Environmental Illnesses and How They May Affect You

For individuals who are having unexplained physical symptoms, it can be frustrating. Some individuals make many different trips to the doctor only to be told that there is nothing wrong with them that can be fixed. Environmental illnesses affect more people than you may realize.

For some individuals who are smokers, an allergy to artificial flavorings may develop. The combination of artificial sweeteners, such as the ones that are found in sports drinks, smoking (particularly menthol cigarettes) and working conditions may cause seizures, sleep problems, back pain and other unexplained problems. Individuals who were previously not allergic to these types of things may find that they now have an allergy or that allergies develop over a period of time. Symptoms may worsen, particularly if the individual is unaware of it.

Common symptoms include unexplained seizures or tremors, sleep problems, excessive sleep, headache, back pain, muscle tension, personality change, nausea and vomiting. For individuals who are smokers and who also work with harsh chemicals, such as stains, paints and epoxies, their symptoms may worsen. Many individuals find that they can smoke non-menthol cigarettes, but can't drink a Gatorade and/or stain hardwood floors at the same time without having multiple seizures, typically while asleep.

There are many things in our environment, which may cause illness. If you are one of the lucky few that have unexplained illnesses and a doctor cannot seem to diagnose you, begin keeping a journal. When symptoms arise, write down what you were doing during and before these events to try to pinpoint what is causing the symptoms. Begin removing these elements from your diet, life and lifestyle to see if this makes a positive difference.