Yes, oatmeal may be beneficial for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can help manage symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and constipation and prevent flare-ups.

It’s important to remember that IBS affects everyone differently. This means that for some people, eating oatmeal could actually worsen or trigger symptoms.

Oatmeal is considered a low-FODMAP food, which is one of the most popular diets for managing IBS symptoms.

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.

These sugars are typically associated with triggering or worsening IBS for several reasons:

  • Digestion: They’re typically harder to digest by the small intestine than other sugars, which means they can end up in your colon intact. There, they can be fermented by bacteria, causing gas that could lead to IBS symptoms like bloating and flatulence.
  • Water: High-FODMAP foods may pull water into your intestine, which can lead to distention (swollen abdomen).

Experts from MONASH University recommend eating oatmeal instead of whole grain products that contain wheat, rye, or barley. Oats may help relieve IBS symptoms like bloating, farting, and cramping.

Oats are also a good source of soluble fiber. This type of fiber creates a gel-like substance because it dissolves in your gut, which can help regulate digestion and bowel movements.

Researchers and healthcare organizations widely consider oatmeal a beneficial food for IBS. However, IBS affects everyone differently, so people can have different trigger foods.

A 2016 review found that oatmeal, along with wheat, barley, rye, and corn, was a commonly reported trigger for IBS symptoms.

Finding the foods that are right for you may take some trial and error. Consider logging the foods you eat and any symptoms you may experience in a food diary to help identify any trigger foods.

Living with IBS doesn’t mean you have to completely stop eating foods you enjoy. Instead, you can choose similar foods that may be more gentle on your gut.

Here are some of the foods that the MONASH University recommends focusing on eating during an IBS flare-up:

  • Vegetables: eggplant, green beans, carrots, lettuce, cucumber, Bok choy
  • Fruits: mandarin, orange, kiwi, cantaloupe
  • Dairy: almond milk, soy milk, lactose-free cow’s milk, hard cheeses
  • Protein: plain meats, eggs, tofu, fish
  • Grains: quinoa, plain rice cakes
  • Nuts: peanuts, macadamias, walnuts

It’s important to remember that while the foods on this list are generally considered low-FODMAP and beneficial for IBS management, they may also trigger IBS symptoms in some people.

A healthcare professional or registered dietitian could help develop an IBS nutrition plan for you.

Oatmeal recipes for IBS

Here are some oatmeal recipes you can try to help manage IBS: