LIVING WITH ELECTROHYPERSENSITIVITY A Survival Guide

[Guest guest]

LIVING WITH ELECTROHYPERSENSITIVITY

A Survival Guide

_http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html)

 

 

 

by: Susan Parsons

 

Human beings are bioelectrical systems. Our hearts and brains are

regulated by internal bioelectrical signals. Environmental exposures to

artificial

EMFs can interact with fundamental biological processes in the human body.

(Sage, 2007)

We are living in an increasingly complex electrical environment and are

inundated daily with electromagnetic frequencies ranging from less than 20 Hz

(electric trains) to greater than 1 billion Hz (wireless

telecommunication). Most of these frequencies are man-made and were not present

until the

invention and subsequent commercialization of electricity (early 1900s),

radio (1920s), radar (1940s), television (1950s), computers (1970s), and cell

phones (1980s). Whether, and at what intensities, these frequencies have

biological effects has been a subject of scientific debate for decades.

(Havas & Stetzer, 2004)

 

Early recognition, avoidance of symptom-triggering agents, environmental

control, treatments that may reduce residual toxins and recovery of normal

biological processes are key to regaining health for people with

sensitivities. Without mitigation of the incitant, people with environmental

sensitivities may become severely debilitated.

(Sears, 2007)

In today's world, everyone is exposed to two types of EMFs:

 

 

 

1. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF) from electrical

and electronic appliances and power lines

2. Radiofrequency radiation (RF) from wireless devices such as cell

phones and cordless phones, cellular antennas and towers, and broadcast

transmission towers. (Sage, 2007)

Dirty/Stray Electricity refers to high frequency transients, harmonics,

and other noise on electrical wiring. It can be generated inside buildings by

electronic equipment and it can enter the home through wiring from nearby

sources including wireless telecommunication antennas connected to the

power grid. When the capacity of the primary neutral on distribution lines is

exceeded, current runs along the ground and enters homes via grounded water

pipes. (Havas & Stetzer, 2004)

 

 

What is Electrohypersensitivity or EHS?

In addition to numerous other health problems, electromagnetic pollution

has been associated with an increase in the number of individuals suffering

from a condition known as electrohypersensitivity (EHS). EHS is defined by

the World Health Organization as: “…a phenomenon where individuals

experience adverse health effects while in the vicinity of devices emanating

electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields.â€

In Sweden, it is classified as a disability and health care facilities

with low levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency

radiation are available. The Canadian Human Rights Commission report also

acknowledges environmental sensitivity attributed to electromagnetic exposure.

(28) Researchers estimate that approximately 3% of the population has severe

symptoms of EHS, and another 35% of the population has moderate symptoms

such as an impaired immune system and chronic illness (Havas, 2007).

SYMPTOMS OF EHS

The biological effects from exposure to EMF/EMR include both adverse

health effects and loss of homeostasis and well-being. Symptoms vary from

patient to patient depending on their physical biology and exposure intensity

and

duration. Symptoms quickly improve when away from EMF/EMR sources,

particularly when the patient moves away from computers, fluorescent lighting,

transformers, wireless antenna, cell and cordless phones, appliances and out of

proximity to cell phone towers, electrical substations and power lines.

All these are potential sources of higher than normal EMF/EMR exposure.

Symptoms recur on returning to the irradiated environment. Over time,

sensitivity is increased to smaller and smaller EMF/EMR exposures. (Sage, 2001)

GRAPH of

SYMPTOMS OF ELECTRO HYPERSENSITIVIY

 

 

 

 

SO, YOU HAVE EHS. NOW WHAT? HOW DO YOU LIVE WITH IT?

I won't lie and tell you it's easy. It's not. Not in the world we live in

today. Most importantly, you need to reduce your exposure to EMFs and get

your body as healthy as possible. If you follow the methods outlined below,

you will experience much less pain and discomfort, and fewer symptoms. Your

body will also be able to recouperate from exposure to EMFs more easily.

Believe me, I have been there. I am there. However, by doing many of the

things I mention below, life has improved immensely over the last year.

 

Put a frog in a pot of boiling water and it will jump out. Put it in a pot

of cold water that is slowly heated, and it won't notice a thing and stay

in the pot.

 

When I first found out I had EHS and was told the things I should do to

get better, it just seemed so overwhelming. But once I took action, I started

feeling much better. I was quite shocked when I realized how much

subliminal pain and discomfort I had been living with. This was pain and

discomfort

other than the acute pains I was experiencing, and I didn't even know it

was there until after it was gone! My head actually felt ten times lighter

and cooler. I was ecstatic from the physical relief I felt. I think my family

thought I had gone mad. Here I was with a terrible diagnosis and I was

dancing around the house singing.

Very quickly, all my symptoms started to abate. I could walk, think, and

speak without difficulty; the ringing in my ears decreased; there were no

daily headaches and no more seizures! I also had a nice surprise when other

things improved too. Things I hadn't associated with EHS; Chronic sinus and

ear pain and pressure that the doctors couldn't explain, Fibromyalgia

symptoms, sensitivity to perfumes, nosebleeds, vision, and bladder problems

(that had gotten very bad). All the symptoms improved or went away within weeks

of staying home from work, eliminating wireless technologies and reducing

the sources of EMFs in my home. The symptoms do return, when I'm exposed,

but not as badly as before. And it will take a while for my body to heal

enough that I don't have any symptoms from short term exposure. I will never

be able to tolerate exposure to wireless and cell towers.

