Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (2024)

Don't get us wrong—oatmeal truly is one of the healthiest breakfast foods you can eat. In fact, oatmeal is proven to be the best breakfast for a longer life. However, while oatmeal is full of numerous health benefits—like having a good amount of healthy dietary fiber—eating too much oatmeal can create some negative side effects to one's body. This is why we turned to doctors and dietitians to find out what happens to your body when you end up eating too much oatmeal at once.

Here's what the experts had to say, and for more healthy eating tips, be sure to check out our list of The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.

1

You could significantly increase your sugar intake.

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (1)

"People typically want their oatmeal to be sweeter so as not to eat a boring meal," says Dr. Gan Eng Cern. "They achieve this by adding sugar, chocolate chips, and other sweet food items which ultimately decreases oatmeal's overall nutritional value as these additions throw in extra calories, fat, sugar, carbs."

In particular, make sure to steer clear of The Unhealthiest Oatmeals On The Planet.

2

You're limiting your nutritional palate.

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (2)

"Although daily oatmeal breakfasts can provide you with all the energy and nutrition you need to jump-start your day, eating these everyday imposes restrictions on the variety of healthy foods you can eat in the morning," says Dr. Eng Cern. "Basically, you're depriving your body of being nourished by other healthy food—you're limiting your own palate which makes you miss out on all other tasty food that can give you as much nutrition and energy."

Here'sWhat Happens To Your Body When You Eat Oatmeal.

3

It can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding.

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (3)

"Although oatmeal helps promote weight loss by suppressing your appetite, too much of it can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding," says Dr. Eng Cern. "This is because oatmeals keep you fuller for longer, so you often lose your body's ability to signal you to eat more throughout the day. Eating almost nothing but oatmeal can also interfere with your cognitive functions and diminish your alertness and sharpness."

This is why it's important to get a variety of nutritional foods into your diet—especially these 25 Healthy Foods That Give You Glowing Skin.

4

It can cause bloating.

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (4)

Because of the fiber content in oatmeal, the digestion process may cause some bloating for a person—especially if you're not used to eating oatmeal on a regular basis.

"If you are new to oats, they may cause bloating so it's best to start with a small portion," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, and author of Finally Full, Finally Slim.

"Whole grains such as wheat and oats contain high fiber, glucose, and starch," says Shannon Henry, RD for EZCare Clinic. "All of them are consumed by bacteria in the gut or large intestine which leads to gas and bloating in a few people. To lessen the side effects, start with a small quantity and increase gradually to the chosen amount. When you will start eating oat bran, the harmful outcomes from your body will probably disappear."

If you're eating larger portions of oatmeal at a time, you may experience bloating from the higher amount of fiber in your system. Instead, portion out your oatmeal when you eat it for breakfast, and to make it filling, add some of these 11 Healthy Oatmeal Toppings That Help You Lose Weight.

5

It can lead to weight gain.

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (5)

"Eating a jumbo serving of oatmeal can lead to weight gain," says Young. "And watch the toppings—a tablespoon or two of crushed walnuts or flaxseeds is great but too much butter or sugar isn't."

So if you're looking to stay slim, be sure to read up on these 6 Oatmeal Mistakes Making You Fat.

Kiersten Hickman

Kiersten Hickman is a freelance health and nutrition journalist. Read more about Kiersten

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts (2024)

FAQs

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Oatmeal, According to Experts? ›

Consuming excessive amounts of oatmeal can cause digestive discomfort like bloating and gas. Additionally, the high caloric value of oats means you could easily pack on the pounds if you're not careful.

What happens if you eat too much oatmeal? ›

Consuming excessive amounts of oatmeal can cause digestive discomfort like bloating and gas. Additionally, the high caloric value of oats means you could easily pack on the pounds if you're not careful.

Are there any negative side effects of eating oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal may cause some belly bloat

"Whole grains such as wheat and oats contain high fiber, glucose, and starch," says Shannon Henry, RD, at EZCare Clinic. "All of them are consumed by bacteria in the gut or large intestine, which leads to gas and bloating in a few people.

