Exposure to certain foreign chemicals causes a defensive response by the body characterized by antibody production, which combat the foreign invaders.

This can happen as a result of exposure to virtually any substance but some of the ones that frequently provoke a reaction include air pollution, formaldehyde, insecticides, gas, oil or coal fumes, disinfectants, household cleaning products, paint, hair sprays, carbolic acid, phenol, chlorine and metals such as mercury, nickel and chrome.

Often times, chemical allergies appear in the form of skin reactions. Other allergic reactions that may occur from exposure to foreign substances include stuffy nose, watery eyes, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, bronchitis, arthritis, depression, eczema, fatigue & ringing in the ears.

While some people experience reactions immediate, it may take up to 24 hours for others to begin seeing symptoms.

The regimen outlined below includes a holistic approach to treating & preventing chemical allergies:

Step one in managing chemical allergies is to figure out which chemicals are causing the allergic reaction and avoid exposure to them. If the source can’t easily be identified, an allergy specialist may be able to help.

Foods that have been sprayed, waxed or artificially colored should be avoided.

The diet should be high in fiber. Some good sources of fiber include oat bran or apple pectin, which removes unwanted metals that may trigger allergic reactions.

The supplements listed below may be beneficial:

Vitamin A plus carotenoid complex (50,000 IU daily for 10 days, Then reduce to 25,000 IU daily) - Enhances the immune system and combats free radicals.

Vitamin B complex (100 - 200 mg of each major B vitamin daily) - Supplies B vitamins, whose absorption may be hindered from allergies.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (5,000 - 20,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Shields the body from allergens and moderates inflammatory response.

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) - Natural anti-histamine. I recommend the brand “Q-absorb” by Jarrow Formulas.

Coenzyme A (As directed on label) - Aids the body in detoxification of deadly substances.

Selenium (200 mcg daily, 40 mcg if pregnant) - Essential mineral that shields cells from the damage of free radicals.

Grape Seed Extract (As directed as label) - Free radical scavenger that halts damage from bodily cells.

Zinc (50 mg daily) - Important in proper immune function.

Copper (3 mg daily) - needed to balance zinc. Replaces lost copper from high vitamin C supplementation.

Manganese (Use chelate form and take as directed on label) - Interacts with zinc & copper.

* Important notes: The recommended doses are for those over age 18 unless otherwise stated. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.