When stomach pains arise, many immediately think of oatmeal and start eating it every morning, hoping that its coating properties will help heal the ailing stomach. However, this is not quite the case.
Surely many have heard about the miraculous qualities of oatmeal. One of the main claims is that it coats the stomach lining, aiding in its recovery or alleviating pain. In reality, oatmeal is indeed beneficial for the stomach, but for a different reason.
“The only thing that is really beneficial in oatmeal for the stomach, as with any other porridge, is its consistency. The porridge is soft and liquid. It doesn’t heal the stomach; it merely reduces its load,” explained gastroenterologist Sergey Vyalov on his Telegram channel.
As for the coating properties, this is a myth. According to Sergey Vyalov, the process of “coating the stomach” does not exist at all.
“The protection of the mucosa is provided by the mucus that the stomach itself secretes. No food sticks to the walls of the stomach or covers them, let alone restores dead cells. Run your tongue along your cheek and ask yourself: what sticks to it? Nothing! And it doesn’t coat. It’s just remnants of food,” emphasizes the specialist.
In summary, oatmeal is indeed beneficial for the stomach: it formally eases its work. However, as Sergey Vyalov reminded, one cannot heal the stomach with just porridge, even if it is eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If there are problems in the stomach, they need to be treated, not only with porridge but also with medications.
