POLLEN ALLERGIES AND FOOD

Some people who are allergic or sensitive to certain pollens may also be sensitive to some foods. In some people, eating fruits and vegetables and some tree nuts can cause reactions such as swollen lips, itchy mouth, or scratchy throat. This is known as oral allergy syndrome and affects at least a third of all allergy sufferers.  According to Dr. James Sublett of Family Allergy and Asthma in Louisville, Kentucky, "Produce and pollen contain similar proteins. Sometimes the immune system can't tell the difference."

If you think you have this problem, see an allergist. Shots or prescription meds may take care of the problem. And notice above it says raw fruits, etc. Cooking eliminates the problem.

Here are a few examples:

Allergic to Ragweed - You may have a problem with bananas, cucumbers, melons, kiwi, zucchini.

Allergic to Birch - You may have a problem with apples, almonds, carrots, celery, cherries, hazelnuts, kiwi, peaches, pears, and plums.

Allergic to Grass - You may have a problem with celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomatoes.

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APPLES FOR SPRING SINUSITIS

Do you suffer with allergies and sinusitis in the Spring? Would you believe eating apples could help relieve your symptoms? Apples are rich in quercetin, a naturally occurring nutrient that blocks the release of histamine, an inflammatory triggered by allergens such as pollen. If you suffer from sinusitis in the Spring, try eating apples for relief.

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POLLEN ON FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

 NOTE: This is from an article I posted in 2014.

This is copied from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Produce with pollen-like proteins

If you're sneezing and sniffling, you could also have a problem eating some fruits and veggies. It's called oral-allergy syndrome (OAS), and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates up to a third of pollen allergy patients may be affected. You can blame a protein found on the surface of some raw produce, including apples, tomatoes, and cantaloupe, though each pollen allergy has its own set of trigger foods.

"Pollen and food proteins are like first cousins," says Cliff Bassett, MD, founder of Allergy and Asthma Care in New York City. "So your body thinks you're swallowing pollen."

This usually leads to bothersome symptoms, like an itchy throat and mouth as well as cough. Peeling produce may help to reduce your reaction, Dr. Bassett says. Even cooking the produce may help. Just be careful—research shows about 2 percent of people with OAS have symptoms than can progress to potentially life-threatening anaphylactic shock, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

BENEFITS OF INDOOR PLANTS

When you can't be out in nature, bringing plants indoors is found to be helpful. One study found that live plants in hospital rooms may accelerate healing after surgery. Thinking about sending a plant? You should probably go ahead and send it.

A study from Texas A&M University found that being around houseplants as well as flowers helps people's problem-solving and creativity. That can be a good thing in the workplace whether your office is at home or in an office building.

NOTE: There are exceptions to every rule. Allergies need to be considered as well as the rules for the rooms of hospital patients.

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GOOD IDEA FOR COLDS AND FLU

What a great idea anytime, but especially during cold and flu season. This will help keep from spreading germs everywhere. Such a simple solution to keep others safe from our germs. Attach an empty tissue box to a full box. After using a tissue, simply discard it in the empty box.

HOW BAD ALLERGY SEASONS CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH

I have had allergies all my life from the time of birth until today.  I can vouch for the information in this post. Not only do bad allergy seasons cause the usual irritating symptoms of congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, fatigue, etc, those symptoms often make it hard to sleep which may have a negative effect on work or school performance, according to Dr Michele Pham, allergist and immunologist at UCSF Health.

Dr. Caroline Sokol, a doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital states that if allergies linger and remain untreated, they can also contribute to complications. "The longer you have uncontrolled inflammation, the more likely you are to have side effects", a quote from Dr Sokol. Sinus infections and ear infections are often the result.

If your allergy symptoms seem to be out of control, you should contact your doctor.

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PEANUTS

Did you realize peanuts are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats and a whole host of other nutrients?  If eaten regularly, peanuts are linked with lower weight and a decreased risk of developing diabetes.  If you are already diabetic, peanuts should be added to your diet.

Caution:  We are talking plain peanuts here.  Once you add salt, candy coatings, etc, you have changed them from their healthy status.

Note: Some people are allergic to peanuts so this would not apply to them!

 

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ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES RELATE TO FOOD ALLERGIES

If you suffer from some environmental allergies you may also suffer from certain food allergies.  In most cases the food allergies are not severe and may only cause some itching, etc.  In a few cases they could be severe.  (Not talking about regular food allergies here, just ones related to environmental allergies.)

According to an article in Comsumer Reports on Health Volume 23 Issue 12, December 2011 if you suffer from any of the following environmental allergies you could possibly notice some allergy to the corresponding foods listed.

• GRASSES:  celery, melons, oranges, peaches, tomatoes
• RAGWEED:  bananas, cucumbers, melons, sunflower seeds, zucchini
• BIRCH:  almonds, carrots, celery, cherries, hazelnuts, kiwis, peaches, pears, plums

The food allergy symptoms will usually show themselves as itching in the mouth, nose, etc or other minor problems.  If you have the above environmental allergies and notice these food allergy symptoms, before you think you are sick or coming down with something, think back to whether you ate the above foods when your environmental allergy was more exposed.

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Lukasz Szmigiel