Kevin D. Hendricks

By JL! on Apr 1, 2004

Whoa! I’ve never heard of a banana allergy before. I guess it’s possible to be allergic to almost anything though. That’s no fun at all, man. I’m sorry to hear it.

This may not be much of a surprise, but I had something similar happen at Taco Bell. Now, I know their food is extremely low grade, but sometime last year I went there, and got sick later that day. Didn’t think anything of it. Then it happened again. Thought nothing of it. And a third time. And a fourth time. When it happened the fourth time, I started to think, “Hmmm… I think there might be a connection here…” but my brain is a bit thick, so I decided to go back again and test it.

That was the fifth and last time I got sick from Taco Bell.

By Sonya on May 12, 2004

I am so happy to have found your posting. I too am a sufferer of banana-related stomachaches. I do not have a weak stomach and it is rarely upset, but whenever I eat a banana or have (like in your case) a smoothie with banana in it, I get very yucky stomach pain. I have been trying to research what it might be about the banana that gives me this discomfort. This is obviously a food allergy. It seems strange to be allergic to bananas - wait, I just realized my “allergy” also started around the time yours did - I was 21. Now I am 27. So, I know this is probably of very little help. I just felt good knowing there was someone else in the world who had a similar reaction to le banana. WEIRD!

By Seth on Jun 23, 2004

Ok so I had the same problem but it has all started the past 3 months and i have isolated it to banana’s - like you, no probs with banana bread , banana ice cream, etc but with banana’s in the morning (or in a smoothie) - I felt like i got kicked in the stomach…so i think i will be laying off of them for a bit until i talk to my Doc - but theres gotta be some sort of name for this!

By Erin on Jun 25, 2004

I was just searching for banana related stomachaches. What’s up with that?! All I can find is that they are supposed to soothe the stomach. WHATEVER. I feel like I’m going to hurl. I’m 26 and it all started about 4 months ago. If any of you find out anything about this please let me know.

By Eric on Oct 12, 2004

I have also suffered from what you have described. It has since broadened to other items, such as peanuts and other high natural fat foods. I visited a Gastroenterologist, and his first guess is a gallbladder problem. I am heading in to get some tests done to see if I may have gallstones. The gallbladder holds bile produced by the liver. Bile is used by the digestive system to help digest fats. It sounds strange to me as I have no problem with other fatty foods in the past.

By Laina on Oct 13, 2004

My mom is suffering from banana allergies. She gets severe leg and foot cramps a few hours after eating a banana, but no stomach ache. Everything online claims a banana will help cramps-definitely not true. Has anyone heard of anything that could cause such symptoms?

By Devin on Feb 10, 2005

For the past few days I’ve had the same problem too - I used to eat bananas all the time w/no prob- here’s the funny thing - I’m 21 too!

By sandi on Feb 13, 2005

I can throw out the age theory. Over 55 and all of a sudden cannot eat a banana without severe stomach pain and my face getting very very flushed. No temp. Used to love them cut up in cheerios. No more.Does anyone know if there may be a potassium imbalance problem in some folks?? I’m not allergic to latex which in some banana allergy senarios plays a part.???

By kris on Feb 15, 2005

Yep, yesterday had a smoothie with bananas and almost immediately had this stabbing feeling in my upper abdominal area. I felt nauseated from the pain, but no typical GI problems associated with food poisoning. I love bananas, but haven’t had any for awhile. I get this pain from raw bananas every now and then but it is not consistent. I wonder if it is related to the overconsumption of fats (and the hormones that are involved in digestion, like CCK, ghrelin, etc.) but then I would have a problem with french fries! I think the potassium in bananas is what helps leg cramps, but could it cause this pain? Is it possible this is just painful gas trapped between the splenic curves? And painkillers and antacids don’t help me, just time.

By RaeAnne on Feb 28, 2005

I have a 4 year old, that for some time has been outlawed from bananas. I feel bad for her because she love them. As far as I know, there’s no pain , but the attitude changes turn her from a sweet precosious little girl, to a demon! So bad in fact I was wondering if she should see a shrink at 2!

She acts out, screams, strikes out, and absolutely refuses to listen. I’ve actually had to use a care hold on her to get her to slow down, breath, and listen. Then she fights you with all her little might until she tires. Then you can talk to her. It’s Horrible, and all because of bananas.

Since forbidding anything banana in my house (no juices/fruits/candies), she’s done so much better. We have brief reacurrences when someone forgets, and then we go thru hell for about 3 days, until it’s out of her system.

Today, I just heard from my husband’s Aunt……after almost 5 years and trying to figure out what the heck was going on…my dear wonderful husband was forbidden bananas from the time he was in diapers. He became violent on them. NOW she tells me! :X Anyone else heard of tempremental changes from bananas? It’s a new one on me!

By Patrick on Mar 4, 2005

I also get quite irritable and a bit aggressive when I eat bananas. I stay away from them. I discovered this a few months ago after starting a gluten-free casein-free diet because I am intolerant of these.

By amy on Mar 6, 2005

Just wanted to add- I have severe stomach pain after eating a banana. It seems to just come from raw banana; cooked (as in Banana Bread) never bothers me. And it’s completely random too- it doesn’t _always_ bother me, but when it does it’s excrutiating. And there’s almost NO information about it anywhere in the Internet. I was starting to think I was the only one with this problem until I found this website!

The weirdest part is that it started when I was about 21 also.

By Ginger on Mar 10, 2005

I was doing a search for banana allergies. I ate bananas all throughout my childhood — loved ‘em! In my early twenties, I started having violent abdominal cramping after eating bananas — I mean really violent, gutwrenchingly so. I can still eat banana bread too, so I’m willing to bet baking the bananas destroys or breaks down whatever it is that causes the reaction. I’ve tentatively tried to eat a bite of banana every five or so years with the same reaction. I’m in my late 40s now, so I don’t think it’ll ever go away.

I still love the way bananas smell.

I’m relieved to know I’m not alone in this weird food allergy. I’m also allergic to grapefruit but in the huge hives, difficulty breathing way.

By Awan on Mar 14, 2005

All I can say is ME TOO!!! 2 years a go (@age 22) I was perfectly normal. I used to eat a banana every day. Then suddenly one day I get this really sever stomachache and start feeling nauseous. It took me about 7 days to finally realize it was the bananas. I think I’ll ask my doctor to transfer me to a GI (just like Kris did). I’ll let you know if I get some answers :).

Adios

By Nan on Mar 17, 2005

You know, this might sound like a funny question, but I wonder what else you all have in common besides the banana thing … like for example, alcoholism or some particular type of cancer in the family … something like that?

By Puba on Mar 21, 2005

Maybe this is it?? See below quote:

Ever notice how some bananas don’t ripen, but just go from green to rotten, with large black areas as though they had been bruised? This is from “gas-ripened” bananas. After shipping, the green bananas are put into a room and sprayed with ethylene gas, which artificially ripens them just before going to the market. Here’s how you tell the difference: naturally ripening bananas will have many small dark spots on the skin as they ripen, and won’t turn immediately rotten. Gassing is legal at this time, but is usually the cause of allergic response in someone who thinks he’s allergic to bananas. (Randolph)

By Gwen on Mar 22, 2005

My problem started at 16 and since then I can’t eat most fruit and certain vegetables. My mother had exactly the same problem so it must be something hereditary. I’ve had a test for gallbladder problems as well as allergy tests - the first came up negative, the second a moderate allergy. But this still doesn’t explain why cooking stops the pain. Does anyone else find that pressing hard on the pain alleviates it? I too find pain killers don’t work but if I tie a belt really tightly around my waist it seems to help.

By Riley on Mar 27, 2005

If you get a stomach ache after you eat something and everytime you eat it you get a stomach ache does that mean your allergic do it?

By Ser on Apr 1, 2005

Hello. I have the same problem with bananas. I didn’t eat bananas for years, but then I tried eating an enzyme tablet called Beano with my bananas. It helps tremendously! There is no pain at all. I also have this pain with peppers, mushrooms, and raw broccoli.

By Debbie on Apr 14, 2005

I evidently also have banana allergies, but I’m also sensitive to latex, so my story may be slightly different. Whenever I eat raw bananas, I get stomach cramps as well as the unpleasant accompanying related “problems”, but I also experience pain, swelling, and sensitivity in my mouth and throat!! Does anybody else suffer from these symptoms?

By mel on Apr 17, 2005

I have the same problem. I will be 21 in 2 months and recently my stomach has been hurting so bad that I have to take muscle relaxers after eating bananas. Its not a normal stomach ache but feels more like cramping.. I dont think it has anything to do with having a gallbladder or not because mine was removed years ago.

By Debbie on Apr 18, 2005

Well, I also had my gall bladder out many years ago, so there probably isn’t a DIRECT connnection there, although I supposed it’s possible that if one has already been having gall bladder difficulties too, then this might cause additional problems.

By Ser on Apr 18, 2005

I forgot to mention that avocado seems to cause the very same stomachache affect as bananas do for me. I am still trying to find out why. I was wondering if anyone else has the same problem with avocado?

By Ser on Apr 18, 2005

In response to your question, Riley, it may or may not mean that you have an allergic reaction. Which foods are bothering you?

By perin on Apr 20, 2005

crazy. i found out recently that i’m allergic to bananas, but my problem is a lot different. i get itching and swelling in my mouth, and if the banana is at all liquified i get wheezy. it’s VERY weird.

