Flax and Chia Seeds

Flax and chia seeds are seeds that pack a nutritional punch.  Flax and chia seeds are available year-round at the grocery store and are usually found in the health foods section, the baking aisle, or by the nuts.  Flaxseed can be ground up to increase absorption in your body.  Store flax seeds and chia seeds in a tightly sealed container in your freezer to prevent spoilage.  You can enjoy both flax and chia seeds sprinkled into hot cereal or yogurt, on salads, or in baked goods and smoothies.

•  Contain healthy fats called omega-3s, which are good for your heart health 
•  Are high in fiber which helps to lower cholesterol, keep you full, and promote regular bowel movements and gut health
•  High in antioxidants, compounds that protect your body against damage and inflammation

Because flax seeds and chia seeds are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, they are healthy for all the following kidney conditions and treatments:

• CKD/Transplant
• Hemodialysis (3 times/week)
• Daily Home and Nocturnal Hemodialysis/Peritoneal Dialysis

• Chia seeds are high in oxalate.  If you have a history of oxalate stones, be sure to eat a high calcium food at the same time to decrease oxalate absorption.  Talk with your kidney doctor or dietitian to see if you  need to limit oxalates.

Source: Davita

Portions: 4

Serving Size: ½ cup plus berries

Ingredients:

2 cups vanilla almond milk (or cow’s milk, coconut, rice, nut milks, or oat milk)

½ cup chia seeds

For Topping:

¼ cup shredded, sweetened coconut

½ cup fresh blueberries

4 large strawberries, sliced

Preparation:

1. Mix milk and chia seeds together in a bowl.
2. Pour mixture into 4 separate dishes, stirring to evenly distribute the chia seeds.
3. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.
4. Top each serving with ¼ cup coconut flakes, ¼ blueberries, and 4 sliced strawberries and enjoy!

Nutrients per serving: (Varies by exact ingredients used)

Calories: 184 calories

Protein: 4 g

Carbohydrates: 22 g

Fat: 9 g

Cholesterol: 0

Potassium: 199 mg

Sodium: 94 mg

Source: Mayo Clinic

Number of Servings: Serves 18

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup flaxseed flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 2 cups shredded carrots (about 4 carrots)
• 2/3 cup raisins

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F. Sift wheat and flax flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices into a large bowl. Whisk until combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, brown sugar, honey, applesauce, olive oil and almond extract. Stir in lemon zest, carrots and raisins.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour batter into a lightly greased 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and bake at 375 F for 45 to 60 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into 1/2-inch slices.

Nutritional analysis per serving:

Serving size: 1 slice (1/2-inch thick)

This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.

Download the NKF Patient Flyer: Flax and Chai Seeds