Whether raspberries, blueberries, or currants – consuming certain types of berries can cause reactions related to berry intolerance.

If you are unsure about a food intolerance, an intolerance test can help. For an intolerance test from Medicross, a hair sample and filling out a questionnaire are enough to provide insight into possible intolerances.

Depending on the reaction, you may have an intolerance or even an allergy. If you experience an unpleasant reaction every time you eat a certain food, you probably wonder whether you have some form of food intolerance. But what is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance, and how can you find out which one you have?

In an allergy, the immune system views the allergen (e.g., milk, yeast, etc.) as an intruder and triggers a chain reaction. It causes white blood cells to produce so-called IgE antibodies, which attach to cells in our body and cause the release of potent chemicals. One of these substances is histamine. When the level of these chemicals rises quickly, a range of unpleasant or even dangerous symptoms occur. The most common signs include itching in the nose, mouth, throat, and eyes, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Food allergies can also manifest immediately after consuming a substance with vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.

It’s easy to get confused because these conditions present similarly. Food allergies and intolerances can occur in response to the same dietary triggers, and both cause similar symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Cross-reactions or similar effects can also occur. However, the mechanisms underlying these conditions could not be more different, and the correct diagnosis is crucial for proper treatment.

Berries as Healthy Food

Berries are part of a healthy diet and offer many benefits. Therefore, you should check whether an intolerance really exists so you don’t have to miss out on the positive effects. Common edible berries include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, as well as red, white, and black currants. Berries have extensive culinary uses, and the most commonly used berry in the food industry is the strawberry, which is used in jams, ice cream, smoothies, tarts, and cakes.

Especially blueberries contain a range of health-promoting ingredients. A type of flavonoid called anthocyanin gives blueberries many of their health benefits. Flavonoids are plant compounds that often have strong antioxidant effects.

Anthocyanin is responsible for the characteristic blue color of blueberries. It also contributes to the many benefits of blueberries. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables has long been associated with a lower risk of many lifestyle-related health problems. Many studies suggest that increased consumption of plant-based foods like blueberries reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality. Plant-based foods can also promote skin and hair health, more energy, and an overall lower weight.

Symptoms of Berry Intolerance

Since blueberries belong to the rose family, cross-reactions can occur here, which sometimes are more indicative of an allergy than a conventional intolerance. If a person experiences stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or mild skin rashes after consuming even small amounts of blueberries, they may be allergic to the fruit. Typically, stomach pain is caused by the intestine’s inability to digest the fruit.

Vomiting or diarrhea can be a sign that the body rejects blueberries as a valuable food source. As described, the blueberry is recognized as a potential toxin. Skin rashes are typical when an ointment with blueberries and/or blueberry extracts is applied but can also occur in some cases when consuming blueberries. Rashes are a sign of an increased histamine reaction; histamines are the body’s response to allergens and represent an overreaction of the immune system. Antihistamines can relieve immediate symptoms.
If you are unsure whether you suffer from a berry intolerance, you can perform an intolerance test with a hair sample at home. To do this, cut a few hairs as close to the root as possible and send them along with a questionnaire to our laboratory. Your hair sample will be analyzed, and you will receive the results by email. Based on this, you can adjust your diet accordingly and, for example, supplement it with a personalized nutrient blend.