Can popcorn help relieve constipation? Research shows popcorn may be a good source of fiber to support regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Learn more about the benefits of popcorn for constipation relief.

Popcorn and Constipation: The Fiber Connection

Popcorn is a whole grain that may be beneficial for those struggling with constipation. As a source of fiber, popcorn can help support regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. Constipation is a common condition, affecting around 16% of adults in the United States and 33% of those aged 60 years or older. People with constipation may have fewer than three bowel movements each week and pass stools that are hard, lumpy, or painful.

Recommended Fiber Intake for Constipation Relief

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that people who eat little or no fiber are more likely to become constipated. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that a person eats roughly 14 grams (g) of fiber for every 1,000 calories. For example, the guidelines recommend that males aged 19–30 years who consume 2,400 calories daily eat 34 g of fiber per day, and that females of the same age who consume 2,000 calories daily eat 28 g of fiber per day.

How Much Fiber Does Popcorn Provide?

A medium single-serving bag of popcorn, which is about 57 g, typically contains 5.76 g of fiber. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that popcorn is a healthy whole grain snack, as long as people prepare it without adding excessive amounts of butter or salt. In addition, it notes that a recent analysis found that popcorn was one of the five most cost-effective sources of whole grains, so it may be more affordable for people on a budget.

Other Fiber-Rich Foods for Constipation Relief

In addition to popcorn, the NIDDK recommends the following high-fiber foods to help relieve and prevent constipation:

• Whole grains: Whole wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, oats, buckwheat, bulgur, quinoa, and barley
• Beans: Kidney beans, mung beans, soybeans, black beans, navy beans, and garbanzo beans
• Lentils: Red, green, brown, and puy lentils
• Vegetables: Broccoli, leafy greens, artichokes, carrots, pumpkin, green peas, and mushrooms
• Nuts: Pistachio, almond, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and pine nuts
• Seeds: Flax, hemp, chia, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds
• Fruits: Guava, berries, apples, and passion fruit

Staying Hydrated for Constipation Relief

The NIDDK explains that someone with constipation should drink water and other liquids, such as vegetable juices and clear soups, to help the fiber work better. If a person stays hydrated, it may help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

Foods to Avoid for Constipation

The NIDDK and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) advise that the following foods may cause constipation or worsen symptoms:

• High-fat and processed meats
• Dairy products and eggs
• Potato chips
• Fast food and processed food
• Prepared foods, such as microwaveable dinners and frozen snacks

Other Constipation Relief Treatments

Changing what someone eats and drinks may be the doctor’s first recommendation for relieving constipation. Other treatments and changes that a doctor may advise include:

• Staying physically active and exercising regularly
• Trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day
• Putting the feet on a footstool to relax the muscles when trying to have a bowel movement
• Changing medications that may be causing constipation
• Taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as stool softeners, lubricants, and osmotic agents
• Taking prescription medications such as lubiprostone, prucalopride, and linaclotide
• Trying biofeedback therapy
• Undergoing certain surgical procedures

The NIA advises that, in some cases, constipation may be a sign of a more severe illness, such as colorectal cancer or other types of cancer. People should speak with their doctor if their bowel habits change and are accompanied by any of the following:

• Blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
• Trapped gas or severe abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Unintentional weight loss
• Lower back pain

A person should also contact their doctor if constipation persists despite changes in diet and lifestyle. Seeking medical advice is important to rule out any underlying health conditions and to receive appropriate treatment for chronic constipation.

Can popcorn help relieve constipation? Research and more

Popcorn is a whole grain that may help prevent constipation. As a source of fiber, popcorn may help support regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Constipation is a common condition, affecting around 16% of adults in the United States and 33% of those aged 60 years or older. People with constipation may have fewer than three bowel movements each week and pass stools that are hard, lumpy, or painful.

Possible causes of constipation include low fiber intake, certain medications and dietary supplements, and health issues, such as certain gastrointestinal disorders. As a source of fiber, popcorn may be useful to include in a diet for constipation relief and prevention.

