Ragweed

 

Wherever you are right now in the US of A you are in high Ragweed Season! Unique in the plant kingdom, Ragweed gushes pollen increasingly from June 21 (Spring Equinox) until the plant's death with the first frost. As the days shorten, Ragweed anticipates its own demise by increasing the amounts of irritating pollen it produces...yes, it just gets worse! 

 

If you're experiencing hay fever symptoms-- runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and itchy, watery swollen eyes which often lead to headaches, chronic sinusitis, asthma attacks and impaired sleep--you likely are aware of Ragweed as it's the most common cause of hay fever. In fact, the sleep issues caused by ragweed can create further fatigue, trouble concentrating and even depression. Approximately 36 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies, and 75 percent of them are allergic to Ragweed. Yes, it is a serious problem and the Southwest area of the US is the worst hit, from Phoenix to Sacramento being the Ragweed Apex.

 

Ragweed is a weed that can grow pretty much anywhere. It is often found along the side of the road, in vacant lots and in fields, and is most prevalent from mid-August through October. In an average season, a single Ragweed produces a billion grains of pollen -- the plant's "sperm" that travels on the wind to reach other plants and fertilize them.  

 

Remember OAS (Oral Allergy Syndrome or cross-reactivity) from a previous newsletter? OAS is a type of food allergy classified by a cluster of allergic reactions in the mouth in response to eating certain (usually fresh) fruits, nuts and vegetables. It typically develops in adult hay fever sufferers.   Ragweed allergy can also cause OAS. OAS causes seasonal allergy symptoms to worsen after you, the sufferer, consume fresh fruits (especially cantaloupe, banana honeydew, watermelon or chamomile tea) or vegetables, including cucumber and zucchini. Common symptoms of OAS include itchiness of the throat and mouth as well as mild swelling (angiodema).

 

OAS is perhaps the most common food-related allergy in adults. OAS is not a separate food allergy, but rather represents cross-reactivity between distant dna remnants of tree or weed pollen still found in certain fruits and vegetables. Therefore, OAS is typically only seen in tree and weed allergic patients, and is usually limited to ingestion of only uncooked fruits or vegetables.   In adults, up to 60% of all food allergic reactions are due to cross-reactions between foods and inhalative allergens.  

 

Individuals with OAS usually develop symptoms within a few minutes after eating the food! 

• More Ragweed pollen cross-reactors : banana, cantaloupe, cucumber, green pepper, paprika, sunflower seeds, honeydew, watermelon, zucchini, echinacea,  artichoke, dandelion, wild-pollinated honey, hibiscus & chamomile tea.
• Other possible cross-reactives (to any of the above): Berries (strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, etc.), Citrus fruit, grapes, mangos, figs, peanuts, pineapple, pomegranates,

If you suspect you have an allergy to ragweed, or you suffer with any symptoms of allergic rhinitis, you might consider booking an appointment with me to eliminate the Ragweed part (as well as Weeds & Grasses) in one treatment. The food elements will take more treatments as we need to eliminate the five Underlying substances to all foods, then Fruits, then Vegetables.  

 

Otherwise, to help control your symptoms you can try tracking the pollen count in your area so you'll know when to expect good and bad allergy days. You should stay indoors on days with high pollen counts and during peak pollen times (around 10 am to 4 pm), especially on warm, dry days during which pollen travels easily. It's also a good idea to keep windows closed and to use air conditioning, set on "recirculate." Shower after you spend time outdoors, to remove pollen from your skin and hair; and dry your sheets and clothing indoors instead of on the line so pollen won't collect on them.

 

 

A mid-thirties male came to me a couple of months ago. As with most patients, I was the "last resort" practitioner. His business is in the food industry, so his many sensitivities, including gluten, butter flavorings, coffee, etc. complicated his life.  

 

He suffered terribly and had become a virtual recluse as he was unable to enjoy eating at restaurants with friends and had difficulty attending to his food-service clients as most of his allergies/sensitivities created brain fog which complicated his life exponentially. He entered into treatment with low expectations.

 

Now, 20 treatments later, he is able to eat anywhere, anything, and feel great. If you know people like this person, do them a favor: let me change their lives by treating their sensitivities.

 

510.277.3470