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Recently, a video went viral which showed how harmful effects chia seeds can have on a person’s food pipe. In the video, Dr. Sermed Mazer can be seen explaining how chia seeds can be harmful. “Chia seeds are a popular superfood known for their impressive ability to absorb water and expand up to 27 times their original size when fully hydrated. This unique feature makes them a valuable part of a healthy diet, providing a rich source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and various essential nutrients.”
Also Read: 8 Ways to Use Chia Seeds in Your Diet
Dr. Sermed explained that the man drank water after eating the chia seeds, which caused the chia seeds to absorb the water and expand, blocking the food pipe. “It is very important to soak the chia seeds in water or any other liquid before eating them, so that they are fully hydrated and expand outside the body. Usually, soaking them for about 20-30 minutes is enough. This ensures that they are in their safest and most beneficial form to eat,” he added.
Dr Saiprasad G Lad, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist and Therapeutic GI Endoscopist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, talks about the potential risks of consuming chia seeds.
Also Read: 12 Amazing Benefits Of Chia Seeds And How To Consume It
Potential Risks and Precautions
water absorption:
Chia seeds can absorb 12 times their weight in water. This property gives them a gel-like consistency when soaked.
Drink enough fluids:
To prevent the seeds from expanding in the esophagus or stomach and causing discomfort, it is essential to consume them with sufficient amounts of fluids, such as water, milk or milk substitutes.
Also Read: Chia Seed Water For Weight Loss: Is It Effective?
Risks of inadequate fluid intake:
Digestive problems and bloating:
Inadequate fluid intake can cause chia seeds to expand in the stomach, causing discomfort and bloating.
Cramps and constipation:
The high fiber content and inadequate hydration can result in constipation and stomach cramps.
Food Bolus Effect:
Food bolus impaction refers to a condition in which a lump of food, in this case swollen chia seeds, gets stuck in the esophagus.
medical emergency:
Immediate medical intervention is needed when a food bolus becomes stuck. An endoscopic procedure may be needed to remove the bolus from the basket or push it into the stomach using endoscopic instruments.
Endoscopic removal:
A medical procedure using an endoscope may be needed to either remove the obstruction with a basket tool, or to push the food bolus into the stomach using special instruments.
Risk of aspiration:
If chia seeds get into the windpipe, they can cause suffocation, which is a medical emergency. This condition can block the airways, causing difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal if not treated immediately.
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