Itchy Mouth After Eating Apples?
Do you know someone who reacts to apples and can’t take part in the best fall desserts, dishes, and activities? It’s probably due to Oral Allergy Syndrome.
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) happens when the body misinterprets food as bothersome pollen. This is because compounds in certain foods are similar to compounds on the surface of pollen grains, and they can trigger an itchy mouth and throat for pollen-allergic people.
This makes some people with an allergy to birch trees itchy when eating apples. To enjoy fall and all of its delicious food options, this blog provides a few tips to reduce OAS symptoms to apple.
Peel and bake
Proteins on the surface of apples are what is mistaken for proteins in pollen — so by removing the peel, you may help eliminate some of the symptoms.
Additionally, making a recipe with baked apples can help to alter the form of the apple that causes symptoms even further (while keeping its delicious taste). Both peeling and baking the apples have been known to help reduce oral allergy syndrome symptoms.
Pick a friendly apple
It may also help to choose an apple that is less likely to cause reactions. A recent study showed that certain apples cause more issues than others for those with a birch allergy.
The research showed that red flesh apples — or apples that are red on the inside — are the least likely to cause reactions. If you’re not able to find a red flesh apple, consider a Pink Lady, a non-red flesh apple that causes less reactions for those with OAS.
Friendly recipes
Now that you’ve found an apple that might work for you, it’s time to find a recipe to enjoy on a crisp fall day. Most apple dessert recipes that are baked can be made safely — just be sure to peel the apples, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it.
This recipe for Baked Apple with Crisp Topping is delicious, and fairly healthy when compared to other desserts.
Looking for something a little heartier? This Cinnamon Apple and Pear Amaranth Porridge recipe will make your house smell like fall, and is great for breakfast.
Bonus: An apple recipe that’s not a dessert. Curried Pumpkin Apple Soup is a great way to use your apples (and impress your dinner guests).
Treating the cause
Treating the underlying cause of apple reactions may be the best way to enjoy the dishes you love. Personalized allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) treats the cause of offending allergens — which may include birch tree allergy — training your body to not react over time. This treatment is shown to help with OAS, too.
