What to Eat in Los Angeles if You Have SIBO
A practical guide to managing SIBO in LA
Los Angeles is famous for its “healthy lifestyle”: green juices, smoothies, plant-based menus, gluten-free everything, and functional ingredients everywhere. The problem? Much of what’s considered “healthy” in LA is not SIBO-friendly.
If you live in or are visiting Los Angeles with SIBO, this guide will help you make safer food choices, avoid common traps, and eat with less stress.
The Reality of Having SIBO in Los Angeles
In LA, it’s common to:
Eat out frequently
Rely on smoothies, juices, and bowls
See menus packed with “functional” ingredients
Consume large amounts of raw vegetables and fiber
For people with SIBO, this combination often worsens symptoms without warning.
SIBO-Friendly Foods You Can Find in Los Angeles
Simple proteins (your safest option in LA)
Despite the plant-based culture, simple animal proteins are usually best tolerated:
Grilled or plain chicken
Eggs (scrambled, omelets, hard-boiled)
Beef (steak, burger patties without bun)
White fish (cod, tilapia, halibut)
Plain turkey (check labels carefully)
LA tip: Avoid anything labeled marinated, spiced, herb-crusted, or house sauce.
Carbohydrates That Work Better for SIBO in LA
Not trendy, but effective:
White rice
Potatoes
Rice cakes
Plain oatmeal (small portions)
Quinoa (moderate amounts)
Many LA “healthy bowls” include legumes, cauliflower, onions, and sauces—best avoided with SIBO.
Vegetables That Are Usually Better Tolerated
Carrots
Zucchini
Spinach
Lettuce
Cucumber
Whenever possible, choose cooked vegetables, especially during active SIBO phases.
SIBO-Friendly Grocery Stores in Los Angeles
These stores tend to offer clearer labels and simpler products:
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods
Sprouts
Erewhon (be careful with “functional” products)
Ralphs
Avoid ingredients like:
garlic, onion, inulin, chicory root, “natural flavors,” agave syrup, high-fructose corn syrup.
Eating Out in Los Angeles with SIBO
LA offers endless dining options—but also endless pitfalls.
Safer restaurant choices:
Grills and steakhouses
Breakfast spots (simple eggs)
Diners
Plain fish restaurants
What to order:
Grilled chicken with rice
Steak with potatoes
Plain grilled fish
Simple omelets
What to avoid in LA:
Juice bars and smoothie shops
Strict vegan restaurants
“Detox” or “anti-inflammatory” menus
Sauces with tahini, garlic, or onion
SIBO-Friendly Grab-and-Go Options in LA
For long days or beach outings:
Hard-boiled eggs
Plain lactose-free yogurt
Rice cakes
Simple protein bars
Small portions of ripe banana or strawberries
Even though smoothies are everywhere in LA, they are one of the most common SIBO symptom triggers.
Common SIBO Mistakes in Los Angeles
Assuming vegan or gluten-free means SIBO-friendly
Overdoing “healthy” fiber
Excessive seeds, nuts, and superfoods
Drinking juice on an empty stomach
Constantly rotating foods
How to Make SIBO Easier to Manage in LA
Choose simple meals, even if they’re not trendy
Reduce smoothies and raw foods
Eat fewer, more structured meals
Walk after meals (easy to do in LA)
Avoid food experiments during stressful weeks
Final Thoughts: Living in Los Angeles with SIBO Is Possible
Los Angeles promotes a very specific idea of “healthy eating,” but SIBO requires a different approach: less trend-driven, more intentional.
If you know what to avoid and keep your food simple, living or traveling in LA with SIBO is absolutely manageable.