Seasonal allergies are already bad enough – but did you know that some of your favorite foods might be making them even worse?
Here are some common foods that could be quietly triggering your symptoms and making allergy season feel like a nightmare.
Nuts
If you’re allergic to birch pollen, nuts like hazelnuts and almonds might cause your immune system to overreact.
That’s because their proteins closely resemble those in birch pollen, leading to symptoms like itchy mouth, swelling, and discomfort – classic signs of cross-reactivity.
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Chamomile
Chamomile tea is praised for its soothing effects, but for allergy sufferers, it can be a hidden danger.
The proteins in chamomile can mimic birch pollen, potentially triggering allergic responses such as rashes, breathing difficulties, or even anaphylaxis.
Raw fruits and vegetables
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) happens when your body confuses proteins in raw produce with pollen.
Depending on your allergy type, certain foods can cause tingling, itching, or swelling. Cooking or peeling them often helps reduce reactions.
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Spicy foods
Chili peppers, jalapeños, and other spicy ingredients contain capsaicin, which stimulates histamine release – worsening symptoms like runny nose, teary eyes, and even skin irritation.
Great for flavor, but bad during allergy peaks.
Alcohol
Wines, beers, and aged liquors often contain high histamine levels. They can also inhibit DAO – an enzyme that breaks down histamine.
That results in headaches, congestion, sneezing, and a flare-up of existing allergy symptoms.
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Dairy products
The link between dairy and allergies is still debated, but many report increased mucus, sneezing, and congestion after consuming milk, yogurt, or cheese.
If you’re sensitive, switching to plant-based options like oat milk might offer relief.
Bananas and melons
If grass pollen is your nemesis, watch out for fruits like watermelon, honeydew, and bananas.
Their proteins can mimic grass pollen, fooling your body into an unnecessary immune response.
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Tomatoes and citrus fruits
Tomatoes and oranges might seem healthy, but they can cause cross-reactions in people sensitive to grass or birch pollen.
That leads to mild to moderate reactions like itchy lips or throat tightness – especially when eaten raw.
Aged cheese and fermented foods
Hard cheeses, blue cheese, and fermented foods like sauerkraut are packed with histamines.
For allergy sufferers, that can mean swelling, rashes, and worsened sinus congestion.
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Zucchini and cucumbers
If you’re allergic to ragweed, even vegetables like cucumbers and zucchini can be problematic.
Their similar protein structure might trick your body into thinking it’s under pollen attack – cue the sneezing.
This article is based on information from Real Simple.