After all I've been through, I'm just thankful that I'm not a frog or I'd

still be boiling away in that pot of water.

Sections

_EMF Mitigation and Avoidance_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#Mitigation)

_The Medical Aspects of Regaining Your Health_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#medicalaspects)

 

* _Getting the Right Medical Help_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#medicalaspects)

* _Medical Issues of EHS_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#medicalissues)

* _Treating EHS_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#treatments)

* _Replacement of Amalgam Dental Fillings_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#replacement)

* _Removal of mercury and heavy metals from your body_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#metals)

 

_Psychological and Social Aspects of EHS_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#psych)

 

_Employment and Accommodation_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#accommodation)

 

_Recommended Reading_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#reading)

 

_References_ (http://www.weepinitiative.org/livingwithEHS.html#references)

EMF Mitigation and Avoidance

 

Top performance of body and mind as well as optimal regeneration and

relaxation require a healthy building that is largely free from undesirable

environmental stressors.

 

 

 

The first and most important thing you can do for yourself, is to avoid

exposure to EMFs. This is next to impossible in today's world, but you can

greatly reduce your exposure by knowing what and where the sources are in your

environment, and then taking action to eliminate or minimize your exposure

to them.

First and foremost

GET RID OF YOUR WIRELESS PARAPHERNALIA. (All wireless technology emits RF)

Yes, you can live without it. In fact, you can’t live with it and

withdrawal from these conveniences/pleasures is necessary to avoid eventual

withdrawal from society.

CORDLESS PHONES - Use corded phones… you’ll get used to it again.

A speaker phone will reduce your exposure even more.

WIRELESS INTERNET AND BLUETOOTH SYSTEMS - hard wire it.

(Bluetooth applications include all close range wireless communication

devices such as wireless keyboards, mouse, printers, hands-free headsets,

gaming consoles, bar code scanners.)

WIRELESS BABY MONITORS - use corded, plug in, sound activated type and

keep it well away from your baby.

CELL PHONES AND BLACKBERRIES - Use a land line. Some people keep one in

their glove compartment in case of emergencies. Not using a cell phone

regularly not only protects you and those near you but it also reduces the

number

of signals transmitting from cell phone towers and improves the

environment for everyone.

 

 

REPLACE FLOURESCENT LIGHTS AND BULBS with incandescent bulbs. Although the

government is encouraging everyone to use fluorescent bulbs, they only

have power savings in mind. They are toxic in more ways than one: they emit

strong EMFs and contain mercury. Research is being conducted on a certain

type of LED lighting which may be safer to use.

The following is excerpted from Environment Canada's website: " Because

mercury is toxic and has significant impacts on human and environmental

health, even small mercury spills should be considered hazardous and should be

cleaned up with caution. Liquid mercury, commonly found in household

thermometers, thermostats and barometers, volatilizes easily to form a

poisonous,

colourless and odourless vapor when spilled. If inhaled, this vapor is

rapidly absorbed through the lungs of an exposed individual. Children are

especially at risk of exposure because mercury vapors, which are heavier than

air, often linger near the floor where children crawl and play. "

_read the protocol for cleaning up a 'small' mercury spill_

(http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EN/cu.cfm?)

_http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EN/cu.cfm_

(http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EN/cu.cfm) ?

 

Your body heals and regenerates while you sleep. If you are being

bombarded with EMFs during this time, not only will you be causing more damage

but

your body will not get the chance to heal itself.

REMOVE ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FROM THE BEDROOM. Clock radios, T.V.s,

phones, electric blankets.

 

* If you must have them in the bedroom, place them as far away from

the head of the bed as possible. It would be best to use a wind up or

battery operated alarm clock.

* If you sleep in a water bed, unplug it (only switching off is not

sufficient) before getting in at night.

* Do not use electric blankets. Use a hot water bottle or preheat bed

with electric blanket, but unplug during sleep (only switching off is not

sufficient).

* Sleep with your head away from power outlets.

 

SLEEP/REST AWAY FROM HIGH FIELD AREAS like the house power main and

operational refrigerators and appliances. Remember, fields extend some

distance,

even through walls.

 

* Place kitchen and laundry appliances on outside walls.

* It is highly beneficial to turn the power to the bedroom off at

night. Remember there may also be lighting fixtures in ceilings below your

bedroom and these should be turned off at the main also.

 

IN YOUR VEHICLE: There are high levels of EMFs in the engine compartment

of a vehicle. The alternator and ignition being the main culprits. If you

are in the market for a new car, it would be best to choose one that allows

you to sit further back from the engine. Although fuel efficiency is a

concern, for the health purposes of someone with EHS it would be better to

choose a larger car. If you are to measure for the EMFs in a car, you should be

driving at the time. Measure all areas of the car includig the footwell.

Measure with the heater and A/C on and off.

Generally, standard transmission and deisel powered vehicles emit fewer

EMFs. Deisel being the best. Some vehicles have high electrical fields and

low electromagnetic fields and some the opposite.

