Apparently (and sadly), this isn’t the one approach our our bodies will be damage by pollen, although. Even in case you don’t have any allergic reactions to meals, what you eat might really set off your pollen allergy.
We’re speaking about pollen food allergy syndrome, aka having an allergic response to a meals that accommodates proteins just like these in allergenic bushes and weeds. And it impacts 50 p.c of individuals with seasonal allergic reactions, although many don’t comprehend it. That’s an enormous quantity!
“It’s a case of mistaken id,” allergy specialist Atoosa Kourosh, MD, previously explained to Nicely+Good. “The proteins within the cell partitions of pollen are so comparable biochemically to these within the cell partitions of sure meals that the physique errors the meals for an allergen. For these with the allergy, consuming the meals is like consuming a mouthful of pollen.”
The varieties of pollen you’re allergic to play a task in your “drawback meals,” so to talk. Based on the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the commonest pollen/meals connections are:
Associated Tales
Birch pollen: apple, almond, carrot, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi, peach, pear, and plum
Grass pollen: celery, melons, oranges, peaches, and tomato
Ragweed pollen: banana, cucumber, melons, sunflower seeds, and zucchini
But when so many individuals don’t know they’ve this syndrome, how are you supposed to seek out out if it may very well be affecting you? And in case you do have it, does that imply you’ll be able to by no means eat these fruits and veggies once more?
Indicators you might have pollen meals allergy syndrome
Based on Purvi Parikh, MD, allergist and spokesperson with the Allergy & Asthma Network, the principle symptom to search for is an “itchy mouth or throat with numerous fruits or greens, and even some nuts.” Nonetheless, it’s doable which you could eat these meals with out issues so long as they’re cooked or heated (extra on that, beneath). So the tomatoes in marinara sauce, as an example, doubtless received’t set off this response, however snacking on uncooked cherry tomatoes may.
“Many individuals don’t understand there’s a connection and assume it’s a real meals allergy,” Dr. Parikh says. That is notably true since this typically would not develop till adolescence or maturity—and even later in life. (Simply another excuse why being mindful of how your body feels while eating benefits you in additional methods than one—simply saying!)
Find out how to handle pollen meals allergy syndrome
Worrying you might have that is legitimate, and Dr. Parikh shares some pretty excellent news which will reduce your issues.
First, heating or cooking these meals can lower the possibility of signs since warmth breaks down the proteins which can be inflicting the allergic response, she explains. (Hey, I might argue that baked apples taste better anyway!) Dr. Parikh additionally notes that meals with solely the flavoring—comparable to a melon-flavored piece of sweet—don’t sometimes trigger points.
If you happen to do expertise an itchy mouth or throat, Dr. Parikh encourages you to remain calm. If that’s your solely symptom, an antihistamine can most likely resolve the difficulty and assist you really feel higher, she says.
Indicators of an actual food allergy (which is different from a food sensitivity), alternatively, warrant instant medical consideration. Based on Dr. Parikh, these signs embrace pores and skin rashes, belly cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, wheezing, chest tightness, and swelling of the lips and tongue.
On the finish of the day, whereas pollen and pollen meals allergy syndrome can disrupt your life in irritating methods, do not forget that you are still in management. With medication and slightly cooking, try to be simply wonderful.
