According to Isabel Skippala, a leading UK nutritionist, the number of cases of pollenborne food syndrome (PFS) has increased dramatically in recent years due to global warming, worsening pollution and changes in pollen dispersal patterns.
PFS attacks are usually caused by consuming raw nuts, fruits, and vegetables. However, foods that are popular with people who avoid animal products can also cause allergies, for example
- Soy milk,
- avocado,
- jackfruit as a meat substitute,
- edamame beans,
- As well as juices.
5 out of 10 people are affected
An estimated 13 million Britons are most at risk, who are allergic to pollen, especially birch pollen, and suffer from hay fever. PFS is caused by unstable pollen antibodies found in the proteins of some raw and undercooked fruits and vegetables, nuts, and soybeans.
A recent study of the prevalence of PFS in England in 2008 showed that 2 per cent of adults, including 4 per cent of the London population, had it. I suspect that number has doubled since then. In my clinic at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, about five in 10 people I see have PFS, compared to maybe two years ago. The spread of PFS is a dusting sensation, while fruit and vegetable consumption has increased exponentially. A fungal allergy to pollen puts a person at risk rather than the fact that a meat-free diet puts them at risk.
Happy Isabel Skibala.
Most people have mild symptoms such as itching or tingling in or around the mouth. However, more and more people are experiencing nausea, vomiting, and even difficulty breathing due to the swelling of their throat.
Skippala said that while many people with pre-stress syndrome have a mild reaction, severe reactions are more frightening and dangerous. People with PFS often worry very much about what they eat. A PFS reaction, whether mild or severe, makes people very anxious and often leaves all fruits and nuts afraid of having another reaction.
An increase in the number of cases is putting more pressure on health care. However, specialized services do not have sufficient resources, so patients often wait months to be examined.
Allergenic foods
New clinical guidelines have been developed that describe to clinicians how to distinguish PFS from a nut allergy that is often confused with it.
Foods that cause PFS include raw apples, pears, kiwis, strawberries, peaches, cherries, cherry tomatoes, celery, and carrots.
Frozen fruit or vegetables can still cause a reaction, and peeling potatoes or other root vegetables can cause itching or swelling in the hands and eyes.
The increased incidence of PFS is occurring at a time when eating habits are changing worldwide and more and more people are switching to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. A vegan/vegetarian diet may include soy and jackfruit, both of which can cause severe PFS reactions.
Charity added.
Margaret Kellman, Allergy UK Nurse, said:
The psychological effects of PFS, especially if multiple foods are to be avoided, can not only severely restrict the diet but can also lead to anxiety and fear, and can affect an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks.
Experts say allergy sufferers should stop eating allergenic foods, consume more water, take antihistamines if they find them helpful, and try eating some instead. guardian according to.
