Does Oatmeal Irritate The Intestines?

Oatmeal does not cause irritation in the intestines of most healthy adults. Unless you have an allergy to one or more proteins found in oatmeal, or you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, or you're intolerant of oat proteins, you should not develop any digestive complications from eating oatmeal. Stomach discomfort after eating is not uncommon, but if you notice consistent symptoms every time you consume oatmeal, contact your doctor. Without a clinical diagnosis, treating your condition may be difficult.

Food Allergy

The most common food allergen related to oatmeal is the protein gluten. According to The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, oats may contain gluten. Gluten is a protein primarily found in rye, barely and wheat. Take into consideration the other ingredients you're eating with your oatmeal. Common food allergens that are used in making oatmeal include tree nuts, peanuts and milk. A food allergy causes irritation in the intestines because of increased levels of histamine produced in the lining of the intestines. Histamine is a commonly created chemical during an allergic reaction.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is commonly confused with a gluten or wheat allergy. Unlike a gluten or wheat allergy, celiac disease is not fully understood by the medical community, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Celiac disease is a permanent sensitivity to gluten that causes the immune system to damage the lining of the intestines. Continuing to consume foods with gluten -- such as oatmeal -- can cause permanent damage to your intestines, resulting in malnourishment, weight loss and chronic digestive pain. Most celiac disease symptoms are associated with the digestive system, while an allergic reaction can cause symptoms in your lungs, sinuses and skin.

Food Intolerance

Intestinal irritation may be the result of food intolerance to oat proteins. Food intolerance usually does not cause long-term damage to the digestive system, but it does produce unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping. Oat intolerance is the inability of the digestive system to properly digest the proteins found in oats. Unlike an allergy or celiac disease, oat intolerance does not involve the immune system; instead, it involves an enzyme deficiency.

A Proper Diagnosis

Not all intestinal irritation is related to one of these conditions. A gastroenterologist may make a proper clinical diagnosis. Other conditions that could cause intestinal irritation from eating oatmeal include irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.