 

* Do not use GPS

* Limit the use of the heater and air conditioner

* Disconnect onboard DVD players etc. Not only are they usually

placed very close to the heads of those in the front seats, the EMFs they emit

are being bounced around inside the vehicle striking everyone multiple

times.

* The stereo system can also be a bad source of EMFs, from the

digital display, even when turned off. You can 'disconnect' it by pulling the

fuse.

* There is a transparent window shielding that can be installed on

you vehicle's windows but you may need special permission to do this. It will

protect against RF from the plethora of cell towers along the highways.

All windows will need to be coated so RF signals don't get in and ricochet

around inside the vehicle. See: Protective fabrics

* While driving on the highway try to stay away from commercial

vehicles. They usually have high powered transmitters for communications

 

LIVE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE FROM power lines, distribution lines, electrical

substations, electrical bus cables and cell phone towers.

 

ONLY SUBMIT YOURSELF TO X-RAYS, MRI's OR CT SCANS in emergency situations.

Although exceptional diagnostic tools, these procedures are extremely

dangerous and will only make your symptoms worse. Unless your situation is

dire, it would be unwise to submit to them. Please see _Guidelines for Ethics

Approval of Research Protocols Involving Human Exposure to Magnetic Resonance

Imaging_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/2g004-guideline-use-of-mri-mar-2005.pdf) (HSREB,

2005)

_http://www.weepinitiative.org/2g004-guideline-use-of-mri-mar-2005.pdf_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/2g004-guideline-use-of-mri-mar-2005.pdf)

 

LIMIT EXPOSURE AND STAY A SAFE DISTANCE FROM ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

 

* TV's, computers and monitors. Use a flat screen monitor. If you use

long extensions on your mouse keyboard and monitor, you can have your

computer further away from your desk and body. You can also sit further back

from the monitor. Do not use a wireless keyboard and mouse. Be aware: the

mouse and keyboard also have EMFs.

* If you have a laptop, do not sit with it on your body. Use an

external keyboard, mouse, and possibly monitor. Using it on battery power will

also reduce EMF exposure. Recharge the battery away from high use areas of

your home.

* Refrigerators can be put on timers so they run periodically to

maintain their temperature but don’t have current running to them constantly.

* Do not sit between two sources of EMFs. Electromagnetic fields

attract one another, which expands the field from one source towards the other.

Sitting between two sources puts you in this expanded field and increases

your exposure. An example would be an attraction between your computer and

TV. This can even have an effect if the TV is in an adjacent room.

* Unplug all electrical equipment when not in use. Even when

something is turned off it will still conduct ‘dirty electricity’ from

power

surges and bring that into the room and closer to you.

* Remove or unplug lamps and other electrical equipment from

occasional and end tables, if they are near to where you will be sitting. This

includes telephones. Use overhead lighting or place lamps at a distance from

where you will be sitting.

* Do not use a microwave oven. These not only emit high levels of EMF’

s but they also irradiate your food, causing it to be less nutritious.

* Some people turn the power off in their homes for short periods to

give their body a break.

* Other common high EMF/EMR sources are: furnace, water heater and

pump, air conditioning unit, induction stoves, hair dryers, heating pads,

tanning beds, sewing machines, printers, copiers, fax machines and radiant

heating systems. See _Building Biology Indoor Environment Checklist ©_

(http://www.baubiologie.net/docs/elektrosmog_bb_indoor_environment_checklist.pdf\

)

*

_http://www.baubiologie.net/docs/elektrosmog_bb_indoor_environment_checklist.pdf\

_

(http://www.baubiologie.net/docs/elektrosmog_bb_indoor_environment_checklist.pdf\

)

 

INSTALL EMF/EMR FILTERS AND CAPACITORS on electrical circuitry in your

home. Electromagnetic fields are constantly riding on the wiring and

electrical devices in your home. These filters harmonize the electromagnetic

fields

(EMF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the wiring and reduce your

exposure. WEEP does not sell or promote any particular brand of filter but

you can find plenty of information on the internet. You will need filters

that work in the 4kHz to 100kHz range.

 

CHECK THE WIRING IN YOUR HOME to make sure all connections are secure and

there is no breakage anywhere.

 

CHECK ALL ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES to ensure they are in perfect working

order. Do not break off the ground prong on the plugs.

 

CHECK THE OUTSIDE CONNECTION TO THE MAIN POWER LINES Call your electric

utility provider and have them check to make sure they are all secure and

there is no breakage anywhere. Also have them trim tree branches around the

supply cable so they don’t touch and create surges on your line.

 

ANOTHER MAJOR SOURCE OF EMFs IS GROUND CURRENT ENTERING YOUR HOME ON WATER

AND GAS PIPES. Install a dielectric coupling (electrically insulating

piece) after having it checked by a licensed electrician. Replacing copper pipe

with PVC can also reduce the transmission of EMFs around the home.

 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Because metal is an ideal transmitter and reflector of electricity and

electromagnetic radiation, it is wise to keep your distance from and reduce

the number of metallic objects in your environment.

 

* Consider replacing your spring bed with a natural material

mattress. This is especially important because your body heals and regenerates

while at rest.

* When purchasing new furniture take into consideration the amount of

steel or metal it contains.

* Because of stray current on water pipes, a steel bathtub can be a

high source of EMFs.

* Metallic jewellery can also attract EMFs. You may have already

noticed aching in your hands, wrists, and neck from this.

