Why I Respect Dr. Shoemaker’s Work, But Did Not Follow His Protocol

“Why I Respect Dr. Shoemaker’s Work, But Did Not Follow His Protocol” - Heather Sunderland

If you’ve spent any time researching mold illness or CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), you’ve probably come across Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s name.

He deserves enormous credit. He was one of the first to identify that certain people experience ongoing immune activation after mold exposure and other biotoxins, even long after leaving a water-damaged environment. His work gave a name and framework to something that had been ignored or dismissed for decades.

But over time, many of us in the field and many patients have found that while his model opened the door, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

The Gift and the Limitations of Shoemaker’s Approach

Dr. Shoemaker’s research was primarily conducted within his own clinical practice, often without independent replication or large control groups. While his findings were fascinating and deeply helpful to those suffering, they haven’t been widely validated by outside researchers.

In addition, most studies lacked randomization or comparison groups, which limits how confidently we can say the improvements were due only to the protocol itself.

None of that invalidates his work. It simply means it was an early, exploratory framework not the final word on mold illness.

My Own Experience

When I first began navigating mold illness myself, I used several of Dr. Shoemaker’s tools like the VCS (Visual Contrast Sensitivity) test and his recommended blood markers. These helped me understand what was happening in my body and confirmed that inflammation and biotoxin exposure were at play.

His approach was too depleting and not comprehensive enough for me, having had undiagnosed chronic Lyme and Bartonella for 22 years and a lifetime of unknown mold exposure. But I am very thankful for his work and for having learned I had Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. It changed how I chose to address restoring my health.

What I’ve Seen in Practice

Many people who come to me have already have used the Shoemaker protocol. For some, it moved the needle; for others, it left them still unwell because deeper aspects of health weren’t being addressed.

For those with complex layers of infection, toxicity, and nervous system dysregulation, the Shoemaker approach can feel too linear, too medication-heavy, or even too aggressive.

What I’ve seen bring deeper, more sustainable results is a gentle, personalized, whole-body approach that prioritizes:

• Opening detox and drainage pathways before binding and killing

• Regulating the nervous system and limbic response

• Supporting mitochondria and energy production

• Restoring nutrition and gut balance

• Addressing total toxic load, not just mycotoxins

• Considering other pathogens like parasites, viruses, and bacteria
  

For some, the Shoemaker protocol may be exactly what they need. For others especially those with multiple infections, chemical sensitivities, or trauma it can feel like “pushing” a body that’s already overwhelmed. The people I see heal most fully are those who start slower, gentler, and with respect for the body’s innate timing.

Moving Forward

Dr. Shoemaker’s research started an important conversation about mold illness and CIRS. But the conversation doesn’t end there.

Science is evolving.
The best healing happens when we integrate new knowledge and discernment, honoring both the evidence and the intricate design of the human body.

There isn’t just one “right” way to heal from mold and CIRS. Each person’s journey looks different.

What matters most is finding the approach that resonates with you, honors your body and your story.

An Invitation

If you’ve been walking the path of mold or CIRS and feel like you’ve tried everything, don’t lose hope. Healing is possible sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective and faith in how your body was designed to recover.

🌿 If you’d like support finding a gentler, path forward, you can learn more about my approach at https://healthcoachingbyheather.com/ or schedule a complimentary discovery call.