NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY

Q. I suffer from a wide array of environmental sensitivities. I have debilitating migraines on a weekly basis because of this. My doctor says it's just something I have to live. Is there anything I can do to minimize my reaction and potentially get rid of these sensitivities altogether?

A. A condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is not well recognized in the medical community, leaving it's sufferers frustrated, undiagnosed and feeling unsupported with what is often a debilitating condition. Simply put, it is a chronic condition that causes a wide array of symptoms attributed to low levels of chemical exposure. Some of the more common symptoms are extreme fatigue, headaches or migraines, aching joints, nausea, vomiting rapid irregular heart beat, hives or eczema like outbreaks on the skin, and many other allergy-like symptoms, such as water eyes, runny nose and scratchy throat. Although the environmental triggers can be almost any chemical or substance, some of the more common are household paints, plastics, pesticides, synthetic fibres, perfumes, fabric softeners, dust, mould, fluorescent lighting, and more...

These sensitivities can come on suddenly, usually triggered by exposure in an isolated incident, or they can develop slowly over time.

Sensitivity versus Allergy
Many of the symptoms that are associated with MSC could also be used to describe an allergic reaction. The main difference between an environmental sensitivity and an allergy has to do with our immune response. When an individual has an allergic reaction, they produce antibodies to the specific allergen. With a sensitivity, although the symptoms may look almost identical, antibodies to these substances are not produced in the blood.

Building a clean home and work environment
Chemical free living has been shown to be one of the most effective and significant 'treatment' options for individuals living with MCS. There are a number of small steps that we can all take to clean up our living space and work space for the betterment of our health.

Try to use scent free, organic or biodegradable cleaning and household products whenever possible

Use essential oils, instead of commercial air fresheners, perfumes and deodorizers, or better yet, implement a scent free policy in your home and workplace.

Avoid the use of pesticides on lawn and garden. Use organic soil.

Use Natural or No VOC paints when doing household painting, ask your employer to do the same in the office

Use natural lighting in your home and workspace. Give up the fluorescents.

Get outside for breaks/walks/fresh air whenever possible. If that's not possible, open the windows!

Try to live a plastic free life. Although we can't do anything about the amount of plastics being used outside of the house, we can make efforts to purchase and use only glass or tetra packaging and trade all of our plastic storage and lunch containers for glass alternatives.

Choose organic meats and fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Especially avoid what is known as the 'dirty dozen', and buy only organic when it comes to the following foods, known to be highest in pesticides: Apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce, kale and collard greens (tied for 12th place). If you can't buy all your fruits and vegetables organic, consider having an organic fruit and veggie wash on hand to remove as many unnecessary residues as possible.

Detoxification support
Once you have determined what your triggers are and have done your best to eliminate them from your everyday environment, it's time to focus on you and potential accumulation of these toxins within your own body. Internal detoxification is an important process in alleviating symptoms of environmental sensitivities. Focus on the lymph, the bowels, the lungs, the kidneys and the liver (see below), as these are the organs that play a major role in both detoxification and efficient elimination of toxins from the body. Dry skin brushing is one cost effective way to ensure healthy lymph drainage. There are several homoeopathic combinations aimed at supporting this process, as well. Increasing fibre in your diet will ensure healthy elimination of toxins, as will drinking plenty of water. One should always increase water consumption when increasing fibre in the diet. Infrared saunas have been shown to help aid in detoxification, not to mention promote relaxation. Lastly, never underestimate the importance of exercise and physical activity. Just getting your body moving is one easy way of speeding up the detoxification process.

Love your Liver
No mention of effective detoxification would be complete without mentioning the LIVER! The liver is the detoxification hub of the body and with this job comes a lot of BURNOUT! Consider a yearly or even quarterly liver cleanse, or make sure to include a liver support combination supplement into your daily routine to ensure adequate detoxification of these environmental chemicals. Some herbs to consider include:

Milk thistle

N-Acteyl Cysteine

Curcumin

Lecithin or Lipotropic factors

Alpha lipoic acid

D-Glucarate

Dandelion Root

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