Can Blueberries Cause Diarrhea?

In this brief guide, we will answer the query, “Can blueberries cause diarrhea?” and will discuss which ingredient of blueberries is responsible for causing diarrhea and what preventive measures should be taken to avoid it.

Can blueberries cause diarrhea?

Yes, blueberries can cause diarrhea.

In addition to being a nutritious fruit that is sweet and tart, blueberries are commonly put in yogurt, cereal, or consumed It is possible, however, that some people will experience stomach difficulties If you get diarrhea after eating blueberries, it might be a sign of food poisoning, or it could be a sign of food allergy.

If you have loose stools, you should avoid eating blueberries. They may cause your excrement to turn a strange hue.

· You’ve been poisoned by food

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, produce is a common cause of food poisoning (CDC). While growing and processing blueberries, they might become contaminated with pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli, or Listeria. Even at home, contamination can occur if the product isn’t properly cleaned or stored, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to diarrhea, Mayo Clinic reports that those with food poisoning may have vomiting, stomach cramps, and a low-grade temperature If you develop a high temperature or become dehydrated or weak as a result of severe diarrhea, contact your doctor or go to urgent care as soon as possible.

Before consuming berries, wash them carefully, pat them dry, and keep them in the refrigerator to help prevent food poisoning.

· You’ve Blueberry Allergy

FARE, the Food Allergy Research & Education organization, explains that food allergies are caused by an overactive immune system that reacts to specific proteins. To put it simply, it occurs when your immune system mistakenly believes that a portion of food is harmful.

A blueberry allergy can cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, swelling, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis every time you consume them, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

A skin prick or blood test is the only way to tell for sure if you have a food allergy, says the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

You may be suffering from an allergy, in which case your doctor may give epinephrine, steroids, or antihistamines.

Read nutrition labels to make sure you don’t eat blueberries or any other item that you’re allergic

· An Intolerance for Fructose

Mayo Clinic reports that some people cannot handle fructose, a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, certain vegetables, juices, and honey. Table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup both include it. Difficulty breaking down or digesting sugar can lead to unpleasant stomach symptoms such as diarrhea and flatulence. Hydrogen breath testing may be used to diagnose fructose intolerance in those who believe they have it. Blueberries have modest sugar content, but if consumed in excessive numbers, they may cause symptoms. Because of this, if you have a food intolerance, you’ll want to consume them in balance.

· Salicylate Sensitivity

According to Food Intolerance Diagnostics, salicylate is a naturally occurring molecule present in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including blue. A report published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in November 2020 says it protects the plant during the development phase and is chemically comparable to aspirin.

You’re thus more likely to respond to the salicylate in blueberries and other fruits and vegetables if you are sensitive to aspirin. According to Ashley Kravitz, RD, CEO of Nutrition Specialists of New Jersey, having this sort of sensitivity might produce diarrhea after eating blueberries.

Salicylate intolerance or sensitivity symptoms include:

· Headache

· Skin rash

· Nausea

· Nasal congestion

· Inflammation of the eyes

· Stomach pain

· Swelling of the hands, face, or feet

It’s well-known that certain people are sensitive to salicylate in medicines, but less is known about sensitivity to salicylate in meals. This intolerance can’t be diagnosed with a test, so your doctor may use a process of elimination to rule out a food allergy and have you maintained an eating and symptom record.

What are the benefits of blueberries for diarrhea?

Blueberries can induce diarrhea in some people, but they can also help treat it.

“Diarrhea patients tend to accept a low-fiber diet at first. In contrast, when severe diarrhea subsides, consuming additional fiber may be beneficial in getting the intestines to. Then there’s the fact that blueberries have “gastroenterology specialist Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard School of Medicine explains.

According to the Mayo Clinic, blueberries have a high antioxidant content as well. IBS may be helped by these antioxidants, according to a comprehensive study published in the DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences in December 2019.