Chiropractic & Applied Kinesiology

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Chia Seeds: A Powerful Tool — Handle with Care

“The difference between a poison and a remedy is the dose.”
—Paracelsus
If you’ve been under my care over the past decade, you know I strongly emphasize dietary fiber, especially from chia and flaxseeds. This isn’t a casual recommendation. Fiber has consistently been one of the most impactful tools in my practice. Highlighting its significance, I presented research on this topic at the 2024 ICAK Annual Conference.

Why Seeds Instead of Probiotics?

I used to recommend probiotic supplements routinely until I, and other colleagues, noticed that after just a few days (3–10), probiotic supplements began acting as irritants.
Fiber, by contrast, promotes the growth of the body’s own microbiome. It acts as a prebiotic, fermenting in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (such as butyrate and propionate). These compounds:
  • Strengthen immunity
  • Calm inflammation
  • Repair the gut linin
  • Balance intestinal pH
  • Inhibit harmful microbes
This helps us avoid getting sick!

A Word of Caution About Chia

Chia is not just another fiber source. It is nutrient-packed and energetically intense. Indigenous cultures valued chia as a survival food, in fact, the word chia means strength in the Mayan language. It was traditionally used in small amounts to support long journeys and spiritual stamina.
Because of its potency, chia must be consumed with care. Improper use can lead to problems. In my clinical experience, I have repeatedly seen patients react negatively when seeds are taken incorrectly.

My Recommended Guidelines:

FLAXSEEDS
– 2 tablespoons
– 3 days per week
CHIA SEEDS
– 1 tablespoon
– 1 day per week
  • Use raw, organic, whole, black seeds.
  • Servings can be taken once or split into two doses daily.
  • Chew seeds thoroughly before swallowing. Be especially careful with chia seeds to avoid swallowing large amounts at once.
  • It’s best to avoid taking in the evening
  • It’s better to divide seeds into smaller amounts and chew well before swallowing.
  • Best taken before or during meals—food helps dislodge seeds from teeth, supports digestion, and reduces blood sugar spikes.
  • Avoid taking seeds after meals to prevent bloating.
  • Do not wash seeds down with water or soak them beforehand.
  • Avoid adding seeds directly to smoothies to drink.
  • Seeds can be mixed into food if swallowing them alone is difficult, but still chew well.
  • Ground seeds are not recommended.
  • Avoid consuming the same type of seeds in other meals (e.g., chia pudding, flaxseed meal) if following this regimen.
  • If you experience loose stools or stomach upset, first rule out other dietary causes. If symptoms persist, pause one or both seeds and observe.
Most chronic inflammation starts in the gut. Fiber helps reduce inflammation by feeding beneficial gut bacteria that support both immune and digestive health. In my clinical experience, the fiber from chia and flaxseeds consistently outperforms antimicrobial supplements when properly dosed. The health benefits of maintaining regularity with seeds are difficult to overstate, and Applied Kinesiology helps ensure fiber is used safely and effectively for each individual.
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