Exploring Unknown Territory

I recently visited the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.  The soaring sculpture is located on the approximate site where Lewis and Clark begin their westward journey of exploration to map unknown territory for those who would come after them.  

I have been on my own trek of discovery the past few years.  When I started searching for a possible cause for my fibromyalgia symptoms, I was definitely exploring unknown territory.  It is my hope and prayer that all those who are currently suffering from fibromyalgia or other autoimmune diseases will benefit from what I have learned.

I found my first clue doing research online.  I read an article describing the enormous quantity of toxic chemicals that are used in products with fragrances.  These include VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) used to bind fragrances to whatever they are being added to; plus a whole lot of other toxic substances. I had a history of allergic reactions to fragrances so the following sentence immediately captured my attention:

“The National Academy of Sciences reports that 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including known toxins capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.”  “Chemical Sensitivities and Perfume”. Medical News Today.  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/9682.php

Having fibromyalgia and a history of allergies turned out to be a gift.  Of course I didn’t think that during the time I was sick.  My mindset was more along the lines of, “Oh great.”  “Just what I needed.”  “Something else to deal with.” (Feel free to insert your own favorite phrase dripping with sarcasm here.)

I learned that the chemicals in scents cause all kinds of responses in our bodies.  Since these reactions can occur several days after contact with a fragrance and because some of the damage is caused on a cellular level that is not readily obvious, many people are unaware of how dangerous the chemicals used in scented products are to their overall health and well-being. 

I know a lot or folks who are very sick with a variety of autoimmune diseases who have responded to the idea of a chemical cause for their illness with, “Oh, chemicals and fragrances and those kinds of things don't bother me. That can't be it."  Because I had reacted to scented products previously with symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and headache, I knew that they could cause problems.  So right away I considered the possibility that exposure to chemicals might be one of the culprits in my development of fibromyalgia.

This little nugget of truth nudged me to think about just how many chemicals we are exposed to each day in a wide variety of items including fragrances, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, pesticides, insecticides, and processed food.

Some researchers have developed a theory that exposure to multiple chemicals over a long period of time is one of the primary factors in the development of numerous autoimmune diseases.  The theory is that long term exposure to these chemicals causes the autoimmune system to malfunction.  When we are exposed to a physical, emotional, or mental stressor such as heart disease, surgery, an injury, a nasty divorce, etc., this triggers a response that our chemically poisoned immune system cannot overcome. If we do not get the chemicals out of our environment and food, there is a cascading effect.  We can never get well as long as the exposure to chemicals continues. 

Doctors who have recognized this connection are encouraging their patients to make changes in their lifestyles to get chemicals out of their environment and food and to eat a diet rich in whole foods full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They have seen dramatic improvement and often complete resolution of the symptoms in people who have suffered for years with chronic autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren’s syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome.

If you have no health problems at the moment, making these changes can keep you healthy.  If you are currently sick and want to feel better, take a thorough survey of your home.  How many products that contain fragrance do you use every day?  Read the labels on your cosmetics, cleaning products, laundry detergent, and lotions. What chemicals are you breathing in each day?  How many chemicals are being absorbed through your skin?  Read the labels on boxes, cans, and bottles of processed food. What chemicals are directly entering your body through what you eat and drink each day?  How many years have you been exposed to these multiple sources of toxicity?

I had been using chemically laden products and eating processed food for over five decades without giving a single thought to how this might adversely affect my health. But because I didn’t want to live out the rest of my years with daily excruciating pain and constant debilitating fatigue, I was highly motivated to make lifestyle changes that otherwise I never would have considered.  I am thankful that being so sick with fibromyalgia eventually led me to make healthier choices for the rest of the time I have left here on earth.

My symptoms have been in complete remission for over eight months with the exception of a one-time occurrence when I used sunscreen without thinking. That incident provided additional evidence of the chemical connection. (You can read about this in an earlier post). 

We don’t have to resign ourselves to a life of misery.  The truth is out there for anyone who wants to find it.  Making a few simple lifestyle changes can make a world of difference in your life and your world.   

Stop using products that contain fragrance.

Get rid of cosmetics and cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals.

Stop eating processed food.

Start eating whole foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

It took Lewis and Clark over two years to complete their journey,  With all the information and resources at your disposal, you can  map out your road to recovery in considerably less time. Westward ho!

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