When you get pregnant, you go through different stages, which include mood swings and food cravings, so if you are craving something crunchy, tangy, and fiery in pregnancy, you are not alone. Many women who are expecting crave weird food combinations that they usually don’t eat in daily life. There are some favorite pregnancy snacks like Slim Jim’s and Takis. Takis are packed spicy, rolled-shaped chips that have mild and spicy flavors. Many pregnant women eat Takis due to their spicy and sour taste, but many women have this main question arise in mind: can you eat Takis while pregnant? For this answer, we first need to understand several factors, like what are Takis, how are they made, and what ingredients are used in them? Are they good or bad for you in pregnancy? What do medical experts say about it, and what do other mothers experience after eating them? So let’s start.
What Exactly Are Takis?
Before moving to the question of whether you can eat Takis while pregnant or not, let’s first understand what Takis actually are. Well, Takis are corn chips shaped in rolls that were created by a Mexican snack brand: Barcel. They come in many flavors and variations, but the most popular one is Fuego, which combines lime, chili pepper, and intense saltiness, making them the first choice for spice lovers.
However, this popular flavor not only contains spices but also vegetable oil, artificial colors, citric acid, and other preservatives to keep them fresh for a long time. While this combination is something that every spice lover wants, as it is crunchy, spicy, and full of heat, Takis are high in sodium and saturated fat, which is bad for your health, especially during pregnancy when you consume Takis in a large amount.
Why Pregnant Women Crave for Spicy Snacks like Takis?
Well, it is a part of pregnancy to crave spicy and salty foods; some women also go for weird food combinations that they don’t prefer in normal life, so it’s all natural. The reason behind it is in pregnancy your hormones change, and it starts affecting your taste and even smell, which makes spicy flavors more appealing. Additionally, in pregnancy, when you face symptoms like nausea or sluggish digestion, your cravings for spicy and sour food increase, and you temporarily find them satisfying. However, craving has no direct connection with nutritional needs, especially when you crave snacks like Slim Jim’s or Takis. Many experts say cravings are normal, but it’s important to take everything in moderation, and if you crave snacks, it is also important to understand how they can affect your pregnancy.
Can You Eat Takis While Pregnant?
The quick answer is that you can consume Takis, but only in moderation because it doesn’t directly create any health problems or challenges during pregnancy. It is ok to eat Takis occasionally or even in a week but in a smaller quantity. However, there are some safety measures you have to take if you are facing specific pregnancy symptoms or conditions.
1. High Sodium Content
For its mild taste and flavor, Takis has to use a high amount of sodium. A single packet of Takis contains 400-plus mg of sodium, which is approximately 20% more than a daily sodium intake recommendation. In pregnancy, if you consume a high amount of sodium, it can lead to fluid retention, swelling, and high blood pressure, so it’s very important to consume food that is high in sodium in a limited amount, especially when you have a risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia in pregnancy.
2. Artificial Colors and Additives
Takis have modest colors because they contain artificial colorings like Red 40 and Yellow 6, which have been directly linked to mild food allergies in some people; however, there is no scientific evidence to support this. They can have an adverse effect on pregnancy but are not helpful. Many gynecologists and nutritionists recommend avoiding meals that include artificial substances during pregnancy because the baby’s development occurs throughout pregnancy, and everything you consume immediately impacts the baby’s organs.
3. Spicy Ingredients and Heartburn
The most common complication in pregnancy many women face is heartburn. The reason behind this is you crave food items that are extremely spicy, like Takis. Your stomach becomes more sensitive in pregnancy; the consumption of spicy food can irritate the stomach and trigger acid reflux. If you are pregnant and already facing this complication, then eating Takis isn’t a good option. However, if your pregnancy has no complications like this or you already have a good digestive system, then eating Takis is fine for you.
4. Low Nutritional Value
Takis do have calories but fewer nutrients like folate, calcium, iron, or protein that are essential in pregnancy. If you eat Takis regularly, you will surely neglect healthy food items from your diet that actually support baby development. Always remember moderation is the key for everything, and especially in pregnancy, everything you eat counts as its effect on your body and baby’s health.
When and how to Eat Takis in pregnancy?
If your pregnancy doesn’t have any kind of complications and the progress is normal, then eating Takis is completely safe, but remember to eat them occasionally. Here are some tips on Takis, which I followed in my pregnancy:
Try to eat them in portions; when you crave eating a few rolls from that, instead of going for a large packet, take a small one.
