2. You Have a Food Allergy
A food allergy can be a serious, potentially life-threatening issue. When you’re allergic to a food, your immune system mistakenly identifies the food (or a component in the food) as harmful and responds in overdrive. About 33 million Americans have a food allergy.
Tomato allergies partially “originate from pollen cross-reactivity,” according to a study published in 2022. People who are allergic to birch pollen may also be at a higher risk for a tomato allergy because the main protein in birch pollen is similar to the protein in tomatoes.
In response to an allergen, antibodies, histamines, and other chemicals are released into the bloodstream, which cause symptoms. According to Ashley Kravitz, RD, owner of Nutrition Specialists of New Jersey, these symptoms might include the following on the skin or mouth:
- Tingling
- Itching
- Numbness
- Redness
It’s also possible that an allergy to tomatoes could cause diarrhea and symptoms similar to those of fructose intolerance, she says:
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Fix it: It can be easy to confuse a food allergy with a food intolerance. If you have any of the above symptoms after eating tomatoes, see your doctor or an allergist, who can help you figure out the root cause.
If you experience difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, a swollen throat, chest tightness, or severe hives, seek immediate medical attention.
Read the full article here
