The human body is pretty good at dealing with and processing traces of chemicals in the environment. That’s precisely what it had to do throughout much of evolutionary history.
But in today’s world, the severity of chemical exposure is far greater. Industrial pollutants now fill our environment and bodies, leading to a host of problems and conditions.
The purpose of this post is to explore some of the telltale signs you are exposing your body to too many chemicals and what you can do about it.
Digestive Issues
Excessive chemical exposure can lead to various digestive issues. Pollutants in the environment alter the functioning of the gut and the microbiome, leading to constipation and diarrhea in some cases.
If you notice your bowel habits changing, consider whether it might be because of chemical exposure, such as drinking foreign water or consuming fish with high heavy metal content. Try to figure out what could be causing the sudden change, and then take action.
Fatigue And Weakness
Another common sign of excessive chemical exposure is fatigue and weakness. Generally feeling bad is often a symptom of hormonal dysregulation or oxidative stress
in the body, usually because the immune system is working overtime to remove the unwanted toxin.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your fatigue, it is a good idea to go to the doctor for a toxicology test. Physicians will take a sample of your fat and then run it through the lab to see what it contains. You can then discover the primary source of your fat toxicity.
Dry Skin
You might also be experiencing excessive chemical exposure if you have dry patches on skin areas, like your elbows or forearms. The skin is a complex organ and often reflects conditions inside the body. If you have irritation, it could be a sign of exposure to chemicals that cause dryness, itching, and rashes.
Fortunately, identifying the causes of dry skin tends to be significantly easier than for other symptoms. Most skin rashes and itching only occur if you bring the skin into direct contact with the problematic compound.
Headaches And Dizziness
Other signs of excessive chemical exposure are headaches and dizziness. Some pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds, can have profound neurological effects, making you feel unwell.
If you notice symptoms suddenly develop during a DIY project, ask yourself whether you are using safe paint. Choose low-VOC options and spend time away from your home during the decoration process if possible.
Also, consider varnishes and other surface treatments. Again, these can cause headaches and dizziness, especially if used indoors.
Sudden Weight Changes
Chemical exposure can also lead to sudden and unexpected weight changes, including weight gain and weight loss. Researchers, for instance, believe that some dioxins and PCBs interfere with insulin signaling, causing the body to produce more than it did before. This process then promotes weight gain and a general increase in body size.
By contrast, heavy metals can cause weight loss by interfering with appetite. Even nicotine can cause sudden weight reductions.
Varying Sensitivity To Stimuli
Chemicals in the environment can also change your sensitivity to touch. For example, many people with organophosphate pesticide exposure can experience peripheral neuropathies. These develop when these chemicals interfere with acetylcholine signaling in the body.
They can also have other effects, including changing sensory perception. Smells, sights, and smells might change considerably after a high-dose exposure.
Mood Changes
You might also notice mood changes if you have a high chemical load in your body. You may notice that you don’t feel the same way about life as before or that you are suddenly dealing with unexpected depression.
Mood changes caused by chemicals will usually persist until you remove the problem compound from your environment. The most common culprits are lead, mercury, and aluminum, but there are others.
Most of the aluminum in the environment comes from cookware and body sprays. If you currently use an aluminum pan, consider moving over to stainless steel or another harmless material. Lead is rare in the West, but you may still get significant mercury exposure if you eat a lot of fish high up the food chain, like shark and tuna. Think about reducing how much of these items you consume and then see how you feel after shifting your diet. You should notice a difference.
Allergies
Finally, you may have too many chemicals in your environment if you have excessive allergies. Sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose can all indicate you have a problem and need to reconsider your current conditions. If you think you have these symptoms, opening your detoxification pathways are the first step towards better health. Consult with a good integrative or Functional medicine doctor to deal with your issues in a holistic way.
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