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- Why Some People Can't Eat Even the Purest of Oats
By: Lindsey Duncan | October 11 2016
Bob’s Red Mill prides ourselves on our vast array of gluten free oat products. We have oats rolled, cut, and mixed in every way our celiac and/or gluten-intolerant hearts desire! You may have seen my post about the difference between celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergies earlier this month. Today I bring to youthe second installment of Food Challenges 101:Why some people can’t eat oats, even when they are tested and confirmed gluten free.Let’s back up and explain a little bit about gluten free oats in general. Oats do not inherently contain gluten. The reason they are often included in the list of grains that people on a gluten free diet should avoid is because oats have historically been grown with or around gluten-containing grains. Farmers might rotate crops with wheat one year and oats the next, for instance, so the field of oats could have stray wheat grow that was planted the year prior. The oats may then be stored in a gluten-containing silo, transported in a cross-contaminated truck, or cleaned and processed in a facility where gluten-containing grains are also produced. The oats that would have otherwise been gluten free are now contaminated with gluten.When oats are handled with care to avoid cross contamination, sorted to remove impurities, and tested (and confirmed!) for absence of gluten, gluten free folks can feel confident about enjoying a nice, creamy, warm bowl of oatmeal . . .
. . . unless they can’t. There are a handful of gluten intolerant folks (myself included!) who can’t eat even the purest of oats. Why not? It’s not about gluten, but rather about the molecular composition of oats themselves. Oats contain a protein called avenin, to which some people are intolerant or even allergic. Now you’re asking, “What’s the difference between being intolerant and allergic?”The way the immune system responds to the protein of foods determine whether the person is allergic, intolerant, or neither. Our bodies create antibodies, which are proteins that act as the body’s army in the war on foreign materials. When the body spots an intruder (such as a virus,) the commander (our brains) releases the troops (antibodies) to attach themselves to the intruder, rendering them ineffective. That’s how your body stay well despite being exposed to germs. The "intruder" in the case of oat allergies is the protein avenin.Some people’s bodies are really particular about what is seen as an intruder. As a defense, a person with a food intolerance or food allergy will make an antibody to the protein of a food.That particular food protein is called the antigen. It's the site on the molecule with which the antibody interacts. Immunogloblin, written “Ig” in shorthand, is another name for antibody, and there are five different types in humans. IgE and IgG are the two types that are of particular interest in intolerances and allergies. IgE binds not only to the antigen, but also to mast cells, which then release histamine, which sends a cascade of allergic responses in varying degrees of severity from runny nose to anaphylaxis. IgG signals the body to a slower, more prolonged chronic response rather than IgE’s more acute and immediate response. IgG responses might include inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, and more.Ultimately, whether a person has celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or neither, doesn't tell the full story of how they will process oats. Folks with or without gluten intolerance may have IgG or IgE antibodies that react to oat proteins, causing either acute or chronic symptoms of digestive disapproval.We can be sure our gluten free oats are just that, but wecan't be sure if oats are an approved part ofyour diet. For that, we encourage you to talk to your doctor. When you're ready to give gluten free oats a try, step right this way. If you find out that you, like me, cannot eat oats, we have plenty of other delicious and wholesome gluten freeandoat free whole grain hot cereals, like Corn Grits, Brown Rice Farina, and Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal. We even have an oat free muesli, just for you! Well, and me too. Almost all of our gluten free baking mixes are also without oats, just be sure to check the label.
by Lindsey Duncan
OatsCeliac DiseaseFood AllergiesGluten Free
82 Comments
Katie
October 28 2016 at 11:11 am
I have taken the antibody test and while I test fine for oats, I test very high for gluten and gliadin. While I see that the Bob's Red Mill oats are gluten free, do you know if they contain gliadin? Some sights state that oats do contain gliadin. Any information is appreciated.
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October 31 2016 at 11:06 am
Katie,
Yes, oats do contain gliadin. In oats, this protein is equivalent to gluten. Some people can tolerate gliadin and some cannot, but it is not the same as gluten.
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Ted
October 23 2022 at 9:19 pm
Katie: Oats contain gliadin. Gliadin makes up 75% of the proteins of gluten and it is the part that causes all the problems. Saying that oats are "gluten free" is just a word game since technically they don't have "complete" gluten. But all oats have gliadin which is the "bad" part of gluten. To be truly gluten free means no wheat, barley, rye or oats!
