Chemical
and mold sensitivities often develop very gradually
over a period of repeated exposure. Many times there
are no obvious links to the chemical or mold contact,
making the specific source of sensitivities difficult
to uncover. What’s more, as you develop one
sensitivity, it may weaken your system enough to develop
more sensitivities, further complicating the process
of finding the source of your symptoms.
There
are three basic types of sensitivity:
•
Toxicity or poison: lead and mercury
poisoning are typical examples.
•
Allergies to particular plants or
products, including pollen.
•
Multiple chemical sensitivities
where your natural detoxification system
becomes less able or unable to cope with chemicals
and/or molds to which
you are exposed. This
can include almost anything in your environment.
Symptoms
of these sensitivities can include:
•
Headaches
•
" Foggy " thinking
•
Fatigue
•
Dizziness
•
Depression
•
Muscle and joint aches
•
Runny nose and eyes
•
Sinus infections
•
Respiratory symptoms, including
severe asthma symptoms
Remember,
we are all exposed to some toxic chemicals
- but you can minimize your exposures and
that's what's important. Most of us are unaware we're
developing chemical sensitivities until our bodies
have exposed so often that we can no longer tolerate
what once went unnoticed.
Review
your daily environment. Exposure to some of these
things might be causing difficulties for you:
•
Auto fumes
•
Tobacco smoke
•
Perfumes and scented cosmetic
products
•
Cleaning products
•
Newsprint
•
Pesticides
•
Insecticides
•
Fumes from dry cleaning
solvents
•
Fumes from copiers, office
equipment
•
Electromagnetic radiation
from computers, televisions, etc.
•
Gas vs. electric stove
or heating unit
•
Synthetic clothes
•
Aerosol spray
•
Mercury amalgams and other
dental composites
•
Fertilizers
•
Air fresheners
•
Glues
•
Paint, paint removers
and varnishes
•
Carpet, upholstery, curtains
treated with chemicals
•
Fingernail polish
•
Molds in schools, office
buildings, homes, apartments
•
Buildings sealed without
the ability to open windows
Take
action to reduce your exposure:
•
Breathe outdoor air every day. Air
out your house and office daily. Outside air is often
less contaminated than indoor air, even taking into
consideration the dangers of air pollution.
•
Remove as many chemicals from your house as
possible . See the above list to help you
understand what chemicals are harmful.
•
Avoid toxic cleaning products . Use
baking soda, unscented soap, vinegar, lemon juice,
or food grade hydrogen peroxide.
•
Use unscented products . This includes
cosmetics, deodorants, soaps and laundry detergents.
•
Dry clean as few items as possible.
When it is necessary to have clothing or other household
items dry cleaned, remove them from the bags and air
them out before you wear them.
•
Buy and eat organic foods and products
as much as possible.
•
Take saunas. Sweating helps your
body clear toxins.
•
Discuss antifungal drugs with your physician.
•
Make sure you're eating healthy, nutritious foods
and using supplements
to help your body maintain its naturally
occurring detoxification system and keep your immune
system strong. Try eating garlic and onions as often
as possible to help your body's organ systems maintain
healthy functioning.
•
Identify any food sensitivities.
Explore the Phase 3 reassessment
for step-by-step guidelines for the rotation diet
to help you identify food sensitivities. See The
Yeast Connection Cookbook for menus and recipe
ideas for the rotation diet.
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