Eriophyes tiliae in the USA

Eriophyes tiliae, more commonly known as the Lime Nail Gall or the Mite Gall of Linden, is an allergen that is associated with the Tilia tree family, widely known as lime or linden trees in English. In the United States, these trees are naturalized throughout much of the Eastern part of the country. In particular, they can be found in regions of the Midwest like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as well as the Northeast (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine), and the southern states such as Virginia, Georgia, and Texas. It should be noted that the Eriophyes tiliae gall mite, associated with the allergen, may not be present in all Tilia trees in these areas, as their presence can depend on various factors including local environmental conditions.

Eriophyes tiliae is a mite species that causes the lime nail gall or bugle gall. It's not a food-borne allergen, thus it's not directly related to the consumption of specific foods. Nevertheless, individuals who have allergies may have exacerbated symptoms when consuming certain foods rich in histamine or those that potentially activate the release of histamines.

Foods High in Histamine

• Fermented foods: These include items such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and fermented soy products like miso and tempeh.
• Processed meats: Salami, ham, sausages, and other processed or smoked meats may increase histamine levels.
• Alcohol: Especially red wine and beer, can be high in histamine, which may trigger a reaction.
• Aged cheese: Cheddar, gouda, and other aged cheeses may also contain higher levels of histamine.

Foods That Activate Histamine Release

• Citrus fruits: Foods like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes can encourage the body to release histamine.
• Tomatoes: This common salad and sandwich ingredient can also trigger a histamine response.
• Chocolate: This sweet treat may contribute to increased histamine levels in some people.
• Bananas: Bananas can stimulate the body's cells to release histamine.
• Spices: Some spices, like cinnamon, chili powder, and cloves, may cause the body to release histamine.

It's important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently. What may cause an increased histamine response in one person may not have the same effect in another. Therefore, tracking your own dietary responses is key in managing your allergy symptoms effectively.