Overview

The most asked question by patients new to MCS is often, “How do I get better?” Information on MCS can be as difficult to find as a qualified medical provider. Summarized here are the most common treatments and considerations.

Most qualified physicians recommend one or more of the following basic treatments for MCS:

Chemical Avoidance

Chemical Free Housing

Nutrient Therapy

Sauna Therapy & Detoxification

Chemical Avoidance

Chemical avoidance has been scientifically proven to be the most effective treatment for MCS. Avoidance simply means eliminating exposures to chemicals which cause negative reactions. This reduces the body burden of chemicals in the tissues and hepatic detoxification pathways. Failing to avoid exposures to chemicals which do not produce a reaction could cause sensitization to additional chemicals which were previously tolerated.

Chemical avoidance starts with the often hidden chemical cocktail in personal care products.

Personal Care Products to Avoid

· Perfume and Cologne

· All Fragranced Products - including soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and bath products

· Fragranced Lotions

· Shaving Cream

· Aftershave

· Deodorants and Anti-Perspirants

· Hair Spray

· Hair Gel and Mousse

· Hair Color

· Fragranced Shampoo and Conditioner

· Nail Polish and Remover

· Make-up

· Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes or Hand Sanitizer

· Other Toiletries

Personal Care Products to Use Instead

· Scent - use essential oils if tolerated or eliminate perfume

· Fragrance Free Products - soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and bath products

· Lotion - use unscented versions or natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, and olive oil

· Shaving Cream - soap

· Aftershave - witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide

· Deodorant - peroxide, natural salt crystal, baking soda, unscented versions

· Hair Styling - aloe vera gel, lemon juice

· Hair Color - natural variations, peroxide to bleach, all natural henna for color

· Shampoo / Conditioner unscented variations, baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, oils

· Nail Polish and Remover - safer variations from the health food store or go au natural

· Make-up - unscented, natural variations or go au natural

For a detailed brochure on personal care ideas and recipes, see:

Personal Care

http://www.mcs-america.org/personal.pdf

Chemical Free Housing

The indoor environment is generally more polluted than the outdoor environment due to the extensive amounts of cleaners, fragrances, petrochemicals, solvents, and volatile organic compounds found in building materials and furnishing. Therefore, a chemical free home is most important for symptom reduction, functional improvements, and an increased ability to withstand exposures from unavoidable sources in the general environment.

Domestic Household Products to Avoid

· All Fragranced Products

· Fragranced Laundry Detergents

· Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheet (fragranced or not)

· Air Fresheners

· Window Cleaning Solution

· All Purpose Cleaners, Sprays, and Aerosols

· Scouring Powder

· Fragranced and/or Anti-Bacterial Vacuum Bags and Trash Bags

· Disinfectants

· Fragranced Trash Bags

· Commercial or Industrial Chemicals

· Concentrated Products

· Solvents

· Scented Candles and Incense

· Pesticides

· Herbicides

· Fertilizers

Domestic Household Products to Use Instead

· Laundry - borax, baking soda, or fragrance free laundry detergent

· Fabric Softener - white vinegar in wash or peroxide, tennis shoe, tennis ball in the dryer

· Air Fresheners - white vinegar, open windows, adequate ventilation, fresh herbs, and tea

· Windows - white vinegar

· All Purpose Cleaning - white vinegar

· Scouring Powder - baking soda or borax

· Disinfectant - peroxide followed by white vinegar

· Fragrance Free Products

· Bugs - borax, diatomaceous earth

· Weeds - salt/vinegar or hand pull weeds

For detailed brochures on household cleaning idea and recipes, see:

General Cleaning

http://www.mcs-america.org/general.pdf

Kitchen Cleaning

http://www.mcs-america.org/kitchen.pdf

Laundry

http://www.mcs-america.org/laundry.pdf

The Bug Stops Here - Alternatives to Pesticides

http://www.thebestcontrol.com/bugstop/bugstops.pdf

For a detailed environmental control plan written by Dr. Grace Ziem, see:

Dr. Grace Ziem’s Environmental Control Plan for MCS Patients

http://www.mcsrr.org/resources/articles/S3.html

Nutrient Therapy

Most qualified physicians offer one or more forms of nutrient and antioxidant therapy. Patients with MCS often suffer from malabsorption, either unable to absorb sufficient nutrients from the foods they eat or requiring higher levels of nutrients utilized in the detoxification process. Increasing the levels of certain nutrients often reduces symptom severity. Increasing antioxidants provides a protective effect. There are many products and protocols available, the most notable ones being created by Dr. Grace Ziem and Dr. Martin Pall.

Martin Pall asserts that MCS is initially triggered by volatile organic solvent exposure, organophosphorus/carbamate pesticide exposure, organochlorine pesticide exposure, and/or pyrethroid pesticide exposure. These initiating triggers act to increase the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. Nitric oxide then acts through its oxidant product, peroxynitrite (ONOO-), to maintain a vicious cycle mechanism which is responsible for the resulting chronic illness (MCS). This cycle is called the NO/ONOO- Cycle (pronounced “no oh no”). In Summary,

· Short term triggers initiate MCS by raising nitric oxide synthesis and consequent levels of nitric oxide and its oxidant product peroxynitrite.

