Rich Anderson, who developed the Arise and Shine cleansing program, has an interesting and plausible theory on the development of mucoid plaque. According to him mucoid plaque develops as a result of acids and toxins, and the primary culprit is bile acids that result when the liver/gallbladder is congested. This is the result of insufficient organic minerals and electrolytes which enable the body to maintain an alkaline state. Mucoid plaque and Gallstones most often go hand in hand. And they each contribute to the other. This is a very simplistic version...a detailed explanation is available in his books: Cleanse & Purify Thyself I & II.