Intestinal gas, flatulence or flatus, occurs when air in the intestinal tract is expelled through the rectum. Food, such as oats, digesting in the intestines forms the gas, usually in your lower intestines or colon, when bacteria are broken down. This breakdown may cause bloating and discomfort. Intestinal gas is composed of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and occasionally methane. Passing gas is a normal function, and many individuals may pass intestinal gas several times a day.
Causes of Intestinal Gas
Digestion of food begins in your stomach. If foods contain substances that your stomach cannot completely digest, such as foods high in fiber -- beans, lentils or oats, for instance -- they are passed into the intestine. There, they continue breaking down and creating gas as they work their way to the colon. Other reasons for intestinal gas may include digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, dumping syndrome, gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
Oats
Oats are a grain that was first brought to the United States in the 17th century by Scottish settlers. Today, oats are grown for foods such as cereal and flour, or for animal feed. As of 2011, no more than 5 percent of the U.S. oat production goes toward human consumption, even though oats are an excellent source of fiber. Oats also contain thiamine, manganese, vitamin E, tryptophan, selenium and phosphorus.
Oats and Fiber
One cup of oats contains 16.5 grams of fiber. Fiber is either soluble or insoluble and cannot be digested by digestive enzymes. Sometimes referred to as roughage or bulk, fiber is made of a variety of compounds that are mainly complex carbohydrates. Introducing high-fiber foods, such as oats, into your diet may cause intestinal gas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, especially if you are not used to a high-fiber diet. The Center advises that you allow some time to get used to the increased fiber intake, and the gas should stop on its own.
Oats and Gluten
The protein content of oats is between 15 percent and 20 percent, with 10 percent containing avenin, a group of proteins related to the same gluten that you find in wheat, according to Drugs.com. Intestinal gas may be caused by a gluten intolerance or allergy known as celiac sprue disease. If the intestinal gas persists and other symptoms are present, such as dehydration, cracks or sores in the mouth, night blindness, dry skin, fatigue and weight loss, contact your doctor, advises the Celiac Sprue Association.
References
- Mayoclinic.com: Intestinal Gas
- Drugs.com: Oats
- Iowa State University: Origin, History, and Uses of Oat (Avena sativa) and Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
- Purdue University: Oats
- American Council on Science and Health; Dietary Fiber; Kathleen Meister; December 1996
- Celiac Sprue Association: Symptoms of Celiac Disease
