Pineapple refers to allergens that cause a reaction like fruity-latex syndrome, which unites a fairly extensive list of berries and fruits, including all citrus fruits. The reasons for the development of allergies to pineapple are external factors, such as exposure to irritants from the outside, and internal ones - the body's own reaction to the chemical composition of the product.
Pineapple composition
Pineapple is considered a dietary product and is often used in various weight loss nutritional schemes.
The composition of pineapple includes 4 vitamin groups, monosaccharides, macro- and microelements:
- vitamins: A, PP, C, B (B1, B2, B12);
- sucrose;
- potassium and calcium;
- magnesium, iron, zinc, copper;
- iodine, manganese, bromelain, papain.
A 100-gram slice of fruit accounts for only 48 kilocalories, which is only 2 kcal more than in an apple and 8 kcal less than in a rich ascorbic acid and very popular in many kiwi diets.
The benefits of pineapple
And the beneficial properties of pineapple, and contraindications to it are 80% related to one element that is part of the fruit - bromelain. This enzyme has the ability to instantly break down proteins that enter the body with food, simplifying them to the state of amino acids, but on fatty acids, contrary to myths, its effect does not apply. Weight loss with the participation of this element is associated with the indirect effect of bromelain on the formation of enzymes of the enzyme group of lipase, which is a natural fat burner in the body.
The set of biologically active substances in pineapple, expressed mainly by phytonutrients of the terpinoid group, has a detoxic, metabolic, immunostimulating and diuretic effect on the body. Only 100 g of the product eaten during the day will make up half the daily intake of the vitamins included in its composition.
Contraindications
Due to the high content of fruit acids in the fresh product, pineapple has an extensive list of contraindications. The beneficial properties of pineapple also mainly depend on the ability of these acids to cope with protein metabolism, so indications for its use for medicinal or dietary purposes depend on the individual characteristics of the human body.
Do not recommend eating this product:
- in diseases associated with an imbalance in the body's acid balance;
- with existing ulcers, gastritis, as well as high risks of their formation;
- people who often suffer from caries or have serious damage to tooth enamel;
- with individual intolerance to the active elements of the fruit.
Fresh fruits can contribute to termination of pregnancy, but only at the stage of formation of the ovum. From the end of the first trimester of pregnancy to the very birth, a woman can safely eat fruit in small quantities without fear for her health.
Prerequisites for the formation of allergies
The individual intolerance of some elements in the pineapple is due to a deficiency in the human body of enzymes from the protease category, a special enzyme group responsible for the breakdown of protein compounds into simple structural components. Contribute to the development of the pathological state of the violation in the body associated with the following factors:
- autoimmune system failure;
- hormonal imbalance;
- hereditary transmission of the syndrome;
- poor environmental conditions;
- toxic poisoning.
Recent studies conducted in this area have established a pattern between allergy to pineapple and disorders in the human nervous system. Therefore, people at risk of developing a negative reaction are people who are prone to frequent stress or who have mental illness.
Causes of an allergic reaction
The incorrect response of the immune system to the chemical elements of the protein as part of a fresh product is the main cause of pineapple allergy. Separately, the reaction of the body is shown, which is manifested only on a canned, dried or otherwise processed product, while eating fresh fruit does not have negative consequences. In this case, there is not an allergy to pineapple, but intolerance to substances from the group of preservatives, dyes, and flavorings.
Among the most common allergens introduced into the product artificially to improve its taste or extend the shelf life, citric acid and synthetic fructose are called. You can determine the true origin of allergies only by evaluating the body's response to different types of pineapple.
Symptomatology
The standard symptoms of pineapple allergy are expressed in external skin manifestations, which become noticeable in the first few hours after eating the product:
- a rash on the face, chest, buttocks - pinpoint or forming a fusion in the form of red spots;
- severe itching;
- swelling of the face, spreading from the nose and the back of the hands;
- dizziness, nausea, vomiting;
- intestinal disorders in the form of diarrhea or constipation;
- dull cough without sputum discharge, runny nose, lacrimation.
Two critical degrees of the development of an allergic reaction to the fruit are: Quincke's edema (extensive edema, asphyxia, fainting) and anaphylactic shock (loss of consciousness, lack of reaction to irritants). What to do if you are allergic to pineapple and what should be used first of all?
Drug treatment
Depending on how allergic to pineapple is, a treatment regimen will be determined. First of all, you should exclude the allergen from the food component, and only then begin the therapeutic action. Most often, the clinical picture, expressed by a rash and minor edema, is quickly stopped by antihistamines:
- Suprastin.
- Tavegil.
- "Erius."
- The Zodak.
These drugs can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription and official prescription, but keep in mind that only the latest generations of oral antihistamines do not cause drowsiness and do not lose effectiveness with prolonged use.
In addition to tablets or syrups - histamine receptor blockers, auxiliary agents are used to relieve symptoms of pineapple allergy:
- sorbents - drugs that bind and absorb toxins and poisons, followed by their removal from the body (activated carbon, Smecta);
- immunomodulators - drugs to strengthen the protective properties of the body ("Lymphomyosot" "Timalin");
- non-hormonal ointments - form part of the symptomatic treatment and eliminate the effects of an allergic reaction on the skin ("Fenistil", "Histam");
- corticosteroids - are prescribed in a different form, depending on the severity of the manifestation of an allergic reaction, with its development and unrepairability of antihistamines (Prednisolone, Florinnef).
If the allergy manifests itself in childhood, the patient’s parents can be offered an allergen vaccination method as the only way to overcome intolerance forever. The treatment process in this way can stretch to five years, but as a result, a person will be able to consume small portions of products without harming their well-being.
It's important to know! If there is an allergy to pineapple on the lips in the form of a rash of small bubbles, women need to stop using makeup and not try to mask inflammation with makeup. At the same time, the use of drying loose powder on the face at the stage of drying of pimples is welcome.
Prevention
In addition to eliminating pineapple from the diet, if you are allergic to this fruit, you will have to reconsider the rather extensive list of previously allowed foods. The fact is that this allergen is able to start a cross reaction in the body, under the influence of which it can fall:
- nuts
- honey;
- Strawberry;
- carrot;
- all citrus fruits;
- chocolate.
This does not mean that you will have to abandon these products unambiguously, but it is necessary to reduce the dose of their use at least at first in order to evaluate the body's reaction. Safety precautions should be known to employees of institutions visited by an allergic child, and - necessarily - doctors of medical institutions before scheduling any therapeutic regimen.