The Secret to Beating Seasonal Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, then you probably know the certain things that trigger your sniffles and scratchy throat (such as pollen, freshly-cut grass, ragweed, etc.). And as much as you can try to avoid those triggers, it can be near impossible - especially with Spring in full swing. Luckily, we've discovered the secret to beating seasonal allergies: avoid certain fruits and veggies. That's right, there are certain foods you can avoid to lessen allergy symptoms, according to new research. Keep reading to find out more about what is now known as "oral allergy syndrome."

Oral allergy syndrome is a newly discovered condition in which the same symptoms that are present in seasonal allergies occur when consuming certain types of fruits, vegetables and nuts. The link between the foods and seasonal allergies is due to the profilins, which are a component of foods that closely resemble the chemical make-up of pollen.

Eating these foods sends your body the wrong signal (that it is facing a threat) and causes your body to react the same way it would when facing the actual allergens. Tingling lips and an itchy throat, nose and eyes are characteristics of oral allergy syndrome.

Experts are just beginning to note this pattern and have isolated certain foods that can cause oral allergy syndrome. While most of the foods are fruits and vegetables, they also include flowers and weeds as well as nuts and spices. 

Ragweed Sufferers: Foods to Watch

According to the report, those who are allergic to ragweed will have a reaction when they eat bananas, melons, zucchini, cucumber, dandelions and chamomile tea. These foods will cause the same reaction as ragweed in later summer for those who are allergic to the ragweed pollen. 

Birch Allergies and Food Links

Another common seasonal allergy that has been linked to oral allergy syndrome is birch. Those who suffer from birch allergies may get the same reaction when they consume apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, nectarines, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, coriander, parsley, peppers, potatoes, celery and carrots. 

Grass Allergies and Related Foods

Those who are allergic to grass may find that they have a reaction when they eat peaches, celery, melons, tomatoes or oranges. Many of those who have both spring and summer allergies report reactions when consuming foods such as these. 

Could You Be Allergic to these Foods?

If you suffer from oral allergy syndrome, you may have thought that you are simply allergic to the foods you’re consuming. This is not the case. According to experts who are studying this syndrome, the foods themselves are not the cause of the allergies. The body is fooled into believing that the profilins in these foods (that were once plants) are the pollen that threatens the body. This is what causes the allergic reaction. 

What Can You Do?

If you have a reaction to any of the foods that are linked to oral allergy syndrome, you should make note of which foods cause you to have that reaction. Eating these foods sparingly and building up your immune system by getting proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle include a couple of ways you can combat the effects of oral allergy syndrome. You can alleviate symptoms by avoiding the foods altogether, but since most of the culprits are healthy fruits and vegetables, that might not be the best choice.

The bad news is that science does not know how your body can distinguish between the pollen and the profilins. The good news is that the reaction only lasts a short while after consuming the foods. So don’t count out your favorite fruits and vegetables completely!