Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants, making them very beneficial for digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control.
However, not everyone tolerates them well. For some people, eating sweet potatoes can lead to bloating, acid reflux, spikes in blood sugar, or worsening digestive issues.
Below are groups who should avoid sweet potatoes or eat them with great caution:
Who can benefit from eating sweet potatoes?
People aiming for safe, sustainable weight loss
People with constipation (eat moderate amounts; avoid the skin if digestion is weak)
People looking to stabilize blood sugar (when eaten the right way)
People who need a healthy snack option
Important notes when eating sweet potatoes
Do not eat them on an empty stomach → may trigger acid reflux and stomach irritation
Do not eat moldy or worm-infested sweet potatoes → they may contain toxins
Do not eat excessive amounts → may cause constipation or diarrhea, depending on the individual
Do not use sweet potatoes as a complete replacement for rice or staple carbohydrates
Those trying to lose weight should eat them in the morning or at lunch, not at dinner
1. People with gallstones or chronic digestive disorders
The high fiber content can cause:
Digestive overload
Prolonged bloating
Indigestion
Dull pain in the upper right abdomen
This group should eat only very small amounts and choose well-cooked, soft sweet potatoes.
2. People with diabetes (if eaten incorrectly)
Sweet potatoes have a moderate to high glycemic index, especially:
Baked sweet potatoes
Soft, sugary sweet potatoes
Fried sweet potatoes
→ These can easily cause post-meal blood sugar spikes.
People with diabetes should only eat:
Boiled sweet potatoes
Portions of 50–80 g per serving
Combined with vegetables and protein to slow sugar absorption
3. People with kidney disease – potassium restriction
Sweet potatoes are very high in potassium. For people with kidney failure, chronic kidney disease, or those on dialysis, eating too much can lead to:
High blood potassium levels
Heart rhythm disturbances
Muscle weakness and tingling
This group should consult a nutritionist or doctor before eating sweet potatoes.
4. People with active stomach or duodenal ulcers
Sweet potatoes can stimulate gastric acid secretion, which may worsen symptoms during flare-ups:
Burning discomfort
Acid reflux
Upper abdominal pain
Only eat them once symptoms have settled, and choose soft, low-fiber preparations.
5. People with acid reflux, indigestion, or frequent bloating
Sweet potatoes contain fermentable fibers (FODMAPs), which can easily cause gas and bloating.
In addition:
Fermenting starches increase gas production
May trigger heartburn, reflux, and nausea
If reflux is severe, avoid sweet potatoes altogether, or eat small amounts of boiled sweet potatoes, never on an empty stomach.