(NewsNation) — While chia seeds have long been a favorite among health and wellness circles, TikTok users have come up with a new way to consume them.
The popular “internal shower” drink, meant to help relieve digestive issues like bloating and constipation, involves mixing two tablespoons of chia seeds with water and lemon juice and letting the mixture sit for a few minutes. It is then supposed to be drank on an empty stomach.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds are a fiber-rich food, containing 11 grams of the nutrient, which is vital for gut health. When left to soak in water, chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water.
While chia seeds are a good source of fiber, health experts warn against eating or drinking too many of them, especially if a person has a history of underlying gastrointestinal issues. Time Magazine reported a 39-year-old man was hospitalized in 2014 after swallowing a tablespoon of chia seeds and chasing it with water.
The man had a history of intermittent dysphagia, or a condition where a person has difficulty swallowing.
Consumption of large amounts of chia seeds could lead to an accumulation of chia seed gel and blockages in the gastrointestinal tract, according to the Poison Control Center.
Experts say an occasional “internal shower” drink is safe to have.