Itchy tongue after eating pineapple, an allergy symptom or is it normal?

Pineapple is a high-fiber fruit that is effective in dealing with constipation. Pineapple also provides many other nutrients, including vitamins A and B6, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese, all of which are beneficial for maintaining bodily functions. But behind the delicious taste and the myriad of benefits to the body, many people often complain of an itchy tongue sensation after eating pineapple. Have you felt it too?

What causes itchy tongue after eating pineapple?

The mastermind behind the itchy tongue after eating pineapple is a natural enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain works to break down proteins in the body, including collagen proteins found in the tongue, lips and inner cheek tissue. The effect of bromelain is what causes itching. Apart from itching, the tongue may also swell a little after eating pineapple.

However, you don't need to worry. Once you chew and swallow it, saliva and stomach acid will work to neutralize bromelain and reproduce protein and amino acids in the body so that this itching won't last long.

Bromelain enzyme itself is actually good for body health. The anti-inflammatory properties of bromelain play a role in repairing cell damage due to bacterial infection, and help increase the body's resistance to be better. Bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties can also reduce the risk of colon cancer as it helps the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Bromelain enzymes that work quickly to break down protein can reduce symptoms of constipation and nausea after eating.

Prevent itchy tongue after eating pineapple

If you are a pineapple fan but are lazy to eat pineapple because the itching makes you uncomfortable, try eating only the outer part of the meat. Bromelain enzymes that cause itchy tongue are found in all parts of the pineapple, but most are found in the middle of the fruit.

Another way to prevent an itchy tongue after eating pineapple is to coat the entire surface of the meat thinly with salt, let it sit for a while then rinse clean. Processing pineapple into juice, smoothies or mixing it into yogurt is also believed to be able to relieve the itching it causes.

Heating or roasting pineapples can also reduce the enzyme bromelain and replace it with more sugar due to its caramelizing effect.

Itchy tongue after eating pineapple may be an allergy symptom

The sensation of an itchy tongue after eating pineapple is only temporary, and can be prevented by a variety of simple methods above. However, if the itching doesn't get better and is instead accompanied by itching in other parts of the body, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, it could be that you are allergic to pineapple.

Severe symptoms of a food allergy that are not treated promptly can lead to anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing or suspect that you will experience anaphylactic shock. In a study from 1993, 20 out of 32 people who tested positive for pineapple allergy developed anaphylactic shock after eating this tart yellow fruit.