Multiple Chemical Sensitivity affects about 10-15% of people in the US and is found in every county in the world.
Most people do not discover they have MCS Multiple Chemical Sensitivity until it has become a debilitating condition. By then, virtually every possible situation contains chemcials that casue a reaction. Often resulting in a life of staying home or moving out into nature.
Since this is not an accepted diagnosis, we don’t realize its warning signs. Such as chronic rashes, asthma, inability to concentrate, neurological symptoms and more. Its usually not until it becomes a debilitating condition, that people find out about MCS.
My own doctor developed MCS. She calls it ‘Chemical Allergy’. Although, MCS is usually an illness with a sudden onset & symptoms that sometimes overlap with allergies, it is a more complex condition.
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MCS can be described as follows:
*A chronic condition with symptoms that occur reproducibly in response to even very low levels of exposure to groups of multiple unrelated chemicals.
*MCS can cause distress, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, breathing difficulties, flu-like symptoms, rashes, aches, twitches, muscle weakness, hives, and anaphylactic shock.
*The symptoms usually improve or resolve when trigger chemicals are removed. Many people with MCS are constantly reacting to environmental or even laundry chemicals, car exhausts in the air. Usually, it takes time and observation to be able to know what is making you feel unwell. Sometimes, we have been unwell for so long, we don’t realize it. Fatigue, laziness, depression, rashes, irrititability or shortness of breath can just become a way of life.
*Ill effects occur in multiple organ systems, usually including a neurological effect. Irritability and inability to think straight are common.
*Many diverse and odd symptoms and reactions are possible, one woman has severe pain in the bladder when in contact with certain plastics.
*The sense of smell and sensitivity to toxins is from 100 to 1,000 times greater than the general public.
Estimates show that over 50% of MCS cases were believed to be caused by exposure to pesticides or volatile organic compounds. Notably, chemicals such as those released from new building materials, furniture, and carpets are cited. As a result of exposure, MCSers find that they are suddenly sensitive to low levels of chemicals that did not bother them before.
These are called “triggers”
Some examples of triggers include :
car exhaust
diesel
air fresheners
paint
newspaper, magazine or new clothing ink
glues
adhesives
fabric softeners and dryer sheets
pesticides
shampoo
candles (both scented & unscented -as its burning petroleum)
solvents
~Newly remodeled buildings and homes were particularly a problem due to the off-gassing of toxins.
For some with MCS, exposure to triggers can cause mental confusion and difficulty thinking (cognitive impairment), headache, nausea, tremors, fatigue, asthma, and other symptoms. Individual responses vary. The response can come on within minutes of exposure to a trigger. After that, it can ease up once the person is removed from the exposure or remain ongoing.
Consider investigating MCS, if you experience unusual fatigue or irritability each time you visit a specific building or office. Similarly, finding that you react negatively to perfumes or other scents that do not bother people around you, indicates chemical sensitivity. This could include; headaches, respiratory symptoms, and other issues that only occur when you are there. This may be the beginning of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or Environmental Illness.
Crying and sensitive babies or autistic and nonverbal children can be very sensitive to chemicals. Therefore, watch for clues.
One reason MCS is not better understood is due to efforts to classify MCS patients as having underlying psychological issues. However, MCS patients tested showed physical changes in reaction to chemical triggers. In reality, it is a very real physical condition.
Healing from MCS can be a tricky and involved process. The first thing to do is rid your environment of toxins and begin the detox process. For me, it involved a lot of detoxing, healing of the nervous system and more. It is a very serious condition that debilitates people for years. It has led to death. Because of the relentless illness, social isolation and shaming from MCS, suicide is a very real situation.
Getting well is what inspired me to start this blog and Videos. To begin with, MCS is a misunderstood and nightmarish illness. Everything makes you sick and no doctors don’t help you. What’s worse, is everyone writes you off as neurotic.
Sauna, Vitamin C, Colon cleansing, eliminating toxins from your personal care & home is a start!
Infrared saunas an extremely effective way to detox the body. As a matter of fact. here is a recommended model. Others are available at Nontoxic Shop.
People with MCS Multiple Chemical Sensitivity have different levels of reactions from headaches to anaphylactic shock. People who are the most reactive & sensitive can react to almost anything and need to use caution…
See my blog and videos for help with healing the gut and colon cleansing.
Author of “Detox With Ease” available on Amazon