If you are already following a clean and balanced diet in pregnancy that is full of nutrients that come from vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, then eating snacks like Takis is completely safe for you if taken occasionally or in a moderate amount.
Since Takis are high in sodium content, which is 20% more than a normal sodium intake recommended per day, try to stay hydrated after consuming them.
You can eat Takis by pairing them with other meals that are rich in minerals and vitamins.
Takis are very spicy in nature, so it’s not advisable to eat them on an empty stomach, as it will cause digestive issues, especially in early stages of pregnancy.
The time you take Takis or other spicy foods in pregnancy matters because in the first trimester, early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and food sensitivities are normal.
What does the evidence say about “can you eat Takis while pregnant?”
There is no scientific research or study on how Takis consumption can affect pregnancy at any stage, but I do search for what the expert comments on similar snacks like Takis.
In an online source, an expert comments, “They’re considered an ‘ultra-processed’ food. So, it should be avoided during pregnancy.”
Remember to always listen to experts and your doctor; if they want you to go for alternatives, then do that, as it’s the safest thing you can do.
On a popular forum known as Reddit, a woman consumed spicy chips. Here is what she shared: “The spicy chips? … They’re totally safe and won’t cause harm. You might get some killer heartburn, though, so keep some Tums nearby.”
There are many pregnant women that report eating Takis is completely safe for them, as it did no harm to them, but remember everything isn’t suitable for everyone.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, processed and high-sodium foods like Takis should be limited during pregnancy to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and bloating.
When to Avoid Eating Takis in pregnancy?
If your diet isn’t good and lacks nutrients or you are already facing vitamin deficiency, then it is better to avoid Takis and other processed food items.
In the last trimester of pregnancy, you may face issues like heartburn and reflux, which are completely normal, but if you eat spicy snacks like Takis, it can make your condition worse, so it’s better to avoid them.
Keep in mind Regardless of whether you are pregnant or not, always pay attention to your body after eating. If you start having gas, acid reflux, stomach pain, edema, or high blood pressure, stay away from the snack. That is why you must understand what is and is not beneficial for you, especially during pregnancy.
While Takis are completely safe in many pregnancy cases, some women face issues, so it’s important to limit Takis or even avoid them when you have conditions like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes.
If you have anything from above, then it’s best for you to skip Takis and go for some healthy snack options that don’t affect those symptoms.
Side Effects of Eating Too Many Takis During Pregnancy
Following are some side effects of eating too many Takis during pregnancy:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
As we discussed earlier, Takis are high in sodium content; a single pack contains 400 to 500 mg of sodium, which is 20% more than the sodium recommended for your body. When you eat Takis in a large amount, it can raise your blood pressure, and high blood pressure isn’t good, especially for a pregnant woman. This can also increase the risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, which is bad for your baby’s health. Some pregnant women face symptoms like swelling in the hands/feet, headaches, or dizziness after high sodium intake. If you face such symptoms, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible.
Severe Heartburn and Acid Reflux
The spice level of Takis is high, as they include chili powder and citric acid, which can irritate your stomach and even cause acid reflux, which is quite common in pregnancy due to hormone fluctuations. However, eating spicy food like Takis in a large quantity can lead to a burning feeling in your chest, stomach, and throat. If you are in the early stage of pregnancy, then eating snacks like Takis in a large amount can make nausea worse.
Dehydration
Takis contains a high amount of sodium, which is already a negative point about this snack. If you eat Takis in a large quantity during pregnancy, it can lead to dehydration, especially when you don’t drink water properly in a day. The dehydration in pregnancy can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and even preterm contractions in some cases. Additionally, the salt and spices in the snack you make make you feel thirstier, which is a sign your body needs water.
Bloating and Water Retention
Since Takis are high in sodium, which leads to water retention, which results in bloating and swelling in pregnancy, you may notice swelling, especially in hands, ankles, and face. This is very common in pregnancy, but if you eat salty foods like Takis, it can make your condition worse.
Digestive Problems
Fried items like Takis that are high in sodium, chili, artificial flavoring, and colors can surely disturb your digestive system. When you eat Takis in a large quantity, it can lead to digestive problems like gastritis, stomach pain, nausea, and even vomiting in the worst case.
Nutrient Deficiency Risk
Takis are a processed food item, and they lack vitamins or minerals, so if you eat Takis daily in pregnancy, you may be replacing nutrient-rich meals unintentionally with a zero-nutrition one, which later leads to deficiencies in iron, folate, calcium, and protein that are not good for baby development.
