I’ll be frank: Previously, I’ve chalked up my pineapple-induced mouth woes to nothing greater than a really gentle allergy of some kind (since my signs clear up on their very own after some time). Nevertheless, Inna A. Husain, MD, the medical director of laryngology at Neighborhood Hospital in Munster, Indiana, says an allergy is probably going not the case.
Whereas pineapple allergy symptoms are doable, they’re extraordinarily uncommon. So, why achieve this many individuals expertise discomfort when noshing on this tropical fruit? Dr. Husain explains it’s easy: Enzymes. Forward we uncover the basis reason for ‘pineapple tongue’ discomfort and one of the best ways to keep away from it.
Why pineapple could cause mouth and tongue irritation
In line with Dr. Husain, pineapples comprise an enzyme referred to as bromelain, which is probably going the primary perpetrator behind most pineapple-related mouth and tongue irritation. “Bromelain is a mix of two proteases. For context, a protease is a particular kind of enzyme that breaks down protein. That is why pineapple could be a nice meat tenderizer,” Dr. Husain says. Sadly, pineapple could cause an analogous response within the mouth. “Bromelain additionally breaks down protein discovered within the lining of your mouth, often called mucosa,” she provides, which leads to the irritation so many people usually expertise.
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However that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Along with the bromelain, Dr. Husain factors out that pineapples are additionally naturally acidic, which might additional exacerbate irritation. “Pineapple is acidic, so the thought is that the bromelain breaks down the mucosal barrier, which causes the acid in pineapple to be extra irritating,” she says. Dr. Husain says the mix of the 2 is what units pineapple aside from different fruits. (For instance, though papayas additionally comprise bromelain, they’re not as acidic, which is why most received’t expertise the identical tingling sensation as they do with pineapple.)
That mentioned, there’s no denying that every one this discuss bromelain-induced burning or itchiness within the mouth and throat can sound exceptionally alarming. Nevertheless, Dr. Husain reassures us that it isn’t an excessive amount of trigger for concern (not less than not most often). “Don’t fear. The quantity of injury that’s taking place is gentle, and the tissue will already begin therapeutic itself after the consumption of the pineapple. That is why more often than not, the feeling is transient,” she says.
“Don’t fear. The quantity of injury that’s taking place is gentle, and the tissue will already begin therapeutic itself after the consumption of the pineapple. That is why more often than not, the feeling is transient.”
Nevertheless it’s price noting that though (we reiterate) pineapple allergy symptoms are uncommon, they nonetheless are doable. A pineapple allergy can lead to extra extreme signs like extreme irritation within the mouth, rashes, swelling, or—in extreme instances—anaphylaxis, a life-threatening situation that wants pressing medical consideration. Should you consider you’re experiencing a pineapple allergy, it’s greatest to seek the advice of with a medical skilled on easy methods to deal with it.
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Methods to forestall pineapple tongue irritation
Though there’s no avoiding bromelain in pineapples, Dr. Husain factors out that the best focus of the enzyme is discovered within the stem of the pineapple. As such, steering away from consuming the stems may assist mitigate the response. Nevertheless it isn’t foolproof, nor the most efficient or efficient approach to keep away from pineapple-induced irritation.
Dr. Husain recommends rubbing salt on pineapple or soaking it in salt water (and rinsing earlier than consumption). Cooking pineapple may also scale back the irritation brought on by enzymes. Lastly, she says pairing the acidic fruit with dairy-based merchandise, like cream or yogurt, can assist neutralize the acid. Pineapples are formally again on the menu!
Anybody up for a dairy-free pineapple ginger Dole Whip dessert:
