E.I. Bare Basics/Resources
(For addresses and telephone numbers, see bottom of this page.)According to a Spring 1995 DePaul University survey of treatments tried by people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (280), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (129), Fibromyalgia (86), and Electromagnetic Sensitivity (59), the most successful (the Major Help and Enormous Help figures combined) treatments with the least harm were:
Avoiding food allergens...........................................74.9%
Avoiding chemicals..................................................92.8%
Safer living space.....................................................86.1%
Move to less polluted area........................................75.9%
Reading and applying information on
food and chemical sensitivity in books...........................80.5%From experience with thousands of chronically ill people over the last 15 years, Share, Care and Prayer would agree with the results of the DePaul survey. Therefore, we provide the following brief outline of basic information with a few well known resources to help chronically ill people recognize areas of their lives that need to be evaluated and changed for optimum health.
We understand the challenge diet and lifestyle change creates for very ill people. It would be so much easier to take medication to cover the symptoms. However, the ingredients of most medications can cause problems of their own. It is important the cause of the symptoms be dealt with to improve health and prevent further injury.
For chronically ill patients without help, we suggest you start by giving up sugar and caffeine and make the easiest lifestyle changes, such as just avoiding exposures to fragranced products and pesticide/herbicides. As your health begins to improve, it will then be easier to move on to more solutions. However, if you do not begin to make diet and lifestyle changes, your health will continue to degenerate, and you will develop more symptoms. You can get better with some effort, and it is worth it.
This information is not intended as medical advice. We recommend everyone with chronic and acute illness to have regular physical examinations and to work closely with their doctors towards reversing their health problems.
Support Groups
Much information and encouragement can be gained by attending support group meetings. The Human Ecology Action League (HEAL), a nonprofit educational organization , oversees about 150 support groups across the nation. For a brochure on their organization, detailed E.I. resource lists and information on local HEAL and Environmental Health Association (EHA) groups, contact HEAL. (See organization section for information on their publication.) The CFIDS Association of America has information on hundreds of groups nationwide.
Physicians
We recommend physicians trained in Environmental Medicine for diagnosis, testing of sensitivities, and treatment. To locate an environmental physician in your area, write The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM), and send $3.00 - or refer to their web site for a searchable database of physicians.
Foods
Most chemically sensitive patients are also allergic to various foods even though they may not think they are because they to do not have common allergic symptoms such as hay fever or rash, or because their symptoms are delayed and chronic. This also applies to CFS and FM patients. Avoidance of sugar, caffeine and foods causing sensitivities will lower the total body toxic load, allow the immune system to heal and the patient to be less chemically sensitive. Avoiding offending chemicals and molds, etc. will also reduce food sensitivities. And, switching to chemical free food (organic) will often relieve symptoms.
There are four good ways to discover unknown food allergens:
A. Provocative/Neutralization - intradermal testing on upper arms or drops under the tongue by an Environmental Medicine Physician.
B. Blood tests - RAST for more immediate reacting foods and ELISA/ACT for delayed (reactions taking place from three hours after to exposure to three weeks!) reacting foods, chemicals and molds. Any physician can order the blood draw kit. You can also contact ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies, Inc. for a physician testing in your area. Ask Share, Care and Prayer for a packet of information. Testing for immediate and delayed reactions (IE and IgG) on 88 foods can be done through Genova Diagnostics.
C. Diary - We believe a Diet/Activity/Environment/Symptom Diary is one of the most valuable tools to help a person understand what is causing their particular symptoms. A sample diary form is available for your daily use. However, remember, not all reactions are immediate. Some symptoms can be delayed up to three weeks!
D. Self-administered Test Diets. We recommend, AND WE PROVIDE COPIES OF, a Four-Day Rotation Diet or Elimination Diet to help discern which foods are causing problems and TO PREVENT FURTHER HEALTH DEGENERATION AND/OR NEW SYMPTOMS.
