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Flaxseed bad for UC?

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Posted 10/8/2007 6:43 PM (GMT -8)
Is flaxseed and flaxseed oil bad for UC? The Mayo Clinic's Web site says people with IBD should avoid flaxseed due to possible laxative effects.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flaxseed/NS_patient-flaxseed

It's toward the bottom of the page, under the Side Effects and Warnings Sections.

I bought some ground flaxseed the other day before finding that site, but now I'm wondering if I should eat it or not. Any opinions?

Posted 10/8/2007 11:25 PM (GMT -8)
ground flaxseed would be adding fibre that doesn't agree with everyone. If you are bothered by that type of fibre, then it's not for you. You'll have to try it and see how you do with it.

How much are you planning to have....and how would you be ingesting it..?

Flax seed has both soluble and insoluble fibre...

quincy
Posted 10/9/2007 7:29 AM (GMT -8)
I guess I am OK with it - as I use it daily in oil form and at least once a week in seed form.  I guess we are all different!

Love to all here

bob 

Posted 10/9/2007 8:45 AM (GMT -8)
quincy - Probably a few tablespoons a week...not a huge amount. I have never really used it myself before, so I was going to experiment...stir it in oatmeal and other hot cereals...maybe put it in smoothies, muffins or soups. I had heard so many good things about Omega 3 so I thought I'd try it. I also want to bulk up my stool, so I am trying to add more fiber - through supplements and food.

I also have heard that flaxseed has Omega 6 in it and that Omega 6 is pro-inflammatory....so, would that also make it bad for UC?
Posted 10/9/2007 9:34 AM (GMT -8)
If you're not a vegetarian you could try using fish oil/cod liver oil in stead of flax oil. It will provide your body with the beneficial Omega fatty acids without the laxative effect. I am able to handle flax oil when in remission, but when I'm flaring it's a bad idea.
Posted 10/9/2007 9:51 AM (GMT -8)
Flax seed/oil is essential fibre for everyone, the only people who should be on a low fibre diet are those with crohns disease whom are suffering with strictures or obstructions for obvious reason...otherwise fibre is everyones friend...

The best way to add fibre of any kind into ones diet is by starting with a small amount taken EVERYDAY, so that your system can adjust...increasing slowly only if necessary.

For the record, adding fibre of any kind can cause bloating and gas which is normal, it's your system adjusting to it and this is why one should always start with a small amount making sure to take it daily or it takes that much longer for your system to adjust, this goes for healthy people as well, with no gastro health problems.

:)
Posted 10/9/2007 9:59 AM (GMT -8)
I've never had a problem with the oil.
Posted 10/9/2007 10:17 AM (GMT -8)
Thanks for the replies.

laurer - I am vegetarian, but maybe I'll cheat and take fish oil anyway if the flax doesn't work for me.

pb4 - Why do you think the Mayo Clinic said it's bad for UCers then? They don't have the warning on other fiber supplements, just on the flaxseed, b/c they say it can have a laxative effect. Thanks.
Posted 10/9/2007 10:47 AM (GMT -8)
Sara :)

I'm not sure why they would say that it was bad, fibre (both soluble and insoluble) are healthy and important for the digestive tract to work properly, especially for an unhealthy one...fibre naturally has a minor laxative effect so that food doesn't get you constipated, that's why fibre is good for both C and D, fibre helps bulk things up and move them along the tract, without it there are 2 consequences to suffer from, D and C.

I have crohns (at the moment specifically crohns-colitis, where my CD is affecting my colon) and I use a fibre therapy daily as directed to me by my GI and I also take omegas 3-6-9 along with my probiotics, vit A, C, B12 and bee propolis.

:)
Posted 10/9/2007 1:09 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks, pb4. Everything you said makes sense to me. Odd that they have that on their site. I guess I'll just try it and see how I feel.
Posted 10/9/2007 2:42 PM (GMT -8)
You're welcome :)

I find it so odd though, I understand with crohns when one is suffering with obstructions/strictures they have to make sure they're on a low-fibre diet, but still take in fibre none the less, so I don't really get why this would have been a warning for UCers....maybe it was a misprint.

Just keep in mind, it's normal for one to experiance gas and bloating when adding fibre, even if you're consuming fibreous foods and such, and increase can bring on gas and bloat which is normal (even for healthy people), it's key to add a small amount at a time, daily.

Good luck and keep us posted....and drink lots of water.

:)
Posted 10/9/2007 3:42 PM (GMT -8)
i've been gobbling up a tablespoon or two a day of flaxseed oil with no ill effects, and perhaps many good ones. I don't grind it myself-- just get the spectrum naturals brand from wholefoods (try the cinnamon flavored one-- it's actually good!)
Posted 10/9/2007 8:33 PM (GMT -8)
Unfortunately, I don't have a Whole Foods near me, but I'll keep that brand & flavor in mind next time I'm in a city that does. It sounds tasty. I mixed some ground flaxseed and some peanut butter into some oatmeal tonight and it was really good and filling.

I think I'm going to try to email a doctor on their Web site and ask them their reasoning behind their statement...I don't think it was a misprint, b/c they say it's b/c it has a laxative effect...but I don't really think that's true. Who knows...
Posted 10/10/2007 4:44 AM (GMT -8)
I take flax and am fine with it. Just (as always) make sure to drink plenty of water so your system stays hydrated and functioning. Hope it works!
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