Chia seeds have become the go-to for people looking to include dietary fibre in their daily meals or find ways to solve their digestive problems. But did you know if you eat these seeds the wrong way, they could harm you too?

In a video shared by Dr Joseph Salhab on Instagram on March 25, the board-certified gastroenterologist explained what could happen if you consume chia seeds wrong, the right way to eat them, and the nutritional value they pack.

Don't take chai seeds like this…

Dr. Salhab's video opens with a compiled segment featuring another internet user displaying a jar of soaked chia seeds. In this clip, only a small portion of the seeds has adequately expanded, while the majority have clumped together at the surface. "It is essential to soak chia seeds; otherwise, you may face similar issues in your digestive system. There have been cases where individuals required hospitalization due to not soaking their chia seeds, and it is alarming to witness numerous health influencers recommending chia seeds without emphasizing the soaking process," she stated.

Dr Salhab then confirmed that what the woman said was absolutely true because you have to let chia seeds soak in water before you drink it. Then, he showed a pictorial example of a person who ate ‘a bunch of chia seeds’ and then drank water afterwards. This led to the chia seeds expanding in his oesophagus and getting stuck there. Per the doctor, he ended up going to the hospital to get it removed. It took several hours to remove the chia seeds from his oesophagus. “He had swallowing issues already, and that definitely contributed to it,” he added.

How to eat chia seeds?

Dr. Joseph Salhab provided guidance on the proper consumption of chia seeds, stating, “It is important to allow chia seeds to soak in water before consumption. They should be left to soak for a minimum of thirty minutes. During this time, they will absorb water and expand, enabling you to determine a safe amount to drink, as they can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water, resulting in a gel-like substance.”

He further explained, “This gel-like texture aids in digestion. It facilitates the movement of contents through the gastrointestinal tract and can promote bowel regularity.”

“Typically, it is advisable to begin with one tablespoon of chia seeds and gradually increase the amount. Just ensure you consume them correctly,” he recommended. He concluded by highlighting the numerous benefits of chia seeds, noting that they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, and they contribute to bone health.

Read Also: From Odorous to Fruity: Do Your Foul Flatulence Indicate Gut Health?

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