* DO NOT WEAR HATS WITH METAL STUDS and BUCKLES. Check the little

button on top of baseball caps. This can cause major injury, especially near

cell phone towers or in wireless internet environments.

* Wear eyeglasses with as little metal as possible. Even those

plastic frames have metal posts in the arms.

* At work, take frequent outside breaks to give your body a rest. See

section on accommodation below.

 

GET OUTSIDE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. While indoors not only are you surrounded

by sources of EMF but it also reflects and ricochets off walls and objects

in the room, creating even denser electrical pollution. So getting

outside, more often, will help you immensely. But be mindful of high EMF/EMR

areas

outisde too.

 

* As with inside the house, it is always a good idea to measure

EMF/EMR in your outside environment, so you know the best place to sit and

relax.

* Stay away from overhead or underground high power lines, electrical

transformers, substations, cell phone towers etc.

In your own back yard, some areas that may have a detrimental effect on

your health are:

* Near the power supply and supply cable

* Underground water, gas pipes, TV cable, TV antennae, phone lines,

and metal fences. Sitting in steel frame lawn chairs is also not a good

idea. Sitting away from the house will reduce your proximity to steel veranda

supports and rails, aluminum soffits, fascia, and eaves troughs.

 

PROTECTIVE FABRICS

There are a lot of EMF protective devices and materials on the market and

they do work but only under certain conditions. For instance there are

protective fabrics that will deflect or absorb EMFs. So you may think it a good

idea to line your bedroom with some of the more reflective fabric. This

will only work if you have no sources of EMF inside the shielded area because

they would bounce around inside the room, increasing your exposure. (If you

were to do this you would have to make sure that the floor and ceiling are

also lined.)

Fabric for protective clothing.

At first, I thought that the more protective the fabric the better.

However, this isn’t the case. It can actually attract and retain EMFs instead

of

repel them.

Some fabrics need to be grounded. I have seen on the news, a woman in

England who wears mesh over her head. This mesh needs to be grounded to

dissipate the EMFs. I’m not sure about the ground current situation in

England but

in N. America, we have a terrible ground current problem so this is not a

good idea. The current from stray electricity in the earth will run up the

ground wire as well as down so you are at risk of shock and further injury.

One person has complained of having terrible pains in her head when she

goes to bed. She wore a foil hat to protect against cell tower emissions.

This isn’t a very good idea. If you are being exposed to EMFs from any

direction other than from the side or top, of your head, the EMFs will travel

through your body and brain, out the top of your head; reflect off the

shield and then travel back down through your brain and body, increasing your

exposure.

I wear a hat made from NaturaShield fabric. I have lined a hat with it that

I wear to go out and I also have a couple made only of this fabric for in

the house and to sleep in. I wear a hat 24/7. When I first started wearing

it I couldn’t believe the relief I got. My head instantly felt ten times

cooler and most of the pressure was gone within days. This is the pain I

mentioned earlier that I didn’t know was there.

This fabric is strong enough to reflect most of the ambient EMFs from the

electrical paraphernalia around me but only partially blocks out the direct

RF signals from cell towers and wifi. It also isn’t strong enough to

attract EMFs to my head. In blocking the ambient EMFs it actually reduces my

exposure which in turn helps my body deal with the stronger RF signals. It also

lets the stronger exposures I may experience from an upward angle to my

body, pass right through. Once in a while, when I start feeling pain on the

top of my head, I take the hat off because it is usually something affecting

me from below. This may happen more if you are on an upper floor of a

building and there are EMF sources on the floor(s) below.

As with everything that can be used for protection against EMFs, some

things work for some but not for others. I know people who have tried wearing

‘

the hat’ and find it doesn’t help at all or gives them a headache. This may

due to the direction and type of the exposure in their environment and/or

their particular biology. It is all trial and error and you will need to be

patient to find what works for you.

Although WEEP does not usually promote specific devices or commercial

companies, I feel that in this instance if you don’t use the right fabric, you

may injure yourself further. The NaturaShield fabric can be ordered on line

at _http://www.lessemf.com/fabric.html_

(http://www.lessemf.com/fabric.html)

The Medical Aspects of Regaining Your Health

 

" Diseases are crises of purification, of toxic elimination. " Hypocrites,

500 BC

 

 

GETTING THE RIGHT MEDICAL HELP

Equally important to mitigation and avoidance of EMFs, is healing and

strengthening your body. Since most family doctors only treat the symptoms of

illness, seeing a registered complimentary and alternative medical

practitioner is necessary to receive the right care. You have become

electrohypersensitive because EMFs have affected your body on a broad spectrum

and at a

cellular level, so it is important to treat the root cause and not just the

symptoms. For a list of Registered Naturopathic Doctors, by province see:

_Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors_

(http://www.cand.ca/index.php?id=professional & L=0)

It is also important to contact the Environmental Health Clinic at The New

Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, and ask them for a referral package.

