Tomato Allergy
Tomato allergies are not as common as other food allergies. Tomatoes are considered as part of the nightshade allergy family. However, those that do have a severe tomato allergy face the possibility of anaphylactic shock and death.
Allergy or Intolerance
More persons actually have a food intolerance for tomatoes and not a full-blown tomato allergy. An intolerance for tomatoes usually creates gastro-intestinal problems, such as diarrhea, cramps or vomiting. A protein found in tomatoes is generally what creates the allergic reaction by the body’s immune system. A persons immune protection function see the tomato protein as a toxin and attempts to eliminate it by releasing histamines to kill it. It is the histamines themselves which create swelling, hives, rashes, headaches, and other symptoms which may even include the constriction of the bronchial tubes. In very severe cases; too many histamines can cause respiratory distress, failure, and even death during an anaphylactic shock. A tomato allergy can occur in 15-20 minutes and can subside just as quickly if the correct medication is administered.
Many people who have a known tomato allergy can actually tolerate well cokked tomatoes with little or no reaction. Other people reaport that they can consume low acid tomatoes. However, data shows that all tomatoes are equally acidic and what they are really referring to is the flavanoids that give the taste of acidity.
Note that in both of these cases, a food journal should be kept for a month or more (noting symptoms after meals) to share with the physician if you suspect you may have a tomato allergy. An allergy test done by a qualified allergy doctor is the only accurate way to detrmine if you truly have a tomato related allergy. Food allergy tests may include various blood tests, skin tests, possible nasal smears, and a full food journal review. They should also consider whether or not your parents have had food allergies.
Here are a few tips for tomato allergy sufferers:
- There are tomato-free sauces, ketchup, barbecue, and salsa available at certain retailers but are better found by researching online.
- Take supplements which are known to help allergies. These would include beta carotene,vitamin C, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, glucosamine, and quercitin which is a well known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants which can reduce inflammation and block the release of histamines.
- Try making a no tomato ‘pasta sauce’ by adding a lot of olive oil and add lots of veggies chopped up and spices which can make a great sauce!
- If ordering out, try a white or pesto base instead of a tomato base. Also, specify no catsup anytime when ordering out.
Related Posts: Related Post: Food Allergies, Citrus Allergies and Strawberry Allergies.
About the author: Jimmy Don Strongwell operates a organic farm which are known for their great tomatoes and other vegetables in the Canton area of East Texas.
Ferrari eats a tomato