By kim milligan on Apr 24, 2005

So crazy–I totally cn relate to your posts. Severe cramps and sweating when I eat bananas or canteloupe. Used to eat tons of them as a kid. As a runner, I’d LOVE to be able to eat these things. I have had this problem for a while–I am 32. It stinks!!!

By Ellen Henry on Apr 27, 2005

I just had this happen to me this morning. My stomach is killing me from eating a banana. Now that I think of it, it has happened before every time and I burp too. Yuck. I like bananas on the greener side. Do you think that may have something to do with it? Are you guys eating really ripe bananas or bananas with some green on the stem. I feel sick, my stomach is kind of crampy.

By Janie on Apr 27, 2005

I have never been able to eat anything with bananas in it without getting bad stomach pains. The other “food” that always affects me with the same identical pain is Pepsi - not Coke though. Also raw broccoli. I do have ulcerative colitis, but it is in remission and has different symptoms. I wonder if the potassium is part of the problem. My sensitivity has been all my life for the bananas and Pepsi.

By Ser on Apr 28, 2005

Hmm…well at least its good to know that other people suffer the same problem. We just need to find out what it is. Yes the broccoli and bananas, hmm must have some same chemical composition in them. Strange about the pepsi though, I wonder what ingredient is causing that? And, as I said, the enzyme tablet,’Beano’ has worked for me with bananas. I know its for gas, but it works for this stomach-ache problem. Just chew one pill with the first bite. NO PAIN.!!! :) It is available in grocery stores and drug stores. Worth a try.

By CB on Apr 28, 2005

I get the same thing! Terrible stomach pains when I eat bananas, and avocados cause it too! What’s up with that?!?!

By Katie on May 2, 2005

Ya… I am definitely experiencing a stomach ache/cramping right now that started about 10-15 minutes after I ate a banana at lunch today. I’ve noticed it happens usually when I eat bananas, but not all the time. And definitely not in banana bread or anything. It is definitely weird.

By Janie on May 7, 2005

Thanks for mentioning the avocados. It just turned on a “light bulb” for me. Eating at a Mexican restaurant has bothered me several times with it seeming not to matter what I order. I bet it is the guacamole!! Thanks! Janie

By Jennifer on May 9, 2005

Was searching the Internet for an answer to this problem. I’m 38 now but began having this weird response to raw bananas at about 24 or 25… stomach pains (lower abdominal mostly) and cramping. When I cut out the bananas, the pain stopped. I eat a banana every so often and it doesn’t always bother me but lately, since my mid-30s, when I do have a reaction, I now get almost flu-like body aches and chills along with the stomach cramping and nausea. Just happened to me last night (after eating a banana), went away, and came back again this evening (again after eating a banana cut up in some milk with a little sugar… I grew up eating this as a kid!). The only common thread I’ve been able to think of is the banana. Has anyone gotten a truly definitive, medical opinion on this? I’m going to try the Beano suggestion… otherwise it looks like I’m off the bananas for good.

By Ser on May 13, 2005

In response to an earlier post about the ethylene gas sprayed on bananas to help them ripen:

Well, I tried buying organic bananas. I don’t think they have the ethylene gas sprayed on them. I did not feel sick at all after which was great. Maybe that gas could indeed the culprit of the allergic response of feeling ill. Thank you so much.

By Mike on Jun 17, 2005

Hello, i too suffer from the banana allergy.
Even just a very small slice causes me to have an intense stomach pain 15-20 mins later. Also i noticed fresh kiwi fruit causes the same pain. The pain goes away usually 20 mins after the pain starts, and thats only with a small slice. My suggestion is to stay away from the fresh fruit that your not used to eating.

By Jaime on Jun 27, 2005

In the past two weeks, I also have had an issue with eating avocados and bananas. I didn’t realize until I had horrible burning pain in my lower abdomen and uncomfortable bloating on three separate occasions. One thing that seemed to work to rid the pain was taking a 1/2 tsp of baking soda with about half a glass of water (mixed together). About an hour later I would begin to feel better. I have a latex allergy but it is a skin irritation and I don’t think it has much to do with this. I am curious if avocados and bananas are being sprayed with the gas that was mentioned before and if there are other things that are being sprayed. I have yet to try the beano and organic routes as this is new to me. I’m only 27 but as others have said I am not sure if it really has to do with age. Going to the doctor today to find out what I can.

By patti on Jun 27, 2005

Ugh–I get the worst stomach aches when i eat avocado. I realized the connection cause I only get it after I eat mexican, or sushi, so it must be the avocado in the sushi rolls and the guacamole. (I don’t have this problem when I eat sushi without the avocado in it). I’ve never really tested the banana thing out, as I don’t like how they taste.

By Jaime on Jun 27, 2005

Well, I ended up not going to the Doctor as I found information linking the allergy to banana, avocado as well as kiwi fruit and papaya all to my latex allergy. Problem solved, however annoying as it may be.
Good luck to all. If you have a latex allergy then you now know why bananas and avocados are troublesome. If you do not have a latex allergy, then I don’t know what to tell you. However, my latex allergy was very mild for a long time and has only recently become more of an issue…along with this most recent problem with bananas and avocados. You might want to keep your eyes open to a latex allergy.

By Joi on Jun 29, 2005

So happy to know I’m not the only one suffering out there with this condition. Couldn’t find anything on the internet in relation to what I was suffering.

I not only get intense stomach pain after eating bananas, but also from apples, grapes, blueberries, and sometimes from watermelon. I don’t get this reaction with cooked fruit or fruit juices. I’ll try the earlier suggestion regarding Beano as well as the organic fruits. This all seemed to start while pregnant with my first child at the age of 28. Before that I’d eat all types of fruit without any problems whatsoever. Now the list is dwindling.

I’m curious to know what type of reaction do those of you get who are allergic to Latex?

Is there anyone out there who breaks out with itchy hives after eating foods pumped up with high fructose corn syrup?

By Jaime on Jun 30, 2005

Joi, in regards to your question about the reaction latex allergy suffers get I can only answer for my particular situation. I get horrible skin rashes that will weep and/or bleed, it’s similar to a chemical burn or poison oak. Luckily I am not one to have trouble breathing or anything.
There is a site that I found that lists types of foods that may affect people with latex allergy.
http://www.latexallergyresources.org/Product_lists/food_list.cfm
This will give you an idea of what foods to be aware of if you have a latex allergy.

By Sarah on Jul 5, 2005

I know someone who is allergic to bananas. Your allergy may be caused by the sudden eating of a lot of bananas. Like some babys after beeing nursed drink milk then later on in their life they may become allergic.

By Matt on Jul 10, 2005

I’m glad that I found this site through Google. Information on banana allergies is surprisingly lacking. Growing up my mother told me that when she reached her early 20s, she couldn’t eat bananas or else she would get terrible stomach cramps.

Sure enough, I’m 22 and the same thing is happening to me. The first time was a few months ago. I was in agony from 4pm until midnight. The next few days my intestines felt bloated and sore. Horrrible, I know, but I just want to provide detail for anyone else not sure about whether they have the same problem.

I didn’t link bananas to the problem until today (I’m having another bout with it) since I’m also gluten-intolerant. I figured that was the problem, but I know for sure that I didn’t eat any gluten in the past 24 hours.

By Mich on Jul 18, 2005

Have people considered the fact that digestive ability is supposed to decrease as one ages?

I don’t know how solid the data are, but http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112205/interesting_facts.htm suggests that “70-year-olds may produce as little as half the enzymes they produced when they were 20″ and “By age 50, many people will produce only 15% of the HCL(digestive acid) they released at age 25″.

Obviously kids can sometimes get away with eating all sorts of things, but it may catch up with them as they get older. On top of this would be allergies specific to each individual.

By Jason on Jul 20, 2005

I read a web page about bananas and everything was good. I started having a banana a day and it helped me with a problem I was having. I kept eating bananas for a couple weeks with no problems.

Lately, every time I have one I get a stomach ache for about an hour and it goes away. Glad to see all these posts. Might have to explore other options.

By bobr on Jul 24, 2005

I have always been able to eat bananas without any problems but just lately I get a stomach unwell feeling not long after eating one. I stopped eating them and have been okay. Yesterday I tried one and that unwell feeling came over again. Lasts for a few days.
I have noticed lately how our bananas go generally darkish all over without the usual overipe markings etc so it does point to the gassing of the bananas that is causing problems with people. That was very clever of that person on here to realise and point out to us about the gassing and I thank him for it.

By Ange on Jul 25, 2005

I’m 19 and for the past few months, so technically, this started when I was 18, I’ve been getting stomach pains after eating breakfast and sometimes in the afternoon. It took me until two mornings ago to realise it was bananas. I can’t believe this affects so many people. Maybe we should all get together and start a support group or something! Hehe…

By jihan on Jul 25, 2005

I have been getting stomach pain after eating bananas for years now. I also have had issues with apples, kiwi, and tomatoes, though of a different ilk. Honestly, I’m amazed to read that so many people have this banana issue! I have noticed that banana stabs are always worse in the morning and/or on an empty stomach. Also, cooked apples and banunus aren’t bothersome, as seems to be the case with many of you. This leads me to believe that the issue may have something to do with an enzyme that is only present in the raw. One thing that I have found enables me to eat my bananas is to eat them JUST past the green stage. I buy organic (aside from obvious benefits, the tape wrapper on the stem of org. b-bunches helps them stay green for a lot longer)and then eat what I can before they fully ripen. If I’m not going to get through them, I just freeze them, unpeeled, in a small stainless steel pot and then use them for frozen treats.