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Louise Willett
November 2 2016 at 2:25 pm
it is good to know that Bobs oats are indeed gluten free. As an isbser i am on the lookout for better food choices
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Virginia
November 12 2016 at 7:03 am
How about pointing out that many with diabetes do not (cannot) eat oats and gluten has absolutely nothing to do with it? Oats are oats to me. Grains are grains to me. Drives me nuts when well meaning persons say "but it's gluten free!" Aargh. However, it is true that if you have T1d, you have an autoimmune caused disease, and are also more susceptible to celiac too.
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Jeena
November 13 2016 at 8:07 pm
I am new to this whole gf thing, however, I am sooo grateful I can still tolerate oats! I am really suffering without good bread. I would surely give up if I couldn't have my morning bowl of oatmeal. I am really glad to see Bobs has other hot morning cereals for those who need it. I am in the process of ordering just about all the gf flours you have in order to come up with some decent tasting, nutritionally superior breads. Living off what is available in the stores is about the same as eating white rice forever--YUCK!! So glad you are here for all the people like me. Thanks!!
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Martha Foster
November 20 2016 at 7:55 am
Do Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats contain glyphosate, the ingredient in Monsanto's weed killer found in Roundup and used on many crops? It has been found in some oat products.
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November 21 2016 at 8:43 am
We have a whole post about oats and glyphosate. Please read it here: http://www.bobsredmill.com/blog/healthy-living/bobs-red-mill-oats-glyphosate/
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Heather
October 19 2017 at 10:01 am
Your article almost brought me to tears. I have celiac disease and for years have desperately tried to mend my diet to help relieve my continued gastrointestinal distress, but would end up with frequent days of dispair. After several elimination phases, I finally came to terms with the fact that oats (gf or not) are the source of my misery. I am so thankful to know that I am not alone and that there are ingredients out there that will do no harm.
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Joe
November 21 2017 at 3:01 am
Hi Lindsey. Thank you for the article! I write this to you while being awake for hours during the night with a terrible stomach ache. It's hard to swallow the fact something that was so benign growing up is no longer tolerated. I did an elimination diet years ago and I felt better when not eating oats. So I haven't really had much since. I had some last night with out issue so I had more tonight and bam, feels like I ate large rocks. Then I recalled how 25 years ago , the same thing happened, twice when eating very large bowls of raw oats with milk after extreme workouts. I thought it was the milk and maybe it was. I was sick for hours and hours the same way I am now. Tonight I did a 7 mile ride. Maybe a coincidence on the exercise, maybe, but not on the diet. I also ate a very large portion of quinoa for lunch, first time ever. Combination of overeating hard to digest stuff? Probably! I had two chicken sandwiches, mashed potatoes and a scoop of some hard to tolerate corn, and a protein drink, and of course oatmeal. Thanks to your article I don't feel crazy condemning the innocent looking oatmeal. BTW, I am a 52 year old guy with a great metabolism.
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Andrea Stewart
February 3 2018 at 11:53 am
Thanks Lindsay, your article on the chemistry of oats has enlightened me so much. I have lots of intolerances, oats being one of many. I thought I would try gluten free porridge thinking I would be fine. The days l took it the pain, bloatedness & trapped wind was so painful & uncomfortable. My tummy feels like a brick has set in it & nothing moves. Reading your article makes so much sense. It's also reassuring to know I am not the only one who cannot eat oats amongst other things. I have a blood test next week so hopefully this test for these antibodies will be checked! Thankyou so much for the best article I have read to date. I will also try the cereals you have listed. Many thanks.
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Cole wilkinson
March 7 2018 at 7:21 pm
I think you jave a misconception. The brain does not release antibodies. Antibodies are made from white blood cells in lymph nodes. Antibodies are released from lymph nodes not the brain.
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March 8 2018 at 8:39 am
Hi Cole, thank you for the comment. I believe what Lindsey was trying to convey is that the brain tells your body what to do, not that the antibodies come from the brain. We appreciate your input!
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Christine Adametz
March 30 2018 at 8:38 am
Thank you for this article. I not only have suffered from the bloating and GI issues, but also oral allergy syndrome (which to me is almost worse - having your mouth inflamed is miserable!), and apparently oats are the culprit. No where else gave me a great answer - you did! Thank you!