There is a waiting list to get into the clinic, so the sooner this is done,

the better. The Doctors at The Environmental Health Clinic will help you

better understand EHS and what you need to do to regain your health. They

will also help your family doctor understand EHS and what he or she can do to

help you. Because the body of evidence is only now being taken seriously,

most family practitioners are still unaware of EHS or anything that is

involved in treating it. To help you talk to your doctor about EHS, we have

prepared a document for you to take with you when you visit him/her. A

printable version is available here. _Talking to Your Doctor_

(http://www.weepinitiative.org/talkingtoyourdoctor.pdf)

Having a diagnosis from the Environmental Health Clinic will also help

when you talk to your employer and insurance providers.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CLINIC AT THE NEW WOMEN'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL,

Toronto

_http://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/programs/program76.html_

(http://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/programs/program76.html)

The Environmental Health Clinic is a unique multidisciplinary clinic, and

the only one of its kind in Ontario. It was established in 1996 by the

Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to be a provincial resource in promoting

environmental health, and to improve health care for people with

environment-linked conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

The Environmental Health Clinic is the clinical part of a joint clinical

and research program of Women's College Hospital and the University of

Toronto.

The purpose of the Clinic is to:

 

* Educate our clients, the public and health-care professionals about

environmental health issues

* Provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment for clients

with Environmental Sensitivities/Intolerances (and related conditions),

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and to make recommendations to their

treating physicians regarding the management of their ongoing health care

needs

* Gain a better understanding of the health-care needs of those with

Environmental Sensitivities/Intolerances, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and

Fibromyalgia through participation in clinical research a better understanding

of the health-care needs of those with Environmental

Sensitivities/Intolerances, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia through

participation in

clinical research

 

A physician referral is required. To have a referral package mailed to

you, call toll free 1-800-417-7092.

 

Other environmental health care facilities in Canada:

In Nova Scotia, the _Environmental Health Centre_

(http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/facilities/nsehc/index.html) was established at a

permanent site in

1997. This facility is associated with Dalhousie University and includes

Canada’s only environmental control unit for treatment and research.

 

The provinces and territories, rather than the Government of Canada, are

primarily responsible for the administration and delivery of health care

services. It is therefore, recommended that you contact provincial/territorial

Ministries of Health to find out what is available to you. The following

Health Canada website provides links to provincial and territorial health

ministries:

_http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/ptrole/ptmin/index_e.html#1_

(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hcs-sss/delivery-prestation/ptrole/ptmin/index_e.html#1)

 

MEDICAL ISSUES OF EHS

I strongly reccommend that you read the The Canadian Human Rights

Commission Research Project, The Medical Perspective on Environmental

Sensitivities.

(Sears, 2007) _Link_

(http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersensibil\

itee/toc_tdm-en.asp?highlight=1) . It will help

you better understand the issues surrounding your health care and recovery.

The following are excerpts from this report.

 

ORIGINS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES

_http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersensibil\'>http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersensibil\

itee/page5-en.asp_

(http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersensibil\

itee/page5

-en.asp)

 

Overload

The " General Adaptation Syndrome " model underpins modern medicine,

describing how the body responds to " stressors " (e.g. chemical agents, vigorous

exercise, emotional loss). If the stress does not kill, initially there is a

" flight/fight " response, then a period of adaptation and then resistance to

the stressor. Eventually, if the stress continues for long enough, or there

is a sudden surge of stress, adaptive mechanisms are exhausted. This

brings generalized breakdown of body systems and non-specific illness.

Recognition of these universal bodily reactions to stressors of all types,

which are

mediated via the pituitary/hypothalamus/adrenal axis, spawned the science

of psychoneuroendocrine immunology.

 

Ashford and Miller described this scenario as " Toxicant-Induced Loss of

Tolerance " (TILT), a disease paradigm affecting a broad cross-section of

society, including veterans of war, workers in many professions and trades, and

children in poorly ventilated or maintained schools. This toxic overload

is treated by reducing the number of stressors, including chemicals and

allergens in the body, the surroundings, food and water, as well as

electromagnetic fields, currents and radiation. Reduction of emotional

stressors may

also help.Summary

The balance of scientific evidence and experience indicates that

environmental sensitivities generally arise from physiological causes, although

there are many neurological and psychological consequences. Physiological

responses to environmental factors vary greatly among individuals, and

individuals’ experiences must play an important role in determining

treatments. Once

environmental factors initiating and triggering environmental sensitivities

are addressed with safe housing, workplaces, food and water, then

psychosocial interventions may assist people. The comprehensive biopsychosocial

model of medicine, treating the body, mind and environment, is therefore the

most appropriate and effective framework for treating environmental

sensitivities.

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES - MEDICAL ISSUES

_http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersens

ibilitee/page6-en.asp_

(http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/research_program_recherche/esensitivities_hypersensibil\

itee/page6-en.asp)

 

Early recognition, avoidance of symptom-triggering agents, environmental

control, treatments that may reduce residual toxins and recovery of normal

biological processes are key to regaining health for people with

sensitivities. Without mitigation of the incitant, people with environmental

sensitivities may become severely debilitated. Once exposure to incitants is

eliminated, helpful interventions include:

 

* treating gastrointestinal infections which, if untreated, can lead

to absorption of internal toxins and large-molecule food antigens, or

conversely, may lead to poor absorption of nutrients;

* regimens to enhance detoxification and elimination such as sauna

and exercise therapy;

* reduction of heavy metal contamination using oral and intravenous

chelation for toxic metals (shown to be safe to treat lead in children; it

is currently in clinical trials for children with autism);

* oral and intravenous vitamins;

* securing hormonal homeostasis, given that many of the toxins

observed are endocrine disruptors;

* correcting biochemical irregularities;

* psychological, social and spiritual support;

* occupational accommodation.

