Pollen & Oral Allergies

Did you know the chemical make up of some foods is so similar to specific pollens from the environment that seasonal allergies can trigger or worsen food allergies?  According to the Mayo Clinic, these foods may be triggered by their pollen-related cousins:

• Apples, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, peaches and pears allergies can be enhanced by birch tree pollen;
• Bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon allergies can be enhanced by ragweed pollen; and
• Orange, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, peanut, tomatoes and white potato allergies can be enhanced by grass pollen.

So if you are experiencing seasonal allergies due to pollen, then perhaps consider avoiding these associated foods if you or your child has any unusual symptoms.