MARCoNS in CIRS: Symptoms, testing, treatment options & why it keeps coming back

In this The CIRS Group Podcast episode, Jacie and Barbara explain MARCoNS (multiple antibiotic resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci) as a common deep nasal colonization in CIRS patients and why it’s addressed as step three in the Shoemaker Protocol (after leaving exposure and using binders). They discuss how MARCoNS may perpetuate inflammation and low MSH, what symptoms can look like, and how to test via a deep nasal swab (ordered from MicrobiologyDX). They review Shoemaker-style treatments such as EDTA with silver, BEG spray, plus alternatives like xylitol sprays, ozone, red light therapy, and propolis sprays, along with titration and irritation considerations. They also cover why MARCoNS can recur (ongoing exposure, incomplete eradication, pets, personal items), debate whether MARCoNS is cause vs result, and mention broader nasal testing (MicroGenDX Sinus Key) and evolving approaches beyond the patented Shoemaker Protocol. For more information and support, join us at https://thecirsgroup.com

TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro01:31 What MARCoNS Means02:41 Colonization vs Infection03:30 Why you should care about MARCoNs05:56 MARCoNs Symptoms09:29 Timing your treatment for MARCoNs10:41 Testing technique14:32 How to understand your test results15:55 Shoemaker-endorsed treatment for MARCoNs20:37 Other options for treatment28:58 Why do MARCoNs take hold, and why does it keep it from coming back32:11 Do MARCoNS really matter?34:49 Beyond MARCoNS sinus testing36:40 The next frontier of sinus testing and treatment

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

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:Order your own MARCoNs test: https://www.microbiologydx.com/order-collection-kitsOur interview with Dr. Andrew Heyman: https://youtu.be/WwTRQTuUeC8?si=3HfIk0fE7OCCygj6The CIRS Summit (to view Christian's talk on nasal treatments): https://cirs-summit-2025.heysummit.com/talks/how-the-latest-nasal-swab-testing-can-help-you-heal/Order your own SinusKey test: https://patients.microgendx.com/products/sinuskey

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

The CIRS Group:Support Community: https://thecirsgroup.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecirsgroup/

Find Jacie for carnivore, lifestyle and limbic resources:Jacie’s book on the Carnivore diet!  https://a.co/d/8ZKCqz0Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycarnivoryYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyCarnivoryBlog: 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.