By Yenzi on Jul 27, 2005

I’m fairly sure with me it’s the ethylene gas, I am 99.9% positive. Other fruits that naturally give off high levels of ethylene gas also give me stomach cramps - such as cantaloup. All the pieces fit together now!

The internet is great :-)

By JB on Jul 28, 2005

Going Bananas! Yes the bananas seem to be a problems, and I too have had a similar episode with Avocado now too. This Going Bananas symdrome that I”m now going to coin seems to spring up in early adult hood. And why? I have no other allergies. My sister and I both have the same symptoms as everyone else here, the intense stomach pains… However, I have found that I can still eat my bananas if I down it with a large class of milk or put it in a smoothly with orange juice, other fuits, and yogart. It would be interested to have a study conducted on this Going Bananas symdrome, as there are lots of subjects with the condition. It might be linked to the bodies response to Potassium, as I have experienced a similar situation with Gadorade and not Power Aid. Which both vary in sodium and potassium content. The search continues!

By JB on Jul 28, 2005

Going Bananas! Yes the bananas seem to be a problem, and I too have had a similar episode with Avocado now too. This Going Bananas symdrome that I”m now going to coin seems to spring up in early adult hood. And why? I have no other allergies. My sister and I both have the same symptoms as everyone else here, the intense stomach pains… However, I have found that I can still eat my bananas if I down it with a large class of milk or put it in a smoothly with orange juice, other fuits, and yogart. It would be interested to have a study conducted on this Going Bananas symdrome, as there are lots of subjects with the condition. It might be linked to the body’s response to Potassium, as I have experienced a similar situation with Gadorade and not Power Aid. Which both vary in sodium and potassium content. The search continues!

By Kelvin Joe on Aug 11, 2005

Hey everyone, my friend had the exact same problem with stomach pains from eating bananas. He consumed bananas on a regular basis and developed the allergy in 2003.

I’ve done a little bit of research browsing through some scientific papers online and most of them correlate to a linkage with latex-fruit syndrome.

Some of the papers have done work on a class of proteins found in fruits called chitinases which reacts with IgE (Immunoglobulin E) in some people. Basically causing a reaction in a test tube, but the scientists are not all too certain about the allergy it causes in a person.

I also found this interesting paper:
Sanchez-Monge et al.(2000) Class I chitinases, the panallergens responsible for the latex-fruit syndrome, are induced by ethylene treatment and inactivated by heating. Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. 106(1 Part 1). July, 2000. 190-195.

This paper found that chitinase activity is activated by ethylene in fruits such as bananas and that cooking basically stops the chitinase from working so it won’t make you sick.

So to sum it all up, not a lot is known about this allergy, although the chitinase protein and presence of high ethylene is likely to be related.

The Beano product sounds interesting, maybe i’ll look into that someday :)

By Daryl on Aug 13, 2005

I too found out that I suffer from some sort of allergy from bananas, because every time I eat them, I wake up in the middle of the night with severe leg cramps, and I know people say eating bananas is supose to stop leg cramps but it gives them to me. I never have leg cramps until I eat a banana so I found that it was the connection, I don’t eat them any more and am fine now, but I can’t really find any refrence online to this allergy. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has this weird type of problem, thanks a lot for sharing.

By Daryl on Aug 13, 2005

Oh by the way I am 24 now and my banana allergy started a couple years ago in early 20’s too

By Pam on Aug 18, 2005

Wow - Im so glad i found this site, I thought it was just me with these weird banana symptoms. Its half two in the morning and instead of sleeping like normal people do at this time, I am still up and have the most evil stomach pains and nausea due to stupidly eating a banana earlier - as this has happened on at least the last five occasions I have eaten bananas you would think I would have learned by now - duh. Ive just swallowed four antacids and Im considering waking my boyfriend up just to make him feel as miserable as I do. Next time I am tempted to eat a banana Im gonna look at this post and remember how grindingly, obscenely sick I feel right now ;) Ive been eating bananas for most of my 35 years, and its only recently I have had a problem - at the same time I have developed an allergy to hair bleach - if I even touch the smallest amount my throat swells, my face burns and I get wheezy. Anyway with this banana thing, I take it as a message from a higher source that healthy things make me ill - so Im gonna curl up with a beer and a burger next time

By Rob on Aug 30, 2005

About this crummy problem the most of us experience, my dad and I believe it may be linked to very high potassium levels or high levels of vitamin A, not sure what type, but i did a little research on the three main allergies i have and cantaloupe, i dont know if cantaloupe kills me though. The worst is avacados, which is acute severe pain, its really crippling, in 150 grams of avacados there is 219 IU of Vitamin A, and 727 mg of Potassium, the second worse for me is bananas, which puts me stuck on a bed for at least 6 hours, has, in a 225g serving 144 IU’s of Vitamin A, and 806 mg of potassium. The least on my rictor scale would be Eggs, a couple of hours of pain, not debilatating though, these are cooked mind you too. In a 100g serving there is 410 IU of Vitamin A and 147 mg of potassium, maybe the cooking breaks this high amount of Vitamin A down to a smaller amount. Now i dont have to much experince with the cantaloupe it has an amazingly high amount of Vitamin A 5987 IU in a 177g serving and 473 mg of potassium. This is just an analysis of what i think may cause our horrible pains, and the data seems to corralate to my experences, according to serving size and the fact i never cooked bananas or avacados. Also i first noticed my allergies to these foods around 15, and i am now 21, i dont think age plays the biggest factor, but maybe metabolism does. I also have Hypo-Glycemia, i have to eat every 5 hours or else i feel weird, dont know if that matters to this though. Anyone who can information about this, please email me at oursonapollo@aol.com

By heidi on Sep 23, 2005

hi! I’ve found reading this site very interesting as my one year old has been allergic to banans since she was six months old and she’s just gone through food challenge wich confirmed a severe reaction ‘anaphylaxsis’ however were waiting to see if it will be latex related and how many other foods will have the same effect, she also has hayfever wich is suspected to be related to banana allergies as it’s related to grasses along with watermelon .I now have to carry epi-pens everywhere with me and check if people have eaten bananas before touching her . If anyone has any ideas or know of any other children with same allergy please let me know. everyone looks at me strange when I say what she’s allergic to as though bananas are a holy fruit!!

By Eric on Sep 24, 2005

I’m another sad banana. I’m also 21, which, for whatever reason, does seem to be an age when this allergy frequently shows up. I never had a problem with bananas until a few days ago. About 15 minutes after eating half a banana I began experiencing violent stomach cramps and gassiness which lasted for almost two hours. I had no idea what was causing the cramping until today. I ate one baby banana (which i do not believe was sprayed) and almost immediately felt the same cramping and gassiness (burping almost constantly). A few hours later, I’m still feeling cramps. I am not allergic to latex, avocados, or any other foods that I know of, though my mouth occassionally itches after eating kiwis.

Someone should bring this to the attention of a specialist and find out what the deal is with this cramping banana business.

By Rob on Sep 29, 2005

Weird. I’ve pegged -very- severe stomach cramps to avocados, though there’s one episode I can’t tie to them. I have no trouble with bananas, nor latex allergies. Can’t seem to find much about it other than this blog.

Based on http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Ethylene-Gas.htm, it’s hard to imagine that ethylene-concentrated ripening would have any dramatic effect. It’s just a fairly mundane hydrocarbon.

But hang on. It breaks down into ethylene glycol. This may or may not be what it does in the stomach, mind you, but this is interesting:
“Potential symptoms: Irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); headache, dizziness, central nervous system depression; abnormal eye movements (nystagmus); skin sensitization; INGES ACUTE: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, stupor, convulsions, unconsciousness; rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure; kidney damage, failure (delayed). ”

And the US OSHA says:

“Note: Exposure by ingestion can be determined by urinalysis for oxalic acid, a metabolite of ethylene glycol.”

There’s a bunch of history and context of ethylene here: http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Ethylene-Gas.htm

I don’t think ethylene ripening would be considered unorganic; see e.g.: http://www.soilassociation.org.uk/web/sa/saweb.nsf/0/80256ad800554549802567850056dcba?OpenDocument

-Rob

By Justin on Oct 3, 2005

Another enemy of the banana apparently. I’m 20 and I haven’t been able to eat bananas and other foods sine I was probably 13 or so.

While some people have mentioned it already, I personally believe it’s the potassium that gets to me. I experience the stomach cramps/pain when I eat bananas, canteloupe (to a lesser extent), powerbars, dasani water and just now I discovered I get it if I eat too much tomatoes at once. All of which are pretty high in potassium. Perhaps a conclusion is on the way.

By Debra Adkins on Oct 4, 2005

My daughter Ashlee has had 2 bad reactions to bananas. Once back in the spring when a student brought a fruit tray to school with banana slices and yesterday. She had just eaten half a banana when her throat started itching, then smelling. Her eyes and ears burn and itch. She gets rash on legs and stomach. Cramps set in then she vomits for about an hour. Her eyes will swell almost shut and her throat swells to the point she can hardly breathe. She took Benadryl as guick as she could get it. This helps, but takes few minutes to work. She never had this problem until this year. She is 19. The part where she can harldy breathe is scary. Now she will stay away from bananas and always keep Benadryl with her.

