Colon Effects
Due to its small size and high fiber content, popcorn has long had a reputation for worsening and triggering diverticulitis, according to Northwestern Medicine. A common condition, diverticulosis is characterized by the inflammation and possible infection of small pouches called diverticula in the walls of the colon, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Doctors routinely advised patients with diverticulosis to stop eating popcorn, along with nuts, seeds, and other forms of corn. In theory, the small, hard bits of food could lodge themselves in the diverticula, ultimately leading to inflammation or infection and triggering a diverticulitis flare-up.
However, research no longer suggests that you need to avoid popcorn or nuts, seeds, or other forms of corn. Instead, the current understanding of diverticulosis encourages a high-fiber diet to manage the condition and prevent flare-ups in the long term.
During severe flare-ups, you can try a temporary low-fiber or clear liquid diet as your colon heals, along with antibiotics, if needed, for an infection.