3 Ways Chia Seeds May Interact with Your Medications
Despite their tiny size, chia seeds pack a powerful, nutrient-rich punch. They provide a boost of vitamins, minerals, healthy fat and fiber to whatever food they're paired with—whether in a smoothie bowl, pancakes or oatmeal bars.
That's because chia provides a good plant source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and quash inflammation, among many other benefits. Chia seeds are also a good source of antioxidants, which protect against cellular damage linked to chronic disease.
Chia seeds are also high in soluble fiber and form a gel-like substance when they come in contact with liquid—that's why chia seed pudding is so creamy. Due to their fiber content—1 ounce contains 10 grams of fiber—chia seeds may help increase satiety, lower LDL cholesterol and improve regularity.
But these tiny seeds have a bit of a sinister secret: Despite being as good-for-you as they are, chia seeds may also interact with certain medications, affecting their potency and effectiveness. Learn about which medications to have on your radar and must-know precautions to keep you safe while eating this mighty seed.
Chia Seeds & Medication Interactions
Blood Pressure Medication
The antioxidants and peptides found in chia seeds may help act like a natural ACE inhibitor (a common class of blood-pressure-lowering drugs) to decrease blood pressure and promote heart health. That's a perk on its own, but eating chia seeds while taking antihypertensive medications could decrease your blood pressure more than expected.
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Medications
Chia seeds may have antiplatelet properties, which prevent clots from entering the bloodstream. Good news for reducing your risk for heart attack and stroke, but this can be too much if you're also being treated with blood thinners, which may increase the risk for bleeding. 'If you are taking an anticoagulant or an antiplatelet, use caution,' says pharmacist Ronald Smith, Pharm.D., RPh.
Diabetes Medications
Chia seeds are a smart choice if you're managing your blood sugar, as their fiber helps slow down digestion. There's evidence that chia may help reduce the rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating, and they may also have the potential to be used in diabetes treatment due to their antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.
However, if you're taking medication to treat diabetes, such as insulin, watch how your blood sugar responds to meals and snacks containing chia, since chia could lower your blood sugar too much. 'If you're new to chia seeds and are on insulin, consult your physician, as you may need to adjust your dosage,' says Robert Graham, M.D., M.P.H. a board-certified internal and integrative medicine physician and founder of Fresh Medicine.
Effects of Chia Seeds on Medication Absorption
Overall, because chia seeds have potential blood-pressure-lowering, antiplatelet and blood-sugar-reducing properties, there may be additive effects between chia and the medications that treat these conditions. In other words, your blood pressure or blood sugar may dip too low when you combine the two.
In terms of medication absorption, it's important to remember that chia is notably high in fiber. In some instances, you may get more fiber from eating chia than from taking a serving of a fiber supplement, depending on how much chia you're eating. And fiber can slow down the absorption of certain medications. If you routinely eat a lot of chia, ask your provider if you should space out the time between eating chia and taking your medications.
Precautions and Recommendations
If you are taking any of the above medications and want to incorporate chia seeds into your diet, there are a few things to consider.
First and foremost, consult with your health care professional when making any significant dietary changes, including taking supplements. You can also talk to your local pharmacist about any food-medication interactions you might run into on your current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications or supplements. Don't be shy about asking if chia seeds are safe for you.
If you have never eaten chia seeds before or haven't eaten them since starting any of the above medications, Graham recommends 'starting low and going slow.' Consume a small amount of chia seed and gradually increase your intake to a level you can tolerate with no issues.
Our Expert Take
Chia seeds are a nutrient-packed food rich in omega-3s, fiber and antioxidants. They also may interact with some medications, specifically those prescribed for high blood pressure, other cardiovascular conditions (antiplatelets and anticoagulants) and diabetes. If you are being treated for those health conditions, it doesn't necessarily mean you should avoid chia seeds. But talk to a health care professional about making chia seeds part of your diet; they may want to monitor you for any interactions or side effects.
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