By Jennifer on Oct 5, 2005

I sure am relieved I’m not the only one out there who gets banana-related stomach aches. I’m 16 years old and the pain started maybe a year ago. It didn’t take me long to realize it was bananas causing it. Whenever I see bananas, automatic alarms go off in my head like, “NO DON’T EAT THAT!” but today at lunch, I ignored them. Bad idea. The pain isn’t too bad this time, just mild discomfort, but sometimes it’s terrible. It makes me sad because I really do like bananas. This is the first time I’ve researched it online and I’m glad I did–I don’t feel like such a freak now. So I guess I have “banana allergies”… Do you think there are any studies being done to explain this? I’d really like to know why some lucky folks can eat all the bananas they want and I have to stand back and watch them sadly. :(

By Serena on Oct 5, 2005

Hey, try eating organic bananas, it made a huge difference for me. They have to be labelled “organic”. They can be a bit more expensive sometimes, but it is definitely worth it, because they don’t bother my stomach and cause pain in the least, like the other ones do. If you try them, can you post your results? Thanks. :)

By Mimi on Oct 9, 2005

I have the worst stomach aches when I eat avocados…I thought I was eating bad taquito’s for the longest time but then I finally put 2 & 2 together and realized it was the guacomole…By the way…I am not allergic to bananas or latex. I think the “gas ripened” theory may be the cause…because it is done to avocados too…but why don’t I have problems with the bananas? Very odd…I read that when bananas are cooked it kills some enzyme…that’s why the banana bread doesn’t bother those with the banana allergy

By Mimi on Oct 9, 2005

By the way…I was 19 when I started having my avocado allergy…but didn’t realize it was the avocado until I was 26 when my best friend & I had a discussion and I realized she had the same problem w/avocados

By Erika on Oct 13, 2005

I have similar problems as Rob mentions in his August 30, 2005 post, only in reverse order. I have not eaten eggs (concentrated form such as egg salad or omelets) since I was in high school because I get crippling stomach cramps. From time to time (seems to be more frequent these days) I find that avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, and broccoli have similar unpleasant effects.

By Nicholle on Oct 17, 2005

Why do I do it? Why do I still eat bananas when they make me feel so awful?! I am 26 and I have been having this banana issue for about 6 months now. Almost every time I eat them I have this terrible burning stomach ache and nausea that makes me feel like I want to crawl into bed for the rest of the day. It might only happen when the banana is just past it’s prime, but I’m not sure about this. It never used to happen, and now, all of a sudden, it hits me hard. I would really like to know what causes this, or, even better, how to make it feel better. I try antacids, pepto, milk, water, and nothing but time helps. Haven’t tried Beano. Any other suggestions? So far, I don’t have this reaction to any other foods that I am aware of. Just those evil little bananas.

By Sonia on Nov 1, 2005

I’ve been getting severe gas pains from bananas since about age 25. Now at 35, I’ve suddenly developed a similar reaction (only worse) to cantaloupe. It feels like trapped gas and is very painful. Taking Beano with a banana helps only a little bit. It’s too bad because I love the taste of bananas and cantaloupe. My husband gets the same reaction from apples. We both also have seasonal allergies(pollen, grasses, birch trees, Alder, ect..). As a side note, my mouth gets red and irritated after eating certain fruits which are juicy (peaches, plums, strawberries..) Also, the smell of peanuts makes me feel like I’m choking/having trouble breathing. Not sure if all these allergies are related. As a kid, I could eat anything. Ah.. to be young again.

By stephanie on Nov 1, 2005

I wanted to find out why bananas make me sick also. I am so surprised to know that so many other people experience the same symptoms…My stomach cramps up, but also my throat burns when I try to comsume them!!! What the heck is it? I wasn’t this way until I was about 5 months pregnant with my first baby! At that time I was 19! Someone needs to find out what’s really going on and have it stopped! I honestly think they’re being contaminated! I can’t even eat my ( use to be) favorite dessert, banana pudding! By the way, my first son never liked bananas from the start!

By Marianne on Nov 4, 2005

Wow, this is amazing. I have had it with this mess. I am at work. Just ate 1/2 of a banana after years of stearing clear. Stupid !! I am so sick ! I feel like I have the flu. Nausea, chills, headache…ugh ! Avocados kill me too !! It is really sad. There are only a few fruits that I like, and of course, they don’t like me. Have any of you actually gone to a doctor about this specifically? You speak of a latex allergy and honestly I don’t know what you are talking about. What is the correlation between fruit and latex. I must have missed something ! Will do more research. If anybody has the time to bring me up to speed I would greatly appreciate it.

By Debbie on Nov 9, 2005

In response to Marianne from http://www.latexallergyresources.org/Product_lists/food_list.cfm:

Listed below are the allergens reported to be associated (clinically or immunochemically) with natural rubber latex.
—————————-

Degree of Association or Prevalence High Moderate Low or Undetermined
(3) (8) (21)
Banana Apple Pear Mango
Avacado Carrot Peach Rye
Chestnut Celery Plum Wheat
Papaya Cherry Grasses
Kiwi Pineapple Ragweed
Potato Strawberry Mugwort
Tomato Fig Hazelnut
Melons Grape Walnut
Apricot Soybean
Passion Fruit Peanut
Nectarine

Simultaneous occurrence of allergies to certain pollens and foods described above have also been documented in reports independent of those focusing on natural rubber latex. Significant levels of allergenic cross-reactivity have been demonstrated for the allergen groups listed below:

Mugwort with Carrot, Celery, Apple, Peanut and Kiwi
Birch with Apple, Pear, Peach, Cherry and Hazelnut
Grasses with Potato
Ragweed with Banana and Melons

By Monica on Nov 12, 2005

I’m so glad I found this page. I feel much better knowing I’m in good company with the banana syndrome. Mine started around age 23. I get the really bad burning stomach ache - feels like the winds is also knocked out of me. I am 33 now, and have steared clear for a lot of years, but was curious the other day about the “allergy”, so tried another. I had two bananas on two different days earlier this week. The first didn’t bother me. The second one gave me just a touch of stomach trouble, and I remember that one was really green yet. The one I had tonight though, whoa!! I haven’t felt pain like that since I was in labor! This one was quite ripe. I asked my husband to go online to see if he could find ANYTHING, since Mylanta wasn’t working, and he found this website. It’s nice to read all these entries, since everytime I mention it to doctors they look at me a little strangely. Have never tried avacados - never will after reading other posts! Not a single allergy of any other kind - just this one. Not to be gross, but I actually forced myself to vomit because the pain was so intense. It helped a lot, but I’m not condoning it. I was just really desperate.

By Julia on Nov 16, 2005

Interestingly I just determined I have a banana allergy. I’m 34, but I can remember having my first banana-causing stomach pains at age 27. I’m not allergic to any other foods (that I know of) but at the age of 33 developed definite allergies to mold and dust.

The only reason I know I have a banana allergy is because I’ve done much research on my 1-yr olds food allergies and know the signs. Oh, the food allergies my kid has– all dairy, eggs, turkey, chicken, and nuts. And we suspect environmental allergies too. My first child has no allergies, food or environmental.

I find it very interesting that the great majority of the people who have responded to this board developed the banana allergy in their 20s. Sounds like a great research project topic!

By Sunny on Nov 19, 2005

I too have had a hard time finding any helpful information on the internet regarding banana sensitivity/allergy. I suspect my 22 month old is allergic after ruling out other obvious allergins. I believe he gets quite an upset stomach, cramping and pretty bad bowel movements (warning: TMI - he gets frequent soft stools, sometimes diarrhea, as often as 3-5 times per day rather than the usual once a day BM). We are now going to cut out bananas and see what happens. But already in the last 2 days he seems much better. And along with the above woman who’s child turns from “sweet to devil”, my child also becomes quite difficult, whining and crying often. I feel horrible being a part of that and not having figured it out sooner. He LOVES bananas and would eat one a day. Well, no more. thank you to the gentleman who’s blog we’ve crashed and allowed us to comment on the most in depth info on banana allergies I’ve found on the web.

By Marjie on Nov 21, 2005

I like most of you have had bad reactions to banana’s and also Broccoli. OMG, everytime I eat them, I feel as if my stomach is being ripped apart. My doctor tells me that my body is not absorbing the potassium fast enough which is causing gastointestianl problems and has told me to keep those items out of my diet. I’ve had this problem since age 10, so it’s definitely not an age factor. Being the idiot I am, made my son a chocolate, peanut butter, banana smoothie a couple hours ago. I figured one little sip of it wouldn’t harm me. “YEA RIGHT” I feel as if my stomach is being ripped in half, have the sweats, nausea and watery stools. So now I know I can’t even taste banana’s without getting these horrible pains!

By john on Dec 9, 2005

after reading an article on the positive affects on the body from eating bananas I decided to give them a try,probably 20 plus years since I last ate one I’m now aged 54.Within a couple of days I had most of the symptoms described by the other sufferers,not recognising an associated problem I continued to eat one banana a day for a little over a week.My symptoms were,stomach and gut pains,tiredness,heartburn,burping and sickly feeling,itchy eyes and leg cramps at night and unlike the others I had a dry feeling in the mouth and sore tongue.It’s three days since I last ate one and thankfully I feel almost right,still got dry mouth.Unfortunately no more bananas for me.

By Mitch on Dec 11, 2005

Sorry to hear other deal with the same issues regarding the “devil fruit” banana. After years of no issues eating bananas both raw and cooked I experience the stomach pressure described above. This started at about age 25 and has gotten worse, now at 42 any small amounts of banana will have me out of service for @ 2 hours.

