These fruits may be leading you down a path of cold and congestion; here’s how

From pre-workouts to refreshing summer coolers, fruits are a staple in our diets. While we love experimenting with our palate, sometimes, we might be inadvertently signing up for a fate full of sneezes and farts. Word on the internet is that undigested fruit may be causing cold and congestion.

Indianexpress.com spoke to Dr G Sushma, clinical dietician, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills in order to get more clarity.

Sushma said that there is no direct link between undigested fruit leading to cold and congestion. Cold is a form of viral infection caused due to rhinovirus. However, there are a few situations where fruits may cause a reaction similar to cold and congestion.

When the immune system responds to some fruits in context of a certain food allergy or intolerance, symptoms may include nasal congestion and stomach discomfort, she added.

“Histamine is a chemical found in the body that reacts to allergens. While consuming fruits if your body is allergic to them, histamine gets triggered as an immune response. This often causes sneezing and runny nose. Fruits such as papaya, banana, cherries, and oranges are high in histamine which can trigger such reactions,” Dr Sushma said.

“When fruits remain undigested it may lead to fermentation. This can cause discomfort due to gas reflux and bloating. These symptoms are similar to that of congestion and can be misinterpreted,” she said.

According to her, people with weak immune systems are more prone to experiencing indigestion and cold.

While consuming fruits if your body is allergic to them, histamine gets triggered as an immune response. This often causes sneezing and runny nose. (Source: Freepik)

So, what’s the solution?

Dr Sushma recommended consulting with a healthcare professional to understand if you have any food allergies and following the diet recommendations and restrictions as advised by your doctor.

“If consumption of certain nutrients such as vitamin C, can aggravate existing health problems, it is best to avoid fruits loaded with Vitamin C. Consume fruits in moderation and try adding a variety of them to your diet, instead of consuming the same fruit every single day,” she said.

She also encouraged adding fresh vegetables, seeds, nuts, as well as sources of protein for a well-balanced diet.

What is the right time to consume fruits?

“Consumption of fruits depends on various factors such as dietary conditions and health of the individual. It is important to consume fruits in moderation, as excess may cause negative side effects,” said Dr Sushma.

While consuming them on an empty stomach allows better absorption of nutrients and the natural sugars in fruits may help with energy levels, she said that they can also be a good choice for snacking in between or after meals.

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