Could You Be Suffering From Chemical Intolerance?

- 25 year old Peggy avoids cheese because they give her heartburn.

- Rob loves chocolate but he can't have them just before he goes to bed because it makes him restless at night.

- Angie cannot eat potato crisps because it makes her nauseous.

What's with these people and others like them? Or, is it something in the food?

Everyone wants food that looks good, tastes great and is easy to make and carry. Naturally, manufacturers have come up with a solution that keeps consumers happy - fast food. The preservatives, coloring agents and 'permitted' flavors (both natural and artificial) you take in through these foods are chemicals that are being introduced into the body. Then, there are the natural toxins and chemicals produced by plants and animals that enter the body from the food we take in. After a while, the stomach becomes a cesspool of dangerous chemicals.

We cannot keep on ingesting harmful chemicals and hope to carry on. At the end of the day, there is only so much we can stomach. Over a period of time, we step over the threshold limit of safe consumption. This is when chronic problems related to chemical and food intolerance hits us - in a big way.

The reason we are intolerant to chemicals is because of the body's innate inability to break down most of the chemicals we take in. While some people may not have the enzymes that break down toxins and chemicals, others may produce corresponding enzymes in very low quantities. When these chemicals are not broken down and absorbed, you develop symptoms of chemical intolerance. Chemical intolerance produces undesirable effects in the long term.

The most common symptoms associated with chemical intolerance include headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, aching joints, allergies, tiredness and mood swings. While some people suffer minor discomforts, others are hit by chronic problems. So, there are no stereotypes here. Depending upon our age, habits and constitution, our capacity to tolerate chemicals also varies. How much and what kind of chemicals you can tolerate is unique to you. The reactions you suffer from are also unique. In chronic cases, chemical intolerance can even cause arthritis, chronic backaches, asthma and eczema. But, if you're like most people who eat a lot of different foods, you will likely not realize that these symptoms are the result of chemical or food intolerance.

Most people are unable to identify chemical intolerance because the symptoms are insidious, subtle and often take some time to appear. Many times, even doctors miss the connection because of the time lag between food consumption and the appearance of symptoms.

So, here's a tip: If you find yourself suffering from headaches, listlessness, tiredness, general weakness and uncontrollable hunger pangs, you might be suffering from food or chemical intolerance. Several studies have shown how people suffering from various unexplained illnesses have recuperated wonderfully when they changed their diet. Identifying the chemical or additive that triggers reactions in you will help you avoid foods that contain the offending agent. That way, you will be safeguarding your health for a much longer period of time and living life more comfortably.