Is there a problem with eating oatmeal everyday? ›

Oatmeal is a nutritious snack that offers numerous health benefits when eaten daily. Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect.

How much oatmeal is too much in a day? ›

The staple food contains everything you need to achieve this goal: Carbohydrates, protein, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, many vitamins and fiber. However, you should make sure that you do not eat more than 250 grams of oats.

Is 2 cups of oatmeal a day too much? ›

You should probably not eat more than one cup of oatmeal at a time. More than one cup of oatmeal is considered to be too much oats to eat at one time.

Is 1 cup of oats too much? ›

One cup of cooked oatmeal is a healthy serving size, says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, CDCES, the CEO of Vital RD in Centennial, Colorado.

Is 1 cup of dry oatmeal too much? ›

Stick to half-a-cup of dry oatmeal, which is considered one serving size. That comes out to 150 calories, leaving about another 150 for toppings, so you can create a filling breakfast that doesn't turn into a calorie bomb that leaves you too full.

Is oatmeal high in uric acid? ›

Oatmeal has moderate amounts of purines

While it's not as high in purines as organ meats, scallops, or some fish, it's still high enough to increase your risk of gout when eaten in excess.

How many times a week can you eat oatmeal? ›

People should start with oatmeal two to four times a week and work their way up to daily servings, he says. It may be beneficial to have a large glass of water with oatmeal to help move the fiber through the GI tract to reduce bloating and stomach pain.

Is it healthy to eat oatmeal more than once a day? ›

There's been a lot of speculation recently about the benefits of eating oatmeal twice a day. People have been dropping waist sizes, feeling better and fuller throughout the day, and reporting more energy. The truth is, oatmeal is a great source of good carbs, fiber, and protein.

What's the healthiest oatmeal? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed.

What 3 foods did Dr. Gundry quit eating? ›

Eliminating whole grains, beans, and legumes — foods that are commonly considered part of a well-balanced diet — limits your nutrient intake. Because foods that are high in lectins are also typically high in fiber, you may find that a lectin-free diet results in changes to bowel habits or leads to digestive issues.

What is the one food Dr. Gundry says to eat? ›

What foods does Dr. Gundry recommend? Overall, Dr. Gundry recommends a diet that relies on pasture-raised meats and eggs; fermented foods like sauerkraut; limited fruit; foods high in resistant starches, such as green beans; vegetables that are not in the nightshade family; and healthy fats such as olive oil.

Who shouldn't eat oatmeal? ›

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.

Do oats spike blood sugar? ›

Oatmeals have a low glycemic index of about 55. It means that consuming oatmeal does not cause sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. In addition, oatmeals are high in fibre content and help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and fulfil the daily ideal fibre intake.

How much oatmeal should I eat a day to lower cholesterol? ›

Eating just one and one-half cups of cooked oatmeal a day can lower your cholesterol by 5 to 8%. Oatmeal contains soluble and insoluble fiber – two types that your body needs. Insoluble fiber, which is also found in the skins of many fruits, helps keep us regular.

Can eating oatmeal everyday cause gas? ›

Eating oatmeal every day won't necessarily cause gas. However, if you're prone to digestive issues or have a sensitive stomach then eating it too often might lead to discomfort. To prevent this from happening, make sure to spread out your intake and keep an eye on how your body responds after each meal.

How much water do I need for 1 cup of oatmeal? ›

Just bring 2 cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt to a boil, and then add 1 cup of oats. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a faster alternative, you can also make your oats in the microwave!

What is the ratio of oatmeal to water? ›

Pay attention to the oat to liquid ratio.

For reference, it's always ½ cup oats to 1 cup of liquid. If you use less liquid, it may not fully cook all the oats. If you use more liquid, it may end up looking too mushy.

