If your mouth, lips, or throat start itching after eating a fresh apple, peach, melon, carrot, or other raw fruit or vegetable, you may have oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). This condition occurs when the immune system mistakes certain proteins in foods for similar proteins found in pollen. It is especially […]

Jackfruit has become increasingly popular in the United States, especially as a plant-based substitute for pulled pork and other meats. Although jackfruit allergy is considered rare, allergic reactions can occur and may occasionally be severe. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries. Published reports have linked jackfruit allergy […]

Psyllium has become a popular ingredient in fiber supplements, digestive-health products, and gluten-free foods. Most people tolerate it well, but in rare cases, psyllium can trigger a true allergic reaction. Because psyllium may appear in products people do not think of as “allergenic,” reactions can be difficult to recognize. What Is Psyllium? Psyllium comes from […]

Collagen supplements have become one of the most popular health products in recent years. They’re marketed to improve skin, hair, nails, joints, and overall wellness. But if you’ve developed hives, itching, swelling, or another reaction after taking collagen, you may wonder whether you’re allergic to collagen itself. The answer is more nuanced than most people […]

Goji berries are often marketed as a “superfood” because they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They are commonly found in: Dried fruit mixes Herbal teas Smoothies Protein bars Supplements Traditional Asian medicine products While goji berry reactions are uncommon, true allergic reactions can occur — and in some cases may be severe. What […]

Buckwheat is often assumed to be a “safe” alternative to wheat, especially in gluten-free diets. However, despite its misleading name, buckwheat is not a type of wheat—and it can cause true, sometimes severe, food allergic reactions. Because it is commonly found in health foods and international cuisine, buckwheat allergy is frequently missed in routine evaluations. […]

Spirulina is often marketed as a powerful superfood. It’s added to smoothies, juices, supplements, and even energy bars. But can spirulina cause allergic reactions? As an allergist, I occasionally see patients with unexplained hives, swelling, or breathing symptoms after starting new supplements — and spirulina is sometimes the culprit. Here’s what you should know. What […]

Is food dye allergy real? Many patients ask whether artificial food coloring can cause hives, hyperactivity, swelling, or even anaphylaxis. With food dyes found in candy, cereal, sports drinks, medications, and even vitamins, concerns about food dye allergy are becoming more common — especially among parents. As a board-certified allergist in Los Angeles, I evaluate […]

Fenugreek is a common but often overlooked cause of food allergic reactions. While many people have never heard of fenugreek, it is widely used in spice blends, Indian and Middle Eastern foods, and dietary supplements. For some patients—especially those with peanut allergy—fenugreek can trigger significant allergic reactions. What Is Fenugreek? Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a […]

A mustard allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in mustard seeds, including yellow, brown, and black varieties. When someone with this allergy eats mustard or foods containing mustard proteins, their body overreacts, producing symptoms ranging from mild hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. While mustard is widely recognized in Europe and Canada as a […]