Flaxseed for Constipation

You need to buy a coffee grinder just for fresh-grinding flax seed and buy the WHOLE flax seed for it to be effective. Fresh ground flax seed (ground just before eating) is the only way to go...

I mix two table spoons of ground flax seed with a cup of yogurt and take it during dinner. Never had constipation since. I buy whole flaxseeds and grind them.

A year ago, my primary care doctor put me on flaxseed to lower my bad cholesterol. I use 3 tablespoons of organic ground flaxseed each morning on my oatmeal. It did pull my cholesterol down and also, I've no problem with constipation. I plan to continue using the ground flaxseed as a regular part of my diet.

I went to a Naturopath in March in desperation to solve severe GI problems following unrelated surgeries. I was losing weight and could not eat without unbearable upper and lower gas. The Naturopath put me on all organic foods starting with a protein handmade shake. This included a daily tablespoon of ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil. I had the first turnaround in 3 days after months of problems. It took three more months to make it back to normal foods, but I believe she (the Naturopath) saved my life. My cholesterol also has shown a drop. I plan on staying with the flaxseed program

Do you have to grind the flax seed before eating it?

I have been eating flaxmeal as a cereal substitute... about 1/4 cup with a bit of honey... cover with hot water and add some fruit. Banana is good or grapes or raisins... berries also. Haven't had a constipation problem since.

I have not yet had my cholesterol checked but I expect that that it will have improved also.

I pay too much for the flax meal but will try the above suggestion to get it in bulk at a health food store.

I've been using metamucil for years.Recently I've started grinding 2 tablespoons of flax seed and mixing it with metamucil and two teaspoons of pure apple cider vinegar (Braggs). I thought I must have a knot in my intestines but now for the first time in years things work like they should. I will probably stop the metamucil and see how it works. All in a glass of water. Don't forget that--I almost did.

I have been taking two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in orange juice for several years. It works for me. I buy it in bulk, grind it and freeze it, so it does not have to be ground just before using. You can also find it already ground in the refrigerator section of some supermarkets. It has come down in price as well.

Is flax seed safe during pregnancy?

I just learned that you need to grind the flax seeds to get the full benefit out of them. Dr Oz talked about this on Oprah last week.

I travel a lot and have devised this "One Two Punch" recipe for my chronic constipation. I mix about 3 cups of psyllium fiber with 1 tub (The "makes 2 Quarts" size) of lemonade flavored drink mix. (If you have high blood sugar or diabetes, the sugar-free drink mixes are better to use than fruit juices.) I drink 1 or 2 spoonfuls in a cup of water twice a day when I travel. That and a few prunes (also easy to travel with) keep things running smoothly.

I have been taking the flax seed oil capsules for about a year, and have no more problems with being constipated.

As a colon therapist, I see many people with chronic constipation. Once we have eliminated dietary issues, I will then try supplementation with the following...

Magnesium 400-600mg daily

CAPE Aloe capsules 1-2 at bedtime

Flax seed 2 Tablespoons ground every day

Probiotics (multi- strain). Yogurt doesn't count.

Reflorestation (a specialty pro-biotic enema that recolonizes the large intestine within 3 days)

All are safe... but less is better.. see what works for you.

Consider parasites, this is a very common finding in people with chronic constipation.

I have been having Irregularity problems for most of my adult life. This year it seems to be getting worse. I am a 44 y\o female and I have tried a variety of products. I was so happy when my employer had me read this article. I can't wait to go purchase a coffe grinder and flax seed, because natural is the way to Go. Wish me luck!!

I use about 1 tablespoon of flaxseed in a glass and fill it with water, leaving it for about an hour. The resulting stuff is a bit gelatinous but I divide it up between my other daily waters and it goes down a treat...seems a bit easier on the system than swallowing whole with water.
Romany

I recently bought flaxseed on line. Organic 2lb. bag with shipping-$8.40. I bought a small coffee grinder for $14.95. I just recently started using it. I've tried metamucil, senakot, lactulose, amitiza, miralax, activia, chewable fiber con tablets, citrucel, enemas, you name it I've tried it. I've had a colonoscopy and a stomach scan. My doctor says I just have chronic constipation. Which is nothing pleasant anyone wants to have. It really interferes with my daily life. I have a lot of pain and bloating. Sometimes it would be nice if I could just pass gas every now and then. I'm pray that flaxseed is my answer and I will let you know how it works out!

