Combining chia seeds with certain foods might lead to digestive discomfort, especially if you’re new to high-fiber foods or aren’t drinking enough water. In most cases, the worst that can happen is bloating, gas, or constipation—not a dangerous reaction, but it can definitely be uncomfortable.

1. Dry Granola

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Chia seeds absorb a lot of water and swell into a gel-like consistency. When you eat them dry, they can draw that water from your digestive tract to expand.

If you mix dry chia seeds into something like granola, which is already full of dry, high-fiber ingredients (think oats, nuts, coconut flakes, and seeds), you might run into problems.

This combination might slow digestion, and the dry chia may clump together in your stomach, causing a heavy or

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