First, let’s take a look at seeds you’ll see in commercial food products, then let’s take a look at what it means to have a food allergy and seed allergy symptoms.
Seed Allergy: List of Commercial Seeds
I’m sure many have heard of sesame seeds and poppy seeds, however, there are a lot more you’ll need to be on the lookout for.
- Chia Seeds
- Coffee Bean (yes, this is a seed, not a legume)
- Flax Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Nutmeg (mace is the commercial name of the outer layer used in seasonings)
- Mustard Seed
- Perilla Seed (popular in Asian countries, especially Korea)
- Pomegranate Seeds (also called pomegranate arils)
- Poppy Seeds
- Psyllium
- Pumpkin Seeds (also called Pepita Seeds)
- Sacha Inchi Seeds (popular in South America, but gaining traction worldwide)
- Sesame Seeds
- Watermelon Seeds
List of Flours Made From Seeds
If you manage a wheat allergy, Celiac Disease, or any other dietary restriction that requires you to eat gluten free foods, know that seeds are all over gluten free products. These are flours that are made from seeds, however, you’ll also find whole seeds in many gluten free products.
- Amaranth Flour
- Buckwheat Flour
- Millet Flour
- Quinoa Flour
List of Seed Meals
Seed meals are ground seeds. They’re not the same thing as a flour, and are more commonly used as a binding/thickening agent in egg free baking and vegan baking.
- Chia Seed Meal
- Flax Seed Meal
- Psyllium Husk (not quite a seed meal, but something to be aware of as it’s common in gluten free baking because of the texture it can add to breads)
- Pumpkin Seed Meal
List of Spices Made from Seeds
- Anise Seed
- Annatto
- Caraway
- Celery Seed
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Fennel (seed)
- Fenugreek (can be seed or legume)
- Mace
- Mustard (ground)
What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is a response by your immune system that’s triggered by a protein that your body sees as a threat. This is not the same thing as a food intolerance, food sensitivity, or an autoimmune disease. If you suspect you have a food allergy, ask your healthcare provider/main doctor to refer you to an allergist for allergy testing where a blood test and/or skin prick tests can be ordered to determine if you have an allergy. Know that tests are not 100% accurate, but are still a good diagnostic tool.
A “true” food allergy is IgE mediated, and the immune system usually elicits a reaction within immediate ingestion to four hours. Outside of that window, it’s usually suspected that you have a food intolerance.
However, there are some types of allergenic diseases that are “true” food allergies and the reactions happen outside of the four hour window. Additionally, a person can have a more rare or complex case and suffer from delayed reactions (which can still be “true” food allergies).
In some patients, they have what’s called contact or airborne allergies as well. This tends to be a bit more common in those with peanut and tree nut allergies as compared to those with seed allergies. In their case, a reaction can be triggered by touching the food or by breathing in its particles (like when cooking or baking). Food allergies can be life threatening and should always be taken seriously. Work with your allergist and healthcare providers to create an action plan (sometimes called a management plan) that will meet your needs, and know when and how to use your epinephrine auto-injector (Avi-Q, Epi-Pen) if you have one.
Symptoms of a Seed Allergy
Food allergy reactions can vary among patients, as no two people are the same. Some allergy symptoms of a seed include:
- Swelling of the Lips
- Swelling of the Tongue
- Swelling of the Throat
- Itchy Mouth and/or Throat
- Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty Breathing
- Wheezing
- Skin Rashes
- Itching
- Hives
- Racing Heart Rate
- Decreased Blood Pressure
- Impending Doom/Dread
- Dizziness
- Fainting/Loss of Consciousness
- Severe Stomach Pain
- GI Distress
- Nausea
- Vomiting (including projectile vomiting)
- Diarrhea
- Blood in Stool
These symptoms are more on the severe side of the allergic reaction spectrum, and can indicate anaphylaxis. It’s critical that if you see these seed allergy symptoms that you seek immediate medical attention. If you have a known allergy, follow your action plan. It’s possible to have a seed allergy and only experience a range of mild symptoms such as itchy eyes, eczema, mild abdominal pain, or itchy eyes. If you only experience mild food allergy symptoms, please know that you still have a serious medical condition, and that you should avoid eating foods you’re allergic to.
