QuestionHello Melissa, I have an unusual question about diet and repelling bug bites. I have always been prone to mosquito bites, and recently adopting a dog now have been exposed to flea bites. I have a basic understanding of ho our diet relates to the organs connected to our skin sweat glands etc. and can't help but wonder if there is a direct link. My boyfriend shares the same environment including the bed (where I wake up with most of the bites) and has almost no bites. I live in a Houston and even with work I am exposed to mosquitos, ticks, fleas, and everything else. A recent tick bite got infected and caused me to have a fever over 102 degrees for a week and after a month of antibiotics I can still see the bite healing!! I have tried some methods on my own including but not limited to garlic tablets, limiting potassium, using unscented lotions and soaps and no more sweet perfumes. None of these make much difference. The most effective method of bug spray with high levels of deet (low levels of deet no longer work). At work I am fully clothed so the deet spray is on the clothing, but at home for comfort I have to spray directly on my skin. This is becoming concerning to me b/c my legs and feet look like the chicken pox and my signature perfume has become bug spray.
As for me,I am a 27yr old female, 5'2" and 195lbs. I am very active although overweight. I take my dog on daily walks mon-fri 30mins on weekends 45-60mins in addition to hiking 4-6hours 2-3 times a week for my job (environmental conservation field work). I love veggies and am learning to incorporated more greens and less starchy carbs, but I do eat fast food no more than 2-3 meals a week (usually without fries). I eat all meats red too, but fish and chicken I prefer, no or little pork. I am relatively healthy, but my parents have a history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and a few different types of cancers on both parents side. The amount of deet I have to use in order to prevent bites makes me extremely concerned since I have a history of cancer in my family. I feel
I need another alternative to bug spray, but staying inside or limiting time outdoors is not an option for my lifestyle or personality. Any suggestions?
AnswerKari,
I have terrible, terrible news for you.
Bugs do prefer certain people over others, but unfortunately it isn't about what you eat-rather, it's about genetics. I'm guessing you're fair and blue eyed, because those are usually the dinner targets.
My only suggestions are to treat the dog asap with flea/tick prevention drops and to stay covered.
I'm sorry!
Melissa
p.s. Deet on the skin won't cause cancer. Just don't get it in your mouth, nose, or eyes. If you're really concerned you can research herbal alternatives, but those can cause cancer too. When you read herbal product packages, just remember, lead and arsenic are both 100% all natural and organic and that sure doesn't mean they're safe.
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