Yes – blueberries are safe to eat on a low FODMAP diet depending on portion size. A typical portion should not exceed 20 berries (28g).
Many are rich in fructose, which may trigger unwanted symptoms of IBS. While blackberries are high-FODMAP, choices like blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, and acai berry can offer symptom-free benefits to people with IBS.
Low FODMAP foods to enjoy instead include:
Fruit: Bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, honeydew, kiwi, lemon, lime, oranges, and strawberries. Vegetables: Bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, bok choy, carrots, chives, cucumbers, eggplant, ginger, lettuce, olives, parsnips, potatoes, spring onions, and turnips.
Berries and small fruits
However, this is not the case for berries. In fact, despite the fact that most berries are low in FODMAPs, blackberries are high in FODMAP. During the exclusion period of FODMAPs, prioritize eating blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.
What to eat instead: Eat fruits that are lower in fructose, such as banana, blueberry, boysenberry, cantaloupe, cranberry, grape, orange, lemon, lime, kiwi and strawberry.
Certain fruits and vegetables. Fruits with high levels of fructose, such as apples, pears, and watermelon, can trigger IBS symptoms. Instead, eat fruits with lower levels of fructose, such as grapes, berries, citrus fruits, and bananas.
You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS. National Institutes of Health.
Greek yoghurt is higher in fat and protein than natural yoghurt as much of the lactose has been strained out of it, which is why it is low FODMAP. So when choosing yoghurt, make sure to opt for Greek, or lactose-free options to ensure that you are sticking to low FODMAP options.
What serving size of blueberries can be classed as low FODMAP? A serving size of 28g (or 20 berries) is low in FODMAPs and should be more tolerable for the vast majority of those with IBS. Larger servings over 60g should be avoided as they will contain high amounts of Oligos-fructans.
Traditional sourdough breads made from wheat, wholemeal wheat, and spelt flours are low FODMAP because they contain reduced levels of fructans (2). This means they can make a great low FODMAP bread option.
Instead, base your meals around low FODMAP foods such as: Eggs and meat. Certain cheeses such as brie, Camembert, cheddar and feta. Almond milk.
Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Camembert, Cheshire, Pecorino Style, Swiss, Brie, Blue Cheese, Havarti, or Parmesan. These are low FODMAP cheese options and they are normally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
Research shows that blueberries can dramatically improve gut bacteria. They are rich in prebiotics, which serves as a precursor to probiotics, contributing to healthy bacteria in the gut and colon. Furthermore, the potent anti-inflammatory properties found in blueberry can alter the gut bacteria, reduce inflammation.
Even though dairy products are the major culprits of discomfort for some IBS sufferers, yogurt proves to be an exception. The live cultures in the yogurt break down the lactose, so it's less likely to cause gassy symptoms.
Coffee is low FODMAP, but caffeine can be an irritant for many people, those with IBS and even those without, hence the confusion. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a gut irritant,so although it may be low FODMAP, there are still other issues to address.
Broccoli can be low FODMAP, depending on the part and serving size. Florets (or the darker green heads) are lower in FODMAPs than the stalks (the lighter green part). Broccoli florets are low FODMAP in servings of ¾ cup or 75 grams. Broccoli stalks have a smaller low FODMAP serving of ⅓ cup or 45 grams.
Feta: low FODMAP at 1 ½ ounces (40 grams) per serving.
Oats are Low FODMAP if eaten in small quantities. We like to make hot cooked oatmeal for breakfast, an occasional batch of oatmeal cookies, and this recipe for Low FODMAP Oats with Strawberries.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, for example: cereals, e.g. All Bran®, Bran Flakes®, Weetabix®, muesli, fruit and vegetables and brown bread. You must however drink plenty of water: 1-1½ litres a day. Eat your meals slowly and chew food thoroughly.