There are hundreds of symptoms a person can experience, but it’s important to know three things about seed allergy symptoms and reactions:
- Not every reaction is anaphylaxis. People can have a “non-traditional” seed allergy reaction to food and still be allergic to one or more seeds.
- Should a person experience severe reactions or anaphylaxis, it’s important to seek immediate medical treatment (use your epinephrine auto injector if you have one). When left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to anaphylactic shock, which can cause death.
- Previous allergic reactions don’t predict future reactions (or the severity of future reactions), and in some patients, continued exposure to known allergens can cause more severe reactions each time.
A child may talk about a food allergy differently than adults. Many children will say things like “my mouth is spicy” or “there’s a frog in my throat”. They’re trying to express what the reactions feel like to them with language or experiences that are familiar to them. Always take note of these types of statements from a child, as they can indicate a serious medical situation. If needed, don’t hesitate to seek medical treatment.
You May be Asked to Do an Oral Food Challenge
A food challenge, sometimes called an oral challenge, is when an allergy patient eats a food they’ve tested as allergic to, or for a food where the results were inconclusive, under the supervision of their doctor and/or medical team. The goal of the challenge is to confirm the positive results or to determine if the patient isn’t allergic to the food.
There are several steps involved with a proper oral food challenge, including raising the patient’s heart rate to make sure a reaction doesn’t happen. If you’ve been tested for a sesame seed allergy, or other seed allergy, you may be offered an in-office oral food challenge to ensure the test results are accurate. A lot of people wonder, is this a good idea, or a really bad idea.
Honestly, it depends. Let’s say you had a severe reaction to sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or any other seeds in the last year, and that’s what prompted you to get tested. Since a reaction is already known, in that case, an oral food challenge would be a bad idea. On the flip side, let’s say you were diagnosed with a pumpkin seed allergy after a panel was run alongside other foods. Perhaps you’ve never eaten pumpkin seeds before (or have without any type of reaction, even a mild one) and your doctor feels it’s in your best interest to confirm the diagnosis. In that case, an oral food challenge could be very helpful.
Food challenges are also used to confirm if someone has outgrown an allergy (this is a lot more common in kids). For some kids, they’re diagnosed at an early age with really high numbers on their test results and the food(s) will be avoided for years. During a checkup, the allergist may note that their numbers have decreased dramatically, and it would be safe to do a food challenge. Many allergy parents are understandably nervous, and some choose to move forward with the challenge whilst others decide they’ll continue to avoid the food(s).
In some extreme cases, even a reduction in numbers won’t lead allergists to suggest an oral food challenge, and that’s because of the other contributing factors. Food challenges are completely voluntary, and you don’t have to do anything you’re uncomfortable doing, nor do you have to subject your children to them. At the end of the day, do what makes sense for you.
Seed Allergy: A Deeper Look & Clearing Up Confusion
Having a seed allergy is incredibly confusing since all food is grown from seeds. Additionally, one problem those of us with a seed allergy face is that the prevalence of a seed allergy is considerably lower than that of peanut and tree nut allergies. It means there’s a lot less research, studies, and literature to pull good and consistent information from.
Where The Confusion Starts
When we think about produce, botanically, in conjunction with a seed allergy, a lot of questions come to mind. Here are the top two types of questions:
- Raspberries are a fruit. They have seeds on the outside of their flesh. Can you eat raspberries if you have a seed allergy?
- Cucumbers are a vegetable. They contain seeds. Can you eat cucumbers if you have a seed allergy?
