Chronic Inflammation: A Worldwide Epidemic

Why are my summer allergies so bad?

Is there actually a way to drastically reduce hay fever allergy symptoms for good?

Yes!

But don't say I said it was going to be easy. Its not. But its definitely worth it.

Birch pollen allergy can cause oral allergy syndrome when you eat Mediterranean, Mexican or Italian cusine

Most often, doctors will tell you to take an Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin not realizing sometimes there are allergens in allergy medications.

Years ago, I found out the hard way that undeclared soy in Zyrtec tablets caused dyshidrotic eczema all over the hands, systemic allergic reactions and mood changes (I can have the liquid capsules, no problem). Then I realized when my insurance changed, I was allergic to the soy derivative binder in the generic Atarax which I had taken since childhood for allergic reactions. Allegra tablets contain povidone, the same ingredient used for the CT contrast drink and injections, which I had no idea I was sensitive to until I had to drink it for a test a few months ago.

It took me about ten months of doctor after doctor (around 20), twelve ER visits last year, lots of research and trial and error to figure out what went on. In January 2019, I was on Prednisone for a month just to get a break. February was when I really got answers...

For months I took dye-free liquid Cetirizine Hydrochloride (Target brand Zyrtec), since that seemed to be the only one without cane sugar or soy.

Wait, what?! Maya, you're the most allergic girl I know. How are you rarely taking medication? 

It has everything to do with trees, pollen...and what you eat and drink. The lip balms and products you use and ingest. The medicines and supplements you take.

Could gluten sensitivity symptoms actually be a cross reaction to birch allergy?

I've realized there is one thing at the core of almost every diagnosis or health issue that is too often overlooked.

Inflammation.

Inflammation in the body is linked to numerous chronic diseases; everything from heart disease to autoimmune diseases and cancer. Yet, the focus tends to be on other things than the very thing that could be the true cause of negative shifts in one's health. People turn to supplements that strengthen the immune system, when the answer to absorbing more nutrients, a healthy digestive system and a healthy cardiovascular system often involves knowing what to take away. 

I'm Back

If you told me I'd be back, I wouldn't have believed you.

I was done with allergies. By 'allergies' I mean the gamut of allergic diseases I had to live my life around. Food allergies, hay fever, eczema, contact dermatitis, oral allergy syndrome and cholinergic urticaria were words I never wanted to speak about again. They represented trauma, pain and suffering. They represented fear. I wanted to face the sun and forget about the things I carefully tailored my life around to be healthy. To be 'normal.' Or whatever my version of that might be. (Warning: Do not read the rest of the blog if you're eating lunch or easily squeamish.)

I wanted to enjoy the outdoors without thinking about the allergy index and whether it was safe or not. I wanted to be excited about social events involving food and actually eat something, for once. I wanted to feel the joy of communication without every interaction being tainted by my negative lens of obsessive allergy consciousness.