By Bill R on Dec 13, 2005

I am in my 60’s. Had no problem with bananas till about 6 months ago. Now I have serious rashes, boils etc. on my back and legs. I just realized it may be the bananas which I eat every day. To-day I will stop and see what happens. Anyone else had this happen to them?

By Tonya on Dec 20, 2005

My husband ALWAYS gets bad pain in the stomach after eating a banana. I was glad to find your info. & see that he’s not the only one who has this problem. Thanks- Tonya

By Lia on Jan 5, 2006

Wow! Over a year now and this blog is still helping people… awesome.

I too have the banana stomache aches. I also get alot of gas after too, but mostly it’s the tummy aches that have me doubled over in pain for about 2 hours. I went to the doctora few weeks ago after already have suffered with this for way too long (I’ll guess in my late twenties, and I’m 34 now) and I was misdiagnosed as being lactose intolerant.

I stuck with that and changed the way I ate shortly before Christmas; but during the break I couldn’t stay away from the things I couldn’t have, especially chocolate. I pushed further and further, and I was fine.

Well I returned to work this week (still making my coffees with rice milk) and I started eating bananas, one a day at second break, and then there they were, my horrible stomach aches. I never put the two together.

THANK YOU for this post! I’ll be doing more research on this but I’m very satisfied it has to do with the way bananas are processed. I’m going to try organic ones next week to see what happens.

By Vixx on Jan 8, 2006

OMG this post is the best! I thought I was a freak with the old Banana Belly (as I call it!) - now I know i’m not, and it definitely IS the bananas and will try the organic alternatives!

Thanks everyone!

By karen on Jan 16, 2006

I am so glad that i had found this site! I used to eat bananas all the time, but around 4years ago, i linked my stomach cramps and pain to eating bananas.I even done a bit of a test to prove it by one day eating nothing but 1 banana, and about 1hour after, the cramps started.
I am 23 now too, it seems too weird that all the people on here have developed this during the last 5years or so.
I every now and again try a banana to see if it will stop, but it doesnt. I ate one about 3hours ago today to see if they have stopped, and now i am in constant pain! I am glad that i am not alone on this one!

By Becca on Jan 26, 2006

I have a 15 month old daughter who stopped sleeping through the night at six months when we started giving her solid foods. The only foods that I can pin point that she has had almost every day since then are bananas and green beans. I too thought it might be the bananas but my husband found an article about how great they are supposed to be so I let it go. Until today… One of my friends said that she gets a terrible stomach ache from eating bananas. It was one of those A HA! moments. I’m so sad to hear all of you have this same problem but so glad to hear that this could be the cause of my daughters sleep disturbances. The poor girl is probably waking up with gas, stomach aches or leg cramps!

By Annie on Jan 27, 2006

I, too went searching for an explanation to these banana cramps. I am 28. They started after having my first kid at 23. My first born loves bananas without consequences, but the youngest takes one bite and spits it out.
I have never had such paralyzing abdominal pain that lasts for hours!It doesn’t matter what stage of ripening, they always put me out for a few hours. I made myself throw up today, just to get rid of half the pain. I’ve tried TUMS, GasX , Maalox…nothing works.

By Allison on Jan 28, 2006

I get bad stomach cramps from bananas, too. It started when I was about 7, and I figured out what it was when I was 8 (why didn’t my mum notice?). It also happens with melons (watermelon, honey doo, and cantelope). I’ve heard of allergies to potasium, but can’t find much information on it. I asked my dad (a doctor) what he thinks it couuld be, and he says that some people are intolerant of the kind of sugars that’s in bananas and melons (it’s the same kind of sugar). For the people who say they have trouble with avacados too, both bananas and avacados are high in potasium, so you might want to check that out.

By Jeff on Feb 11, 2006

I just noticed that every time I eat bananas..especially on an empty stomach I get a slight stomach ache. I also get flushed and slightly light-headed and tingly feeling on my skin.

This is kind of the same feeling I get from MSG but MSG is much worse. I used to not have a problem with bananas.

By Alise on Feb 13, 2006

I have an allergy to bananas as well as melons and selected tropical fruites. My doctor told me that I have a reaction to these foods because I have hayfever! Apparantly (and keep in mind this is what the immunologist said, so I might not have really understood everything she said) the molecule that causes people with hayfever to react to ragweed is very similar in shape to a molecule found in bananas. Or something. Basically, whenever people with my affliction eat bananas or melons, their body thinks that they’re ingesting ragweed. Nuts, I tell you. I’m actually very interested to see how many people there are who react to this type of food. I usually get very weird looks when I tell people that I’m allergic. I’m glad I stumbled on this blog - I don’t feel so alone.

By Kelly on Feb 14, 2006

Wow - I can’t believe I am not the only one out there with banana pains! My husband thinks I am crazy w/all of these weird food allergies, so I am glad to find that I am not the only one. For the past several years (I am 25 now) I get varying degrees of stomach pains every time I eat a banana. Sometimes it’s not that bad - hence I continue to eat them. I think that today may be the last straw though - I ate one with lunch and have felt like I was punched in the stomach ever since. It is a strange pain b/c it doesn’t feel like I am going to be sick - it literally hurts - it’s very distinct from any other stomach pain I experience.

Also, I too have developed the melon / hay fever allergy. I was at a brunch about a year ago and ate a lot of canteloupe (something I don’t eat on a regular basis) and I also had been eating watermelon at home. I broke out in a rash inside my mouth that itched like crazy. I had experienced it before, but it always went away after a day or so, so I never really paid attention to the cause. However b/c I kept eating watermelon for a few days after the canteloupe I think it just continued to aggravate it so I suffered with it for several days before I searched for the cause. I came across the melon / hayfever allergy and put two and two together. I won’t be eating canteloupe again, which is fine b/c I don’t care for it that much any way, but I LOVE bananas!

By Lisa on Feb 14, 2006

It’s confirmed to me– bananas have been the cause of intense stomach cramps. I’ve figured it out (the hard way) and after cutting out the fruit, I haven’t had bad stomach aches. Also reading other people’s experiences help because they’re exactly what I went through. I also felt a dull sort of head ache, body temperature increased (especially in my face), and a slightly nauseous feeling. I just stay away from it. It’s too bad, I loved bananas– satisfying snack when you’re hungry and need something healthy with substance!

By Sarah on Feb 16, 2006

Wow! Never realized this was an issue for so many people.

The first time I had a “fruit reaction” was when I was 19. I had eaten kiwis all my life and loved them without a problem. I had a fruit tart and had a terrible reaction, hives all around my mouth, inside, down my throat, difficulty breathing and TERRIBLE stomach cramps for a few hours. I thought it was the glaze on the tart, and just swore not to eat fruit tarts any longer. A few weeks later I had a small slice of kiwi and had the same reaction. I mentioned it to my doctor and he asked if I had ever had a similar problem with bananas or avocados, at that point I had not. He told me to avoid them because it was a classic food allergy to kiwis and those other foods tend to cause similar reactions. I was a vegetarian college student at the time, bananas were a quick breakfast and avocados had many valuable benefits and also were great in sandwiches. I kept eating them without problem. Two years later I started dating a guy (now my fiancé :)!) that was really into sushi and got me into it. I was starting to eat fish again but still liked to stick to the veggie based rolls. I had a dragon roll one night (eel and lots of avocado); I ended up having terrible stomach cramps and was extremely nauseous all night (makes for a great date!). I thought I had bad fish and didn’t think anything of it. A similar reaction happened shortly thereafter and it dawned on me what my doctor had said a few years prior. My avocado allergy was here! For some reason guacamole in small quantities doesn’t bother me, but straight avocado produces terrible stomach aches and nauseous ness. I am now 24 and up until recently I was still eating a few bananas every week, suddenly I noticed the weird stomach aches starting with them too. I mentioned it to someone at work who said that his wife couldn’t eat raw bananas that her stomach was too sensitive to potassium and caused heartburn and cramping. Banana bread is still ok though. I thought it was strange that my food allergies are taking so long to form. And it really stinks that I love to eat healthy foods and 3 really good ones are off limits unless I want to feel terrible for a few hours.

I have yet to have a bad reaction to latex, I fear this is coming and I think I am going to request that medical personal use latex free gloves to hopefully avoid a future reaction.

I guess you learn something new every day!

By Christa on Feb 18, 2006

Wow! I couldn’t believe my luck to find a posting like this! I have been intolerant to bananas since around the age of 20 ( iam now 26). I get really terrible cramping for about an hour or two after eating a banana….though not from banana bread like some people have commented. For the past 4 years or so I have chalked it up to IBS (irritated bowel syndrome)however I am starting to think otherwise. I also have intoerances to fruit juice (exept citrus), vodka, sometimes milk, and the most recent is eggs -especially duck eggs. the egg intolerance showed up just a year a ago…though if the egg is cooked in something I am fine. I have been prescribed various types of IBS medication… none of which worked. Lately I have been trying to link it all together and i am going to make an appointment with a doctor to see if I have certain sugar intolerances….like to fructose, lactose ect. or even fructose malabsorbtion…. don’t know how the eggs will fit in there though. I will be sure to post if I get some answers about banana pains from the doc!

By Melissa on Feb 20, 2006

wow! i love the internet!

if i could sum up from what i’ve read here and elsewhere on the web, we seem to be talking about a few different types of banana intolerances / allergies:

1. intolerance causing severe cramping, starting in early 20’s. seems to be caused by lack of tolerance either to chitinase activity in some fruits (like avocado and bananas) activated by the use of ethylene gas for ripening - and/or - lack of tolerance to high levels of potassium. these type of intolerances can be linked to latex allergies, but not always.

