Let’s talk about banana allergies
Growing up we are taught that these types of foods are healthy for us and we need them in order to maintain a healthy body.
However, this is not true for everyone. Each individual body is unique in the way it processes and utilizes the foods we eat. It's most definitely not a one size fits all.
Banana trees and rubber trees have similar allergy causing proteins; so people who are allergic to latex may also have an allergy to bananas.
* Pollen food allergy syndrome ~ PFAS
PFAS can occur in those who experience hay fever; allergic rhinitis. This reaction occurs as the proteins found in bananas are similar to the proteins found in the pollen that creates hay fever symptoms.
These proteins can confuse the immune system and cause an allergic reaction or make existing symptoms worse, which is referred to as cross-reactivity.
Bananas have been reported to create allergic reactions in those with PFAS such as:
itchy mouth, scratchy throat, hives in and around the mouth, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, throat and itchy ears.
* Latex food syndrome ~
This can occur in people who are allergic to latex. In these cases, there is a similarity between the proteins in latex and the proteins in bananas.
Bananas have been reported to create allergic reactions in those with latex allergy, such as:
edema, swelling of the hands, oral itching, rhinitis, cough, asthma, digestive issues and anaphylaxis.
Are you allergic to latex? Have you ever noticed any allergy related symptoms after eating bananas?