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Can Flaxseed Relieve Constipation? How to Use, Side Effects and More

Flaxseed Can Be Used to Treat Constipation

Constipation is described as the inability to have a bowel movement or irregular bowel activity. Mostly lesser than three stools a week. It is a popular gastrointestinal condition and symptoms include hard, dry stools, abdominal pain, bloating and feeling sluggish.

Over-the counter drugs can be used to relieve constipation, but natural remedies such as flaxseed have shown effectiveness in most people.

Flaxseeds contain other important nutrients such as protein, magnesium, fiber and potassium. Flaxseed are great source of soluble fiber.

Soluble fibers dissolve in water and make stools less difficult to pass and softer. They are used to ease constipation linked with irregularity and digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease [6]. A table spoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.9 grams of fiber, 8 percent of daily value (DV).

When taken in ground form, flaxseed provides a variety of healthful nutrients. Several studies have been done on animals in labs and some preliminary researches with humans with certain conditions to prove that flaxseed can:

  1. Improve health
  2. Relive the symptoms of menopause
  3. Lower cholesterol levels
  4. Reduce the risk of certain cancers (colon, prostate and breast)

However, more studies need to done before any standard conclusions can be made about the usefulness of flaxseed for these health problems.

A study was done and it was discovered that 90 people with active constipation received either 50 grams of flaxseed flour per day or 15 millimeters (ml) of lactulose solution per day for over 4 weeks. After the study, these people experience increased bowel movement and the most significant relieve was in the people that used flaxseed.

The bowel frequency of these people increased from two movements per week to seven. The fatty acid in flaxseeds makes it an antioxidant substance and the fibers in flaxseed might also improve blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and blood pressure.

Another study was done on 53 participants with constipation and type 2 diabetes. They received over 10 grams of flaxseed pre-mix in their meals two times a day and a placebo for 12 weeks. After the study, results showed that the flaxseed cookies reduced the constipation symptoms, cholesterol, weight and triglyceride.