5 foods you should NEVER combine with chia seeds

Chia seeds are ruling the internet, and for all the right reasons. From nutrition experts to wellness gurus, the whole world is raving about these superfoods, and guess what? The hype is real. Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant content. Youngsters are obsessed with chia seeds and adding them to almost anything and everything. Though chia seeds are nutritious, eating them correctly is important. Similarly, pairing them with the wrong ingredients can take away the benefits. Here are five foods that you should not combine with chia seeds. Take a look.

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If you add chia seeds to your dry granola in order to add more fiber to your breakfast, stop right now! Yes, chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber. One ounce (28.35 g) of chia seeds ​contains about 7.8 g of fiber. But chia seeds can absorb water and swell into a gel-like consistency. So when you add dry chia seeds to your dry granola and eat it, they can draw that water from your digestive tract to expand. In fact, chia seeds can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water. These seeds can expand in the esophagus, which can potentially lead to blockages. Dr. Kunal Sood, MD, a board-certified doctor practising in Germantown, Maryland, reveals that consuming dry chia seeds can even land you in an ER. He spoke about an incident where a 39-year-old man who swallowed a tablespoon of dry chia seeds, followed by water, landed in the hospital. "In one rare case, a man swallowed a tablespoon of dried chia seeds with water, and they expanded in his throat, blocking his airway,” he said, in a video shared on Instagram. Always soak chia seeds properly before consumption.

You should also avoid mixing chia seeds with high-phytic-acid foods such as beans, lentils, nuts, and grains. But why so? Because chia seeds also contain phytic acid, which is an 'anti-nutrient' as it binds to minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, and reduces their absorption in the body. So, when you combine chia seeds with other phytic acid-rich foods, it kills all the benefits, and could potentially lead to deficiencies over time.

Yes, many people tend to combine seeds such as chia, flax, and basil; however, sometimes it can cause more harm than good. Chia seeds and flax seeds are rich in fiber, particularly soluble fiber. So this fiber slows down digestion and helps to keep you full for longer. Though combining these two is great from a nutritional perspective, in excess amounts, it can overwhelm your digestive system. If you are not used to that much fiber at once, it will really overload your gut and could result in bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. In rare cases, excess fiber intake can lead to bowel obstructions, especially if you are ot drinking adequate water.

If you have a habit of sprinkling chia seeds on everything, stop right now. You should avoid adding chia seeds, especially to your cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables are extremely nutritious; however, they can cause gas. So when you pair these veggies with your chia seeds, which are high in fiber, it can overwhelm your digestive system. This may lead to gas, bloating, or even cramping. If you are new to a high-fiber diet and do not drink adequate water, avoid this combination by all means. ​

You may be surprised to know the ways in which people consume chia seeds. Carbonated drinks, sparkling water, and juices are some of them! Though mixing chia seeds with carbonated drinks such as sodas or sparkling water is not outright dangerous, it can still lead to gut issues. The carbonation bubbles can lead to gas, and when the soluble fiber in chia seeds slows down the digestion, it can leave you full and gassy for hours. Similarly, mixing chia seeds in sugary beverages is just inviting trouble. Store-bought juices can lead to sugar spikes, and they can diminish the omega-3 benefits for heart health. Instead, soak chia seeds in plain water if you are really looking to reap their health benefits.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or dietary advice. Chia seeds are generally safe for most people, but individual reactions and health conditions may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or if you have concerns about food interactions.