Are You Allergic to Strawberries?
Strawberries Sometimes Have a Downside
We love berries, and so do our readers. It’s no wonder that strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries can have such a revered status. They’re tasty on their own, plus they’re versatile and form the basis of many great desserts and creations. There is a downside to at least one of these fruits, however. Strawberries sometimes have a nasty side, and I've got the scoop below.
What’s the Problem?
There is no denying that strawberries are tasty, but for some individuals strawberries can be problematic. Some berry lovers can suffer an allergic reaction to strawberries. Many allergic reactions do occur not too long after eating a problematic food, but in some cases, it can take considerably longer for an allergic reaction to develop.
Who’s at Risk?
No one is really immune to being allergic to strawberries or any other type of food for that matter. Allergic reactions are dependent on immune function. If your immune system is not functioning properly, you can be vulnerable to suffering an allergic reaction.
If you’ve experienced food allergies in the past, then it’s possible you’re at a slightly greater risk, but strawberries are the cause of just a small percentage of all allergic reactions to food.
Signs and Symptoms
The important thing is to know how to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction. Itching and swelling of the mouth, lips, and throat are common signs. It’s also possible to suddenly have a reaction to a food one day even if you never had a bad reaction before. Scientists have discovered that certain proteins in strawberries are actually responsible for causing allergic reactions in certain individuals.
What’s the Solution?
If you have ever experienced a bad reaction to strawberries, you’ll probably want to avoid eating them for some time -- possibly permanently.
Fortunately, allergies to strawberries aren’t incredibly common, and strawberries do not make the top five list of foods that cause allergies. However, they are more prone to causing allergic reactions than most of the other berries out there, so if you're very sensitive too foods -- keep this in mind.