Hidden dangers of eating dry chia seeds you must know

Chia seeds is a viral superfood people can’t stop talking about in videos, reels and online conversations. Soaked chia seeds have even been given a moniker of natural alternative to popular weight loss drug Ozempic. The tiny superfoods are also added to various infused waters, promising effective weight loss and cholesterol reduction.
Amid all the online chatter, it’s easy to fall into the trap of misinformation and blind trust.
Dieticians often recommend chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) for weight loss. Other than aiding weight loss, consuming chia seeds have also been quite effective in controlling blood sugar and improving bone health among other benefits given that it is rich in fibre, calcium, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. It therefore calls for making the nutritious seeds part of daily diet. But hang on. Swallowing of too many dry chia seeds at one go could have disastrous side effects. Plus, excess consumption of it may lead to problems ranging from dietary issues to lowering blood sugar level. It could also interfere with diabetes medication.

Choking hazard

Chia seeds has also been known to improve digestion and ease constipation, but, people who ingest dry seeds, especially too many of them, could land in trouble. If consumed without liquid or water, it can form a concrete-like mass in your digestive tract, which can lead to them getting stuck, Dr. Wendi Lebret, a gastroenterologist at California’s UCLA Health, told New York Post and advised people to not eat dry chia seeds.

Dr. Lebrett cited a 2014 report from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, which described a 39-year-old man with asthma who had trouble swallowing after ingesting a tablespoon of dry chia seeds. Tests revealed that the seeds had hydrated and formed a gel, causing an obstruction in his oesophagus.
Chia seeds can absorb up to 27 times their own weight in water and one should preferably have them soaked or in smaller quantities.

Constipation, abdominal pain or diarrhoea

Dry chia seeds are fibre-rich and helps in poop regulation but higher dietary intake of it cause problems for many people. Not drinking enough water along with dry chia seeds leads to bloating and abdominal pain. It may also cause diarrhea. As soon as such issues crop up you should immediately cut chia seeds intake. Many people who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease should limit dry chia seeds intake in order to stop the problem from exacerbating.

Caution for diabetics

While chia seeds are considered a good option for managing blood sugar levels, their intake should be restricted if you are taking blood sugar or blood pressure medications. Too many chia seeds can interact with these medicines and reduce their effect.

Can interact with blood pressure medications

Chia seeds are effective at lowering both blood sugar and blood pressure. Studies have shown that consuming chia seeds can reduce blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and inflammation. This effect is attributed to their high omega-3 fatty acid content, which acts as a blood thinner. However, chia seeds may interact with blood pressure medications, potentially leading to low blood pressure.