【eroticism, spirituality, and resistance in black women’s writings】

Who knew that eating four large bags of hot Cheetos per week ... isn't good for the human body?eroticism, spirituality, and resistance in black women’s writings

A teenager in Memphis underwent an emergency surgery to remove her gallbladder after experiencing stomach issues. Her mother, Rene Craighead, blames spicy snacks for the health scare.

"When my daughter had to have this surgery, I knew I had to tell everybody about it," Craighead told WREG.

Craighead said her 17-year-old daughter, also named Rene, would snack on spicy junk food every day. She explained that the younger Rene loved fiery snacks, from Flamin' Hot Cheetos to Takis, and that she would bring large bags of them to school with her.

"Every time I got out she says, 'Bring me back some Hot Takis, bring me back some Hot Chips," Craighead said. "I want to make her happy, so I brought them back."

But her daughter started feeling "sick to her stomach," and had to be rushed into emergency surgery. Craighead told WREG that her daughter's doctor said the chips caused the digestive issues.

Dr. Cary Cavender, a gastroenterologist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, explained that the hospital sees "around 100 kids a month, easily" who suffer from gastritis and ulcers. Dr. Cavender attributes the issues to children eating too many hot chips.

Although eating or drinking certain foods and beverages can cause indigestion, many in the medical community agree that they don't cause ulcers. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, peptic ulcers aren't caused by spicy food or rich diets. And the National Institutes of Health says that people who are overweight, especially women, or diet too quickly are at risk for gallstones.

In a statement for Takis, Buchanan Public Relations said:

"We assure you that Takis are safe to eat, but should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. Takis ingredients fully comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, and all of the ingredients in each flavor are listed in detail on the label. Always check the service size before snacking."

And Frito-Lay, which makes Hot Cheetos, told WREG:

"At Frito-Lay, food safety is always our number one priority, and our snacks meet all applicable food safety regulations as well as our rigorous quality standards. Some consumers may be more sensitive to spicy foods than others and may choose to avoid spicier snacks due to personal preference."

Flamin' Hot Cheetos caused a scare in 2012, when parents rushed their children to emergency rooms because the snack was causing vibrant red poop.

Keep eating your Takis and Hot Cheetos -- it's perfectly safe. Maybe don't eat four bags a week, though.

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