How can I minimize my allergic reaction to pollen?

Eating certain types of fruits and vegetables can increase your chances of having allergy symptoms, says allergy specialist Clifford Bassett, MD.

Transcript

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So seasonal allergies can be triggered by not just what's in the air but what you're eating as well. And this is known as a cross-reaction between

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the protein in the surface of the fruit that's similar to the protein that's in mother nature-- tree grass and wheat pollen.

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Seasonal allergy sufferers don't realize that it's not just what's in the air that affects you if you have allergies to seasonal pollens,

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but it may be what's in your mouth or what you eat. Particularly people who have tree pollen allergies in the spring, up to 70% of them may actually

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have oral allergy syndrome-- itchiness of the mouth and throat. Worsening of their seasonal allergies as a result of eating apple, pears, stone fruits

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such as peach, nectarine, cherry, even something as simple as hazelnut and coffee,

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almond flavored beverages, carrots, celery, and the list goes on. Work with your allergist to prevent food-triggered pollen

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allergies or an allergy attack from certain foods that you may be eating and not realize it. If you peel the fruit or cook the fruit, most of the time,

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it knocks out most of the proteins, and you'll feel better. So seasonal allergies can be triggered by not just what's in the air but what you're eating as well.

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And this is known as a cross-reaction between the protein in the surface of the fruit that's similar to the protein that's in mother nature--

01:20

tree grass and wheat pollens. And so cross-reaction, many people will suffer and not realize it. So plan ahead.

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Work with an allergist and find out which fruits and vegetables and foods may aggravate your allergies, particularly if you have seasonal pollen allergies this year.