Case history

Consider Abigail, for instance, a 32-year-old scientist. She was working in the research and development department of a multinational firm. One day there was a chemical spillage in her laboratory and she became violently ill. She was admitted to hospital with headache, nausea and muscle pains. That was a year ago, and she has suffered ever since. In particular, she complained of fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches and muscle spasms. She also developed asthma and rhinitis. Some of her symptoms got worse when she was exposed to chemical smells — even smells we take for granted, such as pot-pourri and perfumed soap.

By the time she presented to the Allergy Clinic, several hospital specialists had reassured her that nothing 'physical' was wrong. By this they meant that they could find no physi­cal explanation for her symptoms. She did not have a brain tumour, her blood was healthy, and she had no obvious signs of disease. She was told that her symptoms were 'functional'. In other words, everything looked okay, it just didn't function properly.

Antidepressant medication improved her mental state con­siderably, but she was left with her most troublesome symp­toms. Having thus excluded any other explanation for her symptoms, and in some desperation, Abigail went on a ten-day Low Allergy Diet. To her great relief, all of her symptoms improved. She identified the problem foods one by one, and remains well as long as she avoids these. She is also careful to avoid chemical smells, but even these are more easily dealt with now that she is eating the 'right' diet. Abigail had Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, but most of her symptoms were due to the associated food intolerance.

This case introduces us to another important issue, namely the concept of 'total load'. Let me explain. Abigail had a pois­onous event from which she developed chemical sensitivity. This in turn led to food intolerance. Thus, she was reacting adversely to many chemicals and — although she didn't know it at the time — several foods. The total load on her system was considerable. When she reduced the load (by avoiding intolerant foods and chemical smells) she was much better able to cope with transient chemical exposures.



If You Want Immediate Anxiety Relief, Check Out Our New Natural Technique To Stop Panic Attacks and General Anxiety Fast!