September 16, 2002 – People who are allergic to ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia1) should monitor their diet more closely. Indeed, the consumption of certain fruits, vegetables and plants can temporarily increase their symptoms.
Among the aggressors likely to aggravate the allergic manifestations, one finds in particular the honeydew melon, the cantaloupe, the watermelon (watermelon) and the banana for the fruits, the cucumber and the zucchini for the vegetables and the chamomile for the plants. . Consumption of these foods can amplify already existing allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis or cause new reactions including tingling, itchy mouth, lips, throat. or ears. More serious reactions can even occur, such as hives or conjunctivitis.1
These responses of the body are called “cross-allergies” and they occur when a person who usually reacts to an allergen comes into contact with a substance that is related to the allergen. In the present case, the proteins contained in the pollen of ragweed chemically resemble those of the fruits, plants or vegetables mentioned or are identical. This similarity therefore stimulates the allergy. These cross allergies have become more common with the increase in food allergies, pollution and global warming.
Élisabeth Mercader – PasseportSanté.net
According to InteliHealth, September 5, 2002.
1. Air quality monitoring network. Ragweed. [Consulté le 13 septembre 2002]. http://www.rsqa.qc.ca/ps02rsqf.htm#herbe1
