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FactCheck: Is constipation a possible side effect of oatmeal?

05/12/2023

It’s common knowledge that oatmeal is a “superfood.” The oatmeal has an array of benefits, including being high in fibre, heart health, and aiding in weight loss. Does this sunny image, however, truly have a darker side? Does oatmeal really have the potential for causing constipation?

The answer to the question is indeed a yes. Oatmeal does cause constipation

First off, this isn’t a popular article aiming to dethrone oatmeal. It is a highly beneficial carbohydrate that you should include in your diet.As was previously mentioned, oatmeal will lower your cholesterol, benefit your heart, and may even aid in weight loss, according to some studies.That being said, there are some unfavourable effects associated with consuming oatmeal.If consumed incorrectly, your bowl of overnight oats could considerably hinder your ability to “go.”

Veggies can offer two different kinds of dietary fibre: soluble and insoluble.The term “insoluble fibre” refers to plant parts that pass through your body unprocessed because they do not dissolve in water.

This kind of fibre can aid in the food’s passage through the digestive system and help avoid constipation.There are no issues there because oatmeal contains 5.8g of insoluble fibre per 100g, which is a considerable amount. It does, however, also contain a significant amount of soluble fibre (4.2g per 100g). Soluble fibre, in contrast to the latter, does not relieve constipation. Given its hydrophilic nature, soluble fibre dissolves in water. It’s excellent for conditions like diarrhoea because it gives your stool more volume and slows down the digestive process, but if you’re constipated, the opposite effect is what you want.

Furthermore, the majority of the soluble fibre in oatmeal is fermentable wheat dextrin.If you eat too much oatmeal, wheat dextrin can ferment in your stomach and produce a lot of gas, which makes some people feel bloated. Furthermore, it can dehydrate your stool, which makes it harder to pass and can lead to constipation. How then can you resolve this issue?I t’s easy, just increase your water intake. The amount of liquids consumed is typically the determining factor in why some people do not experience constipation after consuming oatmeal.You would already be on the verge of constipation if you were dehydrated in the first place because your body wouldn’t have enough liquids to flush out the waste. Thus, incorporating oatmeal into the mixture would only make the issue worse. Thus, remember to have a glass of orange juice with your large bowl of hot oatmeal the next time you have it for breakfast. Maybe double that number.

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