2. anaphylaxis banana allergy… likely lifelong, involving respiratory distress.

3. childhood intolerance causing hives and discomfort, resulting in cranky, uncomfortable babies/kids.

my son will be turning 1 next month and falls into the third category (so far). just prior to 6-months, we started him on solids and banana was the first thing we gave him. it took a couple days, but then he broke out in so many hives all over his back, belly and legs that we thought he had chicken pox!

a friend saw him and related to us that her son had the same reaction to bananas when he was young and was told by her doctor that it was too much potassium. we also have another friend (now in her 30s) who says she had the same reaction as a child but is fine now.

i held off on giving my son bananas until now and after giving him banana a couple days ago, he is now again covered in spots and miserable… though he cannot tell me where it hurts, his bad mood definitely points to discomfort beyond the spots.

my husband works in organic produce and we only buy organic. ethylene gas occurs naturally in bananas and other fruit and is used to speed up ripening… the only difference with organically ripened fruit is that the ethylene is organic from natural sources. BUT, if you get non-organic fruit, especially bananas, you’re ingesting all manner of nasty pesticides etc, and you don’t know if it’s GMO or not. and the organic bananas taste way better! :)

thanks to everyone who’s posted here for the helpful info and good luck!

ps - a good site that explains the differences between allergies and intolerances: Surrey Allergy Clinic

By Libby on Feb 23, 2006

Hi,
I am looking for people who get cramps in their feet after eating bananas. I remember that I started to get these foot and calf cramps immediately after eating a banana when I was about 30 and I’ve had them for 20 years. It’s so strange because I hear from other people that eating bananas prevents foot cramps. I can also get these foot cramps if I’m feeling very nervous and anxious. So the worst thing for me to do in that case is to eat a banana. It’s so frustrating because there is nothing I can think of to help my foot cramps because bananas make them worse.

By sm on Feb 25, 2006

I get the same violent stomach ache when I eat bananas too. I discovered though, that when I went to Jamaica, I was eating fresh ripened bananas with absolutely no troubles. As soon as I came back to Canada I got my bad stomach aches again after eating a banana. I assumed it must have been something in the ripening gasses. I haven’t tried the organic ones yet - maybe that will help me. I also get it when I eat eggs sometimes. Anyone else?

By jarrett on Mar 5, 2006

wow, i’m not the only one in this world. i just had some bananas and ice cream and my stomach is crazzzzzyy. it’s been doing this ever since i was aboot 10 or 11. I haven’t had bananas in awhile and I thought i’d try it out tonight…. and now my stomach is killer me, i didn’t think i could drive home even.

By Matthew on Mar 17, 2006

The first time I experienced the terrible Banana stomach pain was in my early twenties after eating banana pudding(fresh bananas). It was very severe pain all through my esophogus and stomach. My stomach also bloated and I would burp every couple of minutes.

Today I ate a banana after trying to change my eating habits to a more healthy lifestyle and the same thing happened. I ate the banana at 4:00 pm. It is now 8:00pm and I am still in horrible pain. I will probably not go away until midnight or so.

It is amazing how the medical community is clueless on this topic!

By Matthew on Mar 18, 2006

Since we are conducting our own clinical study I thought I would post my condition.

As stated before I ate the banana 3/17/2006 at 4:00 pm. The first sign of any trouble was a small pain just above the stomach. An hour later severe pain in the stomach occured as well as bloating and burping about every two minutes.

The severe pain continued until about 5:00 am on the 3/18/2006. Overall the pain is slowly subsiding. As of 8:00 am I feel quite a bit better, but I still burb occasionally and there is residual pain in the esophogus.

Many of the symtoms are the same as the other posts except in my case the pain seemed to last much longer. A total of 17 hours so far. I suspect it should be completely gone by 1 or 2 this afternoon.

Medications such as prilosec and coating agents such as pepto had no effect. When drinkin liquids, i noticed the pain increased as the liquid would wash over the area of the esophogus that had the most pain.

My guess is that it was an allergic reaction very much like the reaction to poison ivy only on the inside. The only way to find out exactly what is wrong would be to eat a banana wait an hour then have a doctor use an endoscope to view the esophogus and stomach.

By Kelly on Mar 19, 2006

My son is 13 and for years he has gotten sick if he eats banana. He eats just about anything and hardly ever is sick. He has not eaten any bananas for a few years but yesterday he had a smoothie that had banana in it. He was violently ill for at least 1 hour. He threw-up for at least 45 mins. and then slept for about 2 hours. He then seemed fine. Does anyone else throw-up from eating bananas? I wonder if I need to have his potassium levels checked.

By Shannon on Mar 24, 2006

Thank God, I thought I was the only one. Mine started around age 23. I used to eat them all the time- because the potasium helped with cramps in my legs from swimming. I can have cooked plantains and bananas and the pain isn’t as bad, but occasionally present. I have found that if I have eaten something prior, the pain isn’t as bad. I’m retesting that theory right now. Wish me luck.

By Christine on Apr 6, 2006

OK, I’m another one who has just learned that I can no longer eat the fruit that I love. For the last couple of years I’ve noticed that every time I eat a banana, I’m down for the count. The stomach cramps are like nothing I’ve ever felt in my life. Even menstural cramps aren’t this bad. I am 29 now, and as a child I loved bananas. I’m so bummed. :-(

By janesayzz30 on Jun 4, 2006

HEY EVERYONE JUST WANT TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT THERE IS A LINK BETWEEN BANANA AND AVOCADO ALLERGIES AND LATEX ALLERGIES. THERE ARE SIMILAR ENZYMES IN THEM. Bananas do not make me sick but avocados make me feel almost deathly ill. I like the way they taste and I like the texture. I love guacomole and decided I would make some to go with my tortilla chips a few nights ago, hoping that i would not get sick. A few hours later my stomach was hurting so bad, it hurts for hours, I was mesirable until I finally vomited.

By matt2 on Jun 12, 2006

I too am amazed to read everyone’s symptoms which are so similiar to my own. I have had cramping and pain from bananas since I was about 10 or 11, and before then I ate them with no problem. I also have a mild latex sensitivity, and have linked the abdominal pain to raw (not cooked) tomatoes, avocado, and kiwi. I never have other symptoms of an “allergy” like itching or rashes from these foods, only intense stomach pains.

The strange this is that I have occasionally had these stomach pains at other times when I haven’t eaten any of these fruits - I suspect things like walnuts or long-grain rice were to blame. I am still working on pinpointing all of the culprits so that I can avoid those foods - as you all know the pain is horrible and nothing seems to relieve it except time.

I’m glad to read everyone’s comments - good to know that I’m not crazy!

By jennnn on Aug 1, 2006

Hallelujah! I am really shocked at the number of people posting to this issue. I guess if we think about the number of people on the web, it’s a relatively small number. Like everyone else, it’s such a ‘weird’ allergy that we’re all happy to find others that share symptoms because it gives us hope that there is an answer. I, too, began to show symptoms my freshman year in college after enjoying banana sandwiches my entire life. What a fascinating research subject this could be. Can someone forward this information to an allergy specialist at some medical school?
I also get horrible abdominal pain from pineapple, which I enjoyed today, until about an hour later, at which time I began to get flushed and get that all-familiar banana burn in my belly. It is such a sad allergy. Bananas are so yummy.

By sherieberry on Aug 10, 2006

Wow!

I have suffered from severe banana belly pains as well since my early 20’s. I am now 35. I always had a banana for breakfast (always on the green side). I too can eat cooked bananas. Glad to hear I am not crazy!

I also get an uncomfortable/full feeling after eating eggs. My father and four brothers all get the same uncomfortable feeling in their stomach for the rest of the day if they eat eggs as well. It is not as bad as my banana pain. It does not happen if the eggs are cooked in a recipe, just eaten alone.

I was just wondering if anyone else has the same issue with eggs. I wonder if there is a genetic component.

I have not had a banana for about 6 years and would love to have one. I am just terrified to see if the pains will reappear. They are so bad, at times I considered going to the hospital.

By heather on Sep 4, 2006

I am glad to have found this site too. I get the same awful stomache ache from bananas and avocados. After eating either, it feels like my stomach is full of cement. But I can eat banana bread, cooked bananas, etc. I had my gall bladder removed and was thinking this might be part of the problem? Has anyone else? In the meantime, the organic and beano suggestions I will have to try. Thanks!

By TonyaM on Sep 10, 2006

I’m so glad I found this board. I’ve been researching this problem for years only to find there’s very little info out there. I began having the banana pains in my early twenties also. I can only describe it as deep, boring, burning pain. Accompanied by bloating and gas. It is intense and last for at least a few hours. The only thing I’ve found to give me a tiny bit of relief is some pepto and laying on my stomach for a couple of hours (not always practicable). I’ve never really cared for avocoados but have noticed the same pain after eating mexican if quaqamole (sp) had gotten on any of the other food I was eating. Now for the bad news. I’m 44 years old and have noticed in recent years that I experience the same stomach pains (deep burning) occasionally (and not as intense - yet)when I eat pineapple and walnuts. Haven’t noticed anything we cantelope though. The most interesting thing I’ve read on this problems so far, is that these food are all high in serotonin (I didn’t know that foods had serotonin and that people can have an intolerance to foods high in serotonin. But I don’t know if I’m completely convinced yet. Good Luck researching this problem and keep us all posted.

