Cherries

🍒 What Are Cherries?
Cherries are small, juicy stone fruits with a sweet or tart flavor, ranging in color from bright red to deep purple. They are naturally rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a popular choice for both fresh snacks and cooked dishes.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Cherries Occur?

A sensitivity to cherries may be related to:

• Fructose: Natural fruit sugars that may be difficult to digest for individuals with fructose malabsorption.

• Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol found in cherries that may contribute to bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort.

• Histamines: Cherries may stimulate histamine release, which can affect sensitive individuals.

🛠️ Supportive Lifestyle Choices

• Avoid cherries and cherry-containing foods for 8 weeks.

• Reintroduce slowly afterward to assess changes in tolerance.

• Document symptoms before, during, and after reintroduction to track improvements.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

• Digestive enzymes: May help break down fructose and sorbitol.

• Probiotics: Support gut balance and overall digestive wellness.

• DAO enzyme (Diamine Oxidase): May assist with general histamine management in sensitive individuals.

🌟 Why Might I React to Cherries but Not Other Fruits?

Potential explanations include:

• Higher fructose content: Cherries can be sweeter than many fruits, which may affect individuals sensitive to fructose.

• Sorbitol levels: Cherries contain more sorbitol compared to lower-sorbitol fruits like bananas.

• Histamine release: Cherries may stimulate histamine production more than fruits like apples or pears.

🍽️ Popular Uses for Cherries

• Fresh cherry snacks

• Cherry pies

• Cherry smoothies

• Dried cherries

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Grapes

• Raspberries