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Home arrow Health arrow Gut Health arrow Is Oatmeal Good for Constipation?

Is Oatmeal Good for Constipation?

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Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
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Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: July 21, 2023
3 min read 1366 Views 0 Comments
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Constipation might seem difficult to treat quickly, but with the right fiber-based foods, you can relieve those nasty symptoms in just one day.

is oatmeal good for constipation

Constipation brings along plenty of uncomfortable symptoms.

Dry stools and abdominal cramps are some common symptoms. These can make going to the toilet very difficult. Constipation usually derives from dehydration or a lack of soluble fiber in your diet. This is why you should incorporate water and fiber-based foods into your meal plan.

Yet, certain high-fiber foods can help relieve those nasty symptoms. Can oatmeal help to relieve unpleasant tummy troubles?

Is Oatmeal Good for Constipation?

Yes, oatmeal is great for relieving constipation

Eating oats or instant oatmeal may soothe your restless stomach. This high-fiber meal can work its magic to clear your gut and make it feel healthy again.

Oatmeal has plenty of soluble fiber that encourages a smooth digestion process. The fiber absorbs water from the liquids you drink and uses it to soften stool. This will help you pass stool much easier on the toilet. However, you need to find the right type of oatmeal to eat.

Old-fashioned oatmeal has no preservatives or artificial compounds. This makes it a healthy, yummy option for your breakfast. Mix the oatmeal with water and boil it in a saucepan. Old-fashioned rolled oats have plenty of insoluble fiber that can aid your digestive tract.

Steel-cut oats also have loads of fiber that can relieve constipation. Beta-glucan is a type of fiber found in oatmeal that can contribute to healthy heart functions. This insoluble fiber also has bioactive properties that can strengthen your metabolism.

Make sure to incorporate oatmeal into your breakfast if you suffer from constipation. Your body needs more fiber and liquids to perform normal gut functions. Oatmeal is great for constipation relief, but it won’t get rid of it completely.

Does Oatmeal Have Fiber?

Oatmeal has loads of soluble fiber that can ease your bowel movements.

Our bodies need fiber to regulate the sugar levels in our systems. Fiber is also believed to lower the risk of colorectal and colon cancer. Fiber-rich foods help support your gut health and digestion system. A healthier gut leads to a healthier body! 

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and bodily fluids. It then forms a gel-like substance that easily passes through your system. The fiber will also feed your gut good bacteria, which prevents constipation. You might feel bowel movements, but that’s normal. 

It may happen that your current still diet doesn’t ensure an appropriate amount of fiber. If that’s the case, you may use natural supplements that improve digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.

Does Oatmeal Cause Constipation?

Oatmeal doesn’t usually cause constipation, as it helps with digestive problems.

The high fiber content will keep the stool moving through your gastrointestinal tract. However, oatmeal might make you feel a little bloated after consumption. This is because the natural digestion of oats produces more gas. Bloating will go down within the hour of eating oatmeal. 

Too much soluble fiber can lead to constipation if you don’t drink enough fluids. This is because your body can’t break down all that food in one go. You can avoid this by limiting your fiber consumption to around 35 grams per day. 

It’s better to drink plenty of fluids when consuming fiber-rich foods. Water helps break down food so that your body can absorb all the nutrients. Dehydration can cause constipation if you don’t drink enough water. If you don’t like water, add a lemon or lime to enhance the flavor.

Of course, drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will also aid in weight loss and keep your organs hydrated. Men usually need around 10 cups of water, and women need 8 cups. Water is essential for flushing out toxins through urination, perspiration, and defecating. 

Why Does Oatmeal Make Me Poop?

Due to its gut-restoring properties, some people believe oatmeal is a natural laxative. The fiber can help stool slide through the intestines more easily. This is why you might feel a sudden urge to go to the toilet. It’s normal to experience bowel movements after consuming oatmeal. 

Clearing out stool is also important for your digestive health. You should aim to pass stool between 3 times a week to 3 times a day. Enough fiber intake will help speed up the digestive process in the body. 

Everyone has different diets that can alter their bathroom schedule. You should only focus on what your body needs. Headaches and stomach cramps can be a sign of dehydration or hunger. Find online recipes that use foods with a low glycemic index. 

If you aren’t going to the toilet enough, then it’s best to speak to a medical doctor. A professional can give you the right treatment plan for constipation. Prescription medicines are usually given to people who suffer from chronic constipation.

A Word From MD

Consuming oatmeal is great for treating constipation.

The nutritious fiber will save your digestion system from doing too much work. Fiber adds bulk to your meals, which stops you from eating big portions. Remember to drink loads of water (around a gallon or less) and eat other fiber-based foods.

Eating oatmeal and exercising can prevent constipation. You can go swimming or take part in daily activities that burn enough calories. Exercise will motivate your body to speed up its natural functions. This includes a smooth digestive system that breaks down healthy food.

If you need more guidance on treating constipation, you should speak to a doctor. Some medical professionals can give you dietary fiber plans that resolve stomach issues. It’s always better to consume healthy foods that benefit your body.

Conclusion

Constipation can disrupt your daily routine and make you feel uncomfortable. Eating high-fiber meals can put a stop to that discomfort.

Oatmeal is a good source of fiber that may help treat constipation. To eat oatmeal, throw some raw oats into a saucepan, and you’re ready to go.

Instant oatmeal is simple to make and will flush negative toxins out of your digestive system. This food can also help those with inflammatory bowel disease. Just stay hydrated and eat foods that easily pass through your body!

Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
Edibel Quintero is a medical doctor who graduated in 2013 from the University of Zulia and has been working in her profession since then. She specializes in obesity and nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sports massage and post-operative rehabilitation. Edibel’s goal is to help people live healthier lives by educating them about food, exercise, mental wellness and other lifestyle choices that can improve their quality of life.
The article was fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
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HR_author_photo_Edibel
Written by Edibel Quintero, RD
HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Fact checked by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Last update: July 21, 2023
3 min read 1366 Views 0 Comments
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