Types of Fruit Allergy
There are different types of fruit allergy, depending on which substances your body reacts to and how.
In a true allergic reaction, your immune system reacts to compounds in the fruit. This can lead to severe symptoms, even life-threatening anaphylaxis in some cases. If you know you have an allergy to strawberries, for instance, you need to avoid this fruit.
High-Amine Fruits
Amines are compounds that contain nitrogen, and they’re found in many foods, including aged, fermented, and cured products. They’re not proteins, but some (like histamine) play a part in the body and can cause symptoms like hives in people who are sensitive to them.
According to Mayo Clinic, people who have oral allergy syndrome may have allergic reactions to a fruit because the food’s proteins closely resemble pollen that they may be allergic to. Through a process called cross-reactivity, they can cause a reaction similar to that of a pollen allergy.
Fruits that have this effect vary depending on what else you are allergic to. According to Mayo Clinic, if you’re allergic to birch pollen, for example, you may experience a reaction after eating apples, cherries, or pears.
Glutamates
Glutamates are a type of amino acid. They occur naturally in low levels in certain foods, notably tomatoes, spinach, aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Research shows that the level at which glutamates could have negative effects isn’t encountered by people who consume it as part of their daily diets.
No research currently suggests a link between hives and naturally occurring glutamate. In fact, some scientists note that even adding synthetic MSG to food is unlikely to raise most people’s levels to a point of concern.
High-Salicylate Fruits
Salicylates occur naturally in many foods, especially in fruits. They’re related to acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, which comes from willow bark.
Although people with allergy to salicylate drugs like aspirin may find resources that tell them to avoid foods with naturally occurring salicylates, there are no clear studies to support this diet.
Fruits with high salicylate levels include:
- Cherries
- Berries, including raspberries and blueberries
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Pineapples
- Plums
- Dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, dates, and prunes
- Tomatoes and tomato products
Experts currently aren’t sure if having an aspirin sensitivity also increases your sensitivity to salicylates in fruits.
Are Any Fruits Safe With Hives?
Most fruits are safe for people with hives. Many people, even those with severe oral allergy syndrome, may find many types of fruits (especially when cooked or processed) do not cause them any issues.
But what about dried fruit? Dried fruits may raise concerns for individuals with allergies and asthma.
One reason for this is the use of additional substances known as sulphites, such as sulphur dioxide, used to preserve fruits.
Can Cutting Out Trigger Fruits Help Reduce Hives?
If you experience hives after eating certain foods, including fruits, you should speak with an allergy specialist right away. Testing and counseling may be helpful ways of dealing with possible food allergies.
Remember, fruits provide many essential nutrients and fiber and form part of a varied and nutritious diet. Cutting out fruits altogether may lead to other problems. Always talk with a doctor before making any major changes to your diet.
The Takeaway
- Fruits contain compounds that may cause hives in some people. In most cases, this may be due to a pseudoallergy.
- Most fruits are likely safe for people who experience hives and are a key part of balanced nutrition.
- This is still a complex topic: Talk with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.
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