Superfoods are supposed to boost your health, but what if they become fatal? From smoothies to salads, chia seeds have become a go-to addition for anyone trying to stay healthy. But for one man, this fibre-filled trend took a dangerous turn.
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In what can only be described as a superfood nightmare, he ended up in hospital, unable to swallow—even his own saliva. The culprit? A spoonful of dry chia seeds and a glass of water. It might sound harmless, but this case, first reported by LADbible, serves as a bizarre warning to anyone who’s casually sprinkling chia into their diet.
While chia seeds do offer impressive health benefits, experts from Verywell Health and Good Housekeeping explain exactly why they can also be a choking hazard if consumed the wrong way.
A healthy choice turned into a health hazard
What started as a healthy diet change turned into an unexpected medical emergency for one unnamed man. As reported by LADbible, he had read about the health benefits of chia seeds—rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants—and decided to swallow a tablespoon of dry seeds before washing them down with water.
Moments later, he found himself unable to swallow anything, not even saliva. Alarmed, he rushed to the hospital. Doctors quickly discovered a large, gel-like blockage in his oesophagus, created by the chia seeds reacting with the water and expanding.
Dr Rebecca Rawl, who treated the patient, described the situation:
It got to be this sort of almost Play-Doh-like consistency, very hard in terms of a liquid but also sort of soft.
The blockage had to be removed using a tiny endoscope, and the case was later published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Despite this unusual incident, experts insist that chia seeds are not inherently dangerous. The problem lies in how they are consumed.
Why chia seeds can be a choking hazard
Chia seeds are known for their ability to absorb liquid up to 12 times their weight, according to Healthline. When dry seeds meet water, they swell into a gel-like substance. If this reaction happens in your throat instead of a bowl, it can lead to serious complications.
Verywell Health highlights that this isn’t the only case where chia seeds caused a blockage. One documented incident involved seeds expanding into a thick gel after being swallowed dry, making it nearly impossible to pass through the oesophagus.
This is why many nutrition experts, like those quoted in Good Housekeeping, recommend pre-soaking chia seeds before eating. As Chief Food Director Kate Merker explains:
Chia pudding is so thick and creamy because of the way the seeds interact and plump up when combined with liquid.
Soaking them for 10–20 minutes allows them to expand safely before consumption, reducing the risk of them swelling mid-swallow.
Tina Martinez, a food producer, adds:
I love the consistency of just having some chia seeds, but not all chia seeds (as is the case of a chia pudding).
She stirs a spoonful into her oatmeal pre-microwave.
Experts also caution against overconsumption. Nutrition Director Stefani Sassos warns:
Eating them in large amounts may lead to digestive distress since they are very high in fiber.
Always introduce them gradually and drink plenty of water.
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Sources used:
LADbible: Shocking case of young man left with blocked food pipe after eating common superfood
Verywell Health: 7 Dangerous Side Effects of Chia Seeds
Good Housekeeping: How to Eat Chia Seeds the Right Way, According to Food and Nutrition Experts
