Since chemicals are often
cause of problems, try to stay away from as many as possible. Note your reaction when you get exposed to them. AVOIDING ALLERGY-CAUSING SUBSTANCES
Common sensitivities are caused by tobacco smoke, perfume and sponge rubber.
Avoid sprays. Try baking soda for deodorant.
Check children's toys for odours. Their markers, Playdough, etc. may be creating problems for them.
The following are found to be used safely by many sensitive individuals: Baking soda: 2% solution can be used as an air freshener, chrome cleaner, windshield and windshield wiper cleaner, plastic pants for babies, sole plates of irons. It can be used in place of toothpaste. For very sensitive, use 2 tablespoons as a replacement for detergent for washing clothes.
Vinegar: Use for washing tile; cuts mold, cleans brass, chrome and steel. To unplug drains, pour a handful of baking soda and 1/2 glass of vinegar down drain and cover it tightly [may have to repeat], 1/2-cup vinegar in rinse cycle will neutralize odor of cleaning agents in laundry.
Soap: Ivory, Bon Ami cake soap. For clothing, grate or flake Ivory.
Bleach: Miracle White, Borax, Arm and Hammer Washing Soda.
TSP: Effective for washing walls. Use 1/2 cup per laundry load. Wear gloves when using. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN.
Adding 1-teaspon of sodium thiosulphate in your bath water precipitates chlorine.
To avoid molds, check baths, showers, basements and furnace humidifiers. Mold can also grow on cotton clothing overnight so change after wearing.
If you suspect chemical sensitivities, try setting up a dust-free room: Remove synthetic rugs and underlay. Use cotton curtains and avoid sponge rubber mattresses or pillows. A cotton blanket or flannel blanket should be used...no electric blankets. Clean room using water. Avoid permanent-press sheets.
With foods, read labels! Use organically grown fruit and vegetables whenever possible. Fresh is preferable to frozen - and canned foods should be avoided as much as possible.
Use spring water stored in glass containers with cork tops. Sterilize bottles regularly to prevent mold growth. Wash food with regular water but do final rinse in spring water. Use spring water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Use salt or a mixture of salt and baking soda as a toothpaste. Avoid commercially prepared mouthwashes and toothpastes.
It is preferable to use sea salt in place of regular salt, which may contain chemicals acquired during processing and to prevent lumping.
Nuts should be stored in refrigerator to prevent rancidity. This would include peanut or other nut butters.
Use cold-pressed vegetable and nut oils. Once bottle is opened, store in refrigerator.
Don’t expect immediate results. Keep a diary of all foods eaten and all medications taken. Keep a record of all symptoms and when they begin and end. If your child cheats, don’t get discouraged, just note it and watch for symptoms. The symptoms may last up to three days and are exacerbated by infection, exertion and chill.
Not eating a food you are sensitive to can cause withdrawal symptoms that may also last up to three days. The first few weeks on an elimination diet may be difficult and confusing. Your body may crave foods you used to eat every day. What you inhale and prescription drugs may also affect your reactions.
