Pairing bananas with yogurt, milk or wheat-based foods may cause digestive discomfort, especially in people sensitive to FODMAPs, short-chain carbohydrates that can be hard to digest.

Bananas can support digestion, regular bowel movements and healthy blood pressure. Eating them on their own or combining them with suitable ingredients may provide nutritional benefits, but some common pairings may cause problems for certain people.

Nutrition experts say combinations involving dairy products or wheat may contribute to bloating, abdominal discomfort or other digestive symptoms, according to HK01.

01. Yogurt–
Yogurt provides beneficial bacteria, including bifidobacteria, but eating it with bananas may cause digestive discomfort in people with sensitive gastrointestinal systems. For some, the combination can lead to bloating, abdominal discomfort or loose stools.

Bananas are known to aid digestion, promote regular bowel movements and help control blood pressure. Photo by Bui Thuy

02. Milk-
Cow’s milk contains lactose, while bananas contain fructans and other oligosaccharides. Eating foods that provide a large amount of FODMAPs at the same time may be difficult for some people to digest, particularly those with lactose intolerance who produce insufficient lactase to break down lactose effectively.

03. Bread and other wheat products–
Banana sandwiches and pancakes are popular and convenient, but the combination may be harder to digest for people sensitive to FODMAPs or wheat products.

Those who frequently experience bloating, indigestion or other digestive symptoms after eating wheat may want to limit this pairing. Most healthy adults can safely eat two to three bananas a day as part of a balanced diet, according to Healthline. Excessive consumption, however, may contribute to weight gain and nutrient deficiencies.