What Foods Can Trigger a Mold Allergy?
An allergic reaction to mold happens when you breathe in tiny mold spores, and your immune system responds by releasing antibodies and chemicals to attack the “invader”. The symptoms are usually mild and similar to those of other respiratory allergies: runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, cough, postnasal drip, itching of the nose and throat, etc. In some people, mold allergy is associated with the development of asthma.
The only way to prevent this type of reaction is to stay away from the allergen. However, people who have a mold allergy often have a hard time trying to avoid contact with the fungus. You can’t just remove all sources of mold from your house, as this allergen tends to accumulate in many various places, even in some of the foods.
If you eat a food product affected by mold, you are likely to develop an allergic reaction. Therefore, experts recommend avoiding foods that naturally contain mold. Besides, you should always check your food for visible mold before consuming it.
Below, we are going to explain why fermented foods, as well as mushrooms, dairy and meat are not recommended in people allergic to mold.
Like mold, mushrooms are a type of fungus. They are commonly used in salads, soups, quiches and casseroles. According to specialists, even fresh, recently collected mushrooms may sometimes contain mold spores. If you are sensitive to mold, you should avoid eating mushrooms, both cooked and raw. When eating out, inform your server about your allergy and ask if your mean can be prepared without mushrooms.
In many grocery stores, you can find prepackaged pieces of meat and fish, such as salami, bacon, smoked tuna or sardines, that are supposed to have a long shelf life. However, experts warn that these food products often contain mold, and in high amounts. To control your mold allergy symptoms, doctors recommend avoiding meat or fish that is older than 24 hours or frozen. You should buy meat or fish fresh from a butcher or a grocery store and cook it shortly after the purchase.
Fermented milk products, such as cheeses, sour cream, buttermilk and sour milk, often contain mold particles, which is why they are not recommended for people allergic to this substance. Certain sorts of cheese, for example, blue cheese, are even made using visible mold. In addition, fermented dairy products contained in baked goods may also cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, when purchasing a bakery product, make sure that the ingredients don’t include fermented dairy.
Other Fermented Products
People with mold allergies may also develop the symptoms after eating other types of fermented foods. Thus, an allergic reaction is often triggered by foods containing vinegar, including olives, pickles, capers, ketchup or salad dressing. Eating some dried fruits like raisins, dates, figs and cranberries may also lead to unpleasant allergy symptoms. In addition, you may also be sensitive to sourdough and pumpernickel breads that are high in yeast, wine and beer, sauerkraut, as well as soy sauce. When eating at a restaurant, ask whether any vinegar or soy sauce is contained in the meal you want to order, and explain why it is important.