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As we continue on with Food Allergy Awareness Week, studies are finding that fruit and vegetable allergies are surpassing peanut allergies. This may come as a surprise to most. Parents who have children with food allergies will tell you they are always on the guard about their children and coming in contact with peanuts. Experts are now finding oral allergies to fruits and vegetables are increasing rapidly. In the U.S. it is estimated that approximately 55 percent of the population test positive to one or more allergies
Dr Pamela Ewan, an allergy consultant at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, said the rise in cases appears to be outstripping even peanut allergies. A 2006 study published out of the UK found in terms of numbers, found a 400 percent increase fruit and vegetable allergies.
Dr. Ewan sees more than 8,000 patients per year with allergies. Most of these patients that reacted to fruit and vegetables were children. However, do not disregard the adults in the family.
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) is on the rise. OAS is caused by cross-reactivity between proteins in fresh fruits and vegetables and pollens. Approximately 70 percent of people may have this allergy. This syndrome often occurs with people who have allergies to pollen. People with an allergy to these pollens often experience symptoms of OAS if the fresh fruit or vegetable is eaten. Here is a list: .jpg)
- Ragweed (weed): melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew), bananas, cucumbers and zucchini.
- Birch (tree): potatoes, carrots, cherries, celery, apples, pears, plums, peaches, parsnip, kiwi, hazelnuts and apricots.
- Mugwort (weed): celery, carrots, various spices.
- Grasses: tomatoes, potatoes, peaches.
OAS is diagnosed when there is a history of the above symptoms in people with seasonal allergic rhinitis with pollens as a trigger. Positive skin testing is one way to find out, however, eating the offending raw fruit and vegetable may be the big indicator. Eating these fruits and vegetables, cooked, baked or processed does not have the same effect, therefore safe to eat. The only way to treat OAS is by avoiding the offending foods.
What is causing this sudden increase? There are quite a bit of other theories. One being, there are more Genetically Modified (GMO) foods on our supermarket shelves. The growing concern lies in introducing foreign genes to the foods. This alteration in the food may cause a reaction in the way our bodies process the GMO foods. The bottom line is, we do not know the effects or outcomes on human health when it comes to eating GMO foods. More studies are being done and the potential health effects. (the fact Gerber baby foods dropped suppliers who make GMO foods makes a powerful statement)
Large use of pesticides and herbicides is another possibility. Following the dirty dozen list to buying organic is important. As peach season approaches, it is best to buy organic. They are ranked number one on the pesticide list containing about ten different chemicals. You can download the guide to buying organic wallet size shopping list or download it onto your iphone.
It is important to take note how one feels after eating certain fruits and vegetables, especially if one has hay fever or seasonal allergies. The best way to find out your food allergies is to do an elimination diet with a qualified nutritionist or registered dietitian. If you find relief within a week after ridding the offending food, then you may have your answer. You can always do a skin test to learn more about allergy triggers. Also look for key physiological symptoms and early warning signs in infants and children.
Suffering from allergies is not fun and it can effect the entire family. However, learning early warning signs, finding the offending food allergen and understanding the allergy can help one find easy solutions that may not involve drug therapy.
For more info: A concern over rise in allergies
PBS special: Harvest of Fear
Comments
Hi Jasmine...Good Article!!Is a skin test necessary?
I'm allergic to asparagus..raw, cooked, fresh , frozen, canned...you name it. Just weird. No other vegetables....so far. I do know that the skin of mangos contains some of the same compounds as poison ivy...so can cause itchy rash if people munch the mango while still in its peel.
Great post! I wonder if it's the chemicals on the vegetables, or rather if it's something about our immune systems that's changing. That is, as a species, are our immune systems becoming hypersensitive? It could be due to exposure "modern" toxins like PCB's, dioxins, plastic monomers, etc. Or perhaps it's from having too little exposure to allergens as children when our immune systems are developing. (e.g. Being indoors for much of our childhoods.) Can't wait to read more about this topic!
Skin test can determine the allergen, a comprehensive one is ideal, but you still can get false negatives and postivies.
Some people are saying due to the inflammation in the body is causing the body to react to the foods we are eating. Processed foods, too much sugars, not enough good fats, GMO foods, etc are all possible culprits. The research will continue
Hey Jasmine, what a great post, I have been noticing an increase in allergies in my mailing list, I will calculate the numbers and send you the results. Are you going to the Carnivale dinner? It might be a good article for your site. Let me know if you are planning on going and I will get you a ticket.
Thanks,
Lisa
This is really interesting. I have suffered wtih hayfever for most of my life but never thought that this might have links with my other food intolerances to tomatos, celery and coriander. I'm not sure about Kiwi and Mango either. I do also have anaphylaxis/serious allergy to Nuts and Latex/rubber, and most recently to scrambled egg which was not fully cooked.
I am really interested to hear more about this. I don't really know what i get my hayfever from as it comes and goes so this is definitely something I will look into in more detail now.
I am allergic to most all fruits, vegetables, and spices. I think I have been allergic for years, but could never connect the dots. It is no wonder I felt sick as a child, teen, and young adult, every time I ate healthy like a salad. My symptoms are worse now, with swelling of the face and throat. In the beginning it was hard to determine what I was allergic to because my allergy symptoms will not show 8 to 9 hours after eating the food. So, I stay away from all fruit, vegetables, and most spices, and I feel good. I try not to eat them cooked cause I start to feel bad, so only on special occasions, and I carry my epi pen at all times. I get allergy shots and they really help me for the outdoors. I wish I knew about my allergies earlier in life, I would have been healthier.
I hope there will be more articles, thank you :)
Thanks for the article. I recently tested positive for several fruit and vegetable allergies as well as ragweed, mugwort, and some other tree and grass allergies. This is exactly what my doctor said. however she said I could still eat the foods I was allergic to, I just might get a little itching in my mouth. WRONG! I get hives. Have all my life. So my nutritionist has me on an ellimination diet of sorts first we are taking out all the things I'm allergic to and intolerant of, then we may add related foods like I'm allergic to carrots so other root vegetables and we may add night shade plants to the no list. So for now, the list is long, but may shorten or grow longer. My loved ones are very frustrated with the process. I am trying to help out by figuring out foods we can eat instead. Do you have any suggestions for asparagus replacements? Is it similar in nutrient content to green beans for example? Thanks!
Hi Sean-Michael,
Asparagus is a good source of B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc. You can replace it with foods that are similar in nutrients such as leafy greens, especially spinach, collard greens, green peas, even bananas and avocados are good sources. Good luck with your elimination diet, it is tough in the beginning, but well worth it once you figure your underlying issues.
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