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Whole grains are generally a good addition to anyone’s diet. However, some people may want to avoid barley.
First, it’s a whole grain that, like wheat and rye, contains gluten. Therefore, it’s not an appropriate choice for anyone with celiac disease or other intolerances to wheat.
Additionally, barley contains short-chain carbohydrates called fructans, which are a fermentable type of fiber. Fructans may cause gas and bloating in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive disorders.
Therefore, if you have IBS or a sensitive digestive tract, you may want to avoid barley.
Lastly, since barley has a strong effect on blood sugar levels, you may want to exercise caution while eating it if you have diabetes and are taking any blood-sugar-lowering medications or insulin. *
