Chia seeds. Do we all not know about it and how beneficial it is for us. It is derived from the Salvia hispanica plant and are considered superfoods. They go with anything and everything, whether it is your morning glass of water, puddings, pancakes and parfaits. In fact, they are also used as skin care due to its gelatinous consistency. For this reason, they are often used in vegan baked goods as a substitute for eggs to bind the batter.

But can eating too many chia seeds cause you discomfort? Let's find out:

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, for each 1 ounce or 28 grams, it provides 11 grams of fiber. While fiber is essential for your health, promoting regularity and supporting beneficial bacteria in your gut, it can sometimes cause issues like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas for some people.

This also happens when a high fiber intake is paired with inadequate hydration. This is because drinking water is essential to help fiber pass through the digestive system. Furthermore, those with chronic diseases cause inflammation and a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss.

There are studies that also note that a high fiber intake can help protect against inflammatory bowel disease in long term. However, those who experience flare-ups, must limit their fiber intake for short periods to reduce symptoms.

For most people, these symptoms can be prevented by increasing the fiber intake slowly and drinking water to help it pass through.

Case Studies: Chia Seeds And Choking

Though mostly safe, Chia seeds can also cause an increased risk of choking. There is an increased risk of choking especially with chia seeds, because it swells up as it absorbs a lot of water and can absorb 10 to 12 times their weight. While these properties are helpful during cooking and baking, the same sticky properties can be harmful and could become lodged in the throat.

In one of the cases, a 39-year-old man ate a tablespoon of dry seeds and then drank a glass of water. As a result, the seeds expanded in his esophagus and caused a blockage. He had to be rushed to the emergency room to get it removed. This case study is also featured in the 2017 Case Reports in Internal Medicine. The important thing to remember is that you must always soak chia seeds for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you eat them, and pay extra attention when you eat it.

Other Side Effects

Chia seeds contain a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), this is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, that is found in plant foods. Omega-3 fatty acids are part of the diet which support cognitive function and heart health. However, there are studies that also associate ALA intake and prostate cancer. In a 2014 study by Colleen Pelzer, et.al., that analyzed data from 288,268 men, showed that ALA intake was associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer.

Another 2013 study published in the Journal of Cancer Institute showed that those with highest blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids had a higher risk of prostate cancer, compared to those with lower blood concentrations.

However, there are some conflicting point of views too, thus it is best to always consult you doctor.

Period cramps are a usual part of life for most women. There are many things that can affect one’s pain tolerance and cramps like the food women eat, the lifestyle they lead and much more. While there are over-the-counter medication that can help relieve period pains, many of these pills tend to have side effects that affect women’s health in different ways.

Some even believe that taking medication harms their menstrual health and so opt for more natural options which are said to reduce period pains. Pineapple is one natural option that doctors are considering for it's ability to fight inflammation with its special enzymes.

How Does Pineapple Target Period Cramps?

In a study published by the Nutrients 2024, scientists wanted to know if pineapple or a part of it called bromelain could help people feel better after getting their wisdom teeth out. They gave some people pineapple, some bromelain, and some a fake pill, and then observed how much pain and swelling they had for a week. The people who got the pineapple or bromelain felt less pain and swelling and needed less pain medicine than the people who got the fake pill. This shows that pineapple and bromelain might be more simpler options when it comes to helping people feel better after surgery.

According to WebMD pineapple's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties gives it the ability to relieve pain without altering consciousness or blocking nerve impulses. When your body is swollen, it hurts more. Pineapple can help bring down this swelling, which means less pain. Second, pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme helps lower the amount of a chemical in your body called prostaglandin. Prostaglandins cause pain and make your uterus contract, which leads to cramps. By lowering these chemicals, bromelain helps your muscles relax and reduces the pain. So, eating pineapple can help your body naturally manage the discomfort of period cramps.

What Are the Health Benefits of Pinapple?

Pineapple doesn't just help with period cramps; it's good for your whole body. According to the Cleveland Clinic it has a lot of Vitamin C, which helps your immune system stay strong and fight off tiredness, which is common during your period. The bromelain in pineapple also helps your body break down food, so your stomach feels better. Because pineapple is mostly water, it helps keep you hydrated, which is important during your period. It also has manganese and Vitamin B, which can lift your mood and give you more energy, helping you feel more stable emotionally. So, eating pineapple gives you many benefits beyond just pain relief.

Scientists have studied bromelain, the special enzyme in pineapple, and found that it really does help with pain and swelling. A study in a science journal looked at how bromelain works and discovered that it can reduce inflammation and relieve pain. This means it can be a natural way to manage pain from different bodily issues, including period cramps.

A nutrient-rich diet is essential not just for heart and vascular health, but also for keeping the brain in peak condition. After all, about 25% of our blood supply is directed to the brain. That means what we eat directly influences how our brain functions over time.