The general answer is yes. It’s rare that you would find someone with a seed allergy who is unable to eat fruits and vegetables with seeds. However, it is important to remember that no two people are the same, and anyone can be allergic to anything. It would be incredibly rare to have this type of diagnosis, and it’s more likely that you’ll be avoiding whole seeds.
So Then, Which Seeds Do You Avoid?
When managing a traditional seed allergy, first, you’ll want to avoid the seeds you’re allergic to. For example, you may be told that you’re allergic to sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and chia seeds only. In that case, you’d avoid those three. If however you’re told to avoid all seeds due to your unique case and high risk of cross reactive reactions, you’ll want to avoid all seed derived foods, not foods that contain seeds. Chia Seeds = Seed Derived Food. Raspberries = Food that contains seeds. See the difference?
Foods that are completely classified as seeds are:
- Amaranth
- Anise
- Annatto
- Buckwheat
- Caraway
- Chia Seeds
- Coffee Beans
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Flax Seed aka Flax Meal
- Hemp Seeds
- Millet (usually seed derived but this is a generic name for a variety of plants)
- Mustard Seed
- Nutmeg & Mace
- Perilla Seed
- Pomegranate Seeds (also called pomegranate arils)
- Poppy Seeds
- Psyllium & Psyllium Husk
- Pumpkin Seeds aka Pepita Seeds
- Quinoa (white, tri-color, flakes)
- Sacha Inchi Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Watermelon Seeds
Pine Nuts Are Up In The Air
Pine Nuts are officially a seed. However, they’re on the list of foods to avoid when you have a tree nut allergy. These will go down in history like coconuts, with many people disagreeing.
Where the Confusion Continues: Parts of a Plant
There are seven key different parts to a plant, and this is how more confusion happens when we talk about a seed allergy. The different parts are (that most of us are familiar with):
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Stalks
- Bulbs
- Flowers
- Seeds
- Roots
The different parts of the plant can be cooked, sometimes eaten raw, turned into an oil or powder, and more. In the case of a seed allergy, let’s look at celery. Celery stalk is fine to eat if you have a seed allergy. Celery seed on the hand is not safe for someone that’s been told to “avoid all seeds”. Yet, the two products come from the same plant. It’s easy to think that if you can’t have celery seed, then you can’t have all forms of celery.
If you find this information confusing, make sure you seek clarification from your medical team. You’re going to want to have them give you guidance based on your uniques test results and case history.
The Seed is Not The Same as The Fresh Herb or Plant
Let’s take another look at spices. If you can’t have all seeds, you should avoid fennel seed as a seasoning. However, you can enjoy fennel bulb and fennel fronds. Neither are the seed, and they great for cooking. The bulb brings a depth of flavour with tones of licorice and the fronds are a fantastic garnish.
The same is true of celery. You will need to avoid celery seed in seasonings, but can totally enjoy ants on a log by using the celery stalk. This information is true for all seed based foods that have a commercially sold counterpart that isn’t derived from the seed.
More Confusion: Pseudograins and Pseudocereals
There are four gluten free pseudo-grains (also called pseudocereals) that cross over with seeds: amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and quinoa.
First, it’s important to note that the term millet refers to a wide variety of plants. Most commercial growers will produce one type for harvesting and selling as flour. Quinoa also comes in several varieties.
Are these pseudo-grains actually seeds? Quinoa is a solid yes. Millet is a maybe. It depends on the source of the millet. Both amaranth and buckwheat are also a solid yes. So then, where’s the confusion?
Some people who avoid all seeds can eat these four ingredients without any problems. Remember when I said we don’t have enough literature to pull from? The bottom line is that where a seed allergy is concerned, we need more research to better understand which seeds are more problematic than others.
Where the Confusion Ends with a Seed Allergy: The Grass Family Cross Over
Sorghum and Wild Rice may also be an issue for people with a severe seed allergy. Officially, Millet, Sorghum, and Wild Rice are all in the grass family, not the seed family. So then, why are they on the list? First, some millet products you purchase will be made from the millet seed. Additionally, there can be some cross-reactivity with these ingredients.
