Since oatmeal is a complex carb, it's digested slower than foods containing simple carbs. However, oatmeal also contains dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and absorption. When these two factors are combined, the digestion time of oatmeal is relatively fast and takes about two to three hours.
Eating oatmeal is a safe way to cleanse your colon. Oats are one of the best cleansing foods because of their high fiber content. Whole-grain oats are way better than the refined variety. Oats and oat bran increase stool weight and often ease constipation.
“Oats are loaded with soluble fiber, which is a type of fiber that allows more water to remain in the stool,” says Smith. “This makes the stool softer and larger, and ultimately easier to pass.” 2.
Apples and pears – Containing high levels of fibre, fructose and sorbitol, apples and pears are popular fruits that help you to empty your bowels. Also, apples and pears contain high levels of water content, which helps with digestion and with avoiding constipation. For best results, eat them raw.
Research indicates that oats are a good source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber. Experts note that 100 grams (g) of oatmeal can contain 10.1 g of total dietary fiber. As such, eating oats may help to relieve constipation.
Oats can trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. But you can still include them in your diet in small quantities to gain the multiple health benefits without the symptoms.
Are you experiencing bloating and gas after eating oats? That's because oats are packed with fiber (up to 5 grams per cup), which can be tough for the gut to break down. Your body and gut bacteria may need some time to adjust to this high level of fiber, leading to discomfort. Don't fret – this is a common reaction!
Try to sit on the toilet 15 to 20 minutes after breakfast. Do not ignore the call to open your bowels. Putting off the call to go can cause constipation. Try to work with the body's natural rhythm (emptying the bowel first thing in the morning).
Generally speaking, you can go about five days without pooping before you run into the risk of serious health issues like fecal impaction, hemorrhoids, or a bowel perforation.
The Bottom Line
Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
While oatmeal is a healthy choice, consuming excessive amounts can lead to some unpleasant side effects, such as bloating and gas. Not to mention, oatmeal is surprisingly high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain if you're not careful.
Foods that help ease constipation
Consider adding some the following fibre-rich foods to your diet to help ease constipation: High fibre cereals such as: bran flakes, Weetabix, porridge, muesli and shredded wheat.
Oats contain a unique type of fibre that nourishes and restores healthy gut bacteria. This makes oats a great food to eat every day and they are especially suited to breakfast – porridges, muesli or a smoothie with oats.
Instant oatmeal makes a quick and hearty meal or snack. According to UC San Diego Health, this version of the grain is generally easy for people with ulcerative colitis to digest. It contains less fiber than steel-cut oats, because it's slightly more processed, which makes it a good choice when symptoms are flaring up.
Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.
Signs Your Colon is Clear
The morning of your exam if you are still passing brown liquid with solid material mixed in, your colon may not be ready and you should contact your doctor's office. Passing mostly clear or only a light color, including yellow, is a sign your colon is clean enough for an accurate examination.
Tenesmus is a feeling of being unable to empty the bowel or bladder. It usually refers to rectal tenesmus, which can occur with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rectal cancer, and other conditions. Vesical tenesmus is a separate condition that relates to the bladder.
Eat high-fiber foods such as whole-wheat grains, fresh vegetables, and beans. Use products containing psyllium, such as Metamucil, to add bulk to the stools. Try to drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid a day (unless you have a medical condition that requires you to restrict your fluid intake).
Tenesmus is a frequent urge to go to the bathroom without being able to go. It usually affects your bowels, but sometimes your bladder. Severe inflammation that irritates the nerves involved in pooping or peeing is often the cause. Your nerves overreact, telling your muscles that you constantly have to go.
Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.
And while it's a great whole grain offering, oatmeal can be a problem if you have stomach issues, especially individuals with certain gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel disease. One cup of oats contains a little over 8 grams of fiber.
Cons to eating oatmeal.
Includes phytic acid, which has been studied to strip your body from absorbing the vitamins and minerals in the oats. It is a high starch or high carbohydrate food. So, in the end, yes, oats can spike your blood sugar, putting you on a “sugar-high” your body doesn't necessarily agree with.