I have a family history of colon cancer which led me to the discovery of flax seed a year ago...it's sold in most produce departments...I grind it and store it in the freezer so it's always accessible. I am hooked and so is my family including my 2 year old granddaughter. I use it the most about 3 tablespoons a day...I sprinkle it on cereal, veggies, salads and meat. It has helped me lower my cholesterol, lose 33 lbs in the past year (along with exercise and lots of water). I am regular and the best news of all is I had my first colonoscopy done 2 weeks ago (age 44) and have a perfect colon (as my doc said).

A bag only costs a couple of bucks at the grocery store and it's truly a miracle seed. It needs to be ground, it's worthless unground because our bodies can't digest the seed. When I first began to consume it I was gassy but after a couple of weeks my body adjusted to the additional fiber and haven't had a problem since.

I highly suggest flax....My name is Linda S. and I approve this message :-)

OMG, I thought I was out in this world by my self with this Chronic Constipation. Medicines after medicines, doctors after doctors. Most things work only for a while. As I read some of the testimonials, I almost started to cry because so many were just like me. I am going today to the health food store and purchase some flaxseed to try.

what can be use for chron's desease?

I make what I call "my breakfast muffins" that call for 2 cups flour. I substitute 1 l/4 cups white flour with ground flaxseed and ground old fashion oatmeal. I have a coffee grinder just for that. Add fruits and nuts plus cinnamon and other regular ingredients and it is a great tasting muffin and laxative.

I had never had a problem with constipation until recently.
I talked to my Primary physician and he suggested a test for B12 levels. He said many older people have a B12 deficiency and this can cause constipation. My B12 level was low so I started B12 injections once a month and had good results. I talked with my gastrologist and he said he had never heard of giving B12 shots for constipation. I realize you do not encourage the use of medication but this is something for older people to check out.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY AS A CAUSE OF CONSTIPATION, BUT AGREE IT IS SOMETHING TO CHECK OUT.

I recently started having problems with constipation related to a new medication. In addition to treating me with needles, my acupuncturist recommended drinking a "tea" of ground flax seeds regularly. Raw seeds in the grinder as others have mentioned, then into a tea ball (or loose in the cup, if you like eating flax seeds - I do), then soak in near-boiling water. It's got a light, nutty flavor, and is soothing to drink in the evening. I don't notice that my system moves significantly faster, but stools are much easier to pass.

i have been useing flax seed [ whole] for constapation, is that safe? will it pass? i did not know you had to grind it.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: IT WILL NOT HARM YOU, BUT IT IS MOST EFFECTIVE WHEN GROUND.

I have been having constipation problems for over a year. I tried everything - active, more fiber and soluble fiber to my diet, soluble fiber supplement, Chinese herb medicine, exercise. Nothing really worked.
Then I finally tried flax seed. I brought ground flax seed before and it did not work. This time I use WHOLE flax seed and grind them right before taking them - 2 tbsp everyday with yogurt.

It works like a magic - I am no longer suffering constipation. The only problem I have sometimes is bloating - but it is much better than constipation.
Thank you for sharing the wonderful remedy!

What about flax seed oil?

Sprouts Markets have bulk Flax seeds for about $1.50 a pound. What an inexpensive way to go!

I treat my constipation with one of the following:
1. Flax seeds are super, I grind them too, because if you didn't they will leave your body as they entered :) but they will relieve constipation in any form.
2. one apple a day.
3. two pears a day.
4. Orange juice.
5. WATER.

I have limited time in the morning so I have been making a oatmeal/legume porridge with fruit for my breakfast and freezing in portions to quickly thaw and eat. I would love to add ground fax seeds but don't have the time to ground the seeds each morning to add. Can I grind the seeds and add them when I am cooking the original batch and freeze it all mixed in?

When I first got interested in flax seed I didn't know it was supposed to be ground. I developed a bad stomach.I had a colonoscopy and the Dr.said their is nothing growing in there but the lining is awful red. My first clue to quit taking whole flax seeds.

I was told that for constipation it is best to use whole flax seeds, not ground. Is this correct?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WHOLE FLAX SEEDS CAN NOT BE DIGESTED. YOU MAY FIND IT HELPFUL TO SIMMER A TABLESPOON OF FLAXSEEDS IN A QUART OF WATER AND THEN TAKE A FEW OUNCES DAILY OF THE STRAINED LIQUID.

My 10 year old son (about 100 pounds) has chronic constipation (always has from birth) and has tried everything with his doctor. Nothing seems to help him. At this moment we are out of our state (6 month job assignment) and he is having a bad episode. Nothing is working. Is 2 tablespoons the amount he would take also? Please help!