Why Does Kiwi Burn My Tongue | Kiwi Allergies

Many of our readers are intrigued to know “why does kiwi burn my tongue?” The answer could possibly point to an allergy, you might wanna know the alternative too! Keep reading.

As people are becoming more aware of the benefits of eating healthy, they are switching towards fruits and raw vegetables. As they gain popularity, many prefer them over non-vegan food items. There’s not one but many reasons for transition. Fruits and vegetables are low in saturated fat, artificial sugars, salt, and other preservatives. Due to these benefits, fruits and vegetables can help maintain good health and provide many long-term healthy body points.

One such fruit is Kiwi or Chinese gooseberry. It is a popular choice of healthy fruit alternative as it is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants. Moreover, Kiwi is known to boost immunity and provide various other health benefits. Kiwi’s nutrient content is quite rich and adding it to your diet is beneficial to health. It contains the following

• Protein
• Sugar
• Carotene
• Lutein
• Amino Acids
• Inositol
• Vitamins A, C, E, and P
• Calcium
• Phosphorous
• Iron
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium, and other minerals.

Nutritionists often grant kiwi the title “King of Fruits”, this is because of its calcium and vitamin C content which is much higher in comparison to fruits like bananas, grapefruits, pears, or apples.

However, eating Kiwi can be an unpleasant experience for some due to a burning or itching sensation on the tongue. Here is why your tongue burns after eating Kiwi. 

Why Does Kiwi Burn My Tongue?

Kiwi allergies can be directly related to fruit or latex, pollen, or some other food allergy that can cause a cross-reaction. In most cases, burning in the tongue, irritation, or itching in the mouth after eating Kiwi can be related to oral allergy. It can be mild or severe and is generally treatable at home.

However, sometimes it is just an unpleasant reaction after eating Kiwi in large quantities. It happens because Kiwi has protease enzymes that break down the tongue’s protein, which usually causes a tingly sensation. If it feels a little too severe than just an unpleasant sensation, we recommend consulting a doctor to confirm the allergic reaction and determine the next course of action accordingly. 

How To Treat Burning Tongue?

If you have a burning sensation in the tongue, you can try taking the following steps to provide relief from the reaction.

1. Rinse your mouth multiple times with cold water.
2. Try gargling with water to clear your palette and prevent the reaction from worsening. 
3. Ice chips and popsicles can numb the tongue for a while and provide relief from the burning sensation for a while.
4. Eat yogurt as it is anti-bacterial and helps cool down the mouth. 
5. Avoid drinking any hot liquid or consuming hot food for a few hours to avoid increasing irritation. However, this can make the tongue prickly after food consumption. 

What Alternatives Can You Try?

Suppose you are specifically allergic to kiwi fruit and not in the broad category of latex or pollen allergies. In that case, you can try some of these fruits for similar nutrients and health benefits. 

1. Papaya

Rich in Vitamin C, potassium, and protease enzymes, papaya is one of the most suitable alternatives to Kiwi. It helps boost immunity and improves nutrient absorption in the body. 

2. Strawberry

Strawberries have a similar taste to Kiwi and are an excellent substitute for them in salads and desserts. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C like Kiwi and other nutrients like manganese, Vitamin B9, and potassium. 

3. Pineapple

Since it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, eating pineapple can boost immunity and provide various health benefits. Moreover, it has a similar texture and taste to Kiwi and can be used as an alternative in desserts, salads, and smoothies. 

4. Orange And Other Fruits Rich In Vitamin C

Although Kiwi provides more than 200% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, you can replace it with other fruits rich in Vitamin C, such as oranges and lemons. Improving your daily intake of such fruits can help balance your health and boost your immunity. 

Precautions

If eating Kiwi burns or causes an unpleasant reaction for you, the reason might be allergies. You mustn’t treat allergic reactions lightly as they can turn severe and cause sudden health issues related to breathing. If you feel like you have an allergic reaction after consuming Kiwi, consult your doctor to prevent further reactions. Once identified, be careful while consuming food that might have Kiwi. Always make sure to know the ingredients and labels.

We hope this article on “why does kiwi burn my tongue” was informative and helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!