Quote of the month
“Happy Ragweed season…aka…sneeze-tember”
Ragweed season is upon us again and hopefully you’re not one of those affected. If it’s anything like the trees and grasses earlier this season, look out!
As a matter of fact, allergies seem to be getting worse each year. Climate change seems to be a big reason for that. Climate change allows ragweed to spread into areas where it couldn’t grow before. In addition, ragweed actually thrives when there’s more carbon dioxide in the air – they get bigger and make more pollen (see graph).
If you are affected, you’re symptoms may also be worse because of some foods you’re consuming.
You see, certain foods have proteins that are similar to those in pollen. These proteins confuse your immune system – creating a cross-reactivity, known as oral allergy syndrome.
When it comes to ragweed, the following foods can cross react and it may help to avoid them:
- melons
- cucumber
- zucchini
- bananas
- echinacea
- chamomile
- sunflower seeds
There are a few other suggestions for ragweed season that may be helpful
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet – avoiding wheat, corn, soy, sugar, etc.
- Work on healing your gut with various probiotics – use supplements or sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, etc.
- Drink plenty of ‘real’ water in order to prevent dehydration – avoid tap, bottled or basic filtered water
- Take some good omega 3’s as they’re anti inflammatory as well – chia, flax, fish, seal are examples
- Curcumin supplementation is great to take for inflammation as well
- Use environmentally save cleaning products in your home – indoor air can be just as damaging to your lungs as smoking and it’s something that’s easy for you change