Sweet Potatoes Could Damage Your Health — Especially If You’re in These 5 Categories!
5 Times Sweet Potatoes Turn from a Superfood into a Health Hazard!

Sweet potatoes are a simple, inexpensive, yet highly nutritious food. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and are particularly good for digestion, heart health, weight management, and blood sugar regulation. However, not everyone should eat them freely. Below are 5 groups of people who should limit or avoid sweet potatoes to prevent unexpected health problems.

1. People with stomach pain or acid reflux

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of sugar and starch, which can easily ferment in the stomach. Eating them on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach lining, increase acid levels, and cause heartburn, bloating, reflux, or cramping.
For those with gastritis or stomach ulcers, eating sweet potatoes frequently—especially when they are undercooked—can worsen the condition. In general, people with digestive issues should limit sweet potatoes to avoid aggravating their symptoms.

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2. People with diabetes

Sweet potatoes have a medium-to-high glycemic index. Eating them in large amounts, especially on an empty stomach, can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, making diabetes management difficult and increasing the risk of complications.
People with diabetes can still eat sweet potatoes, but only 1–2 times a week, and preferably boiled or steamed. They should reduce other starches during the day and eat vegetables and protein before consuming sweet potatoes. A small half tuber is usually enough.

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3. People with kidney disease

Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium — a vital mineral for heart health — but not suitable for those with kidney problems. When the kidneys are weak, they cannot excrete excess potassium efficiently. Eating too many sweet potatoes may cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), leading to irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and even life-threatening complications.
Therefore, people with kidney disease should limit or completely avoid sweet potatoes.

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4. People who frequently experience bloating or indigestion

Sweet potatoes contain raffinose, a type of sugar that is difficult to digest and can produce gas in the intestines. Those with weak digestive systems, frequent bloating, burping, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should reduce sweet potato consumption—especially raw or leftover sweet potatoes, as these can intensify discomfort and cause more gas.

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5. People who are underweight or physically weak

Sweet potatoes can promote weight loss because they are low in calories and high in fiber. However, eating only sweet potatoes can lead to nutrient deficiencies and fatigue.
Those who are recovering from illness, malnourished, or underweight should balance their diet by adding protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, or fish, rather than relying solely on sweet potatoes.

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While sweet potatoes are often called a “superfood”, they aren’t suitable for everyone. Knowing when and how to eat them properly will help you make the most of their benefits — without turning this healthy food into a hidden health risk.