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Home » Acidic Foods

Why Does Oatmeal Give Me Heartburn?

shirinMedically Reviewed by Shirin Buta · Written by Rizza Joyce Mira, MD · Updated on April 14, 2023

Often considered a superfood, wholegrain oats are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Likewise, oatmeal is a popular, nutritious breakfast that is delicious with fresh fruits, milk, or yogurt. It can also be baked into cakes, cookies, and bread, adding flavor, texture, and nutrients.

why does oatmeal give me heartburn

Although it's a safe dietary addition for most people with acid reflux, oatmeal may cause heartburn in some. But why is this so?

Table of Contents
  • Why Does Oatmeal Cause Heartburn?
  • What Is the pH of Oatmeal?
  • Is Oatmeal Acidic or Alkaline?
  • Is Oatmeal Bad for Acid Reflux?
  • How Do You Make Oatmeal Less Acidic?
  • Why Do Oats Bloat Me?
  • Are Oats Inflammatory?
  • Are Overnight Oats Alkaline?
  • Why Does Granola Give Me Heartburn?

Why Does Oatmeal Cause Heartburn?

Although oatmeal won't trigger heartburn in most people, it's acid-forming, so it may, especially in those with sensitive stomachs.

What Is the pH of Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is slightly acidic, with a pH of between 6.2 and 6.6. A pH of 7 is neutral; anything below is acidic, and above is alkaline.

  • Is Oat Milk Fattening?

Is Oatmeal Acidic or Alkaline?

Oatmeal is slightly acidic but also acid-forming, which may trigger acid reflux symptoms in some.

Acid-forming foods add to one's acid load when digested, making acid reflux more likely.

Conversely, alkaline and alkaline-forming foods help neutralize gastric acids, soothing the digestive tract.

  • Top 15 Alkaline Foods You Should Include in Your Diet

Is Oatmeal Bad for Acid Reflux?

bowl of oatmeal for breakfast
Oatmeal With Berries and Nuts

As it is acid-forming, oatmeal may trigger heartburn in some people. However, everyone's symptom triggers are different, and some may be able to tolerate them better than others.

Moreover, most people do not experience any acid reflux symptoms after eating oatmeal. Since oatmeal is high in fiber, they tend to absorb excess acid in one's stomach, making them safe for most.

  • Is Oatmeal High In Magnesium?

If you find oatmeal gives you heartburn, you could try eating less of it or adding some alkalizing fruits.

How Do You Make Oatmeal Less Acidic?

Many nutritionists recommend a diet made up of 80% alkaline foods and 20% mildly acidic. As oatmeal is slightly acidic, pair it with alkaline fruits or nuts.

  • Is Oat Milk Acidic? (Good for the Stomach?)

Although many fruits and dried fruits are acidic, alkalizing varieties include apricots, apples, kiwis, persimmons, nectarines, grapefruits, and watermelons.

Nuts are also a nutritious, alkaline addition, but they may cause heartburn in some.

Avoid adding artificial sweeteners or fats, as these will likely increase acidity.

Why Do Oats Bloat Me?

oatmeal porridge with strawberries and walnuts

Oats cause bloating in some people, and there are several possible reasons.

Although oats are gluten-free, oatmeal is often processed around wheat, barley, or rye and may be contaminated with gluten. If you're gluten intolerant, this could cause bloating.

Oatmeal is also high in soluble fiber, which may cause bloating, gas, and stomach cramps.

Fiber helps regulate cholesterol and soaks up stomach acid, but introducing too much to your diet too quickly could result in bloating.

  • Is Oatmeal High In Potassium?

Are Oats Inflammatory?

Oats are highly nutritious and relatively non-inflammatory.

Studies show a diet low in inflammatory foods, such as refined carbohydrates, is beneficial.

Although oats are a carbohydrate, they are usually eaten as a whole grain and are non-inflammatory.

However, if you have irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease, then oats may be inflammatory.

  • Is Oatmeal High in Oxalates?

Are Overnight Oats Alkaline?

Overnight oats are usually soaked in milk or yogurt with fruits, nuts, seeds, cacao, or chocolate.

They're high in carbohydrates and are slightly acidic, not alkaline.

Why Does Granola Give Me Heartburn?

bowl of granola for breakfast
Why does granola give me heartburn?

If you can tolerate oatmeal but granola gives you heartburn, it's likely another ingredient causing problems, not the oats.

  • Why Does Peanut Butter Give Me Heartburn?

It's often high in sugars and dried fruits, both of which may trigger or worsen heartburn.

If you make your own granola, you can choose more alkalizing ingredients and avoid adding too much sugar, making it less likely to trigger heartburn.

  • Is Instant Oatmeal Good for You?

Don't know what to drink? Check out these articles: 20 Most and Least Acidic Juices and 20+ Alcoholic Drinks Ranked by Acidity Level

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shirin

Shirin is a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist who teaches Immunology and Serology subjects. In her free time, she writes health-related articles to help advocate the prevention of lifestyle and infectious diseases. When not teaching or writing, she loves to try new food and attempts to recreate them at home.

More about us →

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