Does Eating Too Many Chia Seeds Cause Side Effects
Chia seeds, which are derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, are super nutritious and fun to eat.
Theyre used in a variety of recipes, including puddings, pancakes and parfaits.
Chia seeds have the unique ability to absorb liquid and take on a gelatinous consistency. For this reason, theyre often used as a thickening agent and can even be used as a vegan substitute for eggs in some baked goods .
In addition to their gelling and thickening properties, chia seeds are well known for their impressive array of nutrients and potential health benefits.
However, while chia seeds can be a nutritious dietary addition for most, eating too may cause some side effects.
This article examines the side effects of eating too many chia seeds.
What To Do During A Flare
Medications are used to manage flares and induce remission as quickly as possible.
Doctors may prescribe a corticosteroid , antibiotic, 5-aminosalicylate, immunomodulator or biologic.
In addition, certain diet changes may help shorten flares. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep a food and symptom journal during flares to identify bothersome foods. This also ensures that foods are not avoided without cause.
- Eat small, more frequent meals as opposed to 3 large meals in a day .
- Ask your doctor whether to limit fiber until symptoms pass. Eating a maximum of 10 grams of fiber per day may reduce irritation and lower the risk of intestinal blockage. Once you are in remission, gradually increase your fiber intake, depending on how much you can tolerate, until you reach the recommended daily intake of 2530 grams.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements
Chia seed oil is the most popular and widely available supplement of the plant. It is often readily found in health food stores and supermarkets that carry organic goods. Capsules can also sometimes carried by wholesale retailers. Finally, online outlets are effective resources for fulfilling individual needs regarding price and quantity.
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Raw Honey Probiotics And Prebiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that are introduced into our guts through supplements and foods. Prebiotics provide the food that helps beneficial microbes in the stomach flourish.
Prebiotics were first identified and named by French professor of pharmaceutical sciences Marcel Roberfroid in 1995. Roberfroids defines prebiotics as: a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon host well-being and health. As prebiotics make their way through the stomach without being broken down by either gastric acids or digestive enzymes, they bring about positive changes in the digestive tract and organs. Raw honey has the prebiotic fibre components needed to feed the probiotics to provide healthy bacteria in the gut.
Clinical Trials For Probiotics And Ulcerative Colitis
The same strain of non-pathogenic E.coli as was trialled in Crohns Disease has also been extensively trialled in Ulcerative Colitis. This strain of bacteria has been compared with an anti-inflammatory drug used to treat IBD in three separate studies of UC patients. Perhaps the most conclusive of them, by Kruis et al7, showed that out of the 327 study participants, that were treated with either E.Coli Nissle1917 or 500mg of the drug three times daily, the relapse rates were similar in both groups, indicating that E.Coli Nissle1917 may be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs in preventing relapse in UC patients.
A multi-strain probiotic formulation has also been studied for UC. The combination product that was researched, contained three strains of Bifidobacteria, four of Lactobacilli and one of Streptococcus salivarius sp. thermophilus. In this study by Venturi et al8 twenty patients with inactive Ulcerative Colitis were given the probiotic formulation daily for a twelve month period, during which time remission was maintained in 15 out of the 20 study participants. Whilst a 75% success rate appears significant, this trial was not placebo-controlled, so it is difficult to draw any true conclusions.
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Is Crohns Worse In The Morning
Symptoms are often worse early in the morning. Symptoms may be mild or absent for months or years at a time. However, they will usually return without treatment and vary depending on the affected part of the colon.
Does Crohns disease affect your hair?
Crohns may be well-known for its impacts on the digestive system however, thirty percent of patients also report some degree of hair thinning or hair loss.
What foods are good for people with Crohns disease?
The soluble fiber found in foods like cooked apples, ground chia seeds, and oatmeal in particular may help people with Crohns by absorbing fluid and slowing down digestion.
Adding Chia Seeds To Your Diet
According to recommendations regarding protein intake from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, about 5 ounces of protein each week should come from nuts, seeds and soy productsincluding chia seeds.
Here are some tips for incorporating chia seeds into your daily diet:
- Start slowly to allow your system time to adjust.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water.
- Just toss them into whatever you are making. They’re great in smoothies, pudding, cereal, salads, and baked goods. Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds do not need to be ground in order for you to benefit from their nutritional components.
- Consider presoaking the seeds before eating them to maximize their gel-like qualities.
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Spices Like Ginger And Turmeric Can Fight Nausea And Joint Pain
Spices such as ginger and turmeric may help fight the nausea and inflammation associated with digestive disorders such as UC, says Kennedy, noting that more research is needed to determine both the amount and best form of delivery for these benefits. As a rule of thumb, stay away from supplements. Concentrated ginger supplements could cause heartburn, diarrhea, or gas. Instead, try incorporating ginger and tumeric into soups or stir-fries. As with all diet changes, its a good idea to check with your doctor before adding ginger and tumeric to your diet.