· Initiation is converted into a chronic illness through the action of a vicious cycle mechanism in which chronic elevation of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite and is produced and maintained.

· Symptoms of MCS are generated by elevated levels of nitric oxide and elevated levels of peroxynitrite or inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and elevated NMDA and vanilloid receptor activity. This is called “up-regulation”.

· Treatment should focus on down-regulating NO/ONOO- cycle biochemistry.

Pall first developed a nutritional protocol for down-regulating the NO/ONOO– cycle with Dr. Grace Ziem and later developed his own variation.

The NO/ONOO- Cycle is also known as the 10th Paradigm in Medicine.

The following agents have been predicted to be useful to down-regulate the NO/ONOO- cycle and reduce symptoms:

Nebulized Inhaled Reduced Glutathione (RX Only)

Nebulized Inhaled Hyroxocobalamin (RX Only)

Mixed Natural Tocopherols

Buffered Vitamin C

Magnesium as Malate

Four Different Flavonoid Sources:

Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Cranberry Extract, Silymarin, & Bilberry Extract

Selenium as Selenium-Grown Yeast

Coenzyme Q10

Folic Acid

Carotenoids Including Lycopene, Lutein and Alpha-carotene

Alpha-Lipoic acid

Zinc (modest dose)

Manganese (low dose)

Copper (low dose)

Vitamin B6 in the Form of Pyridoxal Phosphate

Riboflavin 5’-Phosphate (FMN)

Betaine (Trimethylglycine)

Green Tea Extract

Acetyl L-Carnitine

The nutrients can be purchased separately over the counter. Or, they may be purchased as several multiple vitamins via a compounding pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. For more information, speak with your doctor or contact:

Key Pharmacy

23422 Pacific Highway South

Kent, WA 98390

(206) 878-3900 or 800-878-1322

www.keynutritionrx.com

info@keynutritionrx.com

Dr. Grace Ziem

16926 Eyler's Valley Road,

Emmitsburg MD 21727

301-241-4346

A variation of the nutrient protocol is also available over-the-counter for direct purchase (nfi) at:

https://www.immunesupport.com/shop/product.cfm/product__code/PHK23

Further data about the NO/ONOO– Cycle:

A Novel Disease Paradigm (NO/ONOO-) (Dr. Pall's Research Page)

http://molecular.biosciences.wsu.edu/faculty/pall/pall_main.htm

Pall ML. 2007. Haworth Medical Press.

Explaining “Unexplained Illnesses”: Disease Paradigm for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Syndrome and Others,

http://www.amazon.com/Explaining-Unexplained-Illnesses-Fibromyalgia-Post-Traumatic/dp/078902389X

Neural Protocol (The Ziem/Pall Protocol)

http://mcs-america.org/ziempall.pdf

Ziem/Pall Protocol from Key Pharmacy

http://mcs-america.org/ziempall.pdf

Dr. Grace Ziem: Treating Chemical Injury Step by Step

http://www.chemicalinjury.net/html/neural_sensitization__treating.html

Tenth Paradigm Society

http://www.geocities.com/tenthparadigm/

Tenth Paradigm Society Listserv (discussion of the protocol)

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TenthParadigmSociety/

*MCS America has no financial interests in any products, protocols, or researchers/physicians.

Sauna Therapy & Detoxification

There are numerous methods of detoxification which may prove helpful. Testing should be conducted by a qualified provider to rule out or treat heavy metal and pesticide intoxication. Chelation therapy may be considered in cases of documented heavy metal toxicity. Fasting should only be undertaken with medical supervision as the mobilization of chemicals stored in body fat during fasting may cause a worsening of symptoms.

One of the safest methods of overall detoxification recommended by qualified physicians is a sauna. Dr. William Rea offers a sauna room for treatment at his clinic, the Environmental Health Center, in Dallas.

A sauna is a heated, insulated room used for cleansing and detoxification. Saunas eliminate environmental chemicals that are stored in fat cells by heating the body to mobilize chemicals from fat stores which are then eliminated via sweat. The sauna should be one that is not treated with toxic chemicals, such as Heavenly Heat brand (nfi).

Basic instructions:

· Set the heat to 165-180^oF (traditional rock sauna) or 100-130^oF (FIR - far infrared sauna)

· Take a shower before beginning.

· Enter the sauna and sit on a towel or mat on the bench. As you gain experience, you will learn what temperature works best for you and may adjust accordingly.

· Throw water on the stones of the heater for a more intense heat and to add moisture to the air (traditional sauna).

· Rinse off in the shower every few minutes when you feel the need to cool down and return for another round if desired.

· After the last round, shower to cool down and remove sweat / toxics.

· Drink plenty of water before, during, and after sauna’ing.

· Frequent sauna users may look into tri-salts to replace lost salts and minerals.

