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Chia Seed for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that mainly affects your skin. It may be red, itchy and irritated, or have white scaly patches. If you have psoriasis, you're probably eager to find a way to help the symptoms go away and keep them from coming back. Some people have used chia seeds to help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis. If you're suffering from this condition, it may be worth a try. Of course, you should check with your doctor before starting any herbal supplement or treatment.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are the seeds of the chia plant, Salvia hispanica, native to Mexico 2. The chia plant is in the mint family, and like other small seeds such as flax seed, chia seeds are nutrient-rich. They are preferable to other small seeds nutritionally because they are easier to digest, so that you get more of the nutrients. They can also be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. Chia seeds have been used as far back as Aztec times to treat skin conditions like psoriasis.
- Chia seeds are the seeds of the chia plant, Salvia hispanica, native to Mexico 2.
- The chia plant is in the mint family, and like other small seeds such as flax seed, chia seeds are nutrient-rich.
Psoriasis Symptoms
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The main symptom of psoriasis is irritated skin. Your skin may be red or pink and scaly or have white patches on it, and it may be sore or itchy. Males with psoriasis may have lesions on their genitals. Psoriasis can also cause sore, achy joints and heavy dandruff. Your fingernails may thicken, develop yellowish-brown spots, separate from the base or develop pits or dents in the surface.
- The main symptom of psoriasis is irritated skin.
- Your skin may be red or pink and scaly or have white patches on it, and it may be sore or itchy.
Chia Seeds and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid. According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids may help relieve the inflammation and irritation of psoriasis when used along with prescription medications.
Chia Seed Preparation
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If you're going to take chia seeds to try to help your psoriasis, you can prepare it a variety of ways. Chia seeds are flavorless, so you can grind them up and add them to baked goods such as muffins or breads. They can be added to puddings or yogurt, or simply add water to a cup of chia seeds and wait for it to turn into a gel and eat it with a spoon.
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References
- CNN Health: Are Chia Seeds a Superfood?
- Star-West Botanicals: Salvia Hispanica
- Seeds, chia seeds, dried. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, 2019.
- Chia Seeds. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
- What Are Chia Seeds. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Updated 2018.
- Kulczyński B, Kobus-Cisowska J, Taczanowski M, Kmiecik D, Gramza-Michałowska A. The chemical composition and nutritional value of chia seeds-current state of knowledge. Nutrients. 2019;11(6). doi:10.3390/nu11061242
- Gutiérrez S, Svahn SL, Johansson ME. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on immune cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(20). doi:10.3390/ijms20205028
- Improving Your Health With Fiber. Cleveland Clinic. Updated 2019.
- Imran M, Salehi B, Sharifi-rad J, et al. Kaempferol: A key emphasis to its anticancer potential. Molecules. 2019;24(12). doi:10.3390/molecules24122277
- García Jiménez S, Pastor Vargas C, De Las Heras M, Sanz Maroto A, Vivanco F, Sastre J. Allergen characterization of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica), a new allergenic food. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2015;25(1):55-6.
- Chia. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Updated 2019.
Writer Bio
April Fox has published articles about homeschooling, children with special needs, music, parenting, mental health and education. She has been a guest on Irish radio, discussing the benefits of punk rock on child development, and currently writes for several websites including Carolina Pediatric Therapy.