Here is what Paul Cheney, M.D., has to say about the benefits of an Elimination Diet:
Elimination Diet. The more I get into the issue of diet and food sensitivities, it's obvious to me that the single most common antigen to what we are exposed is food proteins. Elimination diets, and improving digestion and gut epithelial function can pay huge dividends... I've seen people in 30 days have huge clinical responses simply by this very simplest of moves. (Reproduced from Winter 2000 HEALTHwatch)Many chronically ill people who have trouble managing a specific diet can handle the "Cave Man Diet" and see rapid improvement in their health. There are no processed (packaged or canned) or agriculturally grown foods like grains on this diet. It consists of plain fish, poultry, meat, eggs, fresh fruits; and fresh, raw vegetables and/or fresh, cooked vegetables.
Exotic Foods for the Severely Food Sensitive
Catalogs available: Czimer's Game & Sea Foods, Inc. (game birds, venison, even camel, bear, buffalo, etc.) send SASE for brochure; Special foods (cereals, flours, pastas made from cassava, yams, yucca, etc.); Chuck's Seafoods (Oregon's King Salmon and albacore tuna packed in glass); Francis Simun Bakery, (bread, bagels, muffins, cookies made from a variety of organic flours including beans(s), tapioca, artichoke, etc.); and Diamond Organics (organic fruits and vegetables, meat, gift packages of foods and even pesticide-free cut flowers!).
Chemicals
Once a person understands to what they have become sensitive, the best treatment is to avoid the substance. The following are basic procedures the late Joseph J. McGovern Jr., M.D. prescribed in lifestyle changes to all his chemically sensitive patients:We would add that the "bottled water" should be in glass (sold in health food stores or delivered by Mountain Valley for instance) or a water filter can be used on tap water. It is best to buy air and water filters from dealers serving chemically sensitive people (see below).
- eating chemical-free food
- using bottled water
- replacing clothing made with synthetic fibers by clothing made of natural fibers
- replacing vinyl and foam furniture with metal/wood/natural fiber furniture
- replacing gas appliances with electric appliances
- moving to a house and area where there is air which is chemically cleaner
- replacing rugs, drapes, etc. with articles made of natural fibers
- using air filters in home and car and work place
- replacing mattresses, bed springs, pillows, and bed linens with products made of natural fibers
- replacing gas heating with electric heating
To be very clear, everyone, and especially those with any sensitivities, should AVOID PESTICIDES, HERBICIDES, AND ANTIBACTERIAL PRODUCTS in the home, office, on animals, or the lawn. There are alternative pest controls which are safer, even for extermination of termites. Bug Busters by Bernice Lifton contains a wealth of practical tips. (Some natural remedies may not be "SAFE" for certain environmentally sensitive individuals.) For information on health effects of specific pesticides and articles on lawn care, contact the environmental organizations listed under Basic Newsletters and Publications
Also AVOID PERFUME AND SCENTED BEAUTY AND LAUNDRY PRODUCTS, AIR FRESHENERS, AND SCENTED CANDLES. There are non-scented beauty products sold in markets, health food stores, and by mail order such as from N.E.E.D.S. and The Living Source. Non-detergent, thus safer, laundry and dish soaps such as Planet Products can be bought in most health food stores. Unscented Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda, Borax (as a clothes whitener and natural disinfectant), All Clear Free, and Brilliant Bleach (Trader Joes) are also popular with sensitive people.
And AVOID CHEMICAL, ANTIBACTERIAL, AND SCENTED HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS. Return to the old fashioned, inexpensive and effective cleaners, such as vinegar and water, Bon-Ami (with or without chlorine), baking soda, and Rugged Red by Neo-life from The Living Source. Use anti-bacterial/disinfectant products (cleaners, hand washers, and O-Cello sponges) which contain biocides only when necessary.