 

SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

I am not a health care practitioner and I don't claim to know anything

about human biological systems, so I asked my Naturopathic Doctor, Edie Pett

(D.C., D.T.) to help me with this section.

To regain your good health you must repair and strengthen your body as much

as possible before embarking on other more intensive treatments to rid

your body of heavy metals.

NUTRITIONAL SUGGESTIONS FOR MAXIMIZING OUR HEALTH:

Your food should be organic, non GMO (genetically modified) and as local

and seasonal as possible for optimal nutrient value.

It is recommended to eat: 8 to 10 servings of vegetables. Eat a variety of

colours, red peppers, green kale, white cauliflower, orange carrots and

squash. Use a variety of cooking methods from steaming, sautéing, baking, and

some raw. Vegetable juice is especially useful if digestion is poor as it

is high in enzymes and absorbable nutrients. Some suggestions would be to

use a combination of carrot, celery, beet, ginger and cabbage.

1 to 3 servings of Fruit, but only if local and seasonal. Fruit must be

picked ripe to have any significant nutritional value. Freezing or canning

local fruit in the summer is a way to provide great fruit in the winter.

Whole Grains: Brown rice (all kinds), millet, quinoa, buckwheat, oatmeal,

rye, amaranth, kamut, spelt

Legumes: chick peas, lentils, black beans, aduki, lima, split peas, navy,

kidney beans, soybeans and tofu.

These provide great fibre for assisting in the elimination of wastes and

toxins from the body, as well as plentiful nutrients and protein. Eat some

of each of them on a daily basis. Great in soups, as side dishes, dips,

salads.

Protein: When eating any animal protein choose only that which is hormone

and antibiotic free and as organically raised as possible. Fish should be

wild when possible. Larger fish such as tuna should be eaten less frequently

due to their higher mercury content. Smaller fish such as anchovies and

sardines provide high quality omega 3 essential fatty acids as well as being

good protein sources. Complete vegetable protein is derived from combining

legumes and whole grains together as well as the addition of nuts and seeds.

Almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pecans and walnuts

are good sources of oil and protein. Of course eggs are also a good protein

source.

Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, sesame oil and sunflower oil are great

oils to use in cooking and salads.

Herbs and spices add flavour and medicinal value: use garlic, onions,

leeks, shallots often. Curries, cilantro, basil, oregano, turmeric etc.

Water in sufficient amounts is required to keep the body detoxifying well.

Usually it is recommended to drink half your body weight in ounces. It

should be purified, a Brita filter, reverse osmosis filter etc. Avoid buying

water in plastic bottles or using plastic bottles to drink from. There are

harmful chemicals that leach out of the plastic into our water.

AVOID all foods that contain sugar, high fructose corn syrup or artificial

sweeteners. Better choices would be honey, maple syrup or stevia. A basic

rule of thumb, if there are more than 5 ingredients listed on a product it’

s best to avoid it!

Most people do better if they minimize their consumption of cow’s milk

dairy products and wheat products.

If you do use them choose organic ones, or as an alternative try goat or

sheep milk products. Many alternative choices to wheat are available: brown

rice pasta, rye or spelt breads and crackers, brown rice cakes and

crackers, granolas and mueslis. Corn and corn products are also not tolerated

well

by many individuals. If you do eat it, make sure it is organic as there is

a lot of modified, gmo corn on the market.

REALLY, THE WAY TO GO IS TO DO YOUR OWN COOKING FROM SCRATCH SO THAT YOU

KNOW ALL OF THE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR FOOD. Get to know local farmers, go to

farmers’ markets, many are growing organically now. Read labels, ask

questions, know what you’re eating!BASIC HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SUGGESTIONS:

Sleep: Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. You may need to darken your

room to help with this.

Dry brush your skin daily with a natural bristle brush or loofa. Eliminates

wastes and acids from the skin as well as assisting in lymphatic drainage.

 

Get outside daily for at least ½ hour.

Movements…do something! Walk, swim, dance, run, and jump……every day.

DRY BRUSHING

Excerpted from _Natural Health Techniques_

(http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/HealingTechniques/Dry_Brushing_Technique\

..htm) (See this site for

details on dry brushing.)

* The skin is the largest most important eliminative organ in the

body and is responsible for one quarter of the body’s detoxification each day

* The skin eliminates over one pound of waste acids each day in the

average adult, most of it through the sweat glands

* That the skin is known also as our third kidney

* That the skin receives one third of all the blood circulated in the

body

* That the skin is the last to receive nutrients in the body, yet the

first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency

Detoxification is performed by a number of organs, glands, and

transportation systems, including the skin, gut, kidneys, liver, lungs,

lymphatic

system, and mucous membranes. The dry brushing technique deals with

detoxification of the skin.

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate all the above organs of detoxification

because it provides a gentle internal massage.

