Latex Allergy Diet

Society's exposure to latex has increased dramatically in the past century. Latex is extracted from rubber trees, processed and made into medical devices, dental devices, clothing, household items, personal care items and office supplies. Allergies are often developed through repeated exposure to latex, with the main source of latex allergies resulting from contact with rubber gloves.

Cross Reactions

If you suffer from a latex allergy, there is a possibility that eating certain raw fruits and vegetables will cause an allergic reaction. This is due to a cross reaction in these foods, where certain proteins are mistaken by your body's immune system to be the same proteins that cause your latex allergy. Not everyone who is allergic to latex will have allergic reactions to these foods. Some individuals may have reactions to only one or two foods, while others may be allergic to all foods with proteins similar to latex. If you already have allergies to other foods, you are at greater risk of developing these food allergies.

Symptoms and Treatment

Latex allergy symptoms can include skin reactions, including the development of a rash or hives; itching; and swollen, red skin; swelling of the lips and tongue; shortness of breath; wheezing or difficulty breathing; dizziness; fainting; stomach pain; and diarrhea. Severe cases of latex allergy can result in anaphylactic shock, which requires emergency attention. The best treatment of latex allergy is prevention -- if you are allergic to latex, avoid latex products and foods that cause you to suffer allergic reactions.

Foods to Avoid

While there are many fruits and vegetables that can cause cross reactions in individuals with latex allergies, certain foods are considered to have higher levels of association. These include avocados, bananas and chestnuts. Apples, carrots, celery, kiwis, melons, papayas, raw potatoes and tomatoes are considered to have moderate levels of association to latex allergies. If you eat these foods and find that you are suffering an allergic reaction, it is best to avoid eating these foods in the future.

Potential Foods to Avoid

Foods that have low or undetermined levels of association with latex allergies should also be approached with caution until you understand how they affect you. These foods include apricots, cherries, figs, hazelnuts, mangoes, nectarines, passion fruit, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, peanuts, rye, strawberries, soy beans, walnuts and wheat. The University of Mississippi Medical Center allows these foods to be incorporated into the diets of patients with latex allergies. If you find that these foods cause a reaction, the best action to take is to avoid eating them. However, if they do not cause a reaction, feel free to add them to your diet.