Sunflower seeds are a great snack to take on the go, but if you eat too many of them, they can cause some nasty side effects. Here's what you need to know about eating too many sunflower seeds.

What Happens if You Eat Too Many Sunflower Seeds?

Sunflower seeds are very nutrient-dense, meaning that you don't need to eat very many of them in one go. If you do find yourself accidentally eating an entire bag of sunflower seeds in one sitting, then you could experience some unpleasant side effects.

What are the Symptoms of Eating Too Many Sunflower Seeds?

Sunflower seeds are high in fiber and also in fat, and calories. Their high fiber and fat content mean that eating too many of them in one sitting can lead to stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

If you're trying to lose weight and are eating too many sunflower seeds on a regular basis, then they could also cause you to gain weight, so it is very important to try and stick to the recommended serving size.

Sunflower seeds can also interact with certain medications, so be sure to check with your doctor before eating them if you're taking any medication.

How Long Does it Take For Symptoms to Develop After Eating Too Many Sunflower Seeds? 

It usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours for you to feel the adverse effects of eating too many sunflower seeds. The good news is, sunflower seeds tend to move through your system quite quickly and so you won't feel uncomfortable for too long.

What Should I Do if I've Eaten Too Many Sunflower Seeds?

If you've eaten too many sunflower seeds, the best thing to do is drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your system and prevent constipation. You can also try taking a mild laxative if you're having trouble going to the bathroom. Drinking plenty of water will also help to reduce feelings of nausea and will replace lost fluids if you have diarrhea. 

How Many Sunflower Seeds Should You Eat?

The recommended serving size for sunflower seeds is one ounce or about 28 grams. If you like to measure things in cups, then this is equivalent to about a quarter cup of shelled sunflower seeds. 

If you prefer to hull your sunflower seeds yourself, then you can eat a little more as you'll be discarding the weight of the shells. If you enjoy snacking on sunflower seeds, then it's best to weigh out your portion in advance; otherwise, you may find yourself eating a few more than you planned!

So there you have it. The bottom line is that eating too many sunflower seeds can upset your stomach. Be sure to stick to the recommended serving size of one ounce or 28 grams and drink plenty of fluids if you do find yourself overeating! Curious to learn more about sunflower seeds? Check out our blog post on Everything You Need To know About Sunflower Seeds.