Dry Brushing was recommended by the Finnish Dr., Paavo Airola for his

patients 30 years ago and is still popular in European spas and many cancer

treatment centers today. The Russians, Turks and Scandinavians have used this

treatment for centuries. Dry brushing is promoted as a preventative for dry

skin and a way to exfoliate the skin, thus stimulating skin renewal that is

super soft to the touch, but there are many other benefits as well:

Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing:

1. Cleanses the lymphatic system

2. Strengthens the immune system

3. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

4. Stimulates circulation

5. Improves the function of the nervous system

6. Helps digestion

SUPPLEMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS IN HEALING YOUR BODY

 

THE BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER (BBB)

Because the BBB is compromised with EHS, Methylcobalamin B12 injection

protocol is essential for patients with environmental sensitivities. (This is

different to Cyanocobalamin B12 that is commonly available) For those who

cannot stomach injections, a sublingual form is available at health food

stores but will not be as effective.

The blood-brain barrier is created by the cells which line the small blood

vessels (capillaries) of the brain, called endothelial cells. These cells

form tight junctions between each other, which are not generally present in

most organs, and stop a free exchange of substances occurring between the

blood and the brain. This barrier protects the brain and creates its unique

environment. (Begley, 2005) (6)

Methylcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 and triggers

regeneration of the nerves without adverse side effects. It facilitates

methylation,

the process that creates and maintains nerves and brain chemicals.

 

“…… Ultra-high doses of methylcobalamin even promote nerve regeneration

in experiments.†(The Journal of Neurological Science, April 1994)

 

 

(Recommended by the doctors at the Environmental Health Clinic at The New

Women’s College Hospital)

 

The Methylcobalamin Protocol for patients with environmental illness is:

 

* Methylcobalamin injection 25,000 IU/cc (preservative free)

* 5cc vial X6R

* 0.1cc subcutaneously daily or 2-3x per week or as directed.

* It is best to use an Insulin syringe 3/10cc (painless)(#30)

* Keep refrigerated and discard after expiry date

(Kathleen Kerr MD, 2005)

 

 

You must purchase Methylcobalamin at a Compounding Pharmacy. Your regular

pharmacist can help you find one near you. Although this is most likely not

covered by your insurance company, (it is not very expensive) ask your

doctor for a prescription so you can claim the expense on your taxes.

 

ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with

medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of

a

knowledgeable health care provider.

It is recommended that you use only high quality supplements

* Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids ~ reduce inflammation and help prevent

risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer,

and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the

brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and

performance) and behavioral function.

* Anti-oxidants ~ prevent and repair damage done by free radicals.

Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of

cancer and infection.

* Melatonin ~ helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's

circadian rhythm. In addition to its hormonal actions, melatonin has

strong antioxidant effects. Preliminary evidence suggests that it may help

strengthen the immune system. It is recommended that you speak with your health

care practitioner before taking melatonin.

* Calcium ~ the most abundant mineral in the human body, has several

important functions. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the

bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure [1]. The

remaining 1% is found throughout the body in blood, muscle, and the fluid

between cells. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel

contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and sending

messages through the nervous system. A constant level of calcium is maintained

in

body fluid and tissues so that these vital body processes function

efficiently.

* B-Complex ~ B vitamins are an important part of the diet and are

needed to help avoid many health conditions. The body does not produce B

vitamins naturally. Their influence is felt in many parts of the body. They

function as coenzymes that help the body obtain energy from food. They also

are important for normal appetite, good vision, healthy skin, healthy nervous

system and red blood cell formation

* Milk Thistle has a protective effect on the liver and improves its

function. The liver plays a major part in ridding your body of toxins and

so needs to be kept as healthy as possible.

* Vitamin D (up to 4000mcg a day) ~ In addition to calcium

metabolism, accumulating evidence indicates other roles in human health,

including

immune function, reduction of inflammation, and effects on cell

proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death.

* Digestive enzymes ~ assist your body in absorbing essential

nutrients.

* Probiotics ~ re-establish and maintain a normal intestinal

microflora.

* For additional information on supplements to protect your body and

assist with moving mercury out of your system, please see:

_http://mercurytalk.com/wiki/index.php/Detoxing:Getting_Started_With_A_Detox_Pla\

n_

(http://mercurytalk.com/wiki/index.php/Detoxing:Getting_Started_With_A_Detox_Pla\

n)

*

REPLACEMENT OF AMALGAM DENTAL FILLINGS

Not only do amalgam dental fillings attract EMF and electricity to your

body, they create electrical current, and they contain mercury. Mercury is

very toxic and is difficult for the human body to process and get rid of.

Heavy metals in your body may have contributed to your getting sick in the

first place. There are many ways in which you could have acquired heavy metal

toxicity but dental amalgam fillings are a major source of contamination.

It is not a single incident contamination but an ongoing leaching into the

body. (see: Environment Canada's Mercury and the Environment, _Health

Concerns_ (http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EH/EN/eh-hc.cfm?SELECT=EH) )

 

 

Dental Mercury is the Source of Two-Thirds of Mercury in the Population

 

 

Amalgam restorations consist of mercury, silver, tin, copper, and a trace

amount of zinc. The dental amalgam has two fundamental flaws that adversely

affect a patient's health. The first fundamental flaw is that all amalgam

metals are cations(a). The net result of the tendency for covalent(b),

ionic and metallic bonding and van der Waals forces© between amalgam cations

is a weak repulsion. So there is a sustained release of mercury and other

metals from the amalgam into the body. Researchers have measured a daily

release of mercury on the order of 10 micrograms from the amalgam into the

body. Mercury is a toxic metal; the most minute amount damages cells.