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Lana
April 6 2018 at 4:53 pm
I have been suffering with digestive issues for several years and my doctor kept on saying that I have acid reflux but I saw no improvement when giving up acid reflux triggering foods or even using some anti acid medication. Recently I did a food sensitivity test and among other foods, I came sensitive to oats. I was a bit surprised that oats even came up on test because I haven't had anything with oats for several months. Now I am in process of figuring out what foods contain hidden oats. Found some articles with chicken being fed oats and traces of that can trigger an effect. Anyone else is experiencing discomfort after excluding oats but not seeing improvement?
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Dena Berquist
See AlsoHorse care guidelinesDon't Let Your Horse Develop an UlcerThe 6 Best Cleansing Foods To Keep Your Bowel CleanGet the Scoop on Feed Forms - Kentucky Equine ResearchJune 16 2019 at 8:35 pm
I am sensitive to oats myself. I find that I cannot use any product whatsoever that has even oat fiber in it (seems to be a common ingredient in processed foods and also in cosmetics, shampoo, etc.) I get itchy and rashy whenever I use a product with any part of oats in it. If I ingest food with oat or oat parts (bran, fiber, germ, etc.) I have digestive distress and get extremely sleepy, as though I have taken a sleeping pill. It is a strange sensitivity. All I can say is read the labels of everything. Also, look up hydrolyzed oat protein, hydrolyzed oat flour, hydrolyzed oats, avena sativa (oat) starch. All these items have been used in cosmetics.
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Julie Fenn
August 6 2018 at 11:53 pm
I remember reading somewhere that a researcher learned that there were two types of oats, and that gluten reactors will have a response to one variety and not the other. Unfortunately, the article did not identify the oat cultivars by name, so I was unable to find out more. Have you heard anything about this?
I am non-celiac gluten intolerant, and get rheumatoid knots to swell up on my fingers just a day or so after eating oats.
(Eating wheat and barley causes my submandibular salivary glands to harden within minutes of an exposure, and within a few days triggers Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Autoimmune Adrenal damage.)My allergy list just keeps growing. I would love to be able to eat oats, again. Please let me know if you have heard of an oat cultivar that does not trigger a reaction.
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Ellen G
November 12 2018 at 11:25 am
My husband has oatmeal almost every day. I used to eat it too, but at a certain ppint, it started giving me lots of gas and abdominal pain, bloating etc so I had to stop. I can still hVe a little granol or a granola bar now and then, but too much is not good. I tested negative for oat allergy, so I consider it as an intolerance...which is too bad, it lowered mu cholesterol by 30-40 points! Doggone.....
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Katie
January 7 2019 at 5:58 am
Maybe this is a little off-topic, but the author seems highly informed on this subject so I thought I'd ask. I just received my results from a food sensitivity hair test which noted that I am sensitive to gluten AND oats. I'm looking forward to the challenge of an elimination diet to confirm this. However, a big question I can't find the answer to... my favorite skin lotion is Aveeno, which lists Avena Sativa Kernel Flour as an ingredient. If I am avoiding eating oats, should I also be avoiding rubbing it all over my body? I
DO have eczema, which I see can be caused by eating gluten when you're sensitive, but perhaps I'm exacerbating my eczema by directing applying an allergen to it. Furthermore, could I have caused this sensitivity by using this oat-based lotion long-term? Thanks for any information!Reply ↓
Whitney Barnes
January 7 2019 at 2:47 pm
Hi Katie, we would recommend that you take your questions to either your nutritionist or dermatologist. Every one is different, including their sensitivity levels and what sort of reaction is caused by potential allergens.
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Annie briggs
January 7 2019 at 4:14 pm
What a long haul it's been to discovering it's been oats all along. It's a staple I'm going to miss. but...
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rebecca
January 16 2019 at 7:43 am
I just found out I am highly sensitive to oats too. I eat oats just about every day. I make oat "flour" and use in place of bread crumbs and in other baking ALL THE TIME, especially for my kids foods and snacks. Oats are my go-to. I am very sad to have to eliminate it, but it could very well be the thing that's contributed to some symptoms I suffer from.
I wonder, might the test be swayed by the fact that I have a lot of that food/protein circulating in my body (since I eat so much of it)?