Eating foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates — especially ultra-processed items — can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of impaired brain function, stroke, and dementia. Avoiding excess sugar is equally important. Too much sugar can interfere with the brain’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the vital compound that fuels key cellular processes. It may also trigger insulin spikes and disrupt brain metabolism, potentially impairing cognitive function.

While cognitive decline is not always reversible, following a brain-healthy diet may help slow down neurodegeneration and reduce the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are eight foods commonly included in a brain-supportive diet — eaten daily or at least weekly — that nourish both mind and body.

Nuts, Especially Walnuts

Nuts are widely regarded as great for brain health, but not all nuts offer the same benefits. Walnuts stand out for having the highest ratio of omega-3 “good fats” to omega-6 “bad fats.”

Wild Fish

Fresh, fatty fish are a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Brain-healthy choices include salmon, grouper, and halibut. It's best to opt for fresh and wild-caught fish, as farm-raised varieties are often fed with unnatural additives.

Leafy Greens and Asparagus

Leafy greens are rich in fiber, folate, lutein, and beta-carotene. Options like bok choy, asparagus, or broccolini, when steamed or sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt at the end, make easy, healthy dinners. Though not leafy, asparagus is a favorite due to its fiber content and quick cooking time. A healthy gut, supported by fiber, also benefits brain health.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant related to beta-carotene. Antioxidants combat inflammation and oxidative stress, helping prevent neurodegeneration. Grape tomatoes or tomato medleys are versatile — great for salads, sauces, or appetizers with mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.

Berries and Walnuts

Blueberries, eaten almost daily, are rich in flavonoids — potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that may reduce stress effects on the brain. Pairing them with walnuts and steel-cut oats makes a perfect breakfast. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt elevate the flavor.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. It’s ideal for cooking, dressings, and dips. Just avoid deep-frying with it.

Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric’s active compound curcumin may benefit brain health by disrupting amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer’s. Pair it with black pepper for better absorption. Ginger adds flavor, fiber, and may even help with mental clarity.

Coffee and Tea

Rich in flavonoids and phytonutrients, coffee and tea support brain metabolism. Moderate caffeine intake can enhance concentration and productivity.

Popcorn

For a fun, healthy snack, try homemade popcorn. Air-popped kernels with olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a dash of salt make for a satisfying treat — a smarter option than chips.

The United States is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, affecting over 220 people across 12 states as of March 7. One confirmed death and another under investigation have raised concerns, particularly in areas like western Texas and New Mexico, where the rise in cases has been most concentrated. Additional cases have been reported in California, New York, and Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to be cautious as spring break begins.

Measles is generally considered a well-controlled infectious disease, with only occasional surges. The U.S. has witnessed two major outbreaks in the last few decades: the Minnesota outbreak of 2017 and the Indiana outbreak of 2005, both attributed to under vaccination.

Can Vitamin A Help Prevent or Treat Measles?

Some public figures, including U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have suggested that vitamin A supplements, along with certain medications, may aid in treating measles. However, experts clarify that while vitamin A plays a role in immune function, it does not prevent measles infection.

Dr. Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician, explains that measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, which may worsen symptoms. Supplementing with vitamin A in such cases can be beneficial but does not offer protection against the virus itself. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, cites a Cochrane review supporting the use of two doses of vitamin A in children under two years old with severe measles. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends vitamin A supplementation for those infected with measles.

How to Protect Yourself Against Measles

Experts agree that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles.

“Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles; it is not a preventive measure,” says Gandhi. “There is no need to take vitamin A supplements in a country like the U.S., where people generally get enough from their diet.”

The best way to protect yourself is to ensure you are vaccinated. This is especially crucial for people in outbreak zones such as western Texas and New Mexico. Parents are advised to get their children vaccinated, as measles can cause severe complications in young children.

Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What You Should Know

Cod liver oil is often mentioned in discussions about vitamin A. While it contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.

“Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, it accumulates in the body if too much is ingested, leading to harmful effects,” explains Fisher.

Most people get enough vitamin A through their diet, but certain groups—such as premature infants or individuals with conditions like celiac or Crohn’s disease—may require supplementation.

How Much Vitamin A Is Too Much?

Consuming excessive vitamin A can be dangerous.

“High doses of vitamin A can cause toxicity, leading to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, rash, blurred vision, and muscle weakness,” warns Fisher.

For adults, the recommended daily intake is 700 mcg for women and 900 mcg for men. The upper limit is 3,000 mcg for adults, with lower limits for children.

Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations

To curb the outbreak, health authorities recommend the following vaccination schedule:

• Children: First dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12-15 months, second dose at 4-6 years.
• Unvaccinated older children, teens, and adults: One to two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
• If you are unsure about your vaccination status, consult your doctor to ensure you are protected against measles.