Eating too many chia seeds, used right before bed, without soaking in water can cause digestive disorders and insomnia.
Chia seeds are rich in fiber, plant omega-3s, protein and other nutrients. You can mix these seeds into smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal. Although it brings many health benefits, eating chia seeds the wrong way can cause bloating, constipation, and choking.
Eat dried chia seeds
After eating dried chia seeds, they begin to absorb moisture inside the body, which can expand in the throat or stomach, causing choking, discomfort, and even esophageal obstruction. The outer shell of this seed is difficult to decompose, so eating chia seeds without soaking them in water can easily lead to bloating and constipation.
Eat too much
Eating too many chia seeds (more than 2 tablespoons, or 25-30 grams at a time) can cause constipation, bloating or stomach pain due to the high fiber content. If your intestines are not used to a high-fiber diet, suddenly consuming too much of this food can cause discomfort. Each person should only eat a small amount at a time, about a teaspoon.
Use immediately before going to bed
These nuts provide slow-digesting energy and beneficial fats, but eating them right before bed causes problems. The fiber content in foods slows down the digestive process, leading to bloating, heaviness in the stomach, and even nighttime trips to the bathroom due to the gel mass that forms when hydrated. Enjoying chia seeds early in the day, for breakfast or a midday snack will have health benefits.
Soaking chia seeds in water before eating is good for the digestive system. Photo created by AI
Ignore medical conditions
People taking blood thinners or blood pressure medications should consult their doctor before use. These seeds have natural blood-thinning properties, increasing the risk of bleeding if you are taking anticoagulants or blood pressure medications.
They may also lower blood sugar levels, affecting the effectiveness of diabetes medications. People with digestive diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or swallowing disorders may experience discomfort when eating chia seeds due to the fiber content and expanding properties of the food.
Chia seeds are healthy but are not a complete diet. Combine them with fruits, vegetables, and other protein sources for a balanced diet. Although rare, this type of nut can cause allergies in some people such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. When these symptoms appear, stop eating chia seeds and see a doctor.