Diet

In the MCS America brochure entitled "Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity", two primary treatments are recommeded for MCS:
1. Strict avoidance of contact with all chemicals, even those one is not sensitized to, as sensitization is more likely to occur with repeated exposure.
2. Proper nutrition to increase nutrients needed for normal detoxification when exposures do occur.

My personal concern and search for a healthy diet began many years ago as I struggled with multiple food allergies and was subsequently diagnosed with celiac disease. We (my husband mostly) have gardened organically for almost thirty years, and I buy almost exclusively organic fruits and vegetables. I don't eat very many prepared foods (i.e. chips, crackers, boxed mixes), and I avoid sugar (though I haven't figured a way to cut chocolate completely out of my diet; it's one of the main food groups, right?). I have no question (and medical science actually supports me on this) that diet plays a big role in overall health.

A more interesting question, however, is what role diet supplements should play in the treatment of MCS. People with celiac disease have major problems with absorption of nutrients from the foods they eat, so vitamin and mineral supplements are essential. But I wonder what effect they have on MCS.

An MCS friend told me a few months ago that she takes glutathione precursor (as recommended by her doctor), but I haven't been able to find any information about what this supplement is supposed to do. The last thing I want to do is recommend any medical treatment to anyone, but I am interested as to what has worked for other people in the way of diet and food supplements.