Oatmeal’s level of acidity means it can cause acid reflux in some people. Acid reflux is the term given to the heartburn, acidic taste, and discomfort you feel when acids that were meant to remain in the stomach make their way back up the wrong way and into the esophagus and throat.
Acid-forming foods can upset the digestive tract by loosening the muscles intended to keep the acids in the stomach and instead allowing them to travel the wrong way into the esophagus and mouth. Plain oatmeal isn’t generally associated with acid reflux, meaning that it isn’t likely to trigger symptoms for most people affected by heartburn.
Oatmeal has been a whole-grain breakfast favorite for generations. It is a good source of fiber, so it keeps you feeling full and promotes regularity. Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Eating a large breakfast or lying down within two to three hours after eating may also aggravate acid reflux. Pay attention to symptoms and keep a log of foods eaten to help determine if certain foods worsen acid reflux.
Can oats cause heartburn?
The Do’s and Don’ts of Oats for Heartburn . According to the Mayo Clinic these foods can cause heartburn in some people by irritating the lower esophagus and triggering acid reflux. Eat too much or too quickly. Anyone who has ever dealt with indigestion after a large meal can attest to the destructive effects of consuming too much food.
The Dos and Don’ts of Oats for Heartburn. Although oats are an excellent source of many different B vitamins, which according to The University of Maryland Medical Center may help control acid reflux and prevent heartburn, some people still complain of experiencing heartburn after eating them.
This of course begs the inquiry “Is brown sugar in your oatmeal causing heartburn?”
“If brown sugar on your oatmeal is causing heartburn, you could try a small amount of maple syrup instead,” says Dr. Nambudripad. “Maple syrup is a good natural sweetening option since it has many trace minerals.” Or, consider cinnamon. “You can actually reduce the amount of sweetening needed in your oatmeal by adding cinnamon,” he says.
Can oatmeal cause gas and bloating?
Eat slowly to give your body time to fill up and to avoid swallowing air, which can lead to uncomfortable gas and bloating. Don’t add butter to your oatmeal. Some people enjoy their oatmeal with a little bit of butter, but high-fat foods are another potential cause for heartburn, since they relax esophageal muscles.
Why don’t they anticipate certain foods that might trigger heartburn?
They don’t anticipate every food that might trigger heartburn for you because the problem is highly individual. One person may enjoy oatmeal without an issue while another person enjoying the same meal may experience acid reflux.