Ground flax seeds

2169 Views 13 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Joyous, Jul 23, 2000

Discussion Starter · Jul 18, 2000

Hi !I went to my local health food store today. And the lady at the counter told me to take ground flax seeds (organic Gold Top brand) in a glass of water before going to bed. Usualy I do no eat anything with fiber. It makes my tummy sick. She said that flax seeds don't do that.And she said that was really bad to take modulon and imodiim that I should only used natural products. Because IBS can lead to colon cancer and other bowels disease. She said that the mixture of flax seeds keeps the flore in our intestins clean and makes us absorb more nutrients. Because like me when you have D all the time you don't keep any vitamines in your body ?Should I try it.... i'm scared...

maybe I should wait for the weekend....I bought it for $7.00cnd for 500g.I tsp a day.Let me knowMiche :0

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Discussion Starter · #2 · Jul 18, 2000

Miche,First of all, the lady who told you that IBS leads to cancer is wrong. That is not a fact as established in many studies historically.Secondly, I can tell you that flax seed has a very significant laxative effect, so if your problem is diarrhea, I would not try the full dose the first time you take it...it's hard to say what will happen...it does, indeed have a laxative effect, though.What symptoms are you especially trying to relieve...diarrhea only, or others as well?

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JeanG

· #3 · Jul 18, 2000

Hi Miche:Like Joyous said, she was very wrong about IBS leading to cancer. It just doesn't!There are a few people on the BB who use flax seed or sprinkle it over cereals, etc, and they swear by it. I've used fiber supplements with flax in it and was pretty satisfied.As Joyous also said, start slowly with it, and remember to drink a lot of water.JeanG

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 18, 2000

HI !Thanks for your reply. I think I will wait for the weekend to try it.She said that it wont make me sick (D)I have cramps (very bad) I stay most of the time at home because I have D or really bad cramps.I have read before that people with IBS are more likely to get other bowel diseases then people with no IBS. Is that true ?Than if you said that flax is a GREAT laxative than it's not for ME !!! I need something to get C.Thanks !!!!!!!

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lk

· #5 · Jul 18, 2000

Ground flax is not really a laxative, its more of a bulking fibre. That means it helps people with D and C. It works the same as taking metamucil or Citrucil, but without as much gas. Try a small amount to start off though just in case. It tastes good in applesauce - pretty gross in water though! But do drink a glass of water with it.A lot of people on the board here use fiber and calcium suppliments to control D. Its probably not really good to take immodium every day. Check with your doctor - and try taking a look at some other posts here.Good Luck

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SteveE

· #6 · Jul 18, 2000

I've had mixed results with flax products. There used to be a waffle made by Lifestream products which was made with flaxmeal. It seemed to help my condition tremendously. Suddenly, they changed it to a flaxseed waffle--in other words, flaxseed was simply sprinkled on top. This didn't seem to go over well with my gut and was difficult to eat...the waffle would fall apart and the seeds were rather hard.As a replacement, I tried to consume some ground flaxseed, but oddly enough it gave me the symptoms I get when I take psyllium products...gas, pain, D etc.I called Lifestream to ask why the change and they indicated that flaxmeal is very prone to going bad and they had to stop selling it that way for saftey reasons.

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 19, 2000

I started taking flax seed OIL a couple of weeks ago and it changed my life as far as IBS (I'm C type) My attacks came every week and sometimes I would be laid up for 2 days because I felt like my whole systems was toxic. I would bloat up and not be able to pass gas or stool. Now I have ventured out into trying foods I had stayed away from and I may get gas...BUT I can pass it and no more pain or toxic aftermaths! I take 2 tbl at night (yuk). My sister-in-law has celiac (or siliac?) disease - intolerance to gluten or wheat products with terrible D and she has gotten it under control with diet, but she does take flax seed every day without it causing D.

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 19, 2000

I add ground flax seed to my fruitsalad and Bulgarian yoghurt breakfast ... it's nice and nutty tasting. I also add some to my salads along with sun flower seeds.Roz

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HipJan

· #9 · Jul 19, 2000

Ground flaxseed and/or flax oil is supposed to be good for both C and D types. I consume a bit of it each day. Is beneficial in other ways, too. Ya can't believe everything ya hear in a healthfood shop, though -- such as IBS leading to cc, hmmmmm!

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Discussion Starter · #10 · Jul 19, 2000

There is a bakery in our town which specializes in flax seed bread - now I know I have to try it - going today to buy some... I'll let you all know.... Stomach Troubles

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caca

· #11 · Jul 20, 2000

I met a nutritionist who specializes in hollistic nutrition. she suggested that I take flaxseed as well to help with IBS. I am D. type. However, she suggested that I grind it myself as the ground flaxseed has a shelf life of only 4 days.

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Batty

· #12 · Jul 20, 2000

If you are D type like me I would be hesitant as to taking anything that will be a laxative affect. Have you had your gallbladder out? I did and this is what has caused my D. I have a medicine for it called Questran. It works for this type of D. Also have you tried the calcium? See LNAPE's post for more information. And one more thing have you tried a Fiber supplement. These worked for me before the Questran as they bulked up my stools and made them more formed. I took Metamucil. It worked the best for me.

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HipJan

· #13 · Jul 21, 2000

I believe some clarification is needed:I think that saying flax has a laxative effect might not be quite accurate -- at least, I don't believe flax should be avoided for that reason. Yes, maybe, if you're gonna overdo it. First, the oil from flaxseed MIGHT have a slight laxative effect. But you don't even get a whole lot of oil from ground flaxseed unless you were to consume a vast quantity of it (which I'm sure the average person wouldn't do). Second, C and D types, supposedly, can both benefit even from pure flax oil (in addition to ground flaxseed) -- though it can soften stools a bit, esp. if overconsumed. However, look at all the other oil and saturated fats that may be in your diets! Why not reduce the "bad" oil and fat and add "good" oil -- such as omega-3 (found in flax and fish oil) and to some degree omega-3 and monosaturated oil such as olive oil? Our culture seems geared to low-fat this and low-fat that -- sometimes to a dangerous degree. Yet, so many people in our culture sure consume a lot of burger and fries, etc., etc.! What I've learned is important is that the CORRECT type of fat be in one's diet -- for proper immune system function, etc., etc.Also, yes, flaxseed/oil doesn't have a long shelf life. You can keep ground seed in your fridge for a week or so; a lot of people freeze it til needed.[This message has been edited by HipJan (edited 07-21-2000).]

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Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 23, 2000

I am a big proponent of consuming flax seed products if/however you can. They are a tremendous source of Omega-3 fatty acids, and are VERY good for all of us. I heartily assert, however, that flax seeds, ground or otherwise, DO have a LAXATIVE effect on MANY people.

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