Gestational Diabetes Risk
Takis are high in sodium, fats, and refined carbohydrates; all these are harmful for your health, as they spike blood sugar levels if you consume Takis in a large quantity. If you are pregnant and already have a condition like gestational diabetes, then eating Takis in high amounts can make blood sugar management worse. You will also gain weight during pregnancy if you eat Takis every day in high amounts.
Possible Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions
Takis includes artificial colors like Red 40 or Yellow 6, which may trigger allergic reactions in people, resulting in headaches, rashes, or hyperacidity. All these aren’t something that is dangerous in pregnancy; it’s better to avoid such things to keep yourself safe.
What are Smarter Alternatives to Takis?
If you just crave spicy food items like Takis, then there are also some friendly alternatives in pregnancy you can go for:
- Homemade chili-lime popcorn
- Baked tortilla chips
- Roasted chickpeas or edamame
- Sliced bell peppers or cucumber
All these snacks will satisfy your spice cravings without the excess sodium and artificial colors that are found in Takis.
How Eating Too Much Takis Can Cause Weight Gain in Pregnancy?
You can definitely gain weight in pregnancy when you eat Takis in excessive amounts on a daily basis because a single small packet of Takis contains around 400+ calories, and when you eat multiple packets in a day, it can lead to weight gain. Takis are high in refined carbohydrates and fats, which spike blood sugar levels that indirectly play an important role in weight management. Eating too many Takis can cause bloating, which adds extra temporary weight in your body. Due to its highly addictive flavor, you will end up overeating it, which leads to weight gain, especially in pregnancy, as you crave more.
What to Do After Eating Too Many Takis?
If you consume Takis in a large quantity without thinking about its effect on your health and baby development, then don’t panic; one high intake won’t harm your baby. However, Takis are high in sodium, fats, and spice, so it is very important to pay attention to your diet after consumption in a large amount. Here’s what you can do:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as it will flush excess sodium from your body.
Eat food items that are rich in potassium, like bananas, avocados, and yogurt; these food items will help to counteract sodium levels.
Sleep for some hours to reduce stress and get comfort.
Instead of eating something heavier, go for lighter meal options like oatmeal, rice, or steamed veggies to get your digestive system back to normal.
Avoid the intake of any salty or spicy food item at least for the next 24 hours.
Consult your doctor if you face issues like dizziness, swelling, and severe stomach pain.
Frequently ask questions by people
Can Takis harm my baby during pregnancy?
No, Takis won’t harm your baby or even you if you eat them occasionally or in a moderate amount. Takis are high in salt, fat, and chili, which can affect your health if you consume them in a large quantity. Try to follow a balanced and clean diet in pregnancy, as it helps in baby development.
How often can I eat Takis while pregnant?
You can eat Takis occasionally, like in a week or two, but in small amounts. Take a small packet of Takis and enjoy it. Remember moderation is the key to avoid any kind of health issues and complications.
Are spicy snacks safe during pregnancy?
Yes, they are completely safe in pregnancy if taken in a moderate amount, as excessive intake of spicy items can lead to heartburn or indigestion, especially in the last trimester. If you have a weak digestive system, then avoiding such spicy food is the best option for you.
What are healthier alternatives to Takis during pregnancy?
You can eat baked tortilla chips at home or popcorn with some lime and chili seasoning. Fresh vegetables with a spicy yogurt dip or roasted chickpeas to reduce your craving during pregnancy. All these snacks are completely safe if you made them at home.
Can eating Takis cause miscarriage?
No, there is no such claim or scientific evidence that a snack like Takis can cause something serious like miscarriage. You can face health issues like digestive problems or high blood pressure if you consume such snacks in high quantities, but miscarriage is something that isn’t related to spicy snack consumption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, can you eat Takis while pregnant? Well, yes, you can! As there is no research and scientific study about not having Takis in pregnancy, however, they are high in sodium, fats, and other preservatives, which don’t make them the best choice, especially in pregnancy. You can enjoy Takis or even any other spicy snack but in moderate quantity to save yourself from any kind of side effects. After eating such snacks, stay hydrated and follow a balanced and clean diet, as it is good for both you and baby development. Remember pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and satisfying your craving during this is a joyful part, so enjoy a few Takis too, as they are safe if you eat them in moderation.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is just for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or healthcare plan.
