Anyone who has ever had ulcerative colitis knows how painful it can be. The last thing you want to do while suffering from this condition is to eat a food that can exacerbate your symptoms. Abdominal pain and diarrhea are caused by an inflammation of the lining of your large intestine. Certain foods, like popcorn, may increase inflammation and gas, leading to more pain.
The Large Intestine
The colon, or large intestine, is the last area for food to be digested and nutrients absorbed. It works to reabsorb remaining water and nutrients and packages waste for removal from the body. When ulcerative colitis strikes, the inner lining of your large intestine becomes inflamed, meaning the large intestine cannot do the job it is meant to do.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms and Digestion
Since the large intestine takes care of maintaining fluid balance inside the body by reabsorbing water left in food waste, diarrhea is a major symptom of ulcerative colitis. The small intestine takes care of most of the breakdown and absorption of nutrients so a person with this condition will continue to get the nutrients from food. However, you must stay hydrated as chronic diarrhea can cause dehydration.
Popcorn and Ulcerative Colitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, popcorn is one of the foods that a person with ulcerative colitis should avoid. Your large intestine is the main site of gas formation and release. When nutrients that aren't yet broken down enter the large intestine, certain enzymes must break them down. A product of this breakdown is gas. Popcorn can pass through the small intestine and into the large intestine without being digested, mainly because of its high starch content. When this occurs, the large intestine must do extra work. When a person with ulcerative colitis has gas, this can worsen the symptoms and make you uncomfortable.
Eating for Your Condition
You can limit or avoid certain foods, like popcorn. However, most people with ulcerative colitis must find out what kind of diet will meet their individual needs. Foods that cause gas, such as popcorn, should be avoided. You may also want to limit the amount of dairy and fiber you take in. The Mayo Clinic also suggests changing your eating habits to six smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large meals. The best way to determine how and what to eat for your disease is to consult with your doctor or seek out the advice of a dietitian.
