1. Are you or your loved ones allergic to latex products? Learn how latex proteins are also found in foods that can lead to allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, swelling, and respiratory issues like sneezing and/or coughing, to name a few.
2. Latex Cross-Reactivity – Individuals with latex allergies may experience reactions when consuming certain foods due to shared proteins between latex and some very notable fruits and vegetables. Learn which foods may be contributing to your allergy symptoms.
3. Why Guess When You Can Know!
Allergies come in many different forms, including delayed food allergies, insect sting allergies, drug allergies, pollen allergies, skin allergies, environmental allergies, including dust mite, mold, and pet allergies, to name a few. Each type of allergy triggers different symptoms and requires specific management strategies.
Another less talked about allergen centers around the natural rubber latex material from the Hevea brasiliense tree – a species of rubber wood that is native to rainforests in the Amazon region of South America, including Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. What is important to note is the vast number of everyday products that utilize this material and the effects it is having on the health of individuals worldwide. In fact, latex allergies have been coined the next major health concern of the decade.
Groups at highest risk include health care workers, rubber industry workers, and persons who have undergone multiple surgical procedures, especially those with spina bifida. In this article, we will explore the relationship between latex-sensitive individuals, latex food cross-reactivity, and its associated effects with undiagnosed food allergies.
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The global latex allergy market is due to increase to approximately 3.26 billion dollars in the next five years. This is due in part to the steady increase in latex disposable products and their usage worldwide. Latex is a material that is found in many everyday products including; medical devices, gloves, clothing, condoms and diaphragms, baby bottles, pacifiers, shoes and shoe glues, catheters, dental products (wedges, orthodontic rubber bands), balloons, rubber balls, sports equipment, toys, bandages, foam mattresses, pillows and carpets, to name a few. (1)
Latex allergy occurs when someone who is latex sensitive is exposed to materials composed of natural rubber latex – either by contact or inhalation. Research has identified at least thirteen distinct proteins associated with latex sensitivities. Studies were conducted within the general population, including health care workers, spina bifida patients, children, and adults, with most allergic patients reacting to multiple latex proteins. (2) (3)
The global latex allergy market is due to increase to approximately 3.26 billion dollars in the next five years. This is due in part to the steady increase in latex disposable products and their usage worldwide. Latex is a material that is found in many everyday products including; medical devices, gloves, clothing, condoms and diaphragms, baby bottles, pacifiers, shoes and shoe glues, catheters, dental products (wedges, orthodontic rubber bands), balloons, rubber balls, sports equipment, toys, bandages, foam mattresses, pillows and carpets, to name a few. (1)
Latex allergy occurs when someone who is latex sensitive is exposed to materials composed of natural rubber latex – either by contact or inhalation. Research has identified at least thirteen distinct proteins associated with latex sensitivities. Studies were conducted within the general population, including health care workers, spina bifida patients, children, and adults, with most allergic patients reacting to multiple latex proteins. (2) (3)
If an individual is latex sensitive, prolonged exposure to a product that contains latex causes an immunological response – meaning the immune system identifies the “harmless” latex proteins as harmful, producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. When latex contacts the skin or mucus membranes, IgE binds to the body’s mast and basophil cells, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals. (4)
Histamine is responsible for many allergy symptoms, which can range from mild to severe, including hives, itching, swelling, and respiratory issues like sneezing and/or coughing, nausea, and vomiting. Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis) range from difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure. The body sees these proteins as either disease-causing agents or antigens. Therefore, individuals who are latex sensitive should take measures to avoid using latex products. (5) (6)
Interestingly, latex allergies can also lead to what is known as cross-reactivity. Rubber latex proteins are not only found in products. The proteins in natural rubber latex, which is derived from the rubber tree, are similar to those found in some fruits and vegetables and are referred to as latex cross-reactive foods or latex fruit cross-reactivity.
In a previous article, we learned about Delayed Food Allergies – IgG testing and its contributing effects in chronic health conditions related to energy production, immune function, digestive dysfunction, asthma, skin conditions, migraine headaches, arthritis, abnormal weight gain & so much more.
