Chia seeds have really helped my IBS-D
#337626 - 11/01/08 09:03 PM
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pumpkin73
Reged: 10/02/08
Posts: 24
Loc: California
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Hi everyone, I just wanted to share something I've experienced.
About me: I've lived with IBS-D for about 15 years, and like a lot of us I've gone through good periods and bad periods over the years. This past year has been VERY stressful for me, and as a result my body has gone crazy. I was having 6-7 BM a day. This site and Heather's tips helped me tremendously over the last couple years, but the stress got so bad that nothing was working, esp. this summer.
My dad, who's a bit of a health nut, bought me a package of chia seeds (yes, literally the seeds used for chia pets!) and told me to sprinkle them over my food. I was very resistent, because he also told me that flax seeds would help me. (Note: IBS-D and flax seeds are not a good combo, at least not for me!) So I put off trying the chia for a few weeks.
Finally, after much nagging by my dad, I did a little research on these seeds and was intrigued. I started sprinkling them on my food (on a weekend, just in case) and they gave me NO cramping or bloating the way the flax did. Within a couple of days, I was down to having one BM a day, in the morning. Just one and I was done for the day! I can't believe it! This was about six weeks ago. I wanted to give it a good month before I posted anything, in case it was a fluke. I've only had one day in the last few weeks where I had what'd be considered D, and that was the first day of my period -- that always happens.
Another benefit is they keep me feeling full longer, which is good for me because I'm hypoglycemic.
If you're interested, I'd suggest googling chia seeds and reading up on them. My dad ordered them online somewhere, but I imagine they can be purchased in health food stores as well. They're tiny -- like sesame seeds -- and don't require any grinding.
I just wanted to post this, in case someone else could benefit as well. And much thanks to Heather and this web site. You're a great help for people like us!
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IBS-D with gas and cramping; dairy and wheat intolerant
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I buy the ground-up version (Salba) and put a half-teaspoon on my oatmeal in the morning. Here is more info.
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IBS-C, lots of spasm and trapped gas.
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I'm realyy interested in this as from what I've read the seeds are high in fiber (SF and IF) and in calcium. Both of which help D. How much are you taking a day? Did you gradually increase your dose?
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Stable IBS D
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I did start out small because I didn't know how they'd affect me at first. I started out by just sprinkling a "pinch" on my lunch, then moved to a pinch at lunch and dinner. Now I'm putting about a tablespoon on my food at lunch and dinner. The package lists a serving size as 2 tablespoons, and says just to mix it in a glass of water or juice, but I haven't tried taking it that way. You do have to drink a full glass of water when you eat them though, because they'll absorb any liquid in sight! I do prefer them on soft or moist foods, especially soup, because they absorb some of the liquid and become soft.
Everyone's experience is different, obviously, but I've never had any problems with gas from this stuff. In fact, I believe I've noticed a decrease in gas pain -- until 3 days ago, when I unfortunately had to go on antibiotics.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
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IBS-D with gas and cramping; dairy and wheat intolerant
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I can see where it would help C as well as D. Lots of both kinds of fiber!
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IBS-D with gas and cramping; dairy and wheat intolerant
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Reading all of these posts about the Chia seeds made me interested. I ordered some yesterday, but it is not very cheap by any means! I hope they work! Thanks
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IBS-C, Gas, Bloating, HURTING!
I'm married and it's so wonderful!
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Two more questions. Were you taking any SF or calcium supplements before you took the chia seeds.
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Stable IBS D
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No and no. I try to eat a lot of SF, but don't take any supplements. As for calcium, I'm trying to find one I like. Most of them have magnesium in them, which gives me D. Still searching for perfect calcium supplement.
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IBS-D with gas and cramping; dairy and wheat intolerant
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I use a calcium supplement from natural factors which is just calcium citrate. So far I'm taking 2 tablets a day. You can buy it online at http://www.affordable-natural-factors.com/.
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Stable IBS D
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I'll look into that. Thanks!
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IBS-D with gas and cramping; dairy and wheat intolerant
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