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Avocados are often called a superfood, packed with healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients. But for some of us, they’re anything but “super.” Every time I eat avocados, I get bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. The funny part? I’ve known this since I was two years old—but it took decades to understand why.

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My First Reaction to Avocados: A Childhood Misdiagnosis

When I was two, my mom rushed me to the hospital after feeding me avocados. I was in distress, and the doctors told her that she had simply overfed me and that the avocados weren’t ripe enough. But looking back, that wasn’t the issue. The truth? I just can’t digest avocados properly.

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The Science: Why Avocados Cause Digestive Issues

Avocados are high in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols). These are short-chain carbohydrates that some people can’t digest properly. Instead of breaking down smoothly, they ferment in the gut, leading to bloating, gas, and discomfort.

For people with FODMAP intolerance, foods like onions, garlic, apples, and avocados can cause major digestive distress. It’s not an allergy—it’s just poor digestion.

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How I Learned to Avoid FODMAP Triggers

It took years of tracking my reactions to food before I realized that I needed to avoid not just avocados, but also apples, onions, mangoes, and garlic. These foods all contain high levels of FODMAPs, which my body simply doesn’t tolerate well.

💡 What I do instead:
✔️ Swap avocados for lactose-free cheeses or seeds for healthy fats.
✔️ Use garlic-infused oil instead of fresh garlic in recipes.
✔️ Stick to FODMAP-friendly fruits like strawberries (though I avoid them for other reasons).

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Takeaway: Should You Cut Out Avocados?

If you experience bloating, gas, or stomach pain after eating avocados, you might have a FODMAP sensitivity, too. Try eliminating high-FODMAP foods for a few weeks and see how you feel. Your body will thank you.

➡️ Next post: “Allergy or Intolerance? How Strawberries Trigger My Migraines.”