The tiny, crunchy seeds, which expand in liquid overnight to make a breakfast<\/a> “pudding” or can be sprinkled on yogurt and smoothies, are nutritional powerhouses that provide omega-3s, protein, fiber, antioxidants, minerals and even sustainable energy, experts say.<\/p>\n Now, chia seed fans online are touting perhaps the easiest hack of all to consuming the superfood: They mix them with water, letting them soak for about 20 minutes until they get their gel-like coating and drinking them.<\/p>\n THIS BREAKFAST MISTAKE MAKES PEOPLE REACH FOR SUGARY SNACKS IN THE AFTERNOON<\/a><\/p>\n Devotees swear by them in the morning to give the body an “internal shower.”\u00a0<\/p>\n Some even claim the high-fiber drink cures their constipation.\u00a0<\/p>\n Chia seeds can give you an “internal shower,” keeping you regular while delivering plenty of protein and other nutrients. (iStock)<\/p>\n Daryl Gioffre, a gut health specialist and celebrity nutritionist in New York who started the internal shower trend<\/a> on TikTok, said an estimated 42 million Americans are suffering from constipation, mainly because they’re not getting enough fiber.<\/p>\n “Just a handful of chia seeds in your daily diet \u2013 2 tablespoons in 6 ounces of water, with a slice of lemon \u2013 can improve the function of your digestive system,”<\/a> Gioffre told Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n ‘FOOD IS MEDICINE’ MOVEMENT MAY BE KEY TO REVERSING HEALTH DECLINE: HERE’S WHAT TO EAT<\/a><\/p>\n “This is important because your gut is called your ‘second brain,’ as 80% of your nervous system and immune system live there.”<\/p>\n The mighty seeds are also packed with magnesium,<\/a> which supports the brain and nervous system health; essential electrolytes like potassium, calcium and phosphorus; and omega-3 fatty acids that help lower inflammation, optimize brain function and can even help with depression and mood swings, Gioffre said.<\/p>\n Chia seeds can be added to foods or liquids to make a beverage. (iStock)<\/p>\n Alyssa Simpson, a registered dietitian and certified gastrointestinal nutritionist in Arizona, said she recommends chia seed water to her clients who can’t tolerate high-fiber foods<\/a> like beans or cruciferous vegetables. The chia seed water is lighter and easier to get down.<\/p>\n “As delicious as chia pudding can be, it is pretty rich and filling, and when your stomach’s already feeling off, the last thing you want is a whole bowl of something like that,” Simpson told Fox News Digital.\u00a0<\/p>\n The key is to let the seeds soak for \u2013 ideally \u2013 20 minutes.<\/p>\n “It’s a great entry point for people just learning to add fiber slowly.”<\/p>\n She has her clients ease into it by taking just 1 tablespoon at a time.<\/a><\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/p>\n The key, she said, is to let the seeds soak for \u2013 ideally \u2013 20 minutes.<\/p>\n “If you gulp it down without letting the seeds soak long enough, you might end up bloated, gassy or feeling backed up,” Simpson said.<\/p>\n Drinking chia seeds too fast or without enough water can lead to even more bloating and constipation. (iStock)<\/p>\n That’s because chia seeds soak up whatever liquid they’re added to \u2013 and if they aren’t “hydrated” when you drink<\/a> them, they\u2019ll soak up water in your gut instead.<\/p>\n That can cause the opposite of the desired effect and even slow things down in the gut.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"wooden](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753565176_164_chia-seeds.jpg\")
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