Although a latex food allergy can involve both IgE and IgG antibodies, it is primarily associated with IgE-mediated reactions – meaning, there can be a more rapid immune response that is triggered by the latex protein versus a delayed immune response associated with IgG antibodies. (7) (8)
An IgE response can be activated by various cross-reactive allergens and lead to a variety of clinical responses. In general, local and mild — in rare cases, it can be severe and systemic — reactions occur directly after consumption of the food containing the cross-reactive allergen – in this case, cross-reactivity can happen when some foods have proteins that are structurally similar to those in latex, resulting in an allergic response.
Several foods are known to cause cross-reactivity in individuals with latex allergies. The following are considered highly cross-reactive foods to avoid – these fruits and vegetables can cause allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, respiratory reactions such as asthma, shortness of breath, and/or low blood pressure. If you experience any allergic reactions, remember to always consult with your trusted health care practitioner for advice. This list is not complete:
Highly cross-reactive foods to avoid
Moderate cross-reactivity includes:
Additionally, a range of other foods have been identified with low or undetermined cross-reactivity. Although not everyone who has a latex allergy will react to these foods, it’s important to know that there’s a chance of cross-reactivity.
In some cases, steaming or cooking can make these foods safer. Heat can change proteins in foods, making them less likely to cause an allergic reaction. But how much it helps depends on the food and cooking method. So, it’s important to check each food to see if it’s safe for those with a latex allergy.
Additionally, a range of other foods have been identified with low or undetermined cross-reactivity. Although not everyone who has a latex allergy will react to these foods, it’s important to know that there’s a chance of cross-reactivity.
In some cases, steaming or cooking can make these foods safer. Heat can change proteins in foods, making them less likely to cause an allergic reaction. But how much it helps depends on the food and cooking method. So, it’s important to check each food to see if it’s safe for those with a latex allergy.
Safe Foods for Latex Allergic Individuals
Choosing safe foods is key to eating well. This guide lists fruits, veggies, and proteins that are usually safe. Knowing these foods can help avoid allergic reactions and keep you healthy. Note – * indicates mild to no known reaction.
Category | Safe Options – Always Choose Organic! |
Organic Fruits | Apples*, Blueberries, Cherries, Grapes*, Pineapples, Plums |
Organic Vegetables | Broccoli, Carrots*, Cauliflower, Green beans, Peas, Sweet potatoes |
Organic Protein | Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Fish, Legumes, Dairy products |
There are two types of latex allergy: (9)
Type 1 (Immediate): This is a reaction to proteins in the latex. Symptoms come on quickly and can lead to anaphylaxis – the most serious form of allergy, which can be life-threatening.
Type 4 (Delayed): This is usually a reaction to chemicals used in the manufacturing process. It’s not life-threatening, but it’s essential to speak to your trusted health care provider if you have a reaction. Symptoms can affect the skin or mucus membranes and appear between 6 and 48 hours after touching or inhaling latex. If you are exposed to latex repeatedly, symptoms can come on more quickly and last for longer.
Symptoms of latex allergies may also include itching in the mouth or throat, body swelling, trouble breathing, stomach pain, feeling lightheaded, and allergic contact dermatitis. Severe reactions such as anaphylaxis may also occur.
Tips for Avoiding Cross-Contamination and Hidden Sources of Latex
There are over 40 thousand products made with latex rubber. Being vigilant about potential sources of latex and communicating effectively in various settings can significantly contribute to the prevention of allergic reactions. (10)
There are many tests to find out if you have food allergies: (11) (12) (13)
Knowledge is power! By staying informed, you can reduce your risk and protect yourself and your family from potential allergic reactions to latex products and/or latex cross-reactive foods.
Do you want to learn how to use food to heal yourself and your family 100% naturally? Visit us at the Energetic Health Institute and take control of your health today!
M. Moriah Mor, a Naturopathic Practitioner and Certified Holistic Nutritionist, is the owner of GreenSilk.com. The company is committed to helping individuals lead healthier lifestyles through education, nutrition, life science research, and the development of Professional, High-Grade, Premium health products.
Recognized for her outstanding dedication and contributions to the health and wellness industry for more than 18 years, Moriah is a graduate of the Energetic Health Institute, AMCC, and the University of Southern California. Her interest is focused on researching the latest scientific breakthroughs in the holistic health field.