By userscreenname on Sep 15, 2006

I’m 23 years old and about 6 months ago I noticed that my heart rate was rather high. The school nurse (my symptoms weren’t deemed important enough to see the doctor) said that it was probably due to stress and lack of sleep. Tonight I had a banana heart dish for dinner. About 2 hours later I was hit with a horrible pain in my jaw and decided to lie down. This was soon followed by what felt like rabid creatures trying to punch their way out of my sternum. As I laid down with tears falling out my eyes, I thought back to the last time my heart raced like crazy and I distinctlly remembered my conversation with the nurse. She asked how my diet was and I told her it was great; I was eating lots of fruits….mainly bananas. So right now, it sucks to be half Filipino. Bananas, avocados, mangos….could the list of possible allergies get any worse?

By vuotto on Sep 17, 2006

Hello all,
I was just searching for something on mushrooms, avocados and bananas, and came across your site. My problem started with mushrooms when I was pregnant at 25 years old. I thought it was just something about being pregnant, but, turned out I still got the horrible stomach ache after I had the baby too. A couple years later it started with avocados too, and soon after bananas. I can eat avocado or banana in very small amounts mixed with other foods (like in banana bread) without a problem, but I can’t eat a banana by itself. I can’t eat mushrooms in ANYTHING or I get really bad stomach ache. I wanted to post this b/c I didn’t see any of the others mention mushrooms, although alot of them say avocados and bananas. Also, can someone explain what the latex allergy is? Like what are the symptoms? If I have that I don’t know about it. Thanks!

By desertdandies on Sep 17, 2006

Hi, I also get these horrible cramps, fatigue, dizziness and nausea after eating bananas, avocados, and fresh mushrooms. I developed my sensitivities in my early 20’s, I am now 36. I haven’t tried the beano yet but I have found that drinking as little as an ounce of red wine when I feel the pain coming on, cuts the pain and other symptoms dramatically in about 15 minutes or so. I’m so happy to have finally found other people that share this problem with me.

By kbear222 on Nov 13, 2006

OMG - I wish I had found this site before. I too can eat banana bread with no problem - but am in so much pain after raw bananas. I just read yesterday how good they were for you the perfect food. I like them, but they surely do not like me - use for upset stomach - RIGHT! I also have a problem with avocado (which I used to be able to eat all the time) - if I eat quacamole I am in bed. It also happens with some melons - especially cantelope. I just read that cantelope has potassium in it - maybe it is a potassium allergy - that would be a common denominator in all of the items - maybe not mushrooms, but avocado, banana and cantelope. MMMM

By Jay on Nov 16, 2006

I used to eat bananas for every break at work (about 2 a day) and never had any problems until about 3 years ago (when I was 26). Then all the sudden I would get these intense intestinal pains, basically folding me in half, along with intense sweating but I would never vomit, just pain for a good 30 minutes. Took me a couple of weeks to figure out bananas were the culprit. Ever since, whenever I eat raw bananas, I get that same pain about 80% of the time.

But what I wonder is: is it really the bananas or is it whatever they go through before they end up in the store (pesticides, radiation, genetic modifications, etc.)? I mean, why all the sudden do so many people seem to have a problem with bananas? Makes me a bit suspicious…

By Chele on Jan 2, 2007

Happy 2007. I also began the intense, heavy, burning pain in my stomach in my early 20’s; I am now approaching 40! I discovered that raw tomatoes caused this more than awful feeling that lasted for several hours.(I can eat all of the cooked tomatoes that I want!) It never lead to diareaha or vomiting; unless I made myself vomit just to feel better. As time went on, I realized that avocado, bananas, somtimes eggs, and sometimes a larger serving of various nuts will give me this pain. I am also gluten sensitive, and have an allergy to shellfish! I do not know if I am allergic to latex, but would think that I would know that by now. I am far more holistic in my eating and in my beliefs than my primary care doctors; therefore, I have not had any help other than a suggestion to take a pill for IBS!! I was sooooo angered by this because: 1) I DO NOT have IBS. This is pain with constipation and diareaha and other symptoms that I do not have. I don’t ever have diareaha or vomiting unless I contract a GI bug, and IBS is defined as intestinal issues! 2) It really disturbs me that a doctor would really reccommend that one takes a pill to mask the pain just so one can continue to ingest what this particular body sees as “poison!”
Anyhow, this is the first and only place that I have found other people with this food issue. My hope is for the medical field to recognize it, and to identify a common composition. My list of what not to eat just keeps growing! The upside is, I eat really pretty healthy. I look forward to more posts.

By Dan on Jan 3, 2007

Nice to find this information. I have had slightly high blood pressure for years and all the meds the doctor prescribed made me ill. So I read that bananas were good to lower BP. So a few weeks ago I started eating two a day. Didn’t feel good from the start but stayed with it. Then after a week or so I was on the toilet many times a day. Felt warm, achy, nauseated, IBS - same feelings I get from sulfites and MSG. Then I skipped a day by accident a couple of days ago and felt pretty good. My sinuses also cleared a bit - nice feeling. Then today had a banana for b-fast. 20 minutes later, nauseated, and over the past few hours (it’s 1:30pm now) felt just like I do when I accidentally eat sulfited food. Guess the bananas are out for me. Interesting note though, the BP did drop.

Great site.

By MartyCherylCT on Jan 16, 2007

Hi, thanks for all your posts! I stumbled across this trying to help my wife who has been ill from (I think) eating so many bananas! Of course all you read is that there are no problems at all and they are a healthy food. She starts each day with a half or whole banana raw and has had nothing but increasing “kicked in the stomach” feelings in her stomach. She has lost weight. She has been tested for almost everything she can be tested for including blood tests one of those stomach scopy tests etc. She also reacted poorly to Broccoli so their might be something to the info here that deserves a look.

I didnt see anyone mention this, but has any of you who were eating bananas actually had lower appetite in general or just the banana eating pain? My wife seems not able to each much even later in the day. She is very thin for her age and height and we are going for more tests in a matter of days. Anyone with any weight loss that was eating bananas daily?

Thanks for all the great info!

Marty

By BGP04 on Jan 22, 2007

Wow, I’ve been looking for information on this for years. I have the horrible stomach cramp reaction to avocado, even in the tiniest quantities (the stuff that clings to the sushi rice after you poke the avocado out), and to bananas if I eat more than a half uncooked. I have also had the feeling from broccoli when I eat a lot of it, and from pineapple. I live in California now and it is hard to avoid avocado. Has anyone had success at treating the pain from avocado? It really knocks me out. Has anyone tried to “cook” avocado to see if that prevents the problem? Sounds gross… but I just ate a bite today when the dummy at the burrito place added avocado instead of not putting any in when I specifically said NO avocado, I can’t eat any. Anyway, the stomachache is much milder than normal and I wonder after reading this if it is because the heat of the burrito steamed the avocado and neutralized whatever the gas products are that might cause the problem?

Thanks for any help. Maybe we should start a foundation!!

By CK on Feb 12, 2007

If any one is checking back, I believe a Doctor once told me that my stomach could not handle the high dose of potassium all at once, especially if I wasn’t consuming 8 glasses of water or more in a day. He also recommended that I eat toast or oatmeal with it; I chose toast since oatmeal does the same thing to me. Let’s face it, both bananas and oatmeal are heavy, and the complex sugars could play a role. A little goes a long way, considering it’s nutritional value and caloric content, half of a banana is best mixed with another meal option. I can’t seem to get all my water down so I still have the ache! Take care all

By CK on Feb 12, 2007

I forgot to add that I just hope they don’t find out there is something wrong with the bananas or the way they are grown in the near future!

By Ser on Feb 14, 2007

I have that avocado problem too. Yes, the sushi and guacamole! Oh my. I also have to pick out the avocado from the sushi, and even then my stomach still hurts about an hour or so later.

Bananas used to be painful until I switched to organic bananas, for some reason those are fine.
And raw broccoli doesn’t bother me anymore either.
Raw and cooked mushrooms are also a big problem for me.
One solution I found = drinking a carbonated drink if I accidentally have avocado or mushrooms, that will to burp the painful gas.

By myx on Mar 5, 2007

I also get really bad stomachaches if I have even one bite of a banana! It happened all of a sudden, I used to have no problem whatsoever with them, and one day, POOF. Pain.
Someone mentioned gassing bananas to help them ripen. Now I think my problem has nothing to do with this, because I lived in Argentina, and they didn’t gas anything to ripen over there. It’s basically off the tree, in a crate, and over to us from Brazil!
The only other thing that really causes me this same sort of problem is eggs. Any more than 1/2 an egg and it’s the same story. The occasional problem with some spicy foods, but I mostly avoid those anyway. Still wondering what is IN bananas specifically that might be causing this!

By JoannaAd on Mar 11, 2007

I really wished I had looked for this information sooner. Just spent 5 hours in bed after eating half of an avacado realizing that the same thing happens when I eat a raw banana. Am surprised that the two are connected and will try the organic fruit and Beano route going forward.

By CaitiB on Mar 20, 2007

Hi, I believe have something closer to an anaphlaxis response to bananas. I recently made a discovery after eating a dehydrated fruit and nut bar. The bar was banana flavored and from what the company told me, is mostly made of bananas, with some nuts as well.
My symptoms when I ate this bar were dry throat, dry mouth, tingling and itching in my tongue and palate, and laryngeal irritation (it made my throat itchy and I developed a dry cough). I felt this after a few bites, but was in the middle of something and chalked it up to bad ventilation (I work in an old, dusty school building). Then later I ate the rest of the bar in my car and noticed the same symptoms again, but worse.