How much oatmeal does 1 2 cup make? ›

Note – ½ cup of uncooked rolled oats will yield about 1 cup of cooked oats.

How many scoops of Quaker oats a day? ›

2 scoops or 8 tablespoons of oats has the ideal amount of Beta-Glucan or oat soluble fiber (about 3 grams) that your body needs. Studies have shown that daily consumption of Beta-Glucan can help lower cholesterol, which consequently reduces the risk of heart disease.

Is oatmeal hard to digest? ›

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.

Can oatmeal cause loose stools? ›

If you're not used to consuming high-fiber foods like oats, gradually increase your fiber intake. A sudden increase in fiber consumption can soften your stool too much, causing diarrhea, and can also cause bloating and flatulence.

Can I eat oatmeal 3 times a day? ›

The first phase of the oatmeal diet usually involves eating oatmeal for three meals a day. The oats should be whole rather than instant because instant oats often include added sugar. Some people also include fruit in this phase.

Is it bad to put too much water in oatmeal? ›

The oatmeal can only absorb so much water, so if you use too much, the oats won't absorb it all and some will be left in the pot after they've become soft. Use less water next time. How healthy is oatmeal?

Is Quaker oatmeal good for you? ›

First of all, they're all good for you. As a daily part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, whole grain oatmeal, in any of these forms, may help reduce the risk of heart disease. All oats begin as groats, or kernels of grain that are later processed into different varieties.

Does oatmeal affect inflammation? ›

“Eating whole grain oats can prevent diabetes and lower cholesterol levels, which could prevent cardiovascular disease.” Some studies show that oats have anti-inflammatory effects, Sang says, “which could prevent inflammation related to chronic disease.” Fiber is oatmeal's main health attribute.

Is oatmeal good for joint inflammation? ›

While the proteins in refined grains can trigger the body's inflammatory response, whole grains may help counteract it. Grains recommended for reduced inflammation and joint pain includes whole oats, rye, barley, and whole wheat.

Is oatmeal high inflammatory? ›

Oatmeal has anti-Inflammatory properties.

Oats boast 24 phenolic compounds — plant compounds that have antioxidant properties. One antioxidant group called avenanthramides are found almost exclusively in oats and help reduce inflammation and protect against coronary heart disease.

Is peanut butter good for you to eat? ›

Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

What are the best times to eat oatmeal? ›

Oats are a versatile grain that can be eaten at any meal, but you can get the best weight loss results by eating them at breakfast and dinner. Eating oats at breakfast can keep you feeling full till lunchtime, thus reducing your need for a mid-morning snack.

Does it matter what time you eat oatmeal? ›

There is no particular time to eat oats. You can consume the oats at lunch and dinner too. This cereal, however, is consumed in breakfast mostly. It contains fiber, magnesium, complex carbohydrates, etc, which help in keeping your tummy full for a longer time, thus, reducing overeating.

Is it good to eat eggs every day? ›

Is it OK to eat eggs every day? Because of their numerous benefits, it's OK to eat one whole egg, including the egg yolk, every day if you don't have cardiovascular disease and you do have a healthy level of blood cholesterol. Or you can mix two egg whites with every egg yolk to give yourself more protein.

Is it better to have eggs or oatmeal for breakfast? ›

Eggs = More Protein

According to USDA, a breakfast with 2 medium eggs will yield approximately 13g Protein and 1.1g Carbs whereas a bowl of oatmeal will give you 2.4 g Protein and 12g Carbs. So if Protein is your priority for breakfast then the clear choice is Eggs.

Why are steel cut oats better? ›

Due to their density, steel-cut oats are cooked with a higher ratio of liquid than rolled oats. They yield a larger portion, meaning you can eat less oats and consume fewer calories. Steel-cut oats take longer to digest, helping you to stay full longer and causing less of a rise in blood sugar.

Are steel cut oats healthier than rolled oats? ›

Metric per metric, rolled oats and steel cut oats are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value. However, steel cut oats beat out rolled oats in two areas, fiber content and density, which make steel cut oats the best bang for your nutritional buck.