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Keith Randell
January 24 2019 at 10:39 am
Omg
I thought I was imagining what happens to me when I eat gluten free oats. I won't go into details as it's not pleasant.
Thank you for this article, makes me feel I'm not alone.
KeithReply ↓
Holly
January 29 2019 at 11:26 pm
I discovered years ago (by accidental process of elimination) that I cannot tolerate eating oats. My reactions are much like the celiac’s reactions to gluten. In fact, when I first read about Celiac’s Disease, I was sure I had that. However, I tested negative, and wheat really doesn’t bother me. For a very long time, I thought I could manage my condition — you know, “I’ll be OK if I eat just one oatmeal cookie once in a while.” Eventually I had to stop fooling myself. Even a teeny bit of oat bran at the bottom of an ingredient list will trigger my GI symptoms. I’m just glad to know I’m not alone. Most people I’ve mentioned it to think I’m crazy or making it up!
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February 7 2019 at 6:48 am
I will not eat any pure oatmeal again. Twice after eating oatmeal in a health food store I felt I
was going to faint. I went completely white in color. I did not have this again after giving up oatmeal
It has a high natural fat that might be the problem. I don't even care for the taste-you have to drown it
with cinnamon-not worth it if you are to faintReply ↓
February 9 2019 at 3:07 am
It seems that every time I eat Quaker oatmeal I develop a rash around the mouth area, around the nostrils and along the facial folds. Could I be allergic? I never have before. I am 74 years old.
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Whitney Barnes
February 11 2019 at 1:54 pm
Hi Linda, we'd recommend you speak with your doctor about this.
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Coral
September 5 2022 at 10:53 pm
I am 70 years old, and am just recently starting to have reactions to some grains. Am in the process of figuring it all out. So far, I have had nausea with wheat bran, itchiness and rash with cornmeal and oatmeal. I have other food intolerances, eg dairy, vinegar, but have never before this had bad reactions to grains. So yes, you can develop this much later in life.
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Amy
February 23 2019 at 6:06 am
Do you know why somebody might have reactions to oat bran, but not to oat meal (rolled oats)? Do you know what oat bran would have in it that rolled oats do not? I have been having acute reactions to oat bran lately. I’m not having acute reactions to rolled oats, but I have noticed I’ve been having a great deal of fatigue lately. I started eating both in the past couple of months after not having eaten either for a few years. Im wondering if I should stop eating just the oat bran, or also the rolled oats. So I’m wondering if oat bran has something in it I’m reacting to that oatmeal doesn’t have, or if perhaps the reaction to oat meal is more subtle and long term.
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Whitney Barnes
February 26 2019 at 8:51 am
Hi Amy! That would be a question better suited for your doctor or nutritionist. Rolled Oats themselves contain the bran, so that's odd you'd have a reaction to bran but not the rolled oat.
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Reese
March 1 2019 at 11:11 am
Hi Amy, I am having the exact same issue regarding gf oat bran and gf rolled oats. The reaction isn't terrible (itchy hands, some fatigue). But I switched lately since one kidney stone was found & was told oats are high in oxalates but not so with oat bran?! Interesting. Anyways, I am dairy intolerant so eating foods without adequate calcium (citrate best if supplementing) is my issue along with not drinking enough. I def. have issues with gluten.
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Shannon
February 23 2019 at 1:07 pm
Thank you so much for info! I am trying hard to figure out what I can and cannot eat. I need something to fill me up. Im going to try the oat free products.
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Adam j.
May 8 2019 at 5:58 am
Thanks for article . What is the difference between a ' grain ' intolerance and' gluten ' intolerance . My system has generally improved hugely since seeing I am not ' coeliac ' but gluten intolerant . I have felt better not eating ' gluten ' free pasta . No gluten but contains ' maize ' - and therefore part of my ' grains ' intolerance - if through elimination - I definately discover I have that . What is your definition of ' grains ' and might you list them , please ? .....I might just be suffering from ' cross contamination ' of oats as written above as feel I might be allergic to that .... Maybe other remaining aspects of my diet containing intolerances ....hopefully I will find them eventually . All a bit of a confusing ' maze ' .
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Whitney Barnes
May 8 2019 at 8:39 am
Hi Adam, the term "grain" can refer to any dried, hard seed and encompasses both that are gluten free and not gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in only some types of grain, mainly wheat, barley, and rye.
