It's not the most glamorous thing to talk about, but often you go to the bathroom for a number 2 is quite important, especially when it comes to your gut health. If you're getting constipated on a daily, or not pooping as much in general, it can bring a lot of digestive ailments, like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), loss of appetite, IBD, and more.
However, if you're constantly riddled with problems like constipation, bloating, IBS, or others, there are a lot of foods you can try out that can get you pooping more, but one of these foods is regarded as the most potent of all and is often part of an internal shower drink that cleans your internals out.
Yes, we're talking about chia seeds - which are filled with nutritious fiber that replenishes the gut and brings in more bowel regularity.
These seeds are great for making you poop more, especially if you're someone that has chronic constipation.
There are so many reasons that chia seeds are beneficial for health, whether you’re consuming chia seeds in the form of a chia pudding, or soaking chia seeds in the water, there’s a lot to go over.
That's why we recommend reading this blog till the end and finding out everything you need to know about this gut-beneficial food.
Table of Contents
Constipation - An Overview
Constipation is a common problem that affects many people. It happens when bowel movements become difficult, infrequent, or incomplete.
There are various reasons behind it, including a lack of fiber in the diet, low levels of physical activity, certain medications, and not drinking enough water. Additionally, stress, travel, and changes in daily routine can also cause constipation.
If left untreated, constipation can get worse and lead to complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, severe abdominal pain, or even fecal impaction.
Therefore, it's crucial to take action when experiencing symptoms of constipation, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and discomfort.
That being said, simple lifestyle changes like eating more fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated, and increasing physical activity levels can help prevent and alleviate this problem.
How Chia Seeds Are Beneficial For Gut Health
If you're looking for an easy way to improve your gut health and alleviate constipation, we recommend you add chia seeds to your daily regimen. These tiny superfoods are chock-full of fiber, which can help alleviate constipation and promote regularity.
When consumed, the chia seeds absorb, expand and hold onto water, creating a gel-like substance that moves easily through the digestive system.
This allows waste to be eliminated more efficiently, making it less likely for bowel movements to become difficult or infrequent. Plus, chia seeds are packed with other nutrients that support overall health, making them a great addition to any balanced diet.
Other Health Benefits Of Chia Seeds
Besides just being beneficial for gut health, there are a lot of other health benefits to chia seeds, which rank these tiny superfoods among the best things to add to your daily regimen.
Though every single of their health benefits would be too long to fit into one post, here are a few key functions they perform in the body that you need to know about!
They’re Loaded With Antioxidants
These tiny chia seeds pack quite a punch when it comes to nutrient density, and one of their most notable health benefits is their high antioxidant content.
Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells against damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can contribute to aging and diseases such as cancer. Studies like this one conclude that by including chia seeds in your meals or snacks, you're providing your body with a natural source of antioxidants that can help maintain your overall health.
Plus, chia seeds are incredibly versatile and can be added to everything from smoothies to oatmeal to make your dishes more nutritious and flavorful, which makes it easy to incorporate chia seeds into your everyday diet.
Great For Weight Loss
Who knew that the key to losing weight could be as simple as adding a sprinkle of chia seeds to your meals? These small but mighty superfoods pack a punch when it comes to weight loss.
Chia seeds are packed with fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods. They also contain healthy fats, which can decrease inflammation and insulin resistance in the body, leading to easier weight loss.
And if that wasn't enough, chia seeds are low in calories and can be easily incorporated into a variety of dishes, from smoothies to salads. So, the next time you're looking to shed a few pounds, give chia seeds a chance to help you reach your goals.
Do Chia Seeds Help With Constipation?
Shortly put, yes. If you consume chia seeds daily and incorporate them into your diet, there's a high chance that they'll help you relieve constipation for the better.
We’ve explained, over the entirety of this blog post, how the high insoluble fiber content of chia seeds helps absorb and hold onto water, which makes it easier for the bowels to move through the digestive tract. This is why we recommend intaking chia seeds first thing in the morning, so you can start on your bowel regularity routine first thing in the morning.
Though, like everything, we recommend practicing moderation when eating chia seeds, as eating too much of this superfood can lead to unsatisfactory consequences. Head over to the next section to read what happens if you eat too many chia seeds.
What Happens If You Eat Too Many Chia Seeds?
So, you've been on a health kick and you're sprinkling chia seeds on everything - smoothies, salads, yogurt, you name it. But did you know that too much of a good thing can lead to some unpleasant side effects?
Chia seeds are chock-full of fiber, and while that's great for your digestive system in moderation, going overboard can lead to problems like bloating, excessive diarrhea, and even constipation.
That's right, paradoxically, too much fiber can cause your bowel movements to slow down. So, if you find yourself feeling backed up after eating chia seeds, don't panic - just scale back a bit and remember that balance is key.
Alternatives To Chia Seeds
If you're looking to get a quick cure for your constipation, chia seeds aren't the only superfood you should be looking for.
In truth, there are a lot of different foods and supplements you can eat to get ahead of your constipation problem, and before you start to wander off on the internet looking for them, stay right here.
We’ve discussed a lot about these foods on our blog, and to make it even easier, below are three of those that will help you get started.
Probiotic Supplements
Constipation can be a real pain in the butt (pun intended), and it's no fun. Luckily, probiotics can help to get things moving again.
These supplements, such as our IBSupport, are packed with healthy bacteria that can help to balance out your gut flora and make things a bit more regular.
By adding some probiotic-rich foods or taking a supplement, you may be able to ease your constipation and start feeling better in no time. It's not a magic cure, but it's worth a try if you're struggling with this pesky problem.
Fun fact: Our supplement, IBSupport, is filled with 7 different superfoods which are rich in fiber, along with extensively studied probiotic strains that not only help alleviate constipation, but cater to digestive ailments like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, bloating, IBD, and more.
Orange Juice
Orange juice might be a staple breakfast juice, but did you know that it’s also great for your constipation?
Orange juice is a delicious way to introduce more fluid into your system, which can help soften stool and make it easier to pass. Additionally, oranges are high in fiber which adds bulk to your stool and prevents it from getting stuck.
So the next time you find yourself feeling backed up, reach for a refreshing glass of orange juice and let it work its magic - both for your taste buds and your digestive system!
Apple Juice
Not only is it a delicious, refreshing beverage, but apple juice can help regulate your digestive system and get things moving.
Apples themselves are high in fiber, but when juiced, the pulp and skin are removed, making the juice easier to digest. However, the juice still contains pectin, a soluble fiber that adds bulk to stool and helps it pass through the intestines.
Additionally, the natural sugars in apple juice can act as a gentle stimulant for the bowels. So next time you're feeling backed up, consider pouring yourself a glass of apple juice - it might be just the relief you need.
Bottom Line
If you've been looking for an answer to your constipated-riddled prayers, chia seeds just might be the angel you're looking for, as we've discussed during the entire length of this blog.
These tiny little superfoods are filled with nutritional fiber that not only gets the bowels running super fast but comes with a lot of other health benefits, which include weight loss, high antioxidant content, lessening the chance of heart-related diseases, and more.
Make sure to stay updated with our blog, as we continue to break down simple foods that can help relieve digestive ailments like constipation, and also check out our probiotic supplements that will get you more regular in the bathroom in no time at all!