Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
should you eat chia seeds and flax seeds together
FREE! Just write your question
— get answers from Best Ayurvedic doctors
No chat. No calls. Just write your question and receive expert replies
1000+ doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 06M : 00S
background-image
Click Here
background image
Nutrition
Question #36627
121 days ago
2,272

should you eat chia seeds and flax seeds together - #36627

Aaliyah

I am really curious about this whole thing with chia seeds and flax seeds! I've been trying to eat healthier, ya know, and I keep hearing how great these superfoods are. But, like, I read somewhere that you shouldn't mix them, and I'm confused. A few weeks ago I started adding chia seeds to my smoothies in the morning, and they made me feel so much better, but then I saw a recipe that had both chia seeds and flax seeds together. I thought, “Why not?” but then I remembered seeing a post that said you should you eat chia seeds and flax seeds together. I started freaking out a bit and wondering if I was doing more harm than good? My tummy felt pretty good with just the chia, but I tried both once after that and felt a little bloated. I don't know if it was because of the mix, or I just overdid it? Also, what's the deal with their omega-3s? Is it, like, a better combo or something? Should I stick with just one at a time, or is there a way to combine them without, like, messing myself up? Would love to hear your thoughts!

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

To answer your question about combining chia seeds and flax seeds, in general, it’s okay to have them together, but it really depends on your individual dosha and digestion capabilities. In Ayurveda, chia and flax seeds both are considered sattvic and nourishing for the body. They offer benefits like improving digestion and providing essential fatty acids. Let’s break it down considering your experience.

Both chia and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for reducing inflammation, maintaining healthy joints, and benefiting the cardiovascular system. While they share similarities, the smaller size of chia seeds makes them easier to digest for those with a weaker agni, or digestive fire. Flax seeds, on the other hand, must be ground for easier digestion, otherwise they might pass through your system largely undigested.

Feeling bloated after consuming both could be a sign that the combination might be too vata aggravating for your constitution. If your dosha is already vata-predominant, the increased fiber from these seeds may lead to discomfort like bloating or even gas. Be cautious with portions; start small, about half a tablespoon each, and monitor your body’s response. Ideally, introduce them slowly into your diet separately to see how each affects your digestion.

For optimizing the absorption of omega-3s, it is beneficial to tailor your intake according to your digestive capacity. Sometimes, soaking chia seeds overnight or consuming ground flaxseeds with warm water may aid in better digestion. Additionally, ensure that other lifestyle factors like stress, hydration, and meal regularity are balanced. If the bloating persists or is uncomfortable, considering taking only one type of seed at a time and see if this alleviates your symptoms.

In Ayurveda, balance and suitability to one’s constitution is key. So be mindful of the amounts and observe how your body reacts. If any discomfort continues or is severe, seeking personalized guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner could be more helpful.

11179 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

Combining chia seeds and flax seeds can be beneficial, but it’s important to balance their intake considering your bodily constitution or Prakriti, and any existing imbalances in your doshas. Both seeds are indeed rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, making them popular superfoods. However, consuming them together warrants a closer look at how they affect your digestive system or ‘Agni.’

From a Siddha-Ayurvedic stance, chia seeds have a cooling effect, which suits Pitta and Vata doshas, while flax seeds are slightly warming, which can balance Vata and Kapha. This makes them complementary if your constitution is balanced or if you’re addressing low Agni or Kapha imbalance.

If you felt bloated, it might indicate that your consumption exceeded what your Agni could handle at one time, or there could be a temporary imbalance. Try adjusting the quantity; start small, about 1-2 teaspoons of each, and pay attention to how your body responds. Spreading their intake throughout the day instead of together can help avoid overwhelming your digestion.

To harness their benefits without discomfort, consider hydration. Soak chia seeds for about ten minutes to allow them to expand before consumption. For flax seeds, using ground seeds aids digestion and nutrient absorption.

If bloating persists or you have any other gastrointestinal concerns, it may be wise to revisit your intake or consult with a healthcare professional to tailor dietary choices to your current digestive state. Lastly, prioritize listening to your body’s responses, as they are signals of what balance you may need to restore within.

12810 answered questions
38% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Mateo
28 minutes ago
Thanks! Your advice was super helpful. The suggestions were clear, made a huge difference for my issue. Really appreciate it!
Thanks! Your advice was super helpful. The suggestions were clear, made a huge difference for my issue. Really appreciate it!
Elizabeth
31 minutes ago
This advice was really straightforward and super helpful! Totally put my mind at ease—now I've got a solid game plan. Cheers! 😊
This advice was really straightforward and super helpful! Totally put my mind at ease—now I've got a solid game plan. Cheers! 😊
Jackson
32 minutes ago
Your response was incredibly reassuring! Thanks a lot for the detailed advice. I'll definitely try following your suggestions.
Your response was incredibly reassuring! Thanks a lot for the detailed advice. I'll definitely try following your suggestions.
Wyatt
32 minutes ago
Just wanted to say thanks! This answer broke things down really clearly for me and gave me a solid plan. Appreciate the extra details and tips!
Just wanted to say thanks! This answer broke things down really clearly for me and gave me a solid plan. Appreciate the extra details and tips!