Tag: Intestinal obstruction

While ground flaxseed is celebrated as a source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, it is not universally safe and carries significant risks for some individuals. Understanding these contraindications is crucial to avoid serious health complications and ensure dietary choices are beneficial.

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), parenteral nutrition is indicated for patients who cannot meet nutritional needs through their gastrointestinal tract. The condition most likely to require a person to need parenteral nutrition is severe intestinal failure, often caused by short bowel syndrome.

While the practice of eating clay, known as geophagia, has existed for centuries across various cultures, research shows the proven risks far outweigh any purported benefits. The bad effects of eating clay can lead to severe health complications, including heavy metal toxicity and dangerous digestive issues.

High doses of guar gum once led to such serious health problems that the FDA banned its use in certain weight-loss products. While regulated amounts in processed foods are considered safe, a small percentage of individuals still experience adverse effects, raising the question: what health problems does guar gum cause?

Case reports from Southeast Asia reveal a significant danger related to the santol fruit, as accidentally swallowing the large, inedible seeds can lead to life-threatening intestinal blockage and perforation. Given this, it is crucial to understand all potential concerns and risks before consuming this popular tropical delicacy. Are there any side effects of eating santol beyond the fruit's known nutritional value?

Agar powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, yet several potential side effects and safety concerns exist, particularly related to digestive health. Understanding these risks, from intestinal blockage to medication interference, is crucial for safe consumption, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

According to numerous clinical case reports, psyllium husk can cause severe intestinal obstruction and worsen constipation if not taken with adequate fluids. While a highly effective fiber supplement, the hygroscopic nature of psyllium means it can expand into a gel-like mass that becomes dry and compacted, creating blockages rather than relieving them.

While certain animals eat rocks naturally, for humans, eating rocks is incredibly dangerous. The practice, known as geophagy or lithophagy, poses severe health risks. Rocks are indigestible and can cause serious internal damage.

Experts, including the California Avocado Commission, do not recommend eating the avocado seed due to a lack of human safety research. While it's theoretically possible, the immense size makes trying to swallow an avocado seed an extremely dangerous act with high risks of choking and intestinal blockage.

According to Ada Health, while up to 80% of foreign body ingestions pass without a problem, swallowing non-food items can lead to serious health complications like poisoning, intestinal obstruction, and infection. Knowing what happens if you eat something that isn't food is critical for prevention and first aid, especially for children and individuals with certain conditions who are at higher risk.