Foods Associated with Ragweed Pollen Allergy

If you are one of the millions of Americans who develop ragweed allergy symptoms during the pollen season in the fall, you might want to know which foods are associated with ragweed pollen allergy. These foods have proteins that are similar to those present in ragweed, and therefore, they are particularly likely to cause oral allergy syndrome (OAS) in individuals allergic to ragweed pollen (a phenomenon known as mugwort-food cross-reactivity). Oral allergy symptoms typically include itching or swelling of the tongue, lips or roof of the mouth. These symptoms can be avoided by eliminating the trigger foods from the diet, especially during the ragweed pollen season.

In order to maintain a varied diet, susceptible individuals should not aim to avoid all the foods associated with ragweed pollen allergy; in most cases, only some of the potential cross-reacting foods cause symptoms. Drinks and foods that may cross react with ragweed pollen include:

Note: Anecdotal evidence suggests that honey may also bring relief from ragweed pollen allergy and hay fever in some cases.

Ragweed is the number one cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis in the United States in the fall. The pollination of ragweed lasts six to eight weeks, and in many areas, ragweed pollen levels peak around mid September. Most ragweed allergy symptoms are caused by two ragweed species which are found in nearly every region in the United States: short ragweed (Ambrosia aratemisiifolia) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida). Short ragweed usually grows just a few feet tall while uncontrolled giant ragweed can grow up to 17 feet in height.

Daily Nutrition Tips for Combating Allergic Rhinitis

Diet Therapy for People with Allergic Rhinitis

Best Foods for Natural Hay Fever Relief

Mugwort Allergy and Cross-Reactivity with Foods

Birch Pollen Allergy: List of Foods to Avoid or Limit

Foods to Avoid if You Are Allergic to Grass Pollen