| Pollen, Fruits, Veggies Help Trigger Oral Allergy Syndrome
Up to one-third of people with seasonal allergies may suffer oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which results from a cross-reactivity between seasonal airborne pollen proteins from weeds, grass and trees and similar proteins in some fresh fruits and vegetables. Common symptoms of OAS -- also known as pollen-food syndrome -- include: itchiness, tingling or swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat immediately after eating fresh fruits, vegetables and certain kinds of other foods, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). In some cases, people may suffer severe throat swelling or even a systemic reaction. People with ragweed pollen allergies might experience symptoms if they eat foods such as bananas, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, sunflower seeds, chamomile tea and Echinacea.
Tea tree oil not a proven remedy for acne
Q. My son has bad acne. What foods should he avoid? What's the best treatment? And what about tea tree oil? A. Amazingly enough, acne is not worsened by chocolate, soft drinks, fried foods, shellfish or milk products. In a study, 65 acne patients who ate two concentrated chocolate bars a day for a month did not get worse. A survey of 47,355 nurses found no association between severe teenage acne and eating pizza, sweets or french fries. But if certain foods worsen your son's acne, then by all means avoid them. Regarding tea tree oil, a systematic review of six electronic databases concluded that the data was promising but not compelling. And witch hazel bark, Vitex agnus-castus, bittersweet nightshade, brewer's yeast and Chinese duckweed don't seem to work.
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