Colitis is the medical term for inflammation of the colon. The inflammation may be acute or chronic and can disrupt your normal bowel habits. Colitis is caused by food poisoning, viral or bacterial infections, poor blood supply to the colon and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. If you have colitis, your doctor may advise you to avoid eating corn.
Corn
Eating corn during active inflammation of the colon may worsen diarrhea and other symptoms of colitis, according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Corn is a high-fiber food that may irritate your inflamed colon. Corn may also cause increased intestinal gas if your body lacks the enzymes to digest its high sugar content. If you suspect that your body cannot tolerate corn, you may find that gas and diarrhea improve when you limit or eliminate corn from your diet. During active colitis, your doctor is likely to advise you to eat a liquid or a low-residue diet.
Liquid Diet
A liquid diet allows your colon to rest as you recover from colitis. Liquid foods are easily digested and absorbed in the stomach and do not pass into the colon to cause further irritation, according to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Liquid foods provide energy and hydration as you recover from colitis. Examples of liquid foods include gelatin, black tea or coffee, fruit juice without pulp, soup broth and plain water, according to MedlinePlus. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day to hydrate your body.
Low-Residue Diet
Your doctor may advise you to add low-residue foods to your diet. Low-residue foods provide energy and nutrients without irritating the inflamed colon. Residue is any part of undigested food substances that is passed into the colon to form part of the stool. A low-residue diet decreases the amount of stools formed in your colon. Examples of low-residue foods include white rice, white bread, pasta and potatoes without skin. Corn hulls or husks add residue to the stool and should be avoided on a low-residue diet. However, products made from processed corn flour may be included.
Corn and Fiber
Once your colon heals, you can usually resume consumption of corn and other high-fiber foods. The outer covering of corn contains insoluble fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy and properly functioning colon. Avoid eating large amounts of corn in one meal, as you may experience intestinal gas and diarrhea. Reintroduce corn gradually into your diet.
If you have a chronic inflammatory disease such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, consult your doctor before you eat corn and other high-fiber foods.
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