What are the 10 worst foods for inflammation? ›

Try to avoid or limit these foods as much as possible:
  • refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries.
  • French fries and other fried foods.
  • soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
  • red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
  • margarine, shortening, and lard.

What vegetable does Dr. Gundry say not to eat? ›

Foods to avoid

According to Dr. Gundry, you can eat a select few of the banned veggies — tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers — if they've been peeled and deseeded. The Plant Paradox Diet emphasizes whole, nutritious sources of protein and fat while banning nightshades, beans, legumes, grains, and most dairy.

Are carrots on the Dr. Gundry diet? ›

What You Eat. Whole, unprocessed foods are key, starting with low-lectin vegetables such as greens, carrots and cauliflower, in-season berries, and avocado. Fish, grass-fed beef, and pasture-raised poultry are on the table, as are healthy oils such as olive and coconut.

Are there any negative effects of eating oatmeal everyday? ›

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.

Does oatmeal block vitamin absorption? ›

1) Soak your oats

Grains contain phytic acid, which, when untreated, combines with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc within the intestinal track. This results in the blocking of the absorption of these minerals.

Do doctors recommend oatmeal? ›

Eat oatmeal. Research shows that a daily bowl of oatmeal can lower your levels of total cholesterol and artery-clogging bad cholesterol. (High cholesterol levels can be a contributing factor to heart disease.)

Is eating 1 cup of oatmeal too much? ›

One cup of cooked oatmeal is a healthy serving size, says Jessica Crandall Snyder, RDN, CDCES, the CEO of Vital RD in Centennial, Colorado.

Is it OK to eat oatmeal 2 times a day? ›

There's been a lot of speculation recently about the benefits of eating oatmeal twice a day. People have been dropping waist sizes, feeling better and fuller throughout the day, and reporting more energy. The truth is, oatmeal is a great source of good carbs, fiber, and protein.

Can eating too much oatmeal cause weight gain? ›

Oatmeal's effects on your weight largely depend on how it's prepared. While oatmeal with a lot of high calorie add-ons like peanut butter or chocolate chips may promote weight gain, oatmeal made with water, fruit, and minimal sugar is an excellent meal for those trying to lose weight.

How many times a week should you eat oatmeal? ›

People should start with oatmeal two to four times a week and work their way up to daily servings, he says. It may be beneficial to have a large glass of water with oatmeal to help move the fiber through the GI tract to reduce bloating and stomach pain.

Is it better to eat oatmeal in the morning or Afternoon? ›

Oats are a versatile grain that can be eaten at any meal, but you can get the best weight loss results by eating them at breakfast and dinner. Eating oats at breakfast can keep you feeling full till lunchtime, thus reducing your need for a mid-morning snack.

Why am I hungry 2 hours after eating oatmeal? ›

While oatmeal does have some protein in it, it's not enough to keep you feeling full after your meal. Plus, without any fats in your bowl of oats, you'll likely feel hungry soon after eating breakfast. An easy solution to making your oatmeal healthier is by adding a fat source and protein source to your oatmeal.

What happens when you eat oatmeal for a month? ›

Should you be concerned about eating oat for more than 30 days in a row? There are no negative physical health effects associated with consuming oatmeal for long periods of time. In fact, eating nothing but oatmeal for a period of time is probably one of the better things you can do for your body.

Can eating too much oatmeal give you diarrhea? ›

If you're not used to consuming high-fiber foods like oats, gradually increase your fiber intake. A sudden increase in fiber consumption can soften your stool too much, causing diarrhea, and can also cause bloating and flatulence.

What is the best oatmeal to eat? ›

Quick oats have a higher glycemic index

For this reason, steel-cut or rolled oats may be the best choice to support better blood sugar control. However, quick oats can also be included in a balanced diet by pairing them with toppings high in protein or fat, such as nuts or seeds, to support blood sugar control ( 12 ).

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