Do Chia Seeds Make You Fart? Why It Happens and How to Prevent It?
Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica.
They are popular for their high content of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and minerals. Many people consume chia seeds as a superfood to boost their health and wellness.
However, some people may experience some unpleasant side effects from eating too many chia seeds. One of them is increased gas and bloating which can lead to farting.
In this blog post, we will explore why chia seeds can make you fart and how to prevent or reduce this problem.
If you are wondering whether Chia Seeds help you lose weight then you can check this article: Do Chia Seeds Make You Lose Weight?
Do Chia Seeds Make You Fart?
Yes, some people report that eating chia seeds can cause increased gas and bloating which may lead to Farting.
Why Do Chia Seeds Make You Fart?
There are two main reasons why chia seeds can make you fart: fiber and phytic acid.
#1 Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the human body.
It helps to regulate bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, and promote a healthy gut microbiome.
However, too much fiber can also cause some digestive issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Chia seeds are very high in fiber, containing about 10 grams per ounce (28 grams). This is more than a third of the recommended daily intake for adults.
When you eat chia seeds, they absorb water and form a gel-like substance in your stomach and intestines. This can slow down the digestion process and create more gas as the bacteria in your gut ferment the fiber.
#2 Phytic Acid
Phytic acid is a natural compound found in many plant foods, especially seeds, nuts, grains, and legumes.
It acts as an anti-nutrient by binding to minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium and preventing their absorption by the body.
Chia seeds contain a moderate amount of phytic acid ranging from 1.2 to 5.3 milligrams per gram of dry weight.
While phytic acid has some health benefits such as acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation, it can also interfere with the digestion of proteins and starches. This can result in more gas production and flatulence.
How to Prevent or Reduce Farting from Chia Seeds?
If you want to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds without suffering from excessive farting, here are some tips to follow:
Chia Seeds Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts of Chia Seeds is tabulated below:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 138 | – |
| Carbs | 12 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 10 g | 40% |
| Protein | 4.7 g | 9% |
| Fat | 8.7 g | 13% |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 5 g | – |
| Calcium | 179 mg | 14% |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% |
| Magnesium | 95 mg | 23% |
| Phosphorus | 244 mg | 20% |
Also read: Does Chia Seeds Cause Constipation
The Bottom Line
Chia seeds are a nutritious and versatile food that can offer many health benefits.
However, they can also cause some side effects such as gas and bloating if eaten in excess or without proper preparation.
To prevent or reduce farting from chia seeds, you should soak them before eating them, start with a small amount and increase gradually, drink plenty of water, eat them with other foods that are easy to digest, and avoid them if you have any allergies or intolerance.
We hope this blog post has answered your question about whether chia seeds make you fart or not.
If you have any other questions or comments about chia seeds or other superfoods, feel free to leave them below.