Care For Your Child Before And After Surgery
Before either surgery, your childs surgical team will explain the details, including:
- What will happen before, during and after your childs operation
- How long its likely to take
- How long your child may need to stay in the hospital afterward
- What kind of care your child will need at home after surgery
Some children who have pouch surgery have complications afterward. The IBD Center team provides care and support for these conditions, which include urgent need to use the bathroom, bleeding, inflammation of the pouch and problems emptying stool from the pouch. Treatment options offered through the IBD Center include dietary therapies, antibiotics, probiotics, medicines that reduce inflammation, treatments done with an endoscope and surgery.
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Better Intestinal Health And Function
Chia seeds’ effects on intestinal health has been researched in animal and lab studies.
A 2016 study on rats noted an increased thickness in intestinal muscle layers that improved intestinal function. A 2018 study, also done on rats, confirmed those findings.
The walls of the small intestine have finger-like projections called villi. Their purpose is to maximize absorption of food.
A 2019 study on chicken eggs showed chia seeds increased the surface area, length, and width of villi, thus enhancing intestinal function. The study also showed an increased number of goblet cells, specialized cells that line the intestines and have a role in maintaining the intestinal wall.
Some research on humans has linked chia seeds to improving the growth of gut flora Enterococcus spp and Lactobacillus spp. Beneficial gut bacteria and other microbes play important roles in digestion and overall health.
Keeping A Food Journal
A food journal is an important tool for identifying your specific food triggers. For some, triggers may include lactose, specific carbohydrates, or takeout foods. By tracking your food intake and GI symptoms alongside each other, you can identify which foods may exacerbate GI discomfort or flare-ups. Since stress can contribute to flare-ups, be sure to also note any stressful events or periods of anxiety.
Many MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam members swear by food journals. I recommend keeping a food diary so that you can find out what types of foods you need to avoid, advised one member diagnosed with Crohns disease. Another wrote, Started keeping a food journal so I can figure out my trigger foods. Chocolate! Ugh.
Another member suggested food journaling can help identify associations between food and GI symptoms that may not be immediately clear. Some symptoms may not occur for hours, but a pattern will emerge, they wrote. It is a pain, but a week or so of writing usually does it.
During a flare, you may experience abdominal discomfort, blood in your stool, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Certain types of food are more likely to worsen these symptoms when Crohns disease is active.
Here is some general advice on foods to avoid during Crohns flares:
Other members cant quite give up their caffeine fix. I allow myself one Coke a day, but drink tea to soothe my gut and Gatorade to stay hydrated, explained a member.
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Getting Enough Fluids When You Have Ulcerative Colitis
The colon absorbs water from digested food and moves solid waste out of the body. When your colon is inflamed during an active bout of ulcerative colitis, it doesnt absorb water properly, which can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.
That’s why it is so important to drink enough fluids when your ulcerative colitis is active.
If you weigh 150 lbs, for example, you need at least 75 oz of fluid a day, or more than 9 cups. Most beverages, and even some high-water foods like watermelon and cucumbers, count toward this total.
Since drinking ice-cold liquids or consuming too much fluid at once can worsen diarrhea, its best to take sips of warm or cool beverages throughout the day.
Avoid gulping fluids, since this can aggravate diarrhea and cause you to swallow air along with the fluid, resulting in burping.
Seek Out Nutritional Support
Due to the chronic diarrhea and malabsorption issues that stem from ulcerative colitis, most sufferers will quickly become deficient in vitamins and minerals. Therefore, a high dosage multi-mineral/vitaminone offering four or five times the RDA of most nutrientsshould be taken. Extra vitamin C should also be taken, but not in quantities that could further irritate the lower bowel. Exact amounts have to be determined on an individual basis.
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What Does Celery Juice Taste Like
At first, the juice intimidated me because I highly dislike celery. I actually always found it repulsive, so I had a feeling the juice was going to be horrific to swallow. To my surprise, the juice does not taste like celery does when you eat it raw.
In its juice form, I actually find it mild and refreshing. Lets put it this way, I thought I would have to plug my nose with every drink and I dont have to. And as the days go on, you get used to the flavor more and more.
Are Blueberries Good For Ulcerative Colitis
It is already known that blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. New research shows that blueberry fiber is important and can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammations, such as ulcerative colitis. The protective effect is even better if the blueberries are eaten together with probiotics.
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An Ulcerative Colitis Diet: Summarizing The Evidence
Despite many reports online that certain diets or supplements can cure ulcerative colitis, the only known cure is total removal of the colon and rectum.
Those with digestive symptoms during remission may find relief from a low FODMAP diet to identify trigger foods.
