Walnut reaction - tongue

[Thelearner]

Over the years I am sure I have read reports that walnuts (particularly shells) contain a natural form of insulin.  Was hungry the other day, ate two handfuls (i.e. 1 cup) of ready prepared walnuts.  Almost never eat walnuts in this way.  Sometimes in salads, so just a couple at a time.  Anyway, the result, almost instant tongue pain.  Like I'd touched my tongue with a hot poker.  Also, I felt that the mucus lining from throat went!  I am now down with very heavy cold/cough.  No temperature, glands only slightly raised.  Any link to eating the walnuts or just coincidence?

[Thelearner]

My thanks to you both and I will get it checked out.

[JDRF Team SGG]

Allergies sound like good suspects, escpecially since you have similar reactions to scallions. Not that those two foods are related. I happen to love walnuts, and I have no food sensitivities, but I do notice that walnuts have sort of an acrid "bite" to them after you eat a lot. You could have more of a sensitivity than allergy. Good to get checked out just in case allergies are developing, though. It is important to have things like this put into your medical records just in case you happen to have a severe reaction at some point to some food... the attending doctor would see at a glance that certain foods caused reactions and could possibly save time figuring out a treatment.

[Thelearner]

Sorry, should have mentioned, I have Type 1.  Have similar reaction to spring onions (scallions) but no other foods/nuts.

[JDRF-Team-wa]

I am not physician, but the mom of a type one diabetic.  I have not heard of what you described attributed to insulin, but to allergic reactions.   I have a friend who is allergic to different food, when she eats something that she is not allowed she has the same reactions you described.  

I would suggest that you talk to your primary care physician or an allergist. To see what could have caused this reaction.  This should be done before you eat more nuts, because in most people the more you eat the worse the reaction.


Good luck and please check back with us