Ready to help say goodbye to constipation and hello to digestive comfort? Try incorporating chia seeds into your routine and explore our other natural constipation remedies to keep things moving smoothly. Your body (and your baby!) will thank you.
Why are chia seeds so flipping amazing?
Chia seeds may be tiny but offer a mighty punch for relief from constipation. These small seeds are an excellent source of insoluble and soluble fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. One ounce of chia seeds contains a remarkable 10 grams of fiber. Holy cow! 10 grams! Look at you, you little superfood.
Did you say Chia Pet?
What makes chia seeds particularly special is their ability to absorb water. When chia seeds come into touch with liquid, they form a gel-like substance. This can help add weight to your stool and make it less difficult to pass, relieving constipation.
When I first started using chia in my diet, I was doing a chia pet with my daughter one day. And you have to let the chia seeds get slimy to put it on the chia pet. I realized why they are so helpful as a constipation remedy. On a side note, why are chia seeds in tiny packets so expensive when I can buy a large bag for just a few bucks? Just sayin'.
Got to get those healthy fats!
Chia seeds are full of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and important minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These nutrients improve general health and can help a healthy digestive system.
Let's talk about hydration!
Do you know what else is great about cha cha cha chia? It helps with hydration. And Mama, you need to hydrate. For your health, for your baby's health, and to help with that sweet sweet constipation relief.
Chia seeds are not only great for constipation relief, but they also have amazing hydration properties. Chia seeds can absorb liquid up to 12 times their weight when absorbed in water. This unique ability helps maintain hydration in the body for longer periods.
The fiber in the chia helps retain water in the colon, ensuring that your body stays hydrated and preventing constipation. Furthermore, not only does it help move things along, but it also makes it softer and easier to "go." Want to know more about how to help stay hydrated?
Let's talk about how we can work chia seeds into our diet.
Chia seeds are adaptable and may be added to your diet in various delightful ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Smoothies: Put one tablespoon of chia seeds to boost their nutritious content. They'll thicken the smoothie and provide extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer your favorite yogurt with fruits, granola, and chia seeds for a delightful and healthy parfait.
- Baking: Chia seeds can be added to muffins, bread, and pancakes for a nutritional boost. They can also be used as an egg substitute in vegan baking by combining 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and letting it gel for a few minutes.
- Salads: Chia seeds add a crisp texture to salads while providing healthful fats.
- Energy Bars: Create your energy bars or bites by combining chia seeds with oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a sweetener maple syrup.
And my favorite…
- Chia Seed Pudding - A popular and easy-to-make treat, chia seed pudding is a cool way to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds. Here's my go-to. I eat this almost daily. I like to put it in a mason jar to take it with me.
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup plant-based milk
Handful of frozen blueberries.
Put in a mason jar and shake. As the blueberries defrost, they make the pudding sweet. Frozen tastes better than fresh when I use them in this. You can add fruits, nuts, or spices for extra flavor. Sometimes, I'll add cocoa or cinnamon.
The seeds will absorb the liquid and turn into a pudding-like consistency.
But wait, there's more…
Chia seeds are celebrated for providing constipation relief, but their benefits for pregnant women and their developing babies extend far beyond digestive health. Let's explore the multitude of advantages that these tiny nutritional powerhouses offer:
- Nutrient-Dense Superfood: Chia seeds are brimming with essential nutrients crucial for maternal and fetal health. They are an excellent source of calcium, vital for your baby's bones and teeth development. Additionally, they provide iron, essential for supporting the increased blood volume during pregnancy and preventing anemia.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These seeds are an excellent plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3s are essential for your baby's brain and vision development, and they may help avoid preterm birth and postpartum depression.
- Antioxidants: Chia seeds are packed with high antioxidants, which help preserve your cells and maintain a healthy immune system. This is particularly important during pregnancy when your immune system changes to protect you and your growing baby.
- Blood Sugar Control: Chia seeds contain soluble fiber, which can help control and regulate blood sugar levels and can lower the risk of gestational diabetes. Stable blood sugar levels are necessary for a healthy pregnancy and can help to avoid problems.
- Heart Health: The combination of fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants in chia seeds can contribute to cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease. This is especially beneficial during pregnancy, as the risk of specific heart-related issues can increase.
Go chia, go chia, go go go chia.
Putting chia seeds into your diet is a natural and effective approach to avoid constipation while pregnant, thanks to their balance of fiber, healthy fats, and probiotics. Remember that your digestive health reflects your entire well-being. Along with including chia seeds, remember to stay active and manage stress for a happy, healthy gut. These steps are crucial during pregnancy to support your health and growing baby's well-being.
While chia seeds are a helpful constipation remedy, consuming them as part of a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fluids and other fiber-rich foods is important. Moderation is key, as chia seeds absorb a lot of water. So get creative with these tiny but mighty seeds, and enjoy their benefits! This is why we add chia to our Ziggy Bars—to provide a delicious and convenient way to incorporate these benefits into your diet. To learn more or try them for yourself, visit www.ziggybars.com.
And remember, it's always a good idea to visit with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about dietary changes during pregnancy. You got this, Mama!
About the Author
Rachel is the founder and co-owner of Ziggy Bars, a company dedicated to creating snacks that help all ages feel good. As a devoted mother of two daughters, Rachel's journey began when she sought to alleviate her child's tummy troubles. This mission led her to develop Ziggy Bars, which have since expanded to support children, seniors, expectant moms, and chemo patients. Rachel ran an in-home daycare to be home with her kids, combining her love for entrepreneurship with her passion for positively impacting people's lives through her snacks.
With a corporate banking and real estate background and a business degree, Rachel is dedicated to her business and family. In her free time (whatever that is), she enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering with her daughter's color guard team, and giving back to her community.