Why do I have allergies to Cedar pollen?
There are a lot of Cedar/Juniper trees |
| Pollen on a Cedar Tree |
The trees are trying to tell us something
Scientists studying Cedar allergies believe that one reason that more of us are succumbing to this pollen is because of the reaction of the tree to the stressors placed on it in the form of pollution and tough growing conditions (drought, flooding). These stressors signal danger to plants and trees and in response they pump up their toxicity during pollination season in order to survive. This author is very much aware (from the resulting sales of products) that this is happening with more varieties of trees, weeds and grasses than in the past.
A growing number of humans and domestic animals have begun to succumb to the effects of pollen with moderate to severe respiratory symptoms even during times when pollen counts are not high.
Cedar pollen is in a class of its own
According to research published by The Journal of Immunology, Mountain Cedar pollen has been labeled a new class of pollen allergies are contributing to allergic disease. The affects of hypersensitivity to aeroallergen such as Mountain Cedar pollen has been labeled a new more sever class of pollen allergen.
Cedar pollen is unique as it has a special plant protein known as pathogenesis-related protein. This factor makes cedar pollen especially challenging for our bodies immune system.
Cedar pollen is also particularly spiny, looking a bit like a sticker burr in its microscopic form.
You are not alone
Allergies are becoming more prevalent, even in individuals that have never experienced an allergy. Some sources estimate that 1 out of 5 Americans suffer each year with allergies to airborne pollen.
Stress/Immune System or Heredity
We may never be able to know what makes one person more allergic than another to seasonal allergens but stress does seem to tax the optimum function of the immune system.
Taking special care to keep your immune system functioning optimally could even bring you a step closer to keeping your allergies in check. Stress can be a big stressor on the body’s immune system. Proper sleep, food that is right for you, proper exercise and relaxation techniques and overall good wellness practices can help rebuild your immune system. It doesn’t happen overnight, but your body appreciates every effort that you make to get to the goal.
Heredity is also recognized as a possible factor in allergy sensitivity. Understanding your family’s medical history and possible predispositions toward allergies may give you some good information to work with as you work to stay symptom free of allergens.
What are some options?
Allergy Shots – Must be done ahead of time and require considerable commitment of time, money and tolerance of weekly injections.
Over the Counter Medications – Used to control the multiple symptoms of allergies. Treat only symptoms of the illness, not the cause. Must be used for the duration of the season or seasons. Have side effects and are not natural.
Avoidance – Staying indoors for three – four months or washing your clothes, body and hair after each excursion out of doors during allergy season is impractical for many and impossible for individuals who work outside.
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| Cedar X® |
