6 Foods That Could Make Your Seasonal Allergies Worse

Nuts

Tree nut allergies are common, but did you know that seasonal allergies to tree pollen could make you more sensitive to certain nuts? For example, people with birch tree pollen allergies are more likely to have allergic reactions to hazelnuts and almonds. This is because the proteins in these nuts are similar to those found in birch tree pollen, causing cross-reactivity.

Chamomile

Chamomile is widely used for its calming properties, but it can also trigger allergic reactions in people with a history of severe pollen allergies. According to registered dietitian Bid-Lose Francisque, MPH, RD, LDN, “Chamomile contains proteins that may cross-react with birch pollen, leading to allergic reactions such as skin rashes, respiratory issues, or in rare cases, anaphylaxis.” Even high-quality chamomile products labeled as “pure” may be contaminated with pollen, further increasing the risk of an allergic reaction.

If you’re prone to allergies, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before using chamomile tea, supplements, or essential oils.

Certain Fruits and Vegetables

If you’re allergic to birch tree pollen, ragweed, or grass pollen, certain fruits and vegetables may trigger allergic reactions. This is due to a condition known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), or Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), where the immune system mistakes proteins in raw fruits and vegetables for similar proteins in pollen. The result is an allergic reaction ranging from mild to severe. Depending on which pollen you’re allergic to, here’s what to avoid:

• Ragweed pollen: Bananas, cucumbers, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe, and zucchini
• Grass pollen: Tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, and oranges
• Birch tree pollen: Peaches, pears, apples, plums, carrots, celery, kiwi, apricots, and cherries

However, not everyone with birch pollen allergies reacts to these foods. “Some people only experience mild symptoms, while others may not react at all. However, during peak pollen season, sensitivity can increase because the immune system is already heightened,” Francisque says.

Spicy Foods

While spicy foods can help clear your sinuses temporarily, they can also irritate your body and worsen allergy symptoms, says registered dietitian Lindsay Fencl, RD, CD. Spicy peppers, such as jalapeños, habaneros, and chili peppers, contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the production of histamines. This compound can potentially worsen symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, and burning sensations in the lips, mouth, or tongue.

Alcohol

Many alcoholic beverages, including beer, red wine, sparkling wine, and fermented and aged alcohols, contain high levels of histamines, which can trigger inflammation and allergic reactions. According to registered dietitian Alexandria Hardy, RDN, LDN, of Pennsylvania Nutrition Services, “In a multi-center analysis, drinking alcohol was associated with hay fever when compared to individuals who do not drink alcohol. Histamines found in wine can also trigger a response similar to seasonal allergies, like sneezing, runny nose, and headache and potentially worsen already existing allergy symptoms.”

Alcohol also inhibits the production of diamine oxidase (DAO), an enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the body. When DAO levels are reduced, histamine levels rise, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, headaches, and skin rashes. Additionally, sulfites (an additive in many wines) can trigger allergic reactions including respiratory issues and skin reactions.

Dairy Products

The relationship between dairy products and allergy symptoms is complex. Hardy explains, “Traditional observational studies may show a higher risk of hay fever in individuals who drink milk, but genetic testing indicates the opposite. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence surrounding dairy consumption and allergy symptoms—mucus production and sneezing being the top offenders—but more research is needed to determine if dairy foods are protective or harmful for seasonal allergy sufferers.”

Some dairy-rich foods like yogurt and aged cheese may contain histamines, which can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.