Ahhh…blueberries! Packed with all kinds of beneficial nutrients and powerful antioxidants, blueberries are one of the most beloved berries and staple addition to any bowl of breakfast granola.
Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant content out of all the fruits and vegetables.
However, nothing is perfect, and too many blueberries can cause quite an upset!
Blueberries contain high amounts of fiber, a carbohydrate the body has difficulty digesting, especially if consumed in large quantities.
Blueberries are also high in water content, and fiber and water can soften the stool too quickly, resulting in a quick bowel movement and potential diarrhea.
Blueberries are often lauded for their health benefits, and with good reason.
These little fruits are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
They also happen to be a good source of fiber.
Just one cup of blueberries contains about four grams of fiber.
That’s nearly 20% of the recommended daily value.
What’s more, blueberries are rich in a type of soluble fiber known as pectin.
This substance helps to keep the intestines clean and functioning properly.
Pectin is also believed to lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control.
These effects can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions.
However, eating too many blueberries will cause a rapid increase in fiber content, which can cause stomach pain and even bloating.
Those dealing with constipation shouldn’t consume a large amount of fruit at a time and should slowly increase their fruit intake over time and not suddenly.
Fruits like blueberries are known for helping relieve constipation as it softens the stool and increases bowel movements.
Blueberries are also prone to contamination during their growing period, which may also be a reason for diarrhea after consumption.
A good way to prevent consuming contaminated berries is by thoroughly washing the berries, patting them dry, and then storing them in the refrigerator.
Why Do I Get Diarrhea From Blueberries?
Blueberries contain soluble and insoluble fiber and high water content.
If you overeat blueberries, you might get a mild case of diarrhea due to the sudden increase in fiber content in the body that your digestive system struggles to break down.
When it comes to dietary fiber, it is important to get the right balance.
Too much fiber can cause problems such as gas and bloating, while too little fiber can lead to constipation.
However, diarrhea is one of the most common issues associated with high fiber intake.
This is because fiber absorbs water, which can make stools softer and more difficult to control.
In addition, fiber stimulates bowel movements and can speed up the transit time of food through the digestive system.
This can worsen the problem for people who are already struggling with loose stools.
If you are experiencing diarrhea after increasing your fiber intake, it is best to cut back on the amount of fiber you consume and see if that helps improve your symptoms.
In addition, blueberries and other fruits contain natural sugars like fructose.
Fructose, or fruit sugar, is a simple sugar found in many plants, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Though it is often used as a sweetener, fructose is actually sweeter than table sugar, making it a popular choice for processed foods and beverages.
However, fructose has also been linked to a number of health problems, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Some experts believe that this is because the body metabolizes fructose differently than other types of sugar.
Another reason you may be getting diarrhea from eating blueberries is if you have fructose intolerance.
Fructose intolerance is when your body doesn’t make enough of the enzymes used to break down fructose, hence causing an upset stomach following the consumption of high-level fructose fruits.
People who suffer from constipation can include blueberries and other high-fiber fruits and vegetables in their diets.
Fruits contain fiber and natural sugars like fructose which help to pull water into the intestine and soften the stool, making it easier to pass.
There are many other reasons for diarrhea after consuming fruits and berries.
Considering pregnancy, hormonal changes, day-to-day diet, and sickness all play active roles in how your body works and stomach functions.
Do Blueberries Cause Bowel Movements?
Blueberries cause bowel movements due to their high fiber content.
Those who aren’t constipated will most likely have to rush to the bathroom after consuming blueberries, as it takes less than a day for most fruits to digest.
Bowel movements may not always be as spontaneous as you may think after eating fruits or high in fiber foods.
It takes 6 to 8 hours for food to pass through the entire gut, and from there, it takes a few hours to be ready to pass through the intestines.
When the food is in the intestines, that is when the specific compounds in the foods consumed might pull water in and soften the stool.
In case of constipation, the stool will normally pass, not too hard or soft, but if not constipated, it may seem like diarrhea.
To prevent this, limit your consumption of blueberries and other high-fiber foods and gradually introduce them to your diet.
As a meal or as a snack, berries have such amazing nutritional value and are loaded with unlimited health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels, preventing heart disease, protecting against aging and cancer, lowering blood pressure, and reducing muscle damage after hard exercise.
Why Do Berries Cause Diarrhea?
Almost all berries are rich in fiber and water content, both responsible for diarrhea or constipation relief.
Fiber is a beneficial compound that is necessary for optimal gut health, but excessive consumption can lead to bloat, gas, and diarrhea.
There are many different types of berries, all with different fiber concentrations and various other nutritional benefits. Here are 13 of my favorite berries list
- Strawberries have 8% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams
- Raspberries have 28% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Blueberries have 9% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Blackberries have 20% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Cranberries have 24% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Goji berries have 16% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Black mulberries have 1.7% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Gooseberries have 11% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Acai berries have 3g of fiber per 100gram serving.
- Red mulberries have 1.7g of fiber per 100g serving.
- Chokeberries have 13.95% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Chokecherries have 68% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
- Red currants have 17% of the daily value in dietary fiber per 100grams.
The high amounts of dietary fiber found in berries are responsible for loosening the stool and causing it to pass out quicker than usual.
The majority of people have berries as a breakfast snack or as part of their granola or oatmeal.
This way, by the end of the day, it will clean out your stomach, leaving you refreshed and energetic.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.