Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is an immune reaction to substances and chemicals in low doses.  These can include volatile substances, fragrances, smoke and other chemicals and pollutants. It can manifest as a variety of symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Change in bowel habits
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Cough
• Sinus issues
• Skin conditions
• Breathlessness
• Impaired cognition

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity usually has an underlying cause – heavy metal accumulation, toxin exposure and even infection. The symptoms above can be present in these conditions as well. Our naturopathic doctors of the Nardella Clinic in Calgary utilize extensive diagnostic testing to help determine the root of chemical sensitivities. Testing that is found helpful includes:

• Blood glutathione
• Urine chelation/heavy metal testing
• Lyme and Tick-borne Disease
• Toxicology
• SNPs that prevent metabolism of certain chemicals and medications

As comprehensive as the testing is for MCS, so is the treatment. Multiple naturopathic treatments may be required to address multiple underlying factors. The treatment goals are:

• Removing immune system triggers such as heavy metals
• Treating chronic infections
• Improving detoxification pathways
• Decreasing oxidative stress
• Managing inflammation