Worst Drinks to Avoid with SIBO
Certain drinks can worsen SIBO symptoms by feeding the bacteria in your gut. Avoid sugary beverages like soda, juice, or sweetened teas, as well as alcohol and caffeinated drinks. These drinks can promote fermentation and lead to bloating, cramps, and discomfort. Stick to plain water, herbal teas, or bone broth to support digestive health.More from NIH: IBS
See what lists are trending: Trending Lists
1
Fruit Juices (high in FODMAPs)
339
34
Many fruit juices, such as apple, pear, and mango juice, contain high amounts of fructose and polyols, fermenting quickly in the small intestine and causing bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
2
Frozen Coffee or Coffee-Based Desserts
333
45
These drinks often contain dairy, sugar, and artificial flavors, making them a triple threat for SIBO symptoms, causing bloating, acid reflux, and diarrhea.
3
Caffeinated Beverages (e.g., Coffee, Energy Drinks)
349
66
Caffeine stimulates gut motility, which can worsen diarrhea-predominant SIBO. Energy drinks often contain artificial sweeteners and high fructose, which further aggravate symptoms.
4
Juices with Added Sugar or Artificial Sweeteners
315
51
Processed fruit juices often have high sugar content, fueling bacterial overgrowth. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sorbitol can also disrupt gut health.
5
Coconut Milk (sweetened)
284
36
While coconut milk itself may be tolerated by some, sweetened versions contain added sugars that encourage bacterial fermentation and can worsen bloating.
6
Alcoholic Beverages (especially beer)
281
49
Beer contains gluten and fermentable carbohydrates, both of which can worsen SIBO symptoms. Other alcohols, like wine and mixed drinks, irritate the gut lining and disrupt digestion.
7
Smoothies with High-FODMAP Vegetables
251
34
Blended drinks containing high-FODMAP vegetables like onions, cauliflower, or asparagus can contribute to excessive gas production and discomfort.
8
Energy Shots or High-Caffeine Drinks
242
34
Highly concentrated caffeine drinks can overstimulate the gut, leading to rapid digestion and worsening diarrhea or cramping. Many also contain artificial sweeteners.
9
Dairy-Based Drinks (Whole Milk, Milkshakes)
233
27
Full-fat dairy contains lactose, which can be poorly absorbed in SIBO patients, leading to bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Milkshakes also contain added sugars, further worsening gut issues.
10
Chilled or Iced Coffee (with milk)
243
44
Cold coffee beverages often contain dairy, syrups, or artificial sweeteners, all of which can be problematic for SIBO sufferers. The caffeine can also overstimulate digestion.
11
Diet Sodas (with artificial sweeteners)
208
22
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and sorbitol found in diet sodas are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can lead to significant bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
12
Sugary Soft Drinks
200
25
Regular sodas and sugary soft drinks contain high amounts of refined sugar, which feed harmful gut bacteria and worsen fermentation, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
13
Fruit Smoothies (high in FODMAP fruits)
182
22
Smoothies made with high-FODMAP fruits such as apples, pears, and cherries can ferment quickly in the gut, leading to painful bloating and gas.
14
Sweetened Plant-Based Milks (e.g., Almond Milk, Oat Milk)
164
26
Many commercial plant-based milks contain added sugars and gums (like carrageenan) that can irritate the gut lining and trigger bloating.
15
Milk-Based Coffee Drinks (Lattes, Cappuccinos)
117
12
Dairy-based coffee drinks contain lactose and added sugar, both of which can worsen symptoms in individuals with lactose intolerance or SIBO. The caffeine can also overstimulate digestion.
16
Commercially Made Lemonades (with added sugar)
109
16
Many store-bought lemonades contain high amounts of added sugar, which promotes bacterial overgrowth and increases bloating.
17
Sweetened Tea (including sweetened Iced Tea)
95
19
Teas with added sugars or honey contribute to bacterial fermentation in the small intestine. Some herbal teas may also stimulate gut motility, worsening symptoms.
18
Coconut Water (sweetened)
81
10
Sweetened coconut water contains added sugars and natural fructose, both of which promote bacterial overgrowth and digestive discomfort in SIBO sufferers.
19
Flavored Water (with artificial sweeteners)
76
10
Flavored waters often contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol and erythritol, which are poorly absorbed and cause excessive gas, bloating, and diarrhea in SIBO patients.
20
Sports Drinks (high in sugar)
57
8
Many sports drinks are packed with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which contribute to gut dysbiosis, bloating, and diarrhea.
21
Carbonated Drinks (e.g., Seltzers, Sparkling Water)
54
8
The carbonation in these drinks introduces excess gas into the digestive tract, leading to bloating, belching, and discomfort. If flavored, they may also contain artificial sweeteners that worsen symptoms.