Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: What it is and How to Recover from it
Chemical sensitivity can be an extremely confusing and overwhelming condition to experience. No, there’s nothing wrong with your body. It’s not at fault for the symptoms you’re feeling. I know what it’s like to be afraid to leave your house for fear of exposure to a scent or chemical that will trigger a series of symptoms. It can cause you to be hyper vigilant and even neurotic or obsessive about the air you’re breathing in. I get it, I’ve been there. I’m so grateful to say that I no longer have to deal with this problem.
Before masks were commonplace like they have been in 2020, I would wear one while in the grocery store or while traveling on a plane. If got a whiff of someone’s perfume or laundry detergent, it would send my already present fatigue and brain fog into a whole new level of irritation. It caused me to feel unsafe and often angry that chemicals seemed to be everywhere.
My Struggle with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
I recall a whole slew of discussions about my step-girls coming over with their heavily fragranced clothing and bodies. The fragrant clothing detergent, body sprays, and even shampoo and conditioner were all an issue for me. It got to the point where they had to immediately shower when they came over and change into a set of clothes we kept there. Once, one of our girls even came in through the window in effort to avoid exposing me to the fragrances she was bathed in. Of course there are plenty more stories like that, of which I am so thankful are behind me!
Living with chemical sensitivity is one of those things that unless you experience it, you just seem crazy to those around you. You might even be called crazy or psychosomatic. As a result, it can feel incredibly isolating. You might think “why can they handle this stuff but I can’t” or “what’s wrong with me!?”. Nothing is wrong with you, but you do have something going on in your body that is the culprit. Thankfully, you can absolutely address the cause and reverse the symptoms!
What is Chemical Sensitivity
This label gets placed on those who have reactions and symptoms as a result of exposure to chemicals. Much of the time, the person’s body gets blamed for being inherently faulty. The idea is that the body is not inherently able to neutralize these toxins properly. In actuality, the body is able but things stand in its way. And, regardless of who it is being exposed to toxic chemicals, no one is unaffected by them.
Whether toxins are inhaled, eaten, or absorbed through the skin, the liver is responsible for neutralizing them all. But, when the liver is already overloaded, this might not happen. Other toxins present, high fat levels, along with active viruses and bacteria hinder the liver. When we are exposed to new toxins, not only does it cause further stress but it actually feeds the pathogens already present. This causes them to excrete neurotoxins. These neurotoxins can create a sensitive nervous system which can lead to a wide variety of potential symptoms when we are exposed to chemicals.
Many don’t realize they have an active pathogen like Epstein Barr Virus present, wreaking havoc in other ways as well. This virus is at the root of most chronic illness and autoimmune conditions. However, it’s not always a cause of chemical sensitivity. In some cases, someone might have been sprayed or exposed to a heavy dose or injured by certain chemicals. This can cause hypersensitivity.
Chemical Sensitivity Symptoms
Remember that there is something at the root of these symptoms. It’s not about a faulty body, but a body in need of help so it can do its job. Below are some of the more common symptoms.
- Headaches and migraines
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Insomnia
- Tingling and numbness
- Anxiety and depression
- Runny nose
- Tight chest
- Blurry eyes
How to Recover from Chemical Sensitivity
The first step you should take is to limit your exposure. For me, it was usually really obvious when I was exposed to something because my reaction was immediate. We keep a home free of fragrances and chemicals and my nose picks up on anything out of the ordinary, even while out walks. If you suspect you have reactions to chemicals, chuck your products that have toxins in them. This is especially helpful with fragranced products. Buy unscented or products that only use essential oils for scent. Be sure to read labels because even if the front label says it contains essential oils, much of the time fragrances and other toxins are still added.
In addition to helping your body eliminate the toxic accumulation. If you haven’t already, get rid of or replace these products as best you can:
- Air fresheners (all kinds)
- Cologne and aftershave
- Conventional cleaning products
- Conventional hair dye
- Conventional laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets
- Conventional makeup
- Conventionally scented body lotions, creams, sprays, washes, and deodorants
- Conventionally scented shampoos, conditioners, gels, and other hair products
- Dry cleaning chemicals
- Carpet cleaning chemicals
- Nail chemicals (such as polish, remover, adhesive)
- Perfume
- Scented candles
- Spray tan
- Talcum powder
The second step is to clean up your body. This takes time, but you will experience relief. I was lucky enough to start noticing improvements quite soon after I started the Medical Medium way of life. You can start by beginning to detox your system….slowly. When you clean up the toxins present, this takes a huge weight off the liver. This includes eliminating possible present pathogens, like viruses and bacteria. In addition, be sure to hydrate properly. Prologued exposure to toxins will leave the body in a state of chronic dehydration. Hydration is essential to recovery.
I dream of a world where our bodies are not inundated with toxins in any form. Until then, we do what we can to help the body do what it’s designed to do. With the right actions, this condition can absolutely be reversed. If you are interested in 1-on-1 help to get you to true health, please check out my home page and schedule a session.
For more information about Chemical Sensitivities, I invite you to check out this Medical Medium podcast.