May 27, 2026

Fungal Colonization Isn't What You Think!

50 minutes

For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com

Is mold colonization the same as CIRS? Could what looks like a fungal infection actually be something else entirely? In this episode, Barbara is joined by Dr. Lacey Venanzi and Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres to break down the difference between mold/fungal colonization and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), explore the surprisingly important role of actinobacteria, and walk through practical, affordable treatment strategies: from pharmaceutical antifungals to botanicals and nasal rinsing. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro

01:19 Meet the guests: Dr. Lacey Venanzi & Dr. Christian Navarro-Torres

02:25 What is mold or fungal colonization?

05:01 Is fungal overgrowth a root cause or a downstream effect?

06:08 CIRS vs. fungal colonization: Two distinct diagnoses

07:45 Symptoms of fungal colonization (skin, gut, sinuses, cravings)

10:56 Pharmaceutical antifungals and herbal antifungals

15:30 Risks of using antifungals in CIRS patients

17:25 Why some patients improve on antifungals

19:55 Why timing matters: get out of exposure first

22:25 Actinobacteria: the overlooked player in CIRS

24:19 How actinobacteria mimics fungal infections

26:32 Testing: options, limitations & what to look for

28:15 Key botanical treatments: Horopito, thyme, clove, eucalyptus & tea tree

29:00 Affordable testing options for patients

32:20 Safe steps patients can take (Horopito)

32:49 Dilute the bacteria, lower the burden: cleaning and motility

33:56 Probiotics & prebiotics for fungal/actino burden

35:36 Topical treatment: Horopito Lotion

37:05 Nasal treatment: saline & baby shampoo technique

39:00 Barbara's saline rinse tips & real-world experience

44:03 Why baby shampoo works (surfactants explained)

45:11 Horopito cream for nasal & skin use

47:10 Coherence DX and additional resources

Check out Dr. Lacey and Dr. Christian's new company Coherence DX! https://www.coherencedx.com/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CoherenceDX

Dr. Lacey's website: https://www.drlacey.org/

Dr. Christian's website: https://www.cirslab.com/

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Our Actinos Episode: https://youtu.be/yf9EoTbyAEo?si=nZIZAAlPlBgnObfI

Our Actinos Cleaning episode: https://youtu.be/2rCXhUP6dbY?si=TRx356TkQBm1BBJn

Our first interview with Dr. Lacey: https://youtu.be/baldT8N7nl4?si=8tHFQCKqrLxiFESq

Our latest interview with Dr. Christian: https://youtu.be/Lc_LfUeiYTM?si=6CFLE6w71gtSqStj

CSA (comprehensive stool analysis) from ParasiteTesting.com: https://www.parasitetesting.com/CSA?srsltid=AfmBOor_itSEGDFWmeorkB2spnrFXO48-f07lwE7G8V8Hc9NxB4Y92AJ

Cheap gut test: https://www.ombrelab.com/products/ombre-gut-health-test?selling_plan=2189295771

More comprehensive gut test: https://www.tinyhealth.com/adult-test

SinusKey nose test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey

Horopito capsules:

https://kolorex.com/collections/gut-care/products/candia-balance-gut-care-60

Dr. Lacey's favorite probiotics:

BioGaia: https://a.co/d/0cQZgJhw

Florastor: https://a.co/d/09oFxiLs

Sun Fiber: https://a.co/d/0hkdbUZh

Horopito topical cream (the gentlest option): https://kolorex.com/products/vaginal-care-cream

Neti Pot Barbara uses: https://a.co/d/08DKajTT

Nasal swabs Barbara uses: https://a.co/d/0fgglU5f

Fragrance free Baby Shampoo: https://www.target.com/p/johnson-39-s-sensitive-care-baby-2-in-1-body-wash-38-shampoo-lightly-scented-13-5-fl-oz/-/A-87442350#lnk=sametab

Order Jacie's book! The 30 Day Carnivore Bootcamp: https://a.co/d/7MgHrRs

The CIRS Group:

Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/

Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:

Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet! https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivory

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivory

Blog: https://www.ladycarnivory.com/

Find Barbara for business/finance tips and coaching:

Website: https://www.actlikebarbara.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlikebarbara/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@actlikebarbara

Jacie is a Shoemaker certified Proficiency Partner, NASM certified nutrition coach, author, and carnivore recipe developer determined to share the life changing information of carnivore and CIRS to anyone who will listen. Barbara is a business and fitness coach, CIRS and ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and a big fan of health and freedom. Together, they co-founded The CIRS Group, an online support community to help people that are struggling with their CIRS diagnosis and treatment.

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