Functional Medicine and Environmental Sensitivities
Have you ever felt unwell without knowing why? Maybe you experience unexplained fatigue, headaches, brain fog, skin rashes, or digestive issues. If these symptoms seem to appear out of nowhere and you can’t quite put your finger on what’s causing them, you might be dealing with an environmental sensitivity. In the world of Functional Medicine, identifying these triggers is a crucial step toward restoring your health and well-being.
Environmental sensitivities can have a significant impact on your quality of life, but the good news is that with the right approach, they can be managed and even resolved. At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we specialize in helping you uncover and address these hidden culprits using personalized care, specialized testing, and a holistic approach to healing.
Let’s explore what environmental sensitivities are, how you can identify triggers and allergens, and how Functional Medicine can take the guesswork out of the equation to help you solve this piece of your health puzzle.
What Are Environmental Sensitivities?
An environmental sensitivity occurs when your body reacts negatively to substances in your environment. These substances can be found in the air, water, food, and products you use daily. Unlike acute allergic reactions, environmental sensitivities often produce more subtle and chronic symptoms that can be difficult to pinpoint.
Some common examples of environmental triggers include:
- Pollen and mold spores
- Dust mites and pet dander
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaning supplies, paints, and furnishings
- Chemical fragrances in perfumes, personal care products, and air fresheners
- Heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and aluminum
- Food additives like artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings
These sensitivities can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Respiratory issues (sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath)
- Skin problems (rashes, eczema, itching)
- Digestive disturbances (bloating, nausea, diarrhea)
- Neurological symptoms (headaches, brain fog, dizziness)
- Fatigue and general malaise
Because the symptoms can mimic other conditions, environmental sensitivities are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
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Identifying Triggers: The Functional Medicine Approach
Identifying the root cause of your symptoms is a cornerstone of Functional Medicine. Environmental sensitivities can be tricky because they often involve multiple triggers. Here are some key steps we use to help identify what’s affecting you:
- Comprehensive Health History
At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we take the time to understand your full health history, including your symptoms, lifestyle, work environment, and home environment. This helps us identify potential exposures and patterns that may be contributing to your health issues.
- Symptom Tracking
We may ask you to keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any potential environmental exposures that precede them. This process can reveal important clues and patterns that help narrow down the possible triggers.
- Elimination and Reintroduction Protocols
In some cases, we may recommend a process of elimination and reintroduction. This involves removing potential triggers from your environment or diet and then gradually reintroducing them to see if symptoms return. This method can be particularly effective for identifying food sensitivities, but it also applies to environmental exposures.
Identifying Allergens and Toxins Through Specialized Testing
While tracking symptoms and eliminating triggers can provide valuable insights, specialized testing offers a more precise way to identify environmental sensitivities. Functional Medicine utilizes advanced testing methods to take the guesswork out of the equation.
Some of the specialized tests we offer at Back On Track 2 Wellness include:
- IgE and IgG Allergy Testing
These tests measure your immune system’s response to specific allergens. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) tests help identify immediate allergic reactions, while IgG (Immunoglobulin G) tests detect delayed reactions that may occur hours or even days after exposure.
- Mold and Mycotoxin Testing
Exposure to mold and mycotoxins (toxic byproducts of mold) can lead to chronic health issues. We use urine or blood tests to detect the presence of mycotoxins and assess the body’s burden of mold exposure.
- Heavy Metal Testing
Heavy metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum can accumulate in the body and cause a range of symptoms. Hair, blood, and urine tests can help determine your levels of heavy metal exposure.
- VOC and Chemical Sensitivity Testing
These tests measure your body’s reaction to chemicals commonly found in household products, personal care items, and building materials. Identifying specific VOCs can help you make changes to your environment to reduce exposure.
- Environmental Pollutant Panels
Comprehensive panels can screen for a wide range of pollutants, including pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals. This helps us understand the extent of your environmental burden.
By combining these tests with a thorough health history and symptom analysis, we can create a clear picture of your unique environmental sensitivities and tailor a wellness protocol that addresses your specific needs.
Solving Your Health Puzzle with Personalized Solutions
At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we specialize in creating personalized plans to help you manage and overcome environmental sensitivities. Our approach includes a combination of:
- Detoxification Support
Once we identify the toxins or allergens affecting your health, we provide targeted detoxification protocols to help your body eliminate these substances. This may include:
- Nutritional support with antioxidant-rich foods
- Supplements to support liver and kidney function
- Hydration strategies to flush out toxins
- Personalized strategies to address your specific needs
- Environmental Modifications
We guide you on how to create a healthier home and work environment by:
- Using HEPA air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens
- Choosing fragrance-free and non-toxic products
- Reducing exposure to mold and humidity
- Implementing safe water filtration systems
- Immune System Support
Strengthening your immune system can make you more resilient to environmental triggers. We focus on:
- Optimizing gut health (since 70% of the immune system resides in the gut)
- Personalized nutrition plans rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats
- Stress management techniques to reduce immune burden
- Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Your health journey doesn’t end with a diagnosis. We provide ongoing support to ensure you continue to make progress, adjust your plan as needed, and address new challenges as they arise.
Functional Medicine: Your Partner in Health
Environmental sensitivities can feel overwhelming and confusing, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Back On Track 2 Wellness, we’re dedicated to helping you uncover the root causes of your symptoms and develop a personalized plan to reclaim your health.
By using advanced testing, targeted protocols, and a holistic approach, we can help you identify triggers, reduce your body’s toxic burden, and build a healthier, more resilient you.
Ready to take control of your health and solve this piece of your wellness puzzle?
Schedule a consultation with us today and discover how Functional Medicine can help you get back on track to wellness.
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We would love to sit down with you and chat about your experiences and current health complaints.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. You must consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Dr. Todd W. Bunning, DC, PC
Dr. Todd W. Bunning’s chiropractic and functional medicine services reach far beyond the local Roseville area, with webcam consultations available for patients in any location. With over 20+ years of Private Practice experience, Dr. Todd continues to focus on the individual: science-based methods to address whole-body health factors.
Dr. Todd’s education didn’t stop when he graduated from Life West Chiropractic College in 2003. Today, he’s continuing to receive training and is chipping away on numerous post-graduate degree programs. This unique blend of clinical health investigation and Lifestyle Medicine application helps people of all ages find the underlying factors that result in chronic disease.