Air Purifiers (home, office, auto) Water Purifiers (sink, shower, whole house) and Other E.I. Products
Write for catalogs or call: The American Environmental Health Foundation, Inc., The Living Source, N.E.E.D.S., E.L. Foust, Inc., or The Non Toxic Hotline. We do not recommend the air purifiers which emit ozone. Ozone can injure lung tissue. It should only be used when the area is not occupied by humans and animals, used on a timer, and the area aired out before habited again.
Masks
Cotton masks for indoor, out of doors, and while driving to avoid air pollutants causing symptoms, write or call for fliers from Sandra DenBraber, R.N., CHARCOAL MASKS, and The Living Source; and/or a catalog from The American Environmental Health Foundation. Respirators can be very helpful. They need to be aired out before using.
Bedding and/or Clothing
Mail order catalogs for cotton and organic cotton: Vivetique Rejuvenating Sleep Systems, Deva, Lifewear, Inc., The Living Source, Heart of Vermont, Janice's, Garnet Hill or The American Environmental Health Foundation; tencel (another plant fiber fabric): Nordstrom, (800) 285-5800, J. Marco Galleries (800) 948-3100, and silk: WinterSilks (800) 648-7455
Organic Cotton Mattresses
Vivetique Rejuvenating Sleep Systems, The Non Toxic Hotline, Janice's, or Furnature.
House Upkeep and/or Renovation
Experienced consultants can be found through support groups, advertisements in newsletters, through HEAL, and the book Less Toxic Alternatives. Special care must be taken to research and test all products to be used. Too often a home or room is contaminated (sometimes forever) by someone painting, carpeting or cleaning with chemicals. There are safer, more natural products available, however, the Environmentally Ill person can react to them as easily as to chemical products. For catalogs of safer products (paints, adhesive, sealer, gouts): AFM Enterprises, The American Environmental Health Foundation, The Living Source, or The Non Toxic Hotline.
Many who are chemically sensitive feel better (and some worse if metal sensitive) after having the walls covered with stainless steel or aluminum foil sheeting to seal out mold, dust and construction chemicals. For stainless steel foil and tape: McMaster Carr (24" wide rolls: 10'/#3254K52, 25'/#3254K55, 50'/#3254K53, 100'/#3254K56; order with credit card or pay in cash in person, will ship anywhere in U.S.).
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are more tolerated than gas heat by most E.I.s, however, they can cause problems to the very sensitive from outgassing fumes. The Ceramic Non-motor Heater from Radiant Heater Corp. is recommended as well as some of their other heaters. Bob and Dick Needham enjoy serving people with MCS. All the parts of their heaters are washed first, they try not to use anything with an odor and they run their heaters for three days before shipping them out. HeatTech can be obtained through The Living Source.
Compounding Pharmacies
For medications custom made without binders (such as milk, corn, sugar, etc.) and/or made with alternative substances: Abrams Royal Pharmacy, College Pharmacy, or Key Pharmacy.
Hypoallergenic Vitamins/Supplements
N.E.E.D.S., The American Environmental Heath Foundation, or The Living Source.
Miscellaneous
- Reading Boxes: The Living Source, or The American Environmental Health Foundation.
- Emergency Bracelet: Medic Alert.
- Untreated Cotton Tents (need washing and airing): Denver Tent Company.
- Organic Cotton Upholstered Furniture: Furnature.
- Less Toxic Carpet (if absolutely insist on having carpet) and other safe flooring such as cork: Naturlich, the Non Toxic Hotline. 100% nylon carpet is less toxic.
- Saunas: Radiant Heater Corp. and Heavenly Heat. Initial sauna treatments should be supervised by environmental physicians: Dr. Allan Lieberman, Dr. William Rea or Dr. Alfred Johnson
Organizations
AAEM
American Academy of Environmental Medicine
6505 E. Central #296
Wichita, KS 67207
(316) 684-5500
HEAL
Human Ecology Action League
P.O. Box 49126
Atlanta, GA 30359
(404) 642-6062
The CFIDS Assoc. of America
P.O. Box 220398
Charlotte, NC 28222-0398
(704) 364-0016
Mail Order Book Sellers
Allergy Adapt, Inc.