This article explains how popcorn may help with constipation. It also discusses other foods to eat and avoid to help relieve constipation. Finally, it explores other treatments for constipation and when someone should contact a doctor.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that people who eat little or no fiber are more likely to become constipated. Therefore, it recommends eating more foods that have high fiber content and drinking plenty of liquids to help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that a person eats roughly 14 grams (g) of fiber for every 1,000 calories. This recommended fiber intake varies slightly depending on a person’s age and sex. For example, the guidelines recommend that males aged 19–30 years who consume 2,400 calories daily eat 34 g of fiber per day and that females of the same age who consume 2,000 calories daily eat 28 g of fiber per day.

A medium single-serving bag of popcorn, which is about 57 g, typically contains 5. 76 g of fiber. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that popcorn is a healthy whole grain snack, as long as people prepare it without adding excessive amounts of butter or salt.

In addition, it notes that a recent analysis found that popcorn was one of the five most cost-effective sources of whole grains, so it may be more affordable for people on a budget.

Eating enough fiber and staying hydrated may help people avoid constipation and relieve symptoms. The NIDDK recommends that people add fiber to their diet gradually so their body gets used to the change. Good sources of fiber include:

The NIDDK explains that someone with constipation should drink water and other liquids, such as vegetable juices and clear soups, to help the fiber work better. If a person stays hydrated, it may help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

Learn more about which foods are good for constipation.

The NIDDK and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) advise that the following foods may cause constipation or worsen symptoms:

• high fat and processed meats
• dairy products and eggs
• potato chips
• fast food and processed food
• prepared foods, such as microwaveable dinners and frozen snacks

Learn more about which foods may cause or worsen constipation.

Changing what someone eats and drinks may be the doctor’s first recommendation for relieving constipation. Other treatments and changes that a doctor may advise include:

• staying physically active and exercising regularly
• trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day
• putting the feet on a footstool to relax the muscles when trying to have a bowel movement
• changing medications that may be causing constipation
• taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as:
  • stool softeners
  • lubricants
  • osmotic agents
• taking prescription medications such as:
  • lubiprostone
  • prucalopride
  • linaclotide
• trying biofeedback therapy
• undergoing certain surgical procedures

Learn more about medications for constipation.

The NIA advises that, in some cases, constipation may be a sign of a more severe illness, such as colorectal cancer or other types of cancer. People should speak with their doctor if their bowel habits change and are accompanied by any of the following:

• blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
• trapped gas or severe abdominal pain
• vomiting
• fever
• unintentional weight loss
• lower back pain

A person should also speak with a healthcare professional if constipation symptoms persist with higher fiber intake and more frequent exercise.

Popcorn is a whole grain that contains fiber. Eating popcorn and other fiber-rich foods can help keep the bowels regular and prevent constipation. Experts recommend that people exercise regularly and drink plenty of fluids to help the fiber work.

People may wish to speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about which constipation treatments may work best for them.

Can popcorn help relieve constipation? Research and more

Popcorn is a whole grain that may help prevent constipation. As a source of fiber, popcorn may help support regular bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Constipation is a common condition, affecting around 16% of adults in the United States and 33% of those aged 60 years or older. People with constipation may have fewer than three bowel movements each week and pass stools that are hard, lumpy, or painful.

Possible causes of constipation include low fiber intake, certain medications and dietary supplements, and health issues, such as certain gastrointestinal disorders. As a source of fiber, popcorn may be useful to include in a diet for constipation relief and prevention.

This article explains how popcorn may help with constipation. It also discusses other foods to eat and avoid to help relieve constipation. Finally, it explores other treatments for constipation and when someone should contact a doctor.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

Was this helpful?

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) states that people who eat little or no fiber are more likely to become constipated. Therefore, it recommends eating more foods that have high fiber content and drinking plenty of liquids to help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that a person eats roughly 14 grams (g) of fiber for every 1,000 calories. This recommended fiber intake varies slightly depending on a person’s age and sex. For example, the guidelines recommend that males aged 19–30 years who consume 2,400 calories daily eat 34 g of fiber per day and that females of the same age who consume 2,000 calories daily eat 28 g of fiber per day.

A medium single-serving bag of popcorn, which is about 57 g, typically contains 5.76 g of fiber. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that popcorn is a healthy whole grain snack, as long as people prepare it without adding excessive amounts of butter or salt.

In addition, it notes that a recent analysis found that popcorn was one of the five most cost-effective sources of whole grains, so it may be more affordable for people on a budget.