Cross-reactivity means you’re allergic to X but react to Y because the proteins in X and Y are similar. For those with Oral Allergy Syndrome, a latex allergy, or histamine issues, cross-reactivity is a common struggle.
The grass family, also known as cereal grains, are staple foods used in every cuisine around the world. Unfortunately for those with an undetermined type of seed allergy, the only way to know which individual ingredients will be safe for you will be oral food challenges.
Seed Oils: Are They Safe to Eat?
You may have read that you can have seed oils if you’re allergic to seeds, and of course, now you’re wondering if that’s true. Here’s where it all started: some people with a peanut allergy can tolerate peanut oil that’s been highly refined. The same is true of a soy allergy. Some people with a soy allergy can safely consume highly refined soy oil.
The reason this works for some patients is because of how highly refined they are. In the cases of peanut oil and soy oil, most (and sometimes all) of the proteins are undetectable after the refining process is complete.
However, let me burst your bubble: not all commercial oils are highly refined. Sesame seed oil is the perfect example. It is absolutely, not a highly refined oil. If you have a sesame allergy, it is not safe to eat sesame oil as the proteins are still very much present. Most sesame seed oil is cold pressed, and there’s very little refining. This is true of a lot of seed oils sold in stores and used in commercial settings.
Related: Sesame Allergy
Now, let me burst your other bubble. Remember, no two people are the same. Only some people with peanut, soy, and seed allergies can eat highly refined seed oils. Many patients still have to avoid these products, no matter what the mainstream says.
Now, to make matters worse, here in the United States, the FDA isn’t super helpful either. They state that since “highly refined oils don’t have proteins and don’t cause allergic reactions and don’t need to be labeled” (for the sake of allergen labeling). It’s essentially a loop-hole in the food labeling law where food allergies are concerned (and the FDA doesn’t take into account that no two people are the same).
I personally find this to be dishonest and nowhere near transparent. It’s why words like “vegetable oil” on a label should have you walking in the other direction. I’ve met plenty of people who have severe reactions to highly refined oils, so it’s critical that you work with your medical team to determine if an oral challenge is a good fit for you.
Have a Sunflower Seed Allergy?
For those with a sunflower seed allergy, you’ve got double trouble to look out for. Most people aren’t aware of this, but sunflower seed oil is a very common food processing aide, and it doesn’t have to be declared on a food label.
In fact, the only way to find out about processing aides is to contact a company directly. As you do this, you’ll find that some companies are completely transparent and will follow their supply chain to get you all the information. On the other hand, you’ll talk with companies that are shadier than the great tree in your grandma’s backyard. Always use your critical thinking, and if a company won’t tell you about the processing aides used in their manufacturing, walk away. It’s not worth it.
In terms of how sunflower seed oil is used specifically, it’s a common lubricant for food making machines, especially in the bar industry (protein bars etc.). The oil allows the foods to glide along the machines and not get stuck. This is awesome for manufacturing, but not so great if you have a sunflower allergy as there are a lot of products with a thin layer of sunflower on them.
How to Shop for Food When Managing a Seed Allergy
I’m going to level with you upfront: Seeds. Are. Everywhere. They’re a lot like corn and soy where they have hundreds of uses in the food world. If you’ve been told to avoid all seeds, I’m going to suggest that you contact companies before purchasing any packaged products. Email and ask about the long list of seeds I shared with you.
If you’ve only been told to avoid one type of seed, read labels carefully before making a purchase. Also know that about 30% of people with food allergies are unable to eat foods that have been made on shared equipment with what they’re allergic to.
Major Allergens
Here in the United States, the Top 9 Major Allergens are:
- Wheat
- Milk
- Egg
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
As of January 1, 2023, sesame was declared number nine (we were a top 8 allergy country prior to that). Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, coconut has been removed from tree nuts (that’s another conversation for another day). If you live in a country with the top 8, top 9, top 10, top 11, top 12, or top 14 allergens, sesame is included on that list.
