The multiple chemical sensitivity describes an allergy – like reaction or sensitivity to chemicals. Those people who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, skin rash and headache after exposure to chemicals which most individuals can tolerate. Also, symptoms can develop after exposure to chemical products, such as chlorine, smoke, gasoline and perfumes.
The duration of the exposure and quantity can elicit a reaction which varies among people who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity. This condition can happen if the patient was exposed to high levels of toxins from a chemical spill. Also, it can happen after a long – term contact with low – levels of chemicals which can be present in an office with poor ventilation. If the chemicals inside the building are cause for the multiple chemical sensitivity, then this condition is known as sick building syndrome.
There are some studies in which are said that people who have multiple chemical sensitivity are having more chances of getting anxiety and depressive disorders [1]. But it is not known if these psychological disorders are associated with the multiple chemical sensitivity or they cause this condition. The multiple chemical sensitivity is most common in people who are between 30 – 50 years old [2].
There are some studies in which are said that about 1/3 of people who work inside buildings claim to be sensitive to one or more common chemicals. If you suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity, then you should talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies for this condition.
Home remedies for multiple chemical sensitivity
Selenium: We know that the selenium is a mineral which is found in the water, soil and some foods. It has been shown that the selenium can be treatment for arsenic poisoning [3] but there should be done a lot more studies in future to show if it can be used for patients who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity.
You should avoid any products which contain selenium if you are allergic or sensitive to them. This element is considered as safe for breastfeeding or pregnant women but in some animal studies are said that it can lead to birth defects which is a reason why you should talk with your doctor before you start using it as your home remedy for multiple chemical sensitivity.
Zinc: There are some studies in which are said that a combination of spirulina extract and zinc can be useful for the natural treatment of chronic arsenic poisoning with keratosis and melanosis [4]. There should be done a lot more studies in which need to be confirmed the effects of zinc alone. When the zinc is taken in the recommended dosages, then it is considered as safe. You should avoid taking zinc chloride because there are not enough studies about the safety and effectiveness of it. You should avoid if you have kidney disease and you should use cautiously if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cat’s claw: There are some studies in which are said that the cat’s claw can be used as home remedy for allergies and multiple chemical sensitivity. But there are not enough studies to support this claim. There should be done a lot more studies about the effects of cat’s claw on the multiple chemical sensitivity so you should talk with your doctor before you start using it as your home remedy.
You should avoid this natural cure if you are allergic to it or if you are allergic to Uncaria plants or plants in the Rubiaceae family, such as quinine, coffee or gardenia. Also, you should avoid cat’s claw if you have a condition which affects the immune system. Also, if you take drugs which can increase the risk of bleeding or if you have a bleeding disorder or a history of stroke, then you should not use cat’s claw.
Reduce medication use: It is very important not to use medications if your doctor has not prescribed to you. The usage of medications can increase the risk of this condition so you should be careful what you use
Intravenous Vitamin C: When the Vitamin C is taken in small amount, then it acts as antioxidant. When it is taken as oral supplement, then it is able to reduce some of the reactivity while desensitization and detoxification are taking place [5]. When this vitamin is used intravenously in higher concentration, usually between 15 – 50 grams, then it achieves blood levels which can saturate tissues at far higher concentrations than the oral dosing.
Usually, this type of treatment is done after the sauna used for multiple chemical sensitivity because it is direct neutralization of the toxins through the process of oxidation. When there are high doses of Vitamin C intravenously, then it acts paradoxically as an oxidant because it is generating hydrogen peroxide. It is known fact that the oxidation neutralizes the toxins directly. This is very important for people who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity as part of their treatment because the sauna detoxification can aggravate and worsen the sensitivity if the already burdened body is relied upon to detoxify the liberated chemicals.
Calcium: There are some cases when the calcium is used as a home remedy for reducing the blood levels of lead in case of lead toxicity. Most of the patients have said that they have noticed improving in their symptoms. It has been shown that the adequate amounts of calcium can be protective against lead toxicity. If you suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity and you want to use calcium as your home remedy, then you should talk with your doctor if it is suitable for you.
Exercise: We know that the exercise has many benefits for the body because it provides a combination of heat and sweating, reduced gut transit time, increasing metabolic rate and massage. When the body heats, then it will radiate far infra red. This is a good way to rid of the toxins which are causing your multiple chemical sensitivity. [2]
Onion: There are some studies in which are said that the topical application of an alcoholic onion extract can significantly reduce the response to allergies [6]. There are some cases when this home remedy can cause some side effects so this is a reason why you should talk with your doctor before you start using is as your home remedy for multiple chemical sensitivity.
Probiotics: You can take high dose probiotics because it can shorten the gut transit time and reduce the enterohepatic circulation of bile which can be high in toxins. Some of the best probitoics which you can add in your diet include yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut.
Breathing: It is known that the deep and efficient breathing can help to improve oxygen levels and it is affecting every cell in the body. This can help a lot in the natural treatment of multiple chemical sensitivity. You can take meditation or yoga practices because they can teach you abdominal breathing exercises. [2]
Also, you can talk with your doctor to refer you to a physiotherapist which can help you with the posture. Also, improving posture can help you to deal with the digestion. Also, some people who are affected by the multiple chemical sensitivity can suffer from hyperventilation which is breathing too deeply and quickly which is causing low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Some symptoms of this condition include tingling, numbness, rapid speech, tiredness, insomnia and dizziness. These symptoms can be improved if you are taking breathing exercises.
Iron: The iron deficiency can increase the risk of lead poisoning in children. The iron supplementation should be reserved for people who are truly iron deficient and who suffer from lead poisoning [7]. If you are allergic to products which have iron, then you should avoid them.
Use the bathroom regularly: It is very important to go to bathroom on regular basis because it can help to eliminate toxins in your body and this will make you sure that you are not constipated.
References:
[1] Vliet EC, Kelly-McNeil K, Natelson B, et al. Anxiety sensitivity and depression in multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2002;44(10):890-901.
[2] Magill MK, Suruda A. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. American Family Physician. 1998;58(3):721-8.
[3] Zwolak I. The role of selenium in arsenic and cadmium toxicity: An updated review of scientific literature. Biological Trace Element Research. 2020;193(1):44-63.
[4] Misbahuddin M, Islam AZMM, Khandker S, et al. Efficacy of spirulina extract plus zinc in patients of chronic arsenic poisoning: A randomized placebo-controlled study. Clinical Toxicology. 2006;44(2):135-41.
[5] Miranda CL, Reed RL, Kuiper HC, et al. Ascorbic acid promotes detoxification and elimination of 4-Hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal in human monocytic THP-1 cells. Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2009;22(5):863–74.
[6] Seo MY, Kim KR, Lee JJ, et al. Therapeutic effect of topical administration of red onion extract in a murine model of allergic rhinitis. Scientific Reports. 2019;9:2883.
[7] Khan DA, Ansari WM, Khan FA. Synergistic effects of iron deficiency and lead exposure on blood lead levels in children. World Journal of Pediatrics. 2011;7(2):150-4.
