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Food to Avoid During Allergy Season

Certain pollens found on the trees or vines of fruits and vegetables can cause an allergic reaction. These are especially high in concentration during specific seasons. During the spring and fall, some foods can cause itching, swelling of the throat and lips, digestion problems and constricted airways. According to Revolution Health, certain fruits and vegetables should be avoided due to the large amount of histamines in some foods. These foods should be reduced or eliminated from your diet until symptoms subside or your doctor says it is safe.

  1. Alder Tree Pollen

    • According to "Food Allergies for Dummies," tomatoes, avocados, spinach, eggplant and celery are just a few vegetables that contain histamines, which can cause your allergies to flare when consumed. According to Clifford W. Bassett, M.D., alder tree pollen can cause allergic reactions when you consume almonds, apples, celery, cherries, peaches, pears or parsley. To reduce symptoms, take an over-the-counter antihistamine medication once a day during the allergy season.

    Birch Tree Pollen

    • Birch tree pollen can cause an allergic reaction in those who suffer from hay fever. This pollen can be found on coriander, fennel, kiwi, lychee, nectarines, oranges, parsley, parsnip, peppers, plums, soy and prunes. It is also found on apples, almonds, celery, cherries, peaches and hazelnut. Birch allergies occur in the spring, when most of these fruits and vegetables are in season. It is important to avoid these foods when cooking, and to ask your server if your meal includes any of these foods, as they can cause serious reactions, although you may not be allergic to all of the foods in this group.

    Grass and Weed Pollen

    • Grass and weed pollen sufferers should avoid contact with melons, bananas, zucchini, cucumbers, sunflower seeds and watermelon during the fall and winter, as the pollen count is higher than usual during this time. Oranges, chamomile tea, cantaloupe and honeydew melons also contain high amounts of histamines, which can cause itching and a constricted throat when ingested.

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