For those who are only allergic to sesame, you’re “in luck” as foods containing sesame are legally required to disclose this information. You’ll see sesame in the ingredient list and it will either be called out in bold, or in a contains statement.
A contains statement looks like this: Contains: Milk, Sesame, Almond.
Now, where I don’t want you to get confused is the “May Contain” statement. Those are 100% voluntary, so sometimes you’ll see them and sometimes you won’t. If you don’t see this statement, that does not mean the product is sesame free. It simply means they’ve opted to skip voluntary statements.
A food label won’t tell you about raw material sourcing, shared equipment, and a lot more. Depending on your individual needs, you’ll need to contact companies before making any kind of purchase.
Spices & Oils That Are Seed Derived
If you’re new to a seed allergy, it’s important to know that there are a range of spices oils that are seed derived. When grocery shopping, If you’re following an AIP diet, you’re already avoiding all of these ingredients. If you’re new to a seed allergy, you’ll want to eliminate these ingredients. You will need to be extra watchful when purchasing spice blends. This is where you’ll find many seeds hiding quietly.
- Anise Seed
- Annatto
- Caraway
- Celery Seed
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Fennel (seed)
- Fenugreek (can be seed or legume)
- Mace
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Perilla Seed Oil (you’re likely to see this in Asian foods, especially Korean specialty foods)
Canola oil may also be an issue as it is derived from rapeseed.
Hidden Sources of Seeds: List of Foods That Can Contain Seeds
Before we look at the list, know that if you’re following an Autoimmune Paleo Protocol Diet (AIP), you are seed free. All other special diets are generally not completely seed free. However, it can be helpful to know that AIP Paleo foods and recipes will be an awesome starting point if you’re feeling super overwhelmed by everything.
List of Foods Where Seeds Can Hide
It’s not uncommon for health foods to contain seeds. You will have to read labels very carefully, and call companies depending on the severity of your allergy. Items that usually contain seeds include (there are a few non-food items listed as well):
- Allergy Friendly Products (seeds are in a very wide range of free-from products)
- Baked Goods (cookies, cakes, etc.)
- Bath & Body Products (soap, shampoo, etc.)
- Burger Buns
- Condiments, Sauces, and Gravies
- Cosmetics (especially vegan, all natural, and cruelty free products)
- Crackers
- Cured Meats (usually as celery seed)
- Dairy Free Butter
- Dairy Free Cheese
- Dairy Free Ice Cream
- Dairy Free Spreads (cream cheese, etc.)
- Dairy Free Yogurt
- Egg Free Mayo
- Egg Substitutes (foods like JUST egg)
- “Everything” Products (Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, Everything Bagels, Everything Bagel Chips, etc.)
- Gluten Free Baked Goods
- Grain Bowls & Harvest Bowls
- Hummus
- Marinades
- Nut Free Alternative Spreads (pumpkin seed butter, watermelon seed butter, etc.)
- Nut Free Packaged Snacks
- Peanut Free Alternatives Spreads (pumpkin seed butter, watermelon seed butter, etc.)
- Poke Bowls
- Pomegranate Juice
- Pomegranate Syrup
- Protein Powders
- Rice Cakes (usually flavoured rice cakes)
- Season Blends
- Salad Dressings
- Seeded Breads and Crackers
- Sesame Paste
- Snack Bars
- Soba (a popular Japanese noodle that contains buckwheat)
- Soups and Stews
- Sushi
- Tahini (a nut free spread made from sesame seeds)
- Top 9 Allergy Free Packaged Snacks (they won’t contain sesame, but will have other seeds)
- Trail Mix
- Vegan Meat Substitutes
In addition to this, it’s not uncommon for items such as sunflower oil to be used as a processing aid. This does not have to be disclosed on the label, and the only way to find out is to call the company. You can also enroll in the free mini eCourse Food Allergy Help 101: Hidden Allergens to learn much more about these topics.
