An allergic reaction to tomatoes is quite common and is the result of an improper immune response to the proteins present in the skin, seed and juice of tomatoes. The symptoms are typically mild, but some individuals may experience a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience breathing difficulties.
Tomato Health Benefits
Tomato is a vine fruit belonging to the nightshade family. It is a staple crop worldwide and second to potatoes in cultivation and production. Tomatoes is a source of vitamin A, C and E, as well as calcium, folic acid and potassium. It a source of phytonutrients and carotenoids, including lycopene, lutein, beta carotene and zeaxanthin. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that is been shown to reduce the damaging effects of free radicals that result in heart disease, cancer and chronic diseases. Lycopene prevents lipid oxidation, and the subsequent formation of fatty plaques that block blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis. Lycopene as well as vitamin C and E promote cardiovascular health by reducing triglyceride levels, low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol. Studies have also shown that lycopene reduces the risk of different types of cancer, including prostate, lung, breast, cervix and digestive-tract cancer. Lutein, beta carotene, zeaxanthin and lycopene may help reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease, a leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 65.
Tomato Allergens
An allergic reaction to tomato is the result of an improper immune response to proteins found in the skin, seed and juice of tomatoes. Salicylate is a naturally occurring compound in tomatoes that can trigger an allergic reaction. Other allergens identified in tomato include Lyc e 1, Lyc e 2, Lyc e 3, Lyc e Chitinase, Lyc e Glucanase, Lyc e Peroxidase, Lyc e PME, Lyc e LAT52 from pollen tomato pollen and Lec2SA from tomato seeds. Oral allergy syndrome is mostly caused by these four proteins: superoxide dismutase, polygalacturonase 2A, pectinesterase and beta-fructofuranosidase. Ingestion of tomatoes or the inhalation of tomato pollen causes the immune system to begin producing IgE antibodies that target these proteins. Pro-inflammatory immune cells, specifically mast cells, are activated by IgE antibodies and perpetuate the immune response by releasing histamine and other chemical mediators that result in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction to tomato. Gastrointestinal symptoms typically appear within minutes to a few hours after ingesting tomato. Histamine is released in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Histamine dilates and increases the permeability of blood vessels, allowing an excess amount of fluid fluids to enter the lumen of the bowel faster than the intestines can reabsorb the fluid. Histamine also promotes intestinal smooth muscle contraction resulting in the loose, watery stools observed within an hour of ingesting tomatoes. Prolonged diarrhea is extremely dangerous because it leaves the body weak and dehydrated as large amounts of fluid and minerals, including potassium, are excreted.
Consideration
Remedy a tomato allergy by avoiding tomato in all forms. Read the labels and ingredient lists for all foods. Tomatoes are commonly processed into juice, sauce and canned goods. Avoid pizza and pasta sauce, tomato-based soups, salsa and ketchup because they can trigger an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction to tomato also increases your risk of being allergic to potatoes. Speak with your physician and take an allergy test to find out if you are allergic to potatoes. If you develop diarrhea as a result of ingesting tomatoes, drink lots of water and eat potassium-rich foods, including bananas, lima beans and spinach to replenish your body's electrolytes.