If you have a gluten intolerance you would avoid anything containing wheat, barley or rye.
If you have a grain intolerance (not common) you would avoid all types of grain - wheat, barley and rye but also gluten free grains like sorghum, millet, rice, and corn.
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Jane
May 27 2019 at 8:16 pm
Oh thank you for this information re: other ingredients in oats. I bought one of the GF bags of oatmeal and my stomach blew up like a beach ball and it was horrible. Now it makes sense. Thank you again.
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June 28 2019 at 5:46 am
This blog is well organized and helpful. As the author of an oatmeal cookbook I hear from people about gluten allergy concerns and my responses are in line with the ones you provide here. Information about the foods we eat is paramount to good living!
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Nancy Wood
July 16 2019 at 12:03 pm
So has anyone here found a good substitute for rolled oats in homemade protein (or granola) bars?
I tend to develop food intolerances, so I make batches of 5 different kinds of protein bars - all with different ingredients in order to have 5 days worth of snacks to rotate.
The only ingredient all 5 recipes have in common is rolled oats - I need to substitute SOMEthing else (preferably several different things in different recipes).Reply ↓
Judy Norville
September 8 2019 at 6:10 pm
A very interesting article about oats. I just recently had testing for allergies and tested positive for wheat bran, oat bran, and flax, plus mushrooms and eggs (3+). 1+ on alfalfa, bean sprouts, wheat, yeast, along with pecans and pistachios and some flavorings and spices. And very low on corn gluten, millet and oat, additional nuts and spices. What can I eat?
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Wendy Cunningham
September 9 2019 at 10:02 am
Thank you for writing this article. I too am unable to tolerate even gluten free oats. I love your Mighty Tasty cereal and was eating that instead, but I now have an intolerance to corn as well. I would love to see you develop another version of a gf multi grain hot cereal with no corn or oats. I love your products!
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Jennifer Markle
September 11 2019 at 12:52 pm
Thank you so much for explaining this. I've always struggled eating oats, and since going "gluten free" my reaction is 10x worse. For some reason, I can handle eating an oatmeal raisin cookie, but not a bowl of oatmeal. I always buy Bob's Red Mill. Yours is the most trusted brand to get my gluten free foods.
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Jesse Graves
September 20 2019 at 8:18 am
Amazing !
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Mindy Binnie
October 28 2019 at 7:08 am
Thank you for this article! Our son was just diagnosed with FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome). Oats is what he is allergic to. I am glad to see some information about the proteins in the oats as an explanation as to why some cannot eat it. It is a true, life threatening allergy in the gut to oats, but it is that specific protein he cannot eat. He can eat almost all other grains, which we will happily be purchasing from your company knowing how safe they are and how they are produced. Thanks for taking the time to explain this and for your company to be on the forefront of all this research! People with allergies and sensitivities appreciate it!
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October 28 2019 at 11:27 am
Thank you for your kind words and for trusting us with your family's health. We appreciate you!
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Alli
December 8 2019 at 8:37 pm
Hi!
I’m fairly certain I’m sensitive to oats. Lots of belly bloating and intense abdominal aching for hours and hours afterward :/ What alternative do you recommend that will offer the same heart health benefits that oatmeal does?Reply ↓
Whitney Barnes
December 9 2019 at 9:10 am
Hi Alli - although not quite the same, you could try our Organic Cream Buckwheat Hot Cereal, Gluten Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal, or Organic Brown Rice Farina.
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Beth
January 10 2020 at 7:54 am
If a person is sensitive to oatmeal, would he/she also be sensitive to oat fiber?
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Whitney Barnes
January 10 2020 at 10:01 am
Hi Beth! That question would be best answered by your doctor or nutritionist.
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Val
February 9 2020 at 11:03 am
So happy to hear that I am not alone . I've tried and tried to eat oatmeal and I become I'll. Everyone I know eats oatmeal daily for breakfast but I cannot. I really felt inferior. Not anymore.
