Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Eating Oatmeal and Breads?
Hello from 2022. Before we assume an allergy or cut oatmeal out altogether, it's important to understand how oatmeal is digested. Oatmeal contains a lot of fiber, and fiber digestion relies significantly on a person's water intake. This article will explore the relationship between oatmeal, breads, and digestive health, providing practical advice for optimal digestion.
Understanding Oatmeal and Digestion
Oatmeal is packed with dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Fiber plays a critical role in digestion, and hydration is key for its proper function.
Short Answer: Drinking a glass of water before and after you eat oatmeal can enhance your digestion and prevent stomach aches. Instead of a stomach ache, you'll enjoy a wonderful poop.
Long Answer: Both types of dietary fiber—soluble and insoluble—depend on water. Soluble fiber absorbs water to become a gel-like mass, slowing down the rate at which food leaves your stomach, which helps you feel full. It also prevents spikes in blood sugar by moderating the absorption of carbohydrates and lowers cholesterol by carrying it out of your system. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, doesn’t absorb fluid but traps and retains water pulled from your intestine, adding bulk and moisture to waste and preventing constipation.
Common Non-Digestive Issues
If you eat cake and biscuits, certain ice creams, meringues, and yogurts without experiencing any discomfort, you are unlikely to have a gluten allergy. A simple blood test can quickly diagnose any potential allergies or intolerances your healthcare provider may suspect.
It's important to note that developing a gluten allergy is less common, especially in younger individuals. Coeliac disease, which is more common in females, often goes undiagnosed until the 6th decade of life because it often presents with associated problems. If these products are generally difficult to digest for you, my first suggestion would be to sit down properly at a table in an upright chair when eating. Additionally, try eating less of these items or eating them more slowly, chewing each mouthful thoroughly before swallowing.
Seeking Professional Advice
If the previous suggestions do not improve your digestive issues, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a blood test to diagnose any potential allergies or intolerances.
Avoiding gluten unnecessarily can be challenging but necessary. If the blood test comes back positive, you will need to exclude gluten from your diet for a couple of weeks before having a gut biopsy to confirm or rule out coeliac disease.
Conclusion
Stomach aches after eating oatmeal and breads can often be managed through proper hydration and following good dietary practices. In some cases, a medical diagnosis may be needed to rule out any serious conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.