diagnose Your Mycotoxins
We work with many cases of mycotoxin exposure and provide thorough mold and mycotoxin testing. While many of our practices align with Dr. Campbell’s approach to mycotoxins and individualized treatment, some aspects of care are adapted to meet each patient’s needs. We have studied their work and focus on providing the most effective approach to mold illness diagnoses and improving your health.
Shoemaker & Campbell FAQ
Is the Shoemaker protocol effective?
The Shoemaker protocol is a structured approach supported by some studies for treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). There have been various different peer-reviewed studies that support the effectiveness of the approach in certain populations. Using specific biomarkers for evaluation and approaching treatment with a step-by-step process are a couple of things that make it a commonly-used approach.
What is a Shoemaker test?
The Shoemaker test includes a specialized lab panel that detects a number of biomarkers, such as C4a, TGF-β1, and MMP-9. It also utilizes the Visual Contrast Sensitivity test to see if there are any neurological issues occurring. The results of these tests can help to detect patterns that may be associated with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Then, symptoms and history can also be evaluated to understand if mold exposure may be contributing to your illness.
What is the Dr. Shoemaker diet?
The Shoemaker diet’s goal is to remove foods that have high levels of amylose. This is a carbohydrate that is found in certain grains, legumes, and tubers. For people that are experiencing Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), some clinical observations suggest that high-amylose foods may have a negative effect on inflammation or gut microbiome balance. While the diet is not required for all, it can be useful for people who notice a positive change in their symptoms.
How does Dr. Campbell approach mold illness?
Dr. Andrew Campbell believes in a comprehensive approach to healing the body from mold toxicity. His approach includes identifying and eliminating the exposure source, stabilizing the immune system, and supporting the body’s natural detox and repair processes. His approach is geared towards personalized care along with knowledge of immunology and holistic health.
What lab tests does Dr. Campbell recommend for identifying mold exposure?
Dr. Campbell’s immune-based lab tests often include testing your blood serum for specific antibodies such as IgG or IgE. IgE indicates an allergic reaction while IgG may indicate an immune system response. Dr. Campbell believes in understanding the overall reaction of the immune system. These antibody tests are central to his approach.
How does Dr. Campbell address inflammation caused by mold exposure?
Dr. Campbell strongly advocates for treating the root cause by eliminating the source of the inflammatory trigger and rebalancing the immune system. This includes personalized, integrative treatments that may support overall health and immune balance, environmental interventions, and individualized nutritional or functional strategies.