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Sue
February 14 2020 at 2:04 pm
Discovering I have an intolerance to oats brought me here. I never used to be intolerant to oats, but in the past year (since I turned 40), every time I eat Oatmeal for breakfast, it feels like I ate a brick. I have gas, abdominal discomfort, cramping, bloating, and I don't find relief till it exits my system. I was in denial I had an Oat intolerance, and while I was doing a 2 week herbal cleanse, I thought I could eat oatmeal for breakfast, I was wrong. It seems that Oats cause havoc in my digestive system, and I am sad I can no longer tolerate Oats. I appreciate everyone's input on this matter, I thought it had to be something else causing my problems as I eliminated dairy & wheat from my diet and still was having issues with bloating, gas, and discomfort after eating oats.
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Genell
April 26 2020 at 9:04 pm
I have an intolerance for oats (bloating and constipation). I do, however, tolerate coconut and almond flours well. Can either of these be used in recipes in place of oat flour and if so, how do I measure? I've read that coconut flour requires other ingredients and/or different measures which is not a problem but I just can't find the information to allow me to make the correct substitution. I love your products by the way, and thank you for any help you can offer!
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Whitney Barnes
April 30 2020 at 9:32 am
Hi Genell, I would instead suggest starting with recipes that have been formulated using Almond or Coconut Flour. They are both very different from Oat Flour - Almond Flour is higher in fat/moisture while Coconut Flour absorbs much more moisture. You can find recipes for these flours on both their product pages, linked here. Enjoy!
Bob's Red Mill Almond Flour
Bob's Red Mill Coconut FlourReply ↓
April 30 2020 at 3:33 pm
I eat oats and oat bran every day, and I have eaten them for years. A few months ago I began to have headaches. At first I thought they were migraine, then tension. My primary care doctor told me to see a neurologist. He told me it was neither. Then I went to an allergist. After testing me for 80+ environmental allergies, they told me that I did not have any allergies or sensitivities to any of the substances I was tested for. They did day that I may have a food allergy or sensitivity. I was checked for gluten intolerance, but that was negative too. A Doctor of Holistic Medicine suggested that my headaches may be due to a substance called Avenin, a protein found in Oats. Is this possible? Is there a test to confirm or rule out this possibility?
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Ramesh
April 30 2020 at 7:03 pm
Excellent notes provided here. I live in Australia, and thanks to everyone.
I do have digestive problems when I consume raw oats, or oats with milk. Surprisingly, I have found no digestive issues if oats (raw or cooked) is taken with yoghurt or buttermilk. I have been doing this for the past 5 years. If someone wants to trial, they should consume small portions, observe reactions and gradually increase to the required intake. I use rolled, wholegrain oats.Reply ↓
August 30 2020 at 12:47 pm
I FEEL TO FAINT WHEN I EAT OATBRAN CRACKERS I ALSO FEEL LIGHTHEADED
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Linda Campbell
September 30 2020 at 1:14 am
In reading all the comments, most people have digestive issues. My issues seem to be fatigue, hives and headaches. I only read one other person commenting on headaches. Can eating the rolled oats or avenin be the culprit? What is the blood test to see for sure if I am intolerant to oats?
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Debby
October 9 2020 at 4:37 pm
I have a weird problem with oats. I've been eating steel cut oats for a couple of years, about three times a week. In this covid atmosphere, they weren't available and we bought regular rolled oats. I had such stomach pains within minutes of finishing my bowl. How could there be that much difference between the two? There aren't added ingredients.
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Whitney Barnes
October 12 2020 at 3:30 pm
Hi Debby, rolled oats and steel cut oats are made from the same oat groat, just cut/formed into different shapes. If you have digestive issues, we suggest you seek advice from your doctor or nutritionist.
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Heather Leigh Brewer
October 10 2020 at 6:46 pm
I have been diagnosed with MCTD and had the IgG Test. The test says I cannot have oatbran but may have oats. Does that mean I may eat oatmeal? Does oatmeal have oat bran? I also may not have wheat, gluten, wheat bran and rye. Thanks for your help.
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Whitney Barnes
October 12 2020 at 3:29 pm
Hi Heather - for questions like these, we suggest you seek advice from your doctor or nutritionist.
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Louise
October 11 2020 at 6:29 am
Thank you so much for this information! I have non Celiac gluten intolerance and have been gluten free for three years. About six months ago I began having bloating, cramping, and constipation daily. I also get dizzy and sleepy from baked goods. I have been eating oatmeal and oat-based granola, granola bars daily, but I am trailing removing all oats as well as soy, and will be going to a functional nutritionist. I feel better after only a few days of being oat free. Looking forward to trying some of your oat free cereals.
