Could pesticide buildup be responsible for allergic reactions???

green i am — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:41:00 GMT

I can't believe it - in the last few years, I've developed a severe allergy to insects - examples include ant bites and bee stings. It all started when I was innocently sitting by the pool and was bitten by a black ant. The next thing I knew, my face was numb, my entire body was itching, hives were EVERYWHERE, and my face - multiple shades of deep red - was beginning to swell. Needless to say, I was rushed to a nearby urgent care and given immediate attention. Unfortunately, I've gone on to have 2 more episodes since then. But now, I carry an EpiPen with me since each time my allergic reactions intensify.

What causes an allergic reaction to insect stings? An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system reacts strongly to the allergens in the sting. A few types of stinging insects cause most allergic reactions. They are:

Bees.
Wasps.
Hornets.
Yellow jackets.
Fire ants.

Admittedly, I've had multiples bites previously. So, why a reaction now? Well, know that while your first reaction to a sting may be mild, allergic reactions can get worse with each sting. That said, the more I've thought and researched, I've concluded there may be a connection to pesticide accumulation. Meaning, the pesticides found on so many of the fruits and vegetables we love can accumulate in our bodies. And what happens - our bodies overreact when an insect - in this case - "invades". Afterall, allergies are an overreaction of the body's natural defense system that helps fight infections. The immune system normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria by producing antibodies to fight them. In an allergic reaction, the immune system starts fighting substances that are usually harmless as though these substances were trying to attack the body.

Here are the facts - in 1939 there were 32 pesticide products registered in the U.S.; in 1993 there were 22,000. Furthermore, more than one billion pounds of pesticides are used annually in the U.S., primarily herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. There is abundant scientific evidence of the risks toxic pesticides pose to human health. More worrisome from a public health perspective, are chronic health effects such as cancer, infertility, birth defects, miscarriage, and negative effects on the brain and nervous system. Yet, people think these pesticides are harmless. The reality- pesticides actually kill many insects and animals, and can seriously affect humans because they decrease the enzyme that is essential for normal nervous system functioning. Spraying does not really help reduce the incidence of human disease because the insects build up resistance to pesticides and quickly rebound.

So, what to do? I say, go pesticide free as often as possible!!! Your body and Mother Earth will thank you. For quick reference, whether you are on a budget and need to prioritize your organic purchases, or you would simply like to know which type of produce has the highest pesticide residues—and which do not—the following guide from the Environmental Working Group will help.

12 Most Contaminated

Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated

Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Kiwi Fruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papaya

living well…going green : pesticides

Could pesticide buildup be responsible for allergic reactions???