Who knew that what is mostly, until recently, known as a gag gift was such an excellent source of nutrition?
I've been using them for about 3 weeks now, and what a difference they have made.
I've had a long term problem with adequately absorbing hydration. Whatever I would drink would just flush right out of my body, like water flowing other hard packed ground. Couldn't get it to stay in my system long enough to "sink in"
On top of that, since menopause I've been getting edema, and would have to take a diuretic a couple times a week. For those of you that take one, you know how uncomfortable that it. It's not like a normal feeling of having to urinate.
So, I'd either be walking around with disappearing ankles, not being able to move within myself properly, or would be running to the bathroom literally every 10-15 minutes. All with not being properly lubricated. I knew it was a big part of my muscles and fascia not working properly together, and my joints being "sticky"
My rolfer suggested I trying mixing chia seeds in beverages. I started mixing them with plain water, but quickly switched over to incorporating them into my green tea, which I drink about 24 oz of a day. I'll add about a tablespoon to each 12 oz cup/glass. I slowly swirl them in a bit at a time, mixing with a straw, so they don't clump. Then I wait 10 or 15 minutes before drinking, since their outer coating producing a gel. That's what keeps the water in your stomach/gut longer, allowing it to slowly absorb into your system. I like drinking it through a straw, reminds me of littlek talking about bubble tea (although I've never had that)
I first couple of days, I felt kinda bloated in my intestines, but decided to just keep at it. Quickly my body adjusted, in the next day or two, and now I can go for long periods (normal lengths of time actually) without urinating, my edema has TOTALLY disappeared. My ankles and hands remain nice and slim. I feel like I'm moving better also.
In addition chia seeds are a great source of Omega 3, 6, fiber, and more.
When I went to Sprouts or Whole Foods to get more from their bin section, the salesperson told me that before any races in town, they completely sell out. The runners drink it before the race to keep themselves hydrated longer.
Reading about chia, I see it's been used for centuries, all the way back to the Aztecs, for some of the reasons I've said.
Here's what the gel around them looks like once they are soaked...
Also, I wouldn't call it an appetite suppressant, but I do find I eat a bit less because it does put that gel weight in your stomach.
I don't put quite this much in my tea (below) but it gives you the idea...Actually maybe I do put that much.