Blueberries are a sweet and tangy berry that is commonly enjoyed in fruit smoothies, desserts and as a treat all by itself. For some, eating blueberries can cause adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, that can turn a pleasurable experience into an anxious one. If you notice that when you eat blueberries you develop diarrhea, stop eating the food until you can be seen by your doctor. Any time diarrhea develops as an isolated instance after eating a food, food poisoning is always a consideration. If the symptoms are consistent and occur every time you eat blueberries, you may have a food allergy or salicylate sensitivity.
Food Poisoning
Produce is a common source of food poisoning, according to PubMed Health. Blueberries can become infected at any point during processing. Infectious organisms can contaminate the fruit during harvesting or packaging. Contamination may also occur in your own home. The most effective way to prevent food poisoning from blueberries is to wash the berries well before ingesting them. Food poisoning will cause diarrhea, along with vomiting, stomach cramping, abdominal pain and a low-grade fever. Most symptoms from food poisoning are short term and do not typically cause any long-term complications in most people.
Food Allergy
If you're allergic to blueberries, diarrhea will occur every time you consume blueberries. A food allergy occurs because of an immune system reaction. The proteins found in the blueberries are not recognized as safe for the human body, although they are safe for most people. Your immune system creates antibodies to fight the blueberry proteins. This causes the production of various chemicals by your body to defend itself. The result is inflammation of soft tissue, such as that found in your digestive system. Diarrhea may be accompanied by nasal congestion, asthma, skin rashes and vomiting, according to Mayo Clinic.
Salicylate Sensitivity
Salicylate sensitivity is another possible consideration of why you develop diarrhea after eating blueberries. Salicylate is a chemical that naturally occurs in a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries. It helps protect the plant during the growth process and is very similar in chemical composition to aspirin. If you are sensitive to aspirin you may are likely to have sensitivity to salicylate. This condition differs from a food allergy because it is not triggered by a mistake of the immune system, but rather occurs because of a general intolerance to the chemical.
Consideration
Diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or is bloody may be related to a more serious medical condition. Chronic diarrhea from eating certain foods may also be related to irritable bowel syndrome. Talk with a gastroenterologist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
