Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives NSD and diet-related; Flax and chia?

What do you think about chia seeds and ground flax on the NSD? Are you able to tolerate them? In small, large, or no amounts?

Chia seeds have 6.1g starch per 100 grams, which is higher than other foods I know I can't tolerate (like red grapes and carrots). But I find that with chia seeds you don't really eat them so much as you swallow them, and they seem to be fairly resistant to digestion, which leaves me wondering how much of that starch actually gets unlocked...

Flax seeds also have a small amount of starch - 2.9g per 100g. I used to consume about a TB a day for the fibre and the omega3 boost. At that amount the starch would be very, very low. But I'd also like to try making flax crackers, which would mean consuming more of it.

Would love to know how others have fared before I venture in to trying these foods again. I got a bit careless last month (popcorn! sushi! peanut butter banana sandwich!) and paid the price. I'm just getting back to normal after that silliness, so I'm reluctant to try anything risky without hearing what you guys think.

Hello, Kellybells:

I think You are right about the chia seeds, and once they mix with water they develop a coating that is probably very beneficial to us.

The flax, I don't have that much experience with, but the numbers are within the range of not being provocative. For a natural product, my own guideline is about 4%, however, once turned into a flour this can change the outcome. You need to pioneer this one; please let us know how it works out for You.

For many years (after starting my AP for AS), I have not been a reliable food tester and rely upon Carol's and other experts here more and more.

HEALTH,
John

Thanks John!

So I started today with a chia pudding. My pain has been at 0 for three days straight so seemed like a good time to test. Fingers crossed!

I had about 3TB chia which is 1.8g of starch. I'm finding 1g of starch per day is my max, so this will be an interesting test.

So chia pudding is a success so far!

I've eaten it three times now and seen no increase in pain the following morning. I'm pretty stoked to have a sweet treat that isn't plain fruit.

For anyone who is interested, here are my two recipes:

Cherry amaretto chia pudding:
1 lb frozen sweet cherries or pitted fresh sweet cherries
1 can coconut milk
splash almond extract
1/2 cup chia seeds

1. Put all but chia seeds in blender, blend til smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and slowly whisk in chia seeds.
3. Pudding will 'set' in about 2 hours. Whisk periodically until set.

Strawberry chia pudding
1 lb strawberries (frozen or fresh)
1 can coconut milk
1 tsp lime zest (about 3/4 of a lime)
1 TB honey (or to taste, depending on sweetness of strawberries)

Instructions same as above.