Suspect A Chemical Or Food Sensitivity? What To Do
If you've been feeling lethargic, achy, or generally unwell, you may have already sought out assistance from your family doctor. However, even with treatment, you may suspect that the cause of your poor health is related to chemicals or foods that you're eating. How can you determine whether you're being plagued by something you come into contact with every day?
Eliminate Possible Offenders
Sometimes, the easiest course of action is simply avoiding what you suspect is a problem. Starting today, you can stop eating foods containing gluten, for example. You can stop wearing perfume or using a particular brand of laundry detergent. After a week or so, if you're feeling better, it's clear that your suspicions were probably correct. You might be more aware of symptoms and sensitivities if you introduce them back into your life. Some common foods that could cause your body to react negatively are wheat-based loaves of bread and kinds of pasta, eggs, shellfish, coffee, and dairy products. Some chemicals to try avoiding are BPA, ammonia. and hydrochloric acid.
Read Labels
Being more careful about the products you use is imperative when you're exploring potential sensitivity to certain specific chemicals and foods. Research common triggers and read labels when you buy things to ensure that those triggers are not listed. While you might not be aware of all possible triggers for your condition, you can try to buy only simple foods with no preservatives and household products with simple and/or natural ingredients.
Stick with Good Habits
Of course, while you're trying to find out which foods and chemicals are affecting your body, stick with good overall habits. Get adequate sleep, eat good food, and drink enough water. Avoid cigarettes, street drugs, and other things that you already know aren't good for you.
Take a Test
To stop guessing and have a clear direction to follow regarding what may be troubling you, a blood test is a smart choice. For example, ALCAT allergy test kits and similar testing can test your blood cells against multiple allergens and triggers; results should show with accuracy which foods or chemicals your body is reacting poorly to. Contact both your doctor and insurance company to determine how these tests can help and whether your insurance coverage can be applied to them.
After trying these actions, it should become clearer whether chemicals or foods are bothering you. Keep discussing your various efforts with your physician so that they can better assess your health and help you improve it.