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Dave
October 24 2020 at 7:36 am
Thanks for this article, which beats anything else I've found on the Web. My issue is only with oats (gluten no problem), and my issue is it sits in my stomach like a rock, making me constipated and really uncomfortable. For years I've eaten high fiber cereals for breakfast, but the choices have dwindled down and down until for the past year there has been exactly one: Kellogg's Raisin Bran. Yesterday along came the New Improved with Oat Bran! version, so I'm dead meat.
I have one hope, which is probiotics. I've experimented a bit with adding increasing amounts of toasted oats to the (former) raisin bran and have not had my previous issues.
So the question is, Anyone else had any experience with probiotics as a solution? If this works, I'll be a very happy camper.
(Notes: I'm in Yucatan, Mexico. It's HOT here; hot cereals are not a good option.)Reply ↓
Remy
January 31 2021 at 2:06 pm
A couple of people have mentioned headaches. I have linked oatmeal consumption to my migraines. I also have concurrent digestive issues with my migraines. I’ll be looking into avenin. Hopefully there is a test, or else I will test it myself through experimentation. Thanks so much for this article. I love your grits and gluten free all purpose flour!
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Chris
September 23 2022 at 10:58 am
Did you ever learn any more about headaches? Even though I was told I don’t suffer from vestibular migraines, through trial and error I found I become light sensitive and can trigger vertigo spells (genuine room spinning) from eating oat-based snack bars, organic rolled or steel cut oats.
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Patricia Letke
March 2 2021 at 3:47 pm
Thank you for this article!! I have a lot of food allergies and thought gluten free oats were safe. In light of my new digestive issues, your write up is extremely helpful!!
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E.
May 19 2021 at 12:41 am
Hi there!
I'm allergic to oats (like, anaphylaxis), but have discovered rolled wheat (at least, it's existence). Do you have any guidance on how rolled wheat needs to be treated differently to rolled oats in cooking or baking?
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Whitney Barnes
May 19 2021 at 9:37 am
Hi E- Rolled Wheat can be used just like Rolled Oats in most applications. It can take a few more minutes to soften, but in general is a great substitute. You can prepare it like hot oatmeal, use it in cookies or other baked goods just as you would use rolled oats.
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david j sapochak
September 13 2021 at 8:21 am
How much nickel? My wife has a severe nickel allergy and I was just wondering. As we were reading sources of nickel, oats was in the list.
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Whitney Barnes
September 15 2021 at 5:07 pm
Hi David - Our Customer Service team will have the best answers for you here. Please email us at [emailprotected]
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Corrie
October 17 2021 at 11:37 am
I am SO glad I came across this article. I found out I was gluten intolerant a few months ago. I had IBS my entire life and it completely went away when I stopped eating gluten. I recently bought your gluten free oats and gluten free oat flour. I came across the recipe on the back for oatmeal banana muffins. I decided to make them and was excited to try my first official gluten free baking! They were absolutely delicious but soon after I had terrible IBS. I researched everything I put in the muffins to make sure it was gluten free and it all was. I was so puzzled until I came across this article. So interesting to read all of the other comments about intolerance to oats!
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Richard Jones
January 6 2022 at 5:59 am
Hello
I'm new here and would just like to know if anyone has difficulty in swallowing and a hoarse voice after eating gluten free oats. I am wheat, gluten, gliadin, casein, buckwheat, yeast, and egg intolerant. Diagnosed in 2018 and was eating gluten free porridge but I now think its responsible for the throat issues I left the oats out of my diet then eat some gluten free biscuits made from oats and gradually my throat got hoarse and I had difficulty in swallowing so it must be the oats.
Thank you for the information its been very useful
RichardReply ↓
dave
September 4 2023 at 10:02 pm
As you have probably discovered since you made this comment , the symptoms you describe are called anaphylaxis! AVOID the trigger substance! See a doctor! You may need to get an epipen to carry around just in case You have an unexpected reaction in the future, since they typically get worse if you continue triggering them.. In the meantime, also research Low histamine diet, anti-inflammatory supplements, and look for sources of mold/mildew in your environment and try to eliminate it.
With luck and proper care of yourself, you might be able to eliminate or greatly moderate some of these sensitivities. But go slow, and consult a good doctor as well as your own careful research.Reply ↓
