Surprising Key to SKY-HIGH ENERGY
Science reveals the sneaky sensitivity draining 90% of women — and the easy feel-better-fast fixes
When we feel tired, foggy and out of sorts at this time of year, it’s easy to chalk it up to winter blahs. But experts warn there may be another cause: constant low-level exposure to formaldehyde. As Leo Galland, M.D., coauthor of The Allergy Solution, explains, daily exposure to the chemical, which is found in nearly every indoor space (and is more concentrated when windows are sealed to keep out the cold), creates inflammation that makes the body more likely to react to other health-sapping chemicals. And midlife hormone flux makes the body even more reactive, so women over 40 are affected most, he adds, noting, “This contributes in a major way to fatigue and weight gain.”
There’s no test to diagnose formaldehyde-induced sensitivity, but if you have symptoms that improve when you’re outside, the following steps can help.
CLEAR THE AIR
Natural gas heat and wood-burning fireplaces are top sources of formaldehyde. But having your chimney and heating system inspected to ensure they’re clean, well-vented and in good working order will reduce exposure. What’s more, opening windows can cut formaldehyde levels by 90 percent, says Dr. Galland. “Fresh air dilutes formaldehyde and moves it away,” he explains. “Let your home breathe.” Try cracking your windows for a few minutes a day.
WASH THESE FABRICS
New clothes and other fabrics offgas formaldehyde, says Dr. Galland. His advice: Soak new items (especially wrinkle-resistant clothing and drapes, which tend to have higher levels of the chemical) overnight as soon as you bring them home, then wash as usual. It may take more than one wash to eliminate the chemical, so he recommends repeating until any chemical odor is gone.
“I take an Epsom salt bath to help relax me, and also it gets out impurities in your body.” Teri Hatcher, 53
LOAD UP ON MAGNESIUM
Eight in 10 women over 50 are low in magnesium, and studies show that the shortfall raises the risk of a health-sapping reaction (like fatigue, fog or itchy eyes) to formaldehyde. But U.K. research reveals soaking in an Epsom salt bath for 12 minutes a day increases the body’s stores of magnesium by 35 percent in a week. And according to Carolyn Dean, M.D., author of The Magnesium Miracle, magnesium is crucial for the removal of toxic substances, including formaldehyde, from your body’s cells, so it also helps flush the body of any circulating formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.