25/07/2025
🫐🍓 Berries & the gut: What Ayurveda taught me that changed everything.
As someone who works closely with people dealing with chronic digestive and autoimmune issues, from Crohn’s to diverticulitis, I get a lot of questions about berries.
Berries are often seen as the ultimate “healthy” food. And yes, they can be, in the right context.
From an Ayurvedic lens, berries are light, cooling, drying, and astringent, qualities that can aggravate Vata, and over time, even Pitta. For people with sensitive digestion, chronic gut issues (like Crohn’s or diverticulitis), or inflammatory tendencies, this can slowly build imbalance.
Most people don't notice this overnight. But if you are eating raw berries every day, especially out of season, it might be worth paying attention.
When I personally stopped eating them regularly:
💚 My skin cleared up.
💚 For my husband (who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease ): Bloating and discomfort eased once we stopped assuming “healthy” meant “healthy for us.”
💚 Now, I enjoy berries occasionally. Today we are traveling, it’s 30+ C, digestion feels strong and berries feel good.
✅ I don’t eat them daily
✅ I avoid them raw in cooler seasons or during flares
✅ I cook or pair them with subtle spices to soften their effects
This could not be further restriction, Ayurveda's approach gives us the tools to build a relationship with ourselves and what we consume and the environment we are in.
Food is never just “good” or “bad.” It’s about timing, intention, and individuality.
If you are navigating gut issues, skin flares, or just generally feeling unwell, maybe it is time to consider not cutting out foods completely.l
Maybe it it is time to think about listening differently.
If you find this post helpful, hit the like button! ❤️
Comment below your favourite berry recipe! 🌻💚
