Banana allergies are believed to be rare. Nevertheless, it is bananas that belong to the group of moderately allergenic foods, that is, the reaction to bananas can become cross-cutting and “spill over” to other fruits, for example, to peaches or watermelons.
Banana allergy develops like a common food allergy. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are itching, and itching extends not only to the skin, but also to the mouth, lips and larynx. The gastrointestinal tract also suffers from banana allergy (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting). With a strong allergic reaction, a prolonged runny nose is possible.
It is worth noting that banana allergies can be triggered by serotonin, which is abundant in this tropical fruit. In this case, banana allergy can be called pseudo-allergenic. After all, such a reaction of your body indicates an excess of serotonin in the body. So, the solution will be to stop eating bananas and other products that stimulate the production of serotonin (persimmons, pineapples, walnuts, etc.) for the time being.
If the allergic reaction persists even after taking antihistamines and stopping eating bananas, this may indicate dysfunction of other organs: liver, pancreas, intestines, etc. In this case, the reaction to bananas serves as a kind of litmus test for problems in your body, you should immediately contact a specialist.
There is also such a thing as a “contrived allergy” to bananas. Although this can apply to any product with which you have once been poisoned. Symptoms for allergies and poisoning can be similar. And the next time you eat bananas, you may experience true allergy symptoms, because your body chooses a defensive reaction and does not accept the fruit.
Banana allergy: prevention
We emphasize that bananas themselves may not be the main allergen, but their uncontrolled consumption – yes. Therefore, do not get carried away with mono-diets based on bananas or other foods that promote the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. Everything is needed in moderation.
For any allergic reaction, it is advised to switch to a hypoallergenic diet. Its course is 2-3 weeks and the essence lies in the exclusion of highly allergenic foods from the diet, such as citrus fruits, fish, milk, canned food, etc. Then, if the allergy has not subsided, medium-allergenic foods (cereals, meat, berries and others) Usually, any allergy resolves at this stage. But if this did not happen, then really no one except a doctor will help you. Allergens are tricky and sometimes difficult to identify.
Banana allergies are extremely rare. Even small children are given them almost without any fear. Therefore, if an allergic reaction to bananas still happened, then the matter is most likely in the excess of serotonin in the body or banal poisoning. But no matter what – whether it is poisoning, whether it is an allergy, it is imperative to pay attention to it. Perhaps the body thus indicates more serious problems in it.