I remembered that I had had a similar reaction, but even more unpleasant, when I was in college and absent-mindedly ate a small jar of bananas my mother had dried in a food dehydrator while studying one night. That night my mouth became dry and my tongue felt furry, and I felt really, really out of it for a few hours. I have (cautiously) eaten raw bananas since my reaction to the banana bar without any negative results.

I’d be curious to know if anyone else finding this page has an anaphlaxis type response to dehydrated bananas. Maybe it was just the amount of concentrated banana, or maybe it was the slow heating process.

I am 28 years old. I have seasonal allergies and lactose intolerance. I don’t have other food/fruit allergies, though fresh pineapples sometimes “sting” my tongue.

By Rhiannon on Mar 22, 2007

Hey there,

Hmm after perusing most of the comments it’s strange how many people suffer from this.
I have issues with a LOT of foods.
Guava - the smell of the fruit straight off the tree is enough to set off allergies which then have me wheezing like the asthmatic I am.

Bananas, avocados, mushrooms, eggs (though they kind of fall under ‘dairy’ and I KNOW I’m not supposed to eat them) all cause the SAME thing.

They found that it MAY be IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The foods are ‘trigger’ foods and basically I can eat banana’s now … but LET me try eat one a few weeks from now … or maybe I’ll be okay that time but the Avo will set it off. So sometimes I will have pain and other times while my ’spastic colon’ is behaving I won’t … it’s a risk factor. It’s like onboard Fear Factor!

The pain is like someone drove a hot poker into your middle at the belly button - let it stick to skin, twisted and jabbed. It’s horrible, horrible pain … also lasts for up to 4 hours with me (I usually eventually go to sleep from sheer exhaustion of having to deal with it). Stress is a common trigger that sets off the bowel - then when consuming (strangely) these foods they set it off.
I was told to eat wholewheat bread to help the bowel - I spent more time in pain than when I ate white bread - try not to eat bread much if at all now. Preparation of the bread also matters.

Bananas - not sure if it’s an allergy or if they ARE in fact a trigger food. NEVER had the classic itchy nose, itchy throat / ears, swollen feeling in airways that I experience with most other allergies. The joys of being an asthmatic is that I’m allergic to blooming EVERYTHING given half a chance.

May well be a case of allergy in some cases above, IBS might be something to consider too, it might be an overdose of potassium as one person said …

Interesting though that it’s the same fruit(s). I can add mushrooms.

PS thank you for the info and also to the comment info about gassing banana’s - that might JUST be what helps this fruit drop it’s ‘trigger’ food status for me. I live in South Africa, and Durban (Kwazulu-Natal) is one of the largest Banana places here - we *shouldn’t* be gassing but who knows.

By Marcia Milam on Apr 1, 2007

My sister found this blog for me. I have had a “Banana Issue” for years- If I can remember right, it started about the time I was pregnant with my first child as well. Also have a mild lactose intolerance-most severe when I am pregnant or nursing. I first noticed that Banana’s were making me sick (about 6years ago- now 34), then linked avocado’s to the “issue”, then most recently got sick just 2 days ago without eating either of those foods… tried to figure out what it was… the only thing I could think of that I don’t normally eat was I had a salad for lunch- made MOSTLY of Spinach! I am thinking it is the spinach- which doing some research on the internet tonight- makes sense. I too have had problems eating eggs.. but now I don’t eat the yolk, just cook the egg white- and usually do much better! I, too, on occasion will TRY a banana or avocado (because I really LOVE them!) only to find the same reaction- truly sad!
An interesting thing for me is- I had an Great Aunt pass away a few years ago- they found NO POTASSIUM in her body AT ALL!!! don’t know if it was the cause of death or not, but just found it interesting…. Maybe some of us just don’t jive too well with high levels of Potassium and our bodies fight it. But, I do think it is important to find other ways to get the potassium. I am going to try the Organic produce- and even try Beano.
Just FYI for all of you…. I was told by a nurse at one time that banana and avocado reactions can be related to a latex allergy… which we all know now, BUT… she said that the actual “latex allergy may become evident not until a much later time.. so be watchful!!! and Good luck. I have added this blog to my favorites to check back on occasion- am interested to see what others have to say. Thanks for all your input. Thought I was alone with this as well…. Good thing is.. I can still eat Banana Bread— YUMMY!!! :)

By Vijay on Apr 13, 2007

I have the same problem since I was ~ 35 years old. Does anybody see a link to allergy to Vitamin A? I never seem to be able to maintain the correct amount of Vitamin A in my system. It is always a little over (cracked lips, hairloss) or a little under (upset stomach).

By Joey on Apr 16, 2007

I had the same problem, I had to stop eating bananas totally. The pain was so bad I swore I wouldn’t eat them again no matter how good they are for you. The pain wasn’t worth it, my wife couldn’t relate to the pain I was in. 31 y/o male, it might have started at age 29. I gave up after trying to blend it with a smoothie and the reaction was the same. Maybe a severe acid buildup ? I can’t think of any other reason.

By Joey on Apr 16, 2007

It might be an acid buildup in the stomach. I notice this same pain not as severe but with Oranges and grapes. I’m fruit intolerant… Sometimes also with watermelon. The only fruit I notice no pain really is cantelope and melon.

By Joey on Apr 16, 2007

“latex-fruit syndrome” Is what they call this condition.

http://foodallergens.ifr.ac.uk/food.lasso?selected_food=5

By chris on Apr 17, 2007

Sweet Holy Mackeral, I just found a club that I can join. I have a relatively steel stomach and can eat anything. I found in my early 20’s that eating raw banana gave me to most painful upset stomach that I’ve ever experienced.

I’ve tried several bananas over the past years. Shortly after eating one I get an intense abdominal pain. This always occurs.

So, naturally, when i saw a banana sitting in the fridge at work last week and I was starving and didn’t bring any lunch in with me i ate it; you knw, because I’m a moron.

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results…

By Jen on Apr 25, 2007

I’m so glad there are others out there! It looks like this banana conversation has been going on for a long time. I’m 30 now, but first noticed my banana-related stomach aches around age 25. I was diagnosed with gastritis, and at the time salad also caused the same pain, but I narrowed it down to the bananas as causing the most gut-wrenching doubled-over pain, so severe it sent me to the ER once. I got over that, but bananas still cause me to have a mild stomach ache, every time. I’m trying to figure out what is the cause but there doesn’t seem to be much out there about this.

By Chele on Apr 26, 2007

Joey! Thank you so much for providing us with the name of “latex-fruit syndrome!” I wonder why even my Allergist never made this connection?? Anyhow, even though I still cannot eat bananas, avocados, raw tomatoes, and nuts in large amounts, I am happy to understand this connection! I have Googled “latex-fruit syndrome,” and there is good info. out there!

Good luck to all who have this!
Chele

By Pauly on Apr 27, 2007

Does anyone else get rapid heartbeat and heart palpitations after eating bannana? Feel sick and sluggish as well. Happens 100% of the time I eat bananna and happens fairly quickly (no stomach pains).

By Sophie on May 10, 2007

Wow, I’m so amazed to find so many other people have banana allergies!
The other day I decided to eat a fresh banana for the first time in several years. I slowly stopped eating them starting from the age of about 12 after they started making me feel a little nauseous. But I never expected the intense stomachache that I recently experienced! It reminded me of period pains, a sort of spasm or muscle clenching feeling (I felt like I needed to vomit, but found it impossible, even if I really tried to). I had to lie down for about 3 hours, and the rest of the day my stomach was really sensitive and I felt quite dizzy. I am never eating a banana again!
A few people have said they get the same with eggs. For a few years in my childhood I got intense pains like this after eating eggs, but these seem to have totally disappeared. Eggs still give me the creeps though.

Interesting to see it’s linked with other fruits like kiwis. As a child I used to get a burning sensation in my mouth after eating kiwis, but I kept eating them because I love kiwis. Looking back I probably shouldn’t have, but I didn’t know much about allergies back then, haha.

By mindi on May 14, 2007

For a long time now, i’ve had a list of foods I cannot eat. Included in that list are:

mushrooms (the white kind)
eggs
bananas
cantelope
avacados
spinach (different feeling, I get what I like to call “peanut butter poo”)

While I don’t care for mushrooms, it’s been a real challenge to avoid the rest of the list and although I don’t always “feel like i’m going to die” after eating the suspect food, it’s generally because I think i’m keeping the GAS-X with Maalox people in business. Today, cantelope was the culprit. I started with mild hearburn creeping up my throat, it quickly turns to a bloated hardening through out my chest, I then feel the desparate need to burp (but can’t) or christ, i’ll suck up my pride right here at work to release any gas (from anywhere!)Then I get terribly tired, sometimes dizzy, and nausea creeps over me. Now mind you, I will avoid things that make me feel this way, but have never understood how I can eat a chili cheeseburger without a single problem, but can’t have a spinach omlett with banana in the morning. I will check out the latex connection but curious if anyone else has the same list of foods they cannot eat!

By Stephanie on May 16, 2007

Like Mindi above, I’ve had a food sensitivities to specific foods for a long time. Twice now I even had to be hospitalized with pancreatitis after eating eggs without realizing it (they are in EVERYTHING). The frustrating thing is that over the years I’ve been having to add more and more food to the list. At this point it’s up to:

bananas
eggs
broccoli
avocado
white mushrooms
pineapp