The second fundamental flaw is that there are five dissimilar metals in the

amalgam. Galvanic(d) action between these metals in inevitable (the

dissimilar metals form a battery). Galvanism produces electricity that flows

through the body. The electric currents produced by the amalgam typically are

between 0.1 and 10 microamps, compared to the body's natural electric

current of 3 microamps.

The mercury challenges systemic functions of every individual and of

developing fetuses, so it can lead to health problems and fetal malformations.

Mercury leakage and its subsequent pathophysiologic effects are most often

slow, insidious processes. So health problems caused by dental mercury

poisoning are perceived many years after the amalgams are placed. (DAMS Inc.

1997

& 2005)

 

(a) An ion or group of ions having a positive charge and

characteristically moving toward the negative electrode in electrolysis

(b) Of or relating to a chemical bond characterized by one or more pairs

of shared electrons

© The relatively weak attractive forces that are operative between

neutral atoms and molecules and that arise because of the electric polarization

induced in each of the particles by the presence of other particles

(d) Of, relating to, involving, or producing a direct current of

electricity

 

Removal and replacement of amalgam fillings with non-metallic fillings is

not straight forward. A specific protocol needs to be followed to ensure

that you don’t absorb any more mercury during the procedure, and to bolster

your immune and nervous systems. Having amalgam dental fillings replaced

without following this protocol can cause severe health reactions. Working in

unison with your natural health care practitioner and your dentist, while

you are having you fillings replaced, is strongly recommended.

Even though it is scientific fact that mercury is released from amalgam

fillings, most dentists are misguided and are still using it. (See:

_http://amalgamillness.com/Mercury.html_

(http://amalgamillness.com/Mercury.html) ) In

my search for a dentist, to replace my amalgam fillings, I have spoken to

several who seem to be under the impression that mercury is not dangerous.

One dentist told me there is less mercury in one filling than in a can of

tuna. But what if you have more than one filling? And aren't they warning

against eating tuna?

Environment Canada also has strong concerns regarding mercury fillings.

See _Canadian Dental Association - Environment Canada Best Management

Practices for Amalgam Waste in Canada - 2002_

(http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/DA/EN/da-damou.cfm#AnnexD) , Appendix D for the

protocol for handling dental

mercury.

Another dentist, aware of the mercury issue, wanted to replace my amalgam

fillings with gold because it doesn't have the same chemical interactions as

amalgam. Maybe not, but it is still metal and conducts electricity. They

all try to talk me into having x-rays, which of course, I decline. I am only

telling you this to stress the point that you need to find a dentist who

understands the issues you are dealing with, or will at least listen when

you explain and put your health at risk.

For the dental protocol to safely remove amalgam fillings see:

_International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)_

(http://www.iaomt.org/articlesfiles288/Safe%20Removal%20of%20Amalgam%20Fi\

llings.pdf)

For mercury free and mercury safe dentists in North America see:

_IAOMT-Find a Dentist/Physician_

(http://www.iaomt.org/patients/results.aspx?stateProv=Ontario)

This page also contains a link to international chapters.

REMOVAL OF MERCURY AND HEAVY METALS FROM YOUR BODY

Heavy metals in the body are dangerous on three levels. They are toxic;

they can move in the body, when you are near electromagnetic radiation and

fields, causing damage to the surrounding tissue; and they can attract and

conduct electricity.

 

If not done correctly, removal (via chelation) of heavy metals from the

body can be dangerous. It is recommended that you find a health care

practitioner with a lot of experience and recommendations from previous

patients. It

is also recommended that you read the book _Amalgam Illness Diagnosis and

Treatment_ (http://www.noamalgam.com/) by Dr. Andrew Hall Cutler PhD., PE.

 

Testing for mercury in the body is difficult because mercury remains in the

blood for a very short period before being excreted or settling in the

organs and brain.

There are several methods of testing but because the DMPS Challenge

involves moving large amounts of mercury in your body at one time, it can be

very

dangerous and is not recommended. Please see: _Testing for Mercury

Toxicity_ (http://mercurytalk.com/wiki/index.php/Testing_for_Mercury_Toxicity)

for

more options and information.

 

Detoxing is a long-term plan that you have to faithfully follow if it is

going to work. Here are specific ideas to help you create a good detox plan.

Mercury detox is a two-tier project:

* Protection

* Mobilization (via Chelation)

First, you have to protect your body from the effects of mercury, then you

want to " mobilize " the mercury, that is, you want to pull it from body

tissue and get it out. Providing a balance between protection and mobilization

will allow you to feel reasonably well while assisting the body in

eliminating mercury at a faster rate than it normally would.

This balancing act is important because mobilizing too much mercury too

fast can redistribute the mercury causing it to end up back in your body

tissue causing more damage as it travels. If you mobilize too slowly, then

mercury remains in your body longer than necessary.

A good plan will involve starting gently and becoming more agressive as you

become stronger and healthier. Read more... _Detoxing:Getting Started With

A Detox Plan (mercurytalk.com)_

(http://mercurytalk.com/wiki/index.php/Detoxing:Getting_Started_With_A_Detox_Pla\

n)