Depending on the type of allergy you have, eating certain foods can aggravate and trigger them. The two most common types are allergies triggered by certain foods, and seasonal allergies, also called hay fever. If you're unsure what foods or airborne substances you're allergic to, call your allergist for further testing. Identifying the substances that cause an allergic reaction in your body is essential to preventing and treating your condition. Do not change your diet without first consulting your doctor.
Food Allergies
Eating foods that you're allergic to will trigger a reaction. Food allergies are more common among children than adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fish, tree nuts, milk, peanuts, eggs, soy and wheat are the top foods that commonly cause an allergic reaction. Food allergies result from a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in certain foods. When you eat a food you're allergic to, your immune system malfunctions and attacks the protein in the food because it mistakes the protein as a harmful substance. This chemical reaction causes asthma, skin rashes, sinus congestion, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
Pollen Allergies
Pollen allergies are common, causing sneezing, itchy skin, watery eyes and throat irritation. If you're allergic to certain types of pollen, you may develop tingling or itching in your mouth and throat after eating fruits, vegetables and nuts. The allergy symptoms result from cross-reactivity, a process where your immune system confuses the proteins in the food for pollen. For example, if you're allergic to birch pollen, you may develop itching your mouth, throat or eyes after eating kiwi, carrots, apples, pears, apricots, cherries, plums, hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Mold Allergies
If you're allergic to mold, some foods might trigger an allergic reaction. Mold spores are everywhere and are impossible to avoid completely. If you have a mold allergy, talk with your allergist about developing a plan of action to avoid mold as much as possible. The Cleveland Clinic states that common foods that contain mold include sour breads, cheese, sour cram, buttermilk, wine, beer, mushrooms, pickled meats and fish, dried fruits and sauerkraut. Eating these foods can aggravate your allergies.
Treatment
Once you've identified which substances trigger your allergic reaction, you will need to avoid and eliminate all known allergens from your diet. Most allergies do not have a cure and prevention is the most effective way to avoid symptoms from developing.
