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Spring is finally here! After a difficult winter for most of the country, I’m reticent to complain even a little bit about springtime allergies. Yet the fact is that seasonal allergies have begun and many of us are affected!
Whether we are dealing with itchy and runny noses, sore and scratchy throats, or generally feeling run down, we could all use a little help. Imagine that with all of our antihistamine medications we may be working against them by what we are ingesting daily.
Our immune systems are revving up because they recognize many elements (dust, pollen, tree mold) as foreign. Many fruits and vegetables contain proteins that cross-react with these immune receptors (i.e. when we eat them our body thinks it has been exposed to the foreign allergen all over again).
By eating these fruits and vegetables we can worsen the seasonal allergic response already in play. Some people even notice itchy throats and tingling lips after eating certain produce – an entity called Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). Even if you don’t experience OAS with certain foods they can still be worsening hay fever symptoms.
So what are the main culprits in worsening our allergies? It depends on what your springtime trigger is. If you’re allergic to ragweed, then fruits like bananas, honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon can be making you worse. Vegetables including zucchini and eggplant can also contribute.
Those allergic to tree birch pollen may want to avoid fresh apples, pears, peaches, and cherries. Tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts worsen this as well because of cross reactivity – they come from trees after all! People triggered by grass pollen may notice their symptoms worsened by tomatoes, celery, and root potatoes.
Another point to remember is that your immediate environment can affect your allergies. Hair gels and hairspray actually attract and stick pollen in the air keeping them close to you even when you go indoors! If you do use these products you should wash your hair before bedtime to avoid all that pollen on your pillow!
Do you line dry your clothes in the sun? That’s great for the environment but awful for your allergies as the clothes will attract and stick allergens that you will then be wearing. Do you love the fresh outdoors so you keep your window open and have a window fan to save on energy? Another great idea, but this unfortunately will only suck in allergens to your home or office.
Lots of the foods I mentioned are not only good for you, they’re fresh and in season this time of year! Not to worry – if you cook them well or buy them canned (no added sugar!) or frozen, you are not likely to have any cross-reaction because the proteins are changed at a molecular level by the cooking or preserving.
I highly recommend a trial and error week. Take note each day of certain foods you eat and if your allergies are worse that day. If you do experience OAS from certain foods I would not only avoid them, I would see an allergist right away. It is possible for OAS to change over time and present as full-blown anaphylaxis (throat closing, life threatening emergency). I have personal experience with OAS developing into anaphylaxis and will share that story on another day!
The bottom line is each of us is unique and so are our immune systems! Find out what you may be doing to worsen your allergies so that you can control them day by day. I know it isn’t ideal – I love running outdoors this time of year but the last few days I just can’t tolerate it so indoors to the treadmill I go!
I didn’t even get into allergy shots, over the counter and prescription medications today. I want us all to think about daily adjustments we can make to improve our symptoms. Happy Spring!