Eating enough fiber and staying hydrated may help people avoid constipation and relieve symptoms. The NIDDK recommends that people add fiber to their diet gradually so their body gets used to the change. Good sources of fiber include:

The NIDDK explains that someone with constipation should drink water and other liquids, such as vegetable juices and clear soups, to help the fiber work better. If a person stays hydrated, it may help soften stools and make them easier to pass.

Learn more about which foods are good for constipation.

The NIDDK and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) advise that the following foods may cause constipation or worsen symptoms:

• high fat and processed meats
• dairy products and eggs
• potato chips
• fast food and processed food
• prepared foods, such as microwaveable dinners and frozen snacks

Learn more about which foods may cause or worsen constipation.

Changing what someone eats and drinks may be the doctor’s first recommendation for relieving constipation. Other treatments and changes that a doctor may advise include:

• staying physically active and exercising regularly
• trying to have a bowel movement at the same time each day
• putting the feet on a footstool to relax the muscles when trying to have a bowel movement
• changing medications that may be causing constipation
• taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as:
  • stool softeners
  • lubricants
  • osmotic agents
• taking prescription medications such as:
  • lubiprostone
  • prucalopride
  • linaclotide
• trying biofeedback therapy
• undergoing certain surgical procedures

Learn more about medications for constipation.

The NIA advises that, in some cases, constipation may be a sign of a more severe illness, such as colorectal cancer or other types of cancer. People should speak with their doctor if their bowel habits change and are accompanied by any of the following:

• blood in the stool or bleeding from the rectum
• trapped gas or severe abdominal pain
• vomiting
• fever
• unintentional weight loss
• lower back pain

A person should also speak with a healthcare professional if constipation symptoms persist with higher fiber intake and more frequent exercise.

Popcorn is a whole grain that contains fiber. Eating popcorn and other fiber-rich foods can help keep the bowels regular and prevent constipation. Experts recommend that people exercise regularly and drink plenty of fluids to help the fiber work.

People may wish to speak with a healthcare professional to learn more about which constipation treatments may work best for them.

Why is popcorn a mandatory attribute of watching movies? A bit of film history!

02. 02.2018

As soon as an interesting film appears in the cinema, all we dream about is to buy tickets and get comfortable in front of the big screen. Undoubtedly, going to the cinema has become a favorite way of spending leisure time, both on your own and in the company of friends.

Explosions and special effects, stunts and songs, kisses and tears: a film of any genre is always accompanied by eating popcorn. They are fed up with fear at the appearance of a monster on the screen, tears caused by the death of a hero, laughter provoked by a joke of a comical character, and even discontent caused by unjustified expectations from the film.

However, has anyone wondered why such a tradition is accepted in society, and how it appeared?

Little is said about how popcorn entered the cinema. The sweet corn machine itself was invented by Chicago entrepreneur Charlie Creetors in 1885. Spoiled Americans immediately tried all the benefits of a delicious treat: it’s not for nothing that the States are the leader in the consumption of fast food.

However, the history of snacks entering cinemas dates back to 1934 suburban New York. Oddly enough, the appearance of the main attribute of an entertaining character arose precisely during the Great Depression.

Samuel Rubin, an ordinary salesman, came up with the idea of ​​selling a sweet airy treat in a movie theater – and obviously he did not lose! During the Depression, sales of maize in American cinemas increased 20 times!

If he had patented his idea, who knows how rich his descendants would be today: selling korna in cinemas still raises more cash than selling tickets even to world premieres.

In addition, when buying popcorn, in 90% of cases people buy soda, which in turn increases the cash desk of the entertainment facility even more.

While popcorn is one of the most popular foods around the world, there aren’t many flavors to choose from.

Top 5 popcorn flavors:

• cheesy;
• caramel;
• bacon flavored;
• chocolate;
• fruity.

These are the most popular flavors available in almost every cinema. Chocolate, caramel and fruit popcorn can be found on the Eco&Pizza menu if you decide to set up a cinema at home. By the way, a good movie tastes great with delicious inexpensive pizza. This is in case you are hungry and do not want to interrupt your appetite with corn kernels.

A few words about the benefits of popcorn

Although it is considered a snack, if you cook popcorn correctly, you can get a dietary and even healthy product. For example, if corn is cooked without sugar, then the finished mixture can be eaten by people who suffer from diabetes.

