Root allergy: cross-allergic reaction due to birch allergy
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A carrot allergy is a form of food allergy. In a food allergy, the immune system reacts (exaggerated) to a specific protein that occurs in a food. Because almost all foods contain proteins, an allergy can in principle arise from all foods. Allergic reactions are often seen to the proteins of: cow's milk, chicken egg, wheat, apple, soy, nuts, fish and crustaceans and shellfish. A root allergy is often a cross allergy caused by a cross reaction between birch pollen allergens and root allergens. A person is first allergic to birch pollen (primary allergy), and then allergic to root (secondary allergy). This is because the birch pollen proteins have great similarities with the proteins of carrot, so that the body is unable to distinguish and also considers carrot an allergen.
The root
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The carrot (Daucus carota) is a nutritious vegetable, rich in fiber and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a substance that is converted by the body into vitamin A. The foliage (leaf) of this crop is also very healthy and can be used in salads or as a stir-fry vegetable, for example.
Different carrots (carrots)
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Carrots are long and thin carrots that are sold in bunches with the leaves still attached. Carrot without leaves and crops is called wax carrot and the winter carrot is a larger and thick carrot.
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11 minMain dishpeanut oil, tofu stir-fry cubes finely seasoned, stir fry sauce sweet and sour, thick noodles, carrot julienne, beetroot julienne, yellow bell pepper, watercress,rainbow salad with tofu -
45 minMain dishRed cabbage, mild olive oil, quinoa plus, forest outing, lemon, sesame oil, soy sauce less salt, Bio Today tahini white in pot, tap water,grilled red cabbage with quinoa salad -
30 minDessertBrie, Roquefort, port salut, gruyere, Camembert, walnut, garlic, thyme, honey, grape, baguette, Red onion, red grape, raisins, Red wine, Red wine vinegar, Brown sugar,generous cheese plate with onion marmalade -
30 minDessertFull Milk, whipped cream, macaroon, custard powder, vanilla sugar, sugar, protein, amaretto, almond liqueur, basic recipe cooking pears,macaroon pastry with casserole
Ways to use carrot
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The carrot is not only very healthy but also very versatile. Its mild and sweet taste makes it a suitable vegetable for babies and young children. In addition to high amounts of fiber and beta-carotene, the root also contains vitamin C and important minerals such as calcium and magnesium. There are several ways to use the carrot:
A root allergy and birch allergy
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Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy the health benefits of this root vegetable. There are people who experience complaints after eating carrot. These complaints are often caused by the cross allergy.
How does an allergy develop?
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In case of an allergy, the body incorrectly produces IgE antibodies against a natural protein. These antibodies attach themselves to mast cells, which are white blood cells that occur in body tissue. These mast cells contain, among other things, histamine. This substance is released by the mast cells when the body comes into contact with an allergen and the IgE antibodies are stimulated and mast cells are activated.
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5 minDrink without alcoholbananas, cool fresh apple-pear raspberry juice, Soy drink vanilla,soy fruit shake -
20 minMain dishsauerkraut, sticking potato, liquid baking product, half-to-half minced, Spice meatballs, pineapple, olive oil, liquid baking product,gratin sauerkraut dish with minced meat -
40 minMain dishlemongrass, fresh ginger, Red peppers, onions, tomato cubes, fresh cod fillet, coriander, oil, ground turmeric (koenjit), coconut milk, salt,fish in creamy coconut sauce -
15 minSide dishsweet potato, soft goat cheese, egg, spring / forest onion,stuffed sweet potato with egg
What is a cross allergy?
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The carrot protein is very similar to the birch pollen protein. With a cross allergy, the body is unable to distinguish these proteins from each other, so that the immune system also sees carrot as an allergen. A cross reaction of birch pollen allergens with root often occurs on contact with raw root. By heating the root, the protein structure changes, so that there is less resemblance to the birch pollen allergens. The complaints that arise after a cross reaction can, among other things, cause the oral allergy syndrome.
Oral allergy syndrome
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The complaints of oral allergy syndrome often arise in teenagers and (young) adults and consist of:
Anaphylactic reaction
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In some very rare cases, a life-threatening situation may arise after eating carrot and an anaphylactic reaction may occur. This response can include:
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20 minMain dishTasty vine tomato, (olive oil, fresh basil, onion, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, zucchini spaghetti, pumpkin spaghetti, mini buffalo mozzarella,lukewarm pumpkin and zucchini spaghetti -
15 minSide dishtraditional olive oil, curry powder, wheat flour, coconut milk, sambal oelek, chicken broth tablet, water, fresh mango,curry sauce with mango -
30 minMain dishtraditional olive oil, lean ground beef, frozen Mexican wok vegetables, salsa sauce mild, taco shell, grated young cheese, creme fraiche,Mexican vegetable in tacos -
95 minMain dishmaize chicken, lemon, coarse sea salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, thyme, zucchini, tomatoes (small to), black olives without pit,provençal chicken with zucchini and tomatoes
Diagnosis of an allergy to carrot
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A root allergy can be demonstrated by several tests by a general practitioner, a dermatologist or an allergist:
Treating a carrot allergy
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When a root allergy has been diagnosed, the treatment consists of:
Elimination of (raw) carrot
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Avoid skin contact with the carrot and avoid eating (raw) carrots. Carrot can be replaced by, among other things, sweet potato and pumpkin. This vegetable also has a slightly sweet taste and contains, in addition to fiber, the necessary healthy nutrients.
Use medication
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For mild complaints of oral allergy syndrome it is usually not necessary to use medication. When complaints are more serious, the following medication can be used.
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For mild complaints of oral allergy syndrome it is usually not necessary to use medication.