More information about detoxification using sauna:

Dr. Mayhill, Detoxing: Far Infrared Sauna

http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/article.cfm?id=368

Dr. Sherry Rogers, Detoxify or Die (Paperback)

http://www.amazon.com/Detoxify-Die-Sherry-Rogers/dp/1887202048

Heavenly Heat Sauna Manufacturer

1-800 my sauna (697-2862

bobmorgan@heavenlyheatsaunas.com.

Heavenly Heat Sauna Distributor

http://www.greendoorwellness.com/saunas.html

Detecting Symptoms of Toxic Exposure and Detoxing by Cheriel Jensen

http://www.immuneweb.org/articles/detox.html

Allergies vs. MCS

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to otherwise “benign” substances, such as pollen, dander, and dust, and are characterized by the formation of rapid-acting antibodies known as IgE (immunoglobulin E). Symptoms are typically itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, rash, and congestion. Serious allergic reactions may result in anaphylaxis (closing of the airway).

MCS is analogous to poisoning by low levels of “toxic” substances, such as solvents, petrochemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) found in fragrances, air fresheners, cleaning chemicals, and pesticides. Unlike allergies, MCS is not characterized by the formation of IgE, but rather by cellular inflammation and impaired detoxification which may lead to an elevated body burden of toxic chemicals.

Symptoms of MCS are typically neurological and include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, memory problems, slowed reaction time, peripheral neuropathy, sensory neuropathy, organic brain syndrome, and personality/mood changes. Other symptoms may include respiratory difficulty, rash, burning sensations in the nose and mouth, and gastrointestinal disorders. Serious MCS reactions may result in impaired speech, seizures, stroke, and paralysis.

Many people have allergies alone or MCS alone. A percentage of individuals suffer from both allergies and MCS. When allergies and MCS co-occur, it can often be difficult to separate the two as each may exacerbate (worsen) the other. Therefore, those suffering from documented allergies in addition to MCS may find that reducing allergic reactions through one of the below treatments is helpful to overall improvement:

· Nambudripads Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET)

· Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD)

· Low Dose Antigen Therapy (LDA)

It is important to note that the below treatments have not shown any effectiveness in MCS alone, but rather they work to reduce “allergic” reactions (IgE). Not all individuals with MCS have allergies. A simple allergy test for IgE can help to differentiate whether symptoms are produced by allergy (IgE response).

For more information on how allergies and MCS differ, please see:

http://mcs-america.org/ziemallergiesmcs.pdf

Nambudripads Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET)

Individuals who have true allergies (IgE) may benefit from Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET). NAET was discovered by Dr. Devi S. Nambudripad, and acupuncturist and chiropractor, in November of 1983. It uses energy balancing, testing, and treatment procedures from acupuncture, chiropractic, nutrition, and kinesiology. Based on the belief that energy blockages in the body's meridian energy pathways cause allergies, one allergen is treated at a time. While the patient holds an allergen or a vial containing the energy imprint of an allergen, the practitioner stimulates specific acupressure points on the body with a small electro-acupuncture, laser instrument to clear energy blockages in the selected meridian. Individuals suffering from elctrosensitivity should do additional research and consult with a practitioner before trying NAET.

For more information on NAET, see:

http://www.naet.com/

Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD)

Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization (EPD) is a form of immunotherapy for true allergies developed in the 1960s by Dr. Len McEwen in the UK. EPD involves injecting a small amount of allergen mixed with an enzyme, beta-glucuronidase. Beta-glucuronidaseas is said to enhance the immunizing ability of the injected allergen.

EPD is not available in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration revoked approval for importation into the Unite States in 2001.

For more information on EPD, see:

Rohrer, S. Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization Frequently Asked Questions

http://www.dma.org/~rohrers/allergy/epd_faq.htm

History of Enzyme Potentiated Desensitization Immunotherapy (now LDA in the USA)

http://www.drshrader.com/pr02.htm

Low Dose Antigen Therapy (LDA)

Low Dose antigen Therapy LDA was developed in 2003, is similar to EPD, and uses the same active components (beta glucuronidase).

LDA is made by a compounding pharmacy in the USA as the Food and Drug Administration cannot regulate compounding pharmacies. Though available from US compounding pharmacies, the use of LDA is limited and requires a prescription from a physician for compounding. Not much is heard about LDA since products produced in compounding pharmacies cannot be advertised.

For more information:

LDA Therapy

http://www.drshrader.com/lda_therapy.htm

Physicians Using LDA

http://www.drshrader.com/lda_physicians.htm

Miscellaneous Resources for Providers

Suggested ICD9 and ICD10 Diagnostic Codes for MCS

http://mcs-america.org/icd.pdf

Medical Treatment for MCS

Disclaimer

This site is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace the examination, diagnosis and treatment of a licensed physician and no such claims are inferred. MCS America will not be responsible for misuse of this information or the misuse of any information provided by it’s member organizations. Articles, citations, links and information are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America and printing does not constitute MCS America’s endorsement.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities America

Website: http://www.mcs-america.org

Email: admin@mcs-america.org