Many young people today are striving to live healthier lifestyles by exercising regularly and eating properly. However, many health foods can often come with unexpected side effects. Yet I don’t think anyone anticipated that simply swallowing a food could cause issues. That’s right, one man ended up in the hospital after only eating a tablespoon of chia seeds. What were these chia seed side effects that the man experienced, and what are the dangers of chia seeds? Let’s find out below, as we learn more about this man’s story and how to use chia seeds safely.
The Dangers of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are among several foods that have been praised in recent years due to their health benefits. So, how did one man end up in the hospital simply by eating them? Well, it turns out that he swallowed a tablespoon of dry chia seeds and then drank some water. The thing is, chia seeds absorb up to 27 times their weight in water. The chia seeds were still making their way down his throat when he drank the water, causing it to rapidly expand. The mass turned into a sticky gel in his esophagus, and he was rushed to the hospital.
Medical Intervention
Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctors tried to push the blockage down with a standard diagnostic endoscopy, but failed to do so. They then switched to a neonatal endoscope and manually broke up the mass into fragments, pushing the gel into the stomach piece by piece. The whole ordeal took several hours to complete, but luckily, the patient had a full recovery without any permanent damage. To raise awareness of these unknown chia seed side effects, the incident was subsequently published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
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Is It A Real Risk, Though?
Incidents such as this one may be rare, but they do happen, typically due to the mispreparation of foods. This doesn’t mean that chia seeds are not good for you; in fact, they offer plant protein, omega-3s, and fiber. But this incident does seem to indicate that many people may not be aware of the very powerful hydrophilic properties of these seeds and how they could be a potentially dangerous choking hazard. Individuals with esophageal strictures or who have difficulty swallowing for medical reasons should also be cautious.
It All Comes Down To Proper Preparation
The dangers of chia seeds are mostly due to incorrect preparation, so let’s find out how to use chia seeds safely. According to the experts, you should never do what the young man above did. Never consume your chia seeds dry. Rather, soak them in water, milk, juice, or yogurt for around 10 to 30 minutes first. This will allow the seeds to expand to their full capacity before entering your throat. Try adding them to a pudding or smoothies to ensure that they have expanded and are safe to consume.
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The Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are full of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, as well as omega‑3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. When prepared properly, chia seeds aid in regulating blood sugar, supporting the gut biome, and digestion. They offer a convenient way to improve your overall nutrition. This is likely why many people incorporate chia seeds into their meals. However, there may be a few negative chia seed side effects to be aware of. Let’s look at those next.
Chia Seed Side Effects
While they offer many health benefits, there may be a few side effects that you should know about. If consumed too quickly or without adequate hydration, they can potentially cause bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Absorption of certain minerals, such as zinc, iron, and calcium, may also be reduced due to being bound by fiber. People with kidney issues should also be aware of the oxalate, phosphorus, and potassium content of chia seeds.
Should Anyone Avoid Eating Chia Seeds?
So, while chia seeds are safe for most people to eat if prepared properly, there are some who should practice caution. For instance, people with esophageal strictures, dysphagia, kidney disease, IBS during flare-ups, or on certain medications should be cautious. Pregnant women and senior citizens should also introduce it slowly so that they can monitor for any potential digestive issues. Chia seed allergies are rare, but not impossible. If you experience any symptoms such as shortness of breath, hives, facial swelling, or itching, seek medical attention.
The Bottom Line
Chia seeds can offer significant nutritional value if prepared and consumed correctly. Try soaking one to two tablespoons in 100 ml of liquid and let it soak for 10 to 30 minutes. Then add it to a homemade pudding, smoothie, yogurt, or even porridge. If you are unsure, start with a teaspoon’s worth and then incrementally add more each time you make some. Now that you know how to use chia seeds properly, you can take advantage of the fiber, omega‑3s, protein, and micronutrients they offer, without any of the associated Chia seed side effects.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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