And if a person has problems with the intestines or cholesterol levels, popcorn will be an excellent helper in getting rid of such ailments: it not only binds cholesterol and promotes its removal from the body, but also has a positive effect on the digestive tract.

This is due to the fact that it contains the so-called ballast substances, which must enter the human body with food for its normal functioning.

Thus, if you decide to stay at home and spend the evening watching your favorite movie or series, do not deny yourself the pleasure: you can order delicious popcorn or hot pizza from Eco&Pizza. Don’t waste your time looking for cheap pizza: we have excellent value for money! Browse our menu and choose a dish to your taste: Hawaiian Pizza 4 Cheese Classic Pepperoni.

Pizza delivery – within 60 minutes! We are waiting for your calls to the number 0 800 21 34 56!

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Popcorn and 3 other foods that are not as bad as we think

• Lifestyle

There are foods that are perfectly acceptable for the diet of a person watching nutrition, but which are labeled “dangerous for health.” For example, popcorn. But it’s not as dangerous as it seems.

May 25, 2023

Source:

iStockphoto

Nutritionists, speaking about healthy and unhealthy food, always remember the famous phrase of Paracelsus: “Everything is poison, everything is medicine; both are determined by the dose. Even healthy broccoli and peas, if you stuff them into your body in a fanatical mode, can “break” you – for example, cause bloating, abdominal pain, and even constipation or diarrhea.

That’s why you shouldn’t thoughtlessly stick the label “poison” on everything that seems to you supposedly unhealthy, unless, of course, it’s an absolute evil like a bowl of chips washed down with a liter of sweet soda.

Dietitian and nutritionist in a conversation with “Doctor Peter” rehabilitated those products that have long and firmly been known to be harmful.

Leave the popcorn alone

“Popcorn, made according to the classic recipe, without dyes and flavors, will not harm your health with a single use. And it is even moderately high in calories: 100 g of the product contains 360–380 kcal,” explains Ekaterina Kashukh.

Another thing is that most often in parks and cinemas they sell popcorn with caramel, cheese, salt, bacon, chocolate. In this form, popcorn, of course, is not the most healthy dish.

“Popcorn with additives is much more nutritious: 500 kcal and more per 100 g. For a movie session, a person can quietly consume about 1000 kcal. And if you wash down popcorn with sweet lemonade, then this figure will be even higher, ”says the doctor.

“The most harmful thing is butter-flavored popcorn. It can be made with low quality industrial trans fats that are hazardous to health. But when buying a finished product, you most likely will not know what kind of oil was used for it, ”says the doctor.

But popcorn cooked at home in good oil and with minimal addition of salt, sugar and spices is quite useful. So, according to the Modern Science and Technology Academy, when it enters the human body, corn fibers act like a brush, cleansing the digestive tract.

“Popcorn is also a source of fiber, which is important for healthy digestion and normal bowel function. Fiber can also help control appetite and blood sugar,” continues to rehabilitate popcorn and nutritionist Veronika Khovanskaya.

Read also

Chocolate is good too

“Chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) contains beneficial flavonoids. They help protect cells from free radical damage, reduce inflammation in the body, and may improve immune system function. Some research has linked dark chocolate consumption to improved cardiovascular health. The flavonoids in chocolate may help lower bad cholesterol levels, improve vascular function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Chocolate consumption may also be associated with improved cognitive functions such as memory, attention and problem solving. Chocolate also contains a variety of beneficial minerals, including iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. They are important for the normal functioning of the body and maintaining health.

Read also

Ice cream

“This is a dessert that is usually considered not the most healthy product for health and nutrition due to its high sugar and fat content,” says Veronika Khovanskaya. – But there are reasons not to treat ice cream as an absolute “poison”.

• Some types of ice cream, especially those made from natural and quality ingredients, may contain some protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals. This is especially true for ice cream made with milk or yogurt.

• Ice cream is high in calories, which can be beneficial for people who need more energy or are in a calorie deficit. For example, after intense training or with limited appetite.

• Ice cream can induce feelings of pleasure and joy due to its taste and texture. Including a small amount of ice cream in your diet can help satisfy your sugar cravings and boost your mood.