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Supplement Guide: Flaxseed

[Flax, Flaxseed Oil, Linseed Oil ] Linum usitatissimum

Origin: Seed of the flax plant, containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and lignans (beneficial plant compounds, similar to fiber).

Dosage: Whole seeds, ground meal or flour, capsules or oil. Whole seeds must be ground into meal or flour; 30 g (1 ounce) daily. Capsules, available in 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg, no typical dosage. Oil, 1 to 3 tablespoons daily.

Claims: Eases symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Lubricates joints and lessens stiffness and joint pain. Lowers total cholesterol and reduces risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Improves hot flashes and dry skin.

What we know: Flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that can be converted to EPA and DHA (the active ingredients in fish oil). Flaxseed is a good source of fiber.

Studies: Lack of studies on whether flaxseed improves symptoms of RA, but omega-3 fatty acids are known anti-inflammatories. Mixed results about whether flaxseed or flaxseed oil can accelerate or slow progression of prostate cancer.

Fiber in flaxseed can impair absorption of some medications, and as flaxseed acts as a blood thinner, beware when taking blood thinners, aspirin or other NSAIDs. Flaxseed should be avoided if you have hormone-sensitive breast or uterine cancer, and used with caution if you have high cholesterol and are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs.

BLUE

04 Dec 2011, 09:32

I HAVE LYMES DIEASE AND MY JOINTS HAVE BEEN HURTING REALLY BAD
JUST WONDERING IF FLAXSEED WOULD HELP

Woody Woodward

17 Nov 2011, 11:31

I have taken flax seed for years as a cereal. I simply go to my local feed store, and buy a fifty pound bag for about 25 dollars, and that lasts me for 2 years. Flax seed is about one-third oil, so it must be continuously refrigerated. It can be ground to a fine powder in a coffee grinder. Eat it raw, mixing it with any liquid you like, or cook it combining it with something like rolled oats. Flax seed is a complete protein - has all the amino acids!! I have fantastic health and attribute part of that to the flax seed that I eat every day without fail!!

George A. Tasigiannis

13 Nov 2011, 19:54

Very important informations . Thank You.

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01 Nov 2011, 00:09

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Elizabeth Smith

15 Jul 2011, 14:43

I take flax oil. Like how I feel more energy etc.. I have a allergy to nickel. Taking flax oil,how does this effect that allergy?

Diane

24 Apr 2011, 21:13

To Oomesh, I am also allergic to NSAIDS. It's save to use flaxseed unless you are also allergic to Nickel which is a mineral and found in many veggies and grains.

vicki

16 Mar 2011, 09:52

Does the flexseed capsule work has well has the flaxseed meal? If so how much do you need nto take a day ??

Jeanne

09 Feb 2011, 19:49

Hi. I just purchased a large bottle of good quality flax oil capsules. Can anyone give me clarification on just how many 1,000 mg. capsules are safe to take on a daily basis. The bottle reads up to 6 per day. Is that overkill and would a less amount be as effective? Thank you

Oomesh

05 Feb 2011, 06:22

Hi everyone. Infact i am allergic to NSAIDs and my trainer has actually given me Universal Fat Burner which contains Flaxseed powder. Please if anyone can advise if I can take it without risk of allergy.

Thanks.

Cathy

24 Sep 2010, 10:19

My daughter age 11 has JRA affecting her hand joints, ankles and right knee. She is taking Methotrexate with only 50% reduction in inflammation. I started her on fish oil 1 teaspoon about 3 weeks ago. I am looking for addtional information on supplements for kids with JRA.
Thanks

Kathy

06 Sep 2010, 05:26

was grateful to receive this from a friend

Missy

18 Mar 2010, 17:58

Barbara, heating flax seed oil destroys the benefits of taking it. Poke around on the web and you'll find lots of evidence. If you want to take it in food, do it in cool food like smooties, etc.

Barbara

13 Mar 2010, 03:07

I was wondering if you cook flax seeds does it diminish their nutrients? Also could it mess up a drug test that I took ? I am currently on pain killers opana and percocet, my doctor gave me a drug test and now will not see me anymore and the only thing I can think is I have been eating flax seeds with almost all my meals (cooking it in my rice, pancakes, mixing it in hamburgers) does anyone know if it could have fouled up my test?? Because I am totally baffled of why he won't see me anymore.
Thanks
Barbara

cheryl

12 Mar 2010, 20:09

Want to start taking Flaxseed Oil Capsules, but I take 81 mg of Aspirin daily which is a blood thinner. Is it safe to take the Flaxseed anyway? Need it to help promote breast health. Recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

Rex

24 Jan 2010, 11:15

Ready to eat flax seeds provide fiber and omega-3 fatty acids both. You don't need to grind these seeds, just sprinkle on your favorite food or eat as snack. The seeds are brittle and break easily during chewing and digestion.

For more info go to:

http://nutraprointl.com

Ann

15 Dec 2009, 18:13

I have been taking flax seed oil mixed with cottage cheese now for one week and I have experienced a miracle, my arthritis has completely disappeared, I cannot beleive how different I feel, I encourage all of you to try it.

Tracey G

17 Jul 2009, 21:24

I have had a problem with constipation since I was in middle school. I would have to take a laxative to go to the bathroom at least once a week EVEN with drinking alot of water. I am now 36 and my Dr. said to try Flaxseed Oila to work for constipation.

It does and it keeps me regular with only 1 pill a day or every other day!!! It's awesome to take with medicine that stops you up. It is not like a laxitive more like a softener. HIGHLY recommended.

Verna

07 Jul 2009, 12:26

My opthamologist says that flaxseed oil not only helps with arthritis pain and inflammation, but daily use will increase lubricant tear production and protect dry eyes. (I have heard this from other eye doctors as well.)
I was not aware it thins the blood. How long before a surgical procedure is scheduled do you have to stop taking it? (vit E, fish oil, garlic, ginger, others also thin blood)
I use flax seed meal in place of wheat germ, since I have Celiac Disease, so how much of the meal is equivalent to the flaxseed oil?

Flax Oil

29 Jun 2009, 14:30

I have been using a vitamin supplement from Top Form Nutrition that contains Borage Seed oil, Flax Seed oil and Fish oil. It seems to work very well, i can feel an increase in energy.

Also i feel like im a little happier and in a better mood more often since taking it. Anyone else had similiar results taking a flax or fish oil supplement ?
http://www.mytopform.com/essential-fatty-acids.html

Jack Coykendall

16 Jun 2009, 13:51

I'am currently taking Simvastatin to
control my cholestrol. Can I take
FlaxSeed oil for my arthritis in my hips?
I've been told that it would help.

Jack

michele

15 Apr 2009, 18:24

Hi, I was reading this article on flaxseed. I am type 1 diabetic and have some form of arthiritis. I was wanting to treat my arthirits herbally. What is the compasrrison for and example 200 mg's of ibuprophen vs 1 or 2 tablespoons of flax seed. ( Does the epa and dha in flaxseed affect the body the same way as ibuprophen (inflammatory effect)would. I know that repeated doses of insaids can have and effect on your kidneys, but I was also reading where flaxseed can help nephritis in different forms of lupus. Please advise....

Thanks
Michele

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Supplement Guide: Flaxseed

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