1877 Polk Ave.
Louisville, CO 80027
(303) 666-8253
The American Environmental Health Foundation, Inc.
8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 225
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 361-9515
Laboratories and Pharmacies
Abrams Royal Pharmacy
8220 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 349-8000
(800) 458-0804
College Pharmacy
3505 Austin Bluff Parkway
Suite 101
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(800) 888-9358
ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies, Inc.
14 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 300
Sterling, VA 20165
(800) 553-5472
Key Pharmacy Compounding Center & Home Health Care
23422 Pacific Highway South
Kent, WA 98032
(206) 878-3900
(800) 878-1322
Fax: (206) 878-1114
(888) 878-1118
Genova Diagnostics
(formerly Great Smokies Lab)
63 Zillicoa St
Asheville, NC 28801-1074
(800)522-4762
Safer Product Companies
AFM Enterprises, Inc.
3251 3rd Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 239-0321
The American Environmental Health Foundation, Inc.
8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 361-9515
Charcoal Masks
Sandra DenBraber, R.N.
114 Ray St.
Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 469-9626
Chuck's Seafoods
P. O. Box 5502
Charleston, OR 97420
(541) 888-5525
Czimer's Game & Sea Foods, Inc.
13136 W. 159th St.
Lockport, IL 60441-8768
(708) 301-0500
(708) 301-0948 (fax)
Denver Tent Co.
6489 E. 39th Avenue
Denver, CO 80207
(303) 399-3232
Deva Lifewear, Inc.
P.O. Box 266
Westhope, ND 58793
(800) 222-8024
(800) 251-1746 (fax)
Diamond Organics
The Organic Food Catalog
P. O. Box 2159
Freedom, CA 95019
(888) 674-2642
E.L. Foust Co., Inc.
P.O. Box 105
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(800) 225-9549
Francis Simun Bakery
3106 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 741-4242
(214) 744-7656 (fax)
Furnature
86 Coolidge Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472-2815
(617) 782-3169
Garnet Hill
Box 262 Main Street
Franconia, NH 03580
(800) 622-6216
Heart of Vermont
P.O. Box 612
Barre, VT 05641
(800) 639-4123
Heavenly Heat
1106 Second Street #162
Encinitas, CA 92024
(800) 697-2862
Janice's
198 Route 46
Budd Lake, NJ 07828
(800) JANICES
The Living Source
P.O. Box 20155
Waco, TX 76702
(254) 776-4878
(800) 662-8787 - Voice Order Line
Livos Plant Chemistry
800 Falmouth Road
Mashpee, MA 02649
(508) 477-7955
McMaster Carr
9630 Norwalk Blvd.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 692-5911
Medic Alert
P.O. Box 381009
Turlock, CA 95381
(800) 432-5378
Naturlich
P.O. Box 1677
Sebastopol, CA 95473
(707) 824-0914
N.E.E.D.S.
P. O. Box 580
6010 Drott Drive
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(800) 634-1380
Non Toxic Hotline
1-800-968-9355
Rachel Carson Council
8940 Jones Mill Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
(301) 652-1877
Radiant Heater Corp.
N-52W 13670 N. Park Drive
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
(800) 774-4450
Special Foods
9207 Shotgun Court
Springfield, VA 22153
(703) 644-0991
Viventque Rejuvenating Sleep Systems
11911 Clark St
Arcadia, CA 91006
Sauna Clinics
Allan Lieberman, M.D.
Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine
7510 North Forest Dr.
North Charleston, SC 29420
(843) 572-1600
William J. Rea, M.D.
Environmental Health Center - Dallas
8345 Walnut Hill Lane
Dallas, TX 75231
(214) 368-4132
Alfred Johnson, D.O.
Johnson Medical Associates
101 S. Coit Rd. Suite 317
Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 479-0400
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6
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