Blueberries are a very healthy food, but they can also be dangerous if you’re not careful enough. While blueberries are a delicious addition to cakes, pies, or smoothies, they can also cause allergic reactions.
How Common
Blueberries can cause allergic reactions at any point in your life. The reactions could range from minor ones to life-threatening. While it is not that common, it can occur without warning.
The cause of the allergy may be an inability to process the fruit itself. This could be because the body thinks of the blueberry as a toxin or a harmful substance.
Symptoms
You should know about the symptoms of a blueberry allergic reaction so that you know what to do next. A little knowledge can even become the means of saving someone’s life. You may have cause to worry if you experience the following after consuming blueberries in any kind of dish or on their own:
- Stomach pains
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Swelling of various body parts
- Anaphylaxis
Allergy vs Sensitivity
An allergy is not the same thing as a simple sensitivity. You may feel some digestive problems after eating blueberries, but allergic reactions would be quite severe, even leading to restrictions on breathing and moving. If you’re not experiencing dangerous reactions, it’s probably just blueberry sensitivity. You may be able to get away with consuming blueberries in a limited amount in such cases.
Other Causes
One may also experience rashes or hives if they apply an ointment or other beauty product which contain blueberries. It is not recommended that babies or young children be given blueberries in large amounts since this is quite a difficult fruit to digest. The body needs time to get used to it.
Foods to Avoid
If you have an allergy to blueberries, you should avoid any food that includes it. These could be pancakes, muffins, cakes, pies, and even jams. In order to get the valuable nutrients from blueberries, you may look to other fruits or even supplements.
Some forms of cereal or snacks may also have dried blueberries in the mix. Be careful and always read the ingredients label before consuming anything if you have such allergies.
Natural Blueberry Substitutes
If you’re not allergic to other berries, raspberries and huckleberries may be used in place of blueberries in some recipes. These would give a similar texture and health benefits.
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect an allergic reaction or are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above after eating blueberries in any form, consult a doctor immediately. Preferably, this doctor should be one who specializes in such problems and their treatments.
If severe reactions occur, such as throat swelling, major rashes, headaches, or itching, you should consult a doctor at once. Such symptoms could signal a much greater danger, even leading to a fatal result.