It wasn't until I began detoxing myself and my surroundings that I began to realize just how pervasive the chemicals had become in my life. Achieving my goal of no exposure to chemicals can give me a pain free day. That is hard to achieve because they are so ingrained into our daily use.
The difference after clearing my system is amazing. Suddenly I no longer have daily headaches. When I get one, I can look back for an exposure. Perhaps it was answering the door to a salesman or neighbor who is wearing cologne or clothing washed in scented detergent and dried with softener sheets. This guarantees a headache, and probably muscle pain and a sore throat as well. At one point opening that door could have had me lying on the floor with my airway swollen shut. But no more. I have managed to bring down my toxic load on most days so that minor exposures don't put me into a life threatening situation.
At times, my joints were so swollen and muscles stiff and sore, I required help getting up stairs or even across a room. Now that we have moved to a home with no brand new wall to wall carpeting, I am much more mobile. My reactions to the formaldehyde in the carpeting had been causing much of my discomfort.
Once, after taking two bites of a breaded chicken patty, I could barely breathe. Whether that was from being packed using rubber gloves (latex allergy type I and type II), or the preservatives in the breading, I don't know. But I do know that since removing preservatives and additives from my diet I can pinpoint a reaction when I inadvertently ingest one.
Still, there are times when I am out shopping (which I have cut down on considerably) and get confused, forgetting what I am shopping for. Or where I am parked. Or my purse in the ladies room. This could be due to the fact that most stores don't have windows that allow fresh air to get in. There are racks and racks of permanent press clothing coated with formaldehyde to keep them nice and unwrinkled, pressboard furniture, cleaning supplies, people loaded with their favorite scent, perfume counters, all kinds of new 'stuff' that hasn't offgassed. Too much time spent there will ensure very painful muscles, great fatigue, and migraines for several days following exposure.
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