Not Everything That's Common...is Natural

Are Your Allergies Really Only About You? Think Again.

Have you ever wondered if your allergies are caused solely by something “inherent” within you? The truth might surprise you.

Did you know?

Back in the late 1940s, urban planners made a decision that still impacts our health today. According to recommendations published in the USDA yearbook, city planners were advised to limit the planting of female trees along streets. Why? To avoid the hassle of cleaning up fruits and seeds that female trees produce. The solution? Plant mostly male trees, which release vast amounts of pollen.

This practice, sometimes called botanical sexism, reflects a clear bias—choosing one “sex” of trees over the other—highlighting that even plants are subject to societal patterns like patriarchy.

But here’s the catch: male trees produce excessive pollen, and this overwhelming pollen presence is a significant contributor to the rise in allergies and asthma, especially in sprawling urban environments.

Not everything common is natural.

By favoring male trees, we disrupted a natural balance in our environment. This has led to increased respiratory illnesses, diminished biodiversity, and potentially adverse effects on food chains and wildlife habitats.

So why should this matter to you?

When it comes to your health and wellness, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface. What you might think is “just how it is” could actually be a symptom of broader environmental and systemic issues. You’re not alone in your struggles, yet you also weren’t necessarily meant to live with them.

Be curious. Be your own investigator. There’s always a deeper why behind what you’re experiencing—it’s about digging a bit further to uncover the root cause.

If you’re ready to move beyond surface symptoms and truly understand what’s behind your health challenges, here are some actionable steps you can take:

• Keep a Detailed Health & Lifestyle Journal

Track your daily habits including what you eat, how much you sleep, your stress levels, physical activity, and symptoms you experience. Patterns often emerge when you look back, revealing triggers or environmental factors you might not have noticed before.

• Evaluate Your Environment

Consider your surroundings—your home, workplace, and neighborhood. Are there pollutants, allergens, or lifestyle factors (like urban tree pollen or mold) contributing to your symptoms? Small environmental changes can sometimes have a big impact.

• Seek Comprehensive Testing & Professional Guidance

Work with a healthcare provider who specializes in functional or integrative medicine. They can order tests that look beyond typical markers, such as food sensitivities, gut health, hormone imbalances, or heavy metal exposure, helping you identify hidden contributors.

• Practice Mindful Self-Inquiry

Take time for reflection or journaling that goes beyond physical symptoms: Are there emotional, mental, or social stressors playing a role? Stress and unresolved emotions can often manifest physically and exacerbate health problems.

• Experiment with Elimination and Reintroduction

Carefully removing suspected triggers—such as specific foods, chemicals, or habits—and then slowly reintroducing them can help identify what aggravates or improves your condition. Always do this thoughtfully and preferably under guidance.

Remember, your body and environment are communicating with you. By listening closely and exploring deeply, you empower yourself to move towards lasting wellness and freedom from recurring issues.

Now, I want to hear from you:

Is there something you’re dealing with that feels common but somehow unnatural? Hit reply and share your story—I read every message and am here to listen.