Brussel sprouts are vegetables belonging to the family of cabbage. They are rich sources of sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol known for anti-cancer and DNA repair properties. But, brussel sprouts allergy is reported by individuals whose body is sensitive to these otherwise beneficial natural chemicals. This article tries to learn about the symptoms and treatment of this Brussel sprouts allergy.
Scientifically no allergen of this plant in pure form has been yet verified. Lipid transfer protein or LTP has been found in Broccoli, a close family member of Brussel, but it is not yet confirmed if it is present. However, people complain about this allergy, and we have collected this data from the web, especially forums, which might give insight to people who develop symptoms of eating it.
Brussel Sprouts Allergy Symptoms
Below are some of the primary symptoms of Brussel Sprouts Allergy which is very similar to other forms of food allergy:
- Itching
- Swelling of face, arms and feet
- Skin rash
- Difficulty in breathing
- Skin color changes
- Runny rose
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Drop in blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Allergic reactions spreading all over the body rapidly
Awareness of these symptoms can help in early consultation with the doctor. A type of blood test known as radioallergosorbent or RAST test can identify the chemical behind the allergy or the allergen. Later, a skin patch test can confirm the condition.
Brussel Sprouts Allergy Treatment
The immune system is the natural protection mechanism of the body. A protein called IgE found in the blood is part of this system. It is responsible for dealing with allergens and protecting the body from them.
In some individuals, the immune system mistakenly identifies a substance’s beneficial chemicals as a threat to the body. As a result, IgE targets these chemicals as part of the defensive response. Unfortunately, such over-response initiates specific undesirable reactions in the body, known as allergy.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies. The treatment aims at keeping the symptoms of the allergy under check. A blood and skin patch test can identify potential allergens and confirm the condition by verifying the signs.
Prevention is better than cure. So the first step to getting rid of this allergy is to stay away from Brussel sprouts. This simple step can control the mild signs. However, moderate to severe symptoms of allergy from Brussel sprouts may require antihistamine drugs.
Brussel sprouts allergy FAQs
What are the side effects of Brussel sprouts?
Brussel sprouts are cruciferous vegetables commonly consumed as part of a diet. They have some minor side effects, most of which are mild and treatable. These include gas and bloating, diarrhea or constipation, skin irritation or rash on the face or body (especially around the mouth where Brussel sprouts often get chewed). People who are suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid it. It contains iodine-inhibiting compounds, which might affect people suffering from hypothyroidism if taken in large amounts. Few people might experience nausea or vomiting after eating Brussels sprouts. If you’re experiencing negative symptoms while consuming brussels sprouts, please consult your doctor for further guidance.
Are Brussel sprouts inflammatory?
Typically, Brussel sprouts are not considered to be inflammatory. However, due to their high glucomannan content (a type of fiber), some people may find them irritating or uncomfortable. If you are prone to this side effect, it is recommended that you limit your intake of brussels sprouts until the irritation subsides.
Can you get sick from eating Brussel sprouts?
The majority of experts believe they can. Brussel sprouts are high in lectin and ogt, proteins that may trigger an immune response. While it’s still possible to get sick from eating Brussels sprouts if you’re hypersensitive to these proteins, most people should be fine as long as they follow a safe cooking protocol. When cooking Brussels sprouts, it’s essential to overcook them so that the starch Harden turns into sugar and eliminates any potential toxicity.
6 Comments
I have an allergic reaction that used to be very bad when I was younger. My Mom forced me to eat a brussel sprout even though I said the smell was making me very nauseous. After projectile vomiting across the table, she believed me. I can eat grilled brussel sprouts now with no problem and actually love them. I still can barely get down boiled brussel sprouts, I tried recently.
I used to throw up brussel sprouts when I was a child I cannot hold them down the boiled ones my son just made him the other day he tried them on in the skillet and I still throw them up it doesn’t matter I don’t know why I throw up I tried him and I try to keep him down for two days now I’ve been sick
I get dizzy and my head throbs keeping me awake at night. I have just realized that this must come from eating brussel sprouts which I roasted in the oven. Also I feel very congested in my nasal passages and head and it carries over for a day or so. I finally realized it must be the brussel sprouts!
This is so funny. I love BS’s. I learned that by boiling them for a few minutes in water with fresh lemon juice, I could get rid of the bitterness that makes them offensive to many folks. I prefer roasting them after the boiling ‘cure’. But I just noticed that they make me dizzy. 🙂 That’s why I googled this. Odd.
I love vegetables but never had Brussel Sprouts. Customers from work were giving me tips on how to cook them that sounded so good, so I tried them for the first time two nights ago (4/27/2018). I bake them in olive oil and garlic salt. My husband didn’t like them at all and said that he felt nauseous, but I didn’t believe him. I enjoyed eating them, but then I woke up at 3 a.m. feeling extremely sick to my stomach. I had a really bad headache as well that wouldn’t go away with taking Tylenol, which usually helps me. I was sick the whole next day but I never actually threw up, just felt extremely nauseous with a headache.
Not eating for many years and reading about the health benefits I decided to try them.
Anyway trial 1 ended me gassy and bloated fir about 3 days, thinking I had undercooked them. A few days later trial number 2 blanched and pan fried and during the night woke with agonising headache across top and sides of my head, now after panadol, I feel slightly dizzy and light-headed.