List of Foods That are Naturally Seed Free
So, you have a seed allergy and now that you know how wild it’s going to be, you’re thinking, I’ll just cook everything at home from scratch. Honestly, this isn’t the worst plan, and it’s something I personally do as well. Foods that are naturally seed free include:
- Most Fresh & Frozen Produce (avoid produce blends when you’re new and stick to single ingredient products)
- Raw Meat (no seasons, spices, or marinades)
- Fresh & Frozen Fish + Shellfish (raw only, no seasonings or marinades)
- Mammal’s Milk (cow, goat, sheep, buffalo, get raw milk or whole milk, don’t get any enriched products)
- Eggs (chicken, duck, ostrich)
- Gluten Containing Grains (wheat, spelt, rye, barley)
- Gluten Free Grains (cassava, oat, tiger nut, brown rice, corn)
- Tree Nuts
- Lentils
- Beans & Legumes
- Single Ingredient Spices (I like the brand Spicely Organic)
- Sugar (maple, honey, cane sugar, date sugar, coconut sugar, avoid alternative sweeteners)
For those allergic to milk, the only seed free milk free option I know of at the time of this writing is Malk. However, it’s a little pricey and I personally make inexpensive dairy free milk at home with a NutraMilk.
Now, this isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a good list to get you started. With these categories of food, I promise, you can make thousands of seed free combinations and recipes at home.
Eating Out at Restaurants with a Seed Allergy
If you’d like to eat at a restaurant whilst managing a seed allergy, I’m not going to lie to you: it’s going to be difficult. First and foremost, I would avoid Asian restaurants and any other cuisine where seeds are at the forefront of recipes. In those settings, it will be incredibly difficult to avoid cross contact.
The first type of restaurant I’d actually consider would be a proper farm to table restaurant, where you eat on the farm. Seeds and seed oils are a lot less common, and given the reduced size of the establishment, it may be easier for them to cater to your allergy needs.
Next, I’d look at Paleo and meat forward restaurants. Seed oils are greatly frowned upon in the Paleo and clean eating space. That only leaves you needed to avoid whole seed products. Again, these types of restaurants will be smaller, making it easier for the staff to meet your needs.
Third, I’d look at expensive, high end restaurants where fresh ingredients are the focal point. It’s going to be a lot easier for this type of establishment to make you a special meal rather than a fast casual restaurant.
Ultimately, I need to stress this point to you: eating out at restaurants with a seed allergy is a high risk move. That’s because outside of sesame seeds, no other seeds are a major allergen. Plus, seeds are in so many common restaurant ingredients. You’ll need to work really hard to find a safe establishment. However! When you do, eat there all the time and make sure the staff know how much you appreciate them (like, baking them Christmas cookies level of appreciation).
Need Seed Free Recipes?
On RAISE (membership website), you’ll find Seed Free and Sesame Free as options in the Advanced Recipe Search (along with several other helpful filters including buckwheat free and flax seed free). Currently every recipe on RAISE is sesame free, and over 150 recipes are free from all seeds. The ARS has 100+ filters for you to mix and match to meet all of your individual needs.
Additionally, my cookbooks have super duper helpful allergen charts, and seed free is a classification in my cookbooks. Don’t forget! You can also purchase “AIP Paleo Cookbooks” and the recipes will naturally be 100% seed free.
Still Feeling Lost?
It’s OK to feel lost when living with a seed allergy, as it can be confusing. On top of that, no two people are the same. That, is the real takeaway here.
If you know that all seeds are an issue, and you’ve been consuming millet flour regularly with no known issues, continue to enjoy your millet flour. However, if you haven’t reached neutral, consider eliminating all cross-reactive ingredients to see if you can achieve neutral.
