Gradually eating more hydrating foods, and drinking an extra glass or two of water each day over a 3 day period can help to hydrate the body and muscles. But one of my all time favorite foods for prehydration is chia seeds. A staple food of both Native American and Mexican cultures, chia fueled the Aztec warriors as they went to battle. The book Born to Run, written by Christopher McDougall, tells the story of how chia seed, known as ‘the running food,’ could sustain the Tarahumara barefoot runners in Mexico on regular 50-100-mile runs. McDougall compared chia to a ‘smoothie of wild salmon, spinach and human growth hormones.’ In addition to incredible stamina, the Tarahumara also enjoyed longevity and mental health, very likely related to their consumption of chia seed. Naturally high in omega 3s, chia is also covered in a very unique soluble fiber. Unlike the soluble fiber of oats or flax seed, chia’s fiber is hydrophilic – meaning it can absorb approximately 10-12 times of it’s own weight in water*. When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they soak up the water and turn into a gel. Being hydrophilic means that chia prolongs hydration and retains electrolytes in body fluids which protects against dehydration and promotes endurance and recovery – exactly what an athlete needs! Chia seed might also give an athlete an edge – over time naturally boosting endurance, stamina and energy. Check out this photo gallery of chia seeds. Learn how chia seed can also naturally lower cholesterol.
*Because of it’s hydrophillic properties, it is important to consume chia seed with plenty of water or a liquid to ensure that the seed is not soaking water internally from your body. Ideally, chia seed is soaked in water for 10 minutes before it is consumed.