linseed/flaxseed

[annie-w]

Does anyone find taking linseeds helpful with constipation/bloating?

[Therapist1]

Hi Annie-w, 2 heaped dessert spoons of golden linseed soaked over night in a glass of water, stir and drink in the morning - absolutely excellent and a natural remedy for constipation. Not suitable if you have diverticulitis/diverticulosis though

[PatV]

I have tried the ground flaxseeds in smoothies, flaxseed meal on cereal and flaxseed oil in my morning OJ. I found the first 2 too stimulating and the third palatable and somewhat helpful. This is before I found out via colonoscopy that my only problem (besides PD) is diverticulosis. It appears I have a very stretchy colon and man, does it hurt when something is stuck! I will try above suggestion to pre-soak the seeds and see what happens. I'm taking a prescription for Linzess which is supposed to help the colon retain water. It worked until the colonoscopy and I'm having difficulty getting into a regular cycle. The GI suggested probiotics but I must have taken the wrong one because I was up all night with PAINFUL trapped gas.

[Therapist1]

Hi patv, I wouldn't take them soaked if you have diverticulosis as they can get caught in the pockets which is diverticulosis. Have you tried aloe Vera juice? Might be helpful and soothing for your GI tract

[Bibabunny]

Hello, I've been taking flaxseed for about a month after reading someone advise it on this website. I've found it's much better than laxatives, both for working to stop constipation and also for having normal poos (laxatives gave me stomach cramps and very loose stools). I suffered from constipation which often lasted up to 10 days, I've been regular since taking the flaxseed. I take 3 tablespoons almost daily, normally in yoghurt.

[sickandsore]

I take flaxseed, the milled flaxseeds, i found it in Holland and Barrat and i sprinkle it onto my oatibix in the morning, it tastes great and works a treat..so long as I drink lots of fluids, at least 1.5 litres of water or squash during the day. Ive taken to buying volvic flavoured water and i always aim to drink at least one big bottle a day that way i know I will be ok the next morning bowel wise!!

Like the post above i was put on so many different laxatives and my poor system was a mess, Ive gone right back to basics and natural remedys to solve my constipation. If for whatever reason im having a bad spell and dont go for a day or so i take senakot on top of the flaxseed but its rare that i need to do that.

Just please dont use if theres any chance you have diverticular disease, best to seek medical advice re that. My