A semi-vegetarian diet has also shown promise in maintaining remission in Crohns disease and may be helpful for ulcerative colitis, but we cannot make firm conclusions.
Even without following elimination diets, certain patterns have been shown to reduce symptoms:
- A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables provides fiber and antioxidants, which are linked to lower disease risk. Reducing intake of high-fiber fruits and vegetables may increase comfort during flares.
- Limiting dietary fat, especially fatty meats, may be beneficial.
- Certain probiotics are helpful in bringing about and maintaining remission. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
- A few herbal supplements show promise but lack sufficient scientific evidence to support their use.
- Avoid foods that irritate the gut during flares, including fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol.
A registered dietitian can help you identify foods that trigger your symptoms and design a well-balanced meal plan.
The Worst Foods For Those With Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory chronic disease of the colon and rectum where ulcers develop inside the lining of the large intestine. It is an inflammatory bowel disease along with Crohns Disease which causes a multitude of painful and unpleasant symptoms. Since dietary habits can contribute to ulcerative colitis symptoms, lets look at the worst foods for those with ulcerative colitis.
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Feeling Better With The Right Crohns Diet
For those living with Crohns, choosing the right foods to eat may feel overwhelming. If you are worried you may not be getting enough of one or more nutrients, speak with your doctor. They may test your blood for nutrient levels to find out whether you are deficient. If you are deficient in any nutrient, your doctor may recommend a safe and effective dietary supplement.
You can also request a referral to a registered dietitian who can work with you to get the most out of the nutrients in the foods youre able to eat. Working with a registered dietitian can also help you navigate life events, such as parties, dining out, vacations, and more. Understanding what triggers your flare-ups, such as life stress or specific foods, is important information that a food journal can help you decipher.
The good news is that for people with Crohns who figure out a healthy and safe diet, sticking to it often helps them feel better and manage symptoms. I basically survive on chicken, eggs, fish, cooked veggies, rice, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, said one MyCrohnsAndColitisTeam member. My diet really helps a lot. My symptoms have greatly improved.
As another member put it, Figuring out what to eat is a process. It’s different for everyone. Try to keep it healthy and get the nutrients you need.
Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms And Causes
Ulcerative colitis is thought to develop when a person at genetic risk is exposed to certain environmental stressors.
These environmental stressors either change the ratio of gut bacteria or alter the way the immune system responds to bacteria .
As a result, the immune system attacks the intestinal lining causing inflammation and other symptoms, including:
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Water Is The Best Thing To Drink For People With Crohns Disease
It may not sound exciting, but the best hydration when managing an IBD such as Crohns disease is plain H2O. Theres no other beverage that will work harder to help you overcome the negative effects of Crohns symptoms, experts say. This is especially true when diarrhea strikes and your fluid needs are even greater.
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Choose Fish With Omega
Scientists have not yet come to a consensus about whether or not eating red meat has any effect on people with UC, but the nutrients in fish could be beneficial. Consuming foods like fatty fish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may help with UC-related inflammation, says Diekman.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial nutrient your body uses to make cells and hormones that regulate blood clotting. While some studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, more research still needs to be done to prove theyre beneficial. According to the National Institutes of Health , omega-3 fatty acids, like probiotics, also support the immune system.
Unlike other fats, the body cant make this good fat on its own from other raw materials. Instead, you must get it from food sources, including fish like salmon, herring, sardines, rainbow trout, and mackerel just refrain from frying fillets, since fatty or greasy foods can exacerbate UC symptoms.
Instead, try baking or grilling fish, or try this recipe for UC-friendly salmon chowder.
Also remember that its especially important to make sure youre eating enough protein immediately after a flare-up to replace any lost nutrients and reduce the risk of anemia.
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Chia Seeds Have Many Benefits
One major reason people eat chia seeds is because theyre highly nutritious. They provide a good amount of fiber, protein, healthy fats and micronutrients.
In fact, just 1 ounce of chia seeds provides up to 42% of your daily recommended fiber, in addition to hearty doses of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids .
Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that provide protection from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic disease .
Thanks to their excellent nutrient profile, chia seeds have been associated with many health benefits.
In one study, a diet including nopal cactus, soy protein, oats and chia seeds was found to decrease body weight, blood triglycerides and inflammation .
Additionally, chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help increase good HDL cholesterol, decrease bad LDL cholesterol, reduce blood triglycerides and alleviate inflammation (
11 ).
Studies indicate that a high fiber intake may help protect against inflammatory bowel diseases in the long term. That said, those who are experiencing flare-ups should limit their fiber intake for short periods to reduce symptoms .
However, for most people, negative symptoms from high fiber intake can be prevented by increasing fiber intake slowly and drinking plenty of water to help it pass through the body.