If eliminating the extra items reduces (or eliminates) your symptoms, consider reintroducing them one at a time to determine the trigger food. You should be keeping a strict and detailed food journal during this process. Your detailed food journal will allow you to remove the least amount of foods possible, which will leave you feeling less restricted in the long run.
Now That I Know This Info, I’m Afraid To Eat Everything On The List You Shared
It’s OK to be hesitant to eat a lot of different foods with your seed allergy. Fear and anxiety around food when living with food allergies is totally normal. No two people embark on the same journey, and you’ll have to do what you’re comfortable with.
If your allergic reactions are non-anaphylaxis, it may be worth learning if you can tolerate items such as millet, quinoa, and sorghum, as to not over-limit your diet.
I would also encourage you to find a calm time where you can start with a small skin patch test to see if the cross-reactive foods would be safe for you. Should you have a skin reaction, you’ll probably want to skip an oral food challenge. Some doctors disagree on skin reactions predicting an ingestion reaction, so again, work with your medical team to determine what’s right for you.
Note: This suggestion is only for self-induced trials. If you manage a child, please DO NOT experiment on them. I believe in fully informed consent.
Further Tasks
If you’re new to living with food allergies, spend some time reading about how food is made so you can better understand how your allergens are used in food (and non-food) manufacturing. Additionally, you can enroll in my free course for the Newly Diagnosed. I share a lot of helpful information to help you with daily food allergy management.
When you’re new to your diagnosis, you’ll also need to make sure you take the next steps to help keep yourself (or your child) safe. You may need to clean out your kitchen, call companies, set up a 504 plan, talk with HR, and more. RAISE has tools available to help you thru these steps.
Answering Your Seed Allergy Questions
If I have a sesame allergy, do I need to avoid all seeds?
Managing a sesame seed allergy can be tough (I have one as well). What’s important to know about not only your sesame allergy but all seed allergies is that you can be allergic to one, some, or all seeds. The only way to know if you’ll need to avoid all seeds is to work with your medical team. They can order allergy tests, supervise an oral challenge, and give you great guidance based on your case history and test results.
Are there any seeds that are cross reactive with a pollen allergy?
If you’re managing a pollen allergy with an Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) component, yes, there are seeds that are pollen cross reactive. Here’s the list, based on pollen type.
- Alder: Celery (celery seed)
- Birch: Anise, Buckwheat, Caraway, Celery, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel
- Grass: Celery
- Mugwort: Caraway, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Mustard
- Ragweed: Celery
Note: OAS is now called Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS) and the two terms are used interchangeably.
Is there a treatment or cure for food allergies?
There are no cures for food allergies. The only approved medical treatment at the time of this writing is called Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). OIT is never guaranteed to work. In fact, when someone passes, we say they’re “in remission”, not “cured”, as there are no cures for food allergies. Know that results vary from one individual to the next because this is all a science of the immune system. Since no two people are the same, it’s impossible to predict 100% of the time how individuals will respond to OIT.
During treatment, patients ingest small amounts of what they’re allergic to (some start at less than a 1 gram dose). This is done in hopes of having the immune system build tolerance. Some patients do well with this therapy and some patients never get passed the first dose because of how sensitive they are to the allergen.
One the thing about OIT that people don’t talk about enough is that just how you can gain tolerance, you can lose it as well. I’ve also met people in this boat where they passed OIT, then a few years later woke up one day and had a severe allergic reaction.
Additionally, those with EOE have a higher risk of developing more issues if they undergo OIT. This type of science is, in my opinion, poorly understood, and all you can do is do your best and work with the information you have and the guidance your medical team provides.
When it comes to OIT, really assess what it can do for you, and what your goals are. If the risk seems worth it, as an adult, I say go for it. If you’re managing a child, it’s different because of consent. It’s really important that they give fully informed consent before you introduce known food allergens to their system (something a lot of parents overlook). This is doubly true if your child has a complex case.
