Why am I allergic to eating water chestnuts?

The causes of allergic reactions to water chestnuts are complex and varied, mainly including: 1. **Individual constitution factors**: Some people may have an allergic constitution, reacting to certain components in water chestnuts, such as proteins, vitamins, niacin, and carotenoids. This constitution may be caused by genetic or immune system factors, leading the body to mount an abnormal immune response to water chestnuts. 2. **Components of water chestnuts**: Certain components in water chestnuts may be recognized as foreign substances by the immune system after ingestion, triggering an immune response, producing IgE antibodies, and releasing inflammatory mediators such as histamine, leading to allergic symptoms. 3. **Consumption method and quantity**: The way water chestnuts are consumed and the quantity ingested may also influence the occurrence of allergies. For example, excessive consumption or eating on an empty stomach may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, affecting digestion and absorption of food and thereby increasing the risk of allergic reactions. 4. **Environmental factors**: External environmental factors may also influence allergic reactions. For instance, environmental triggers may activate allergic genes within the body, causing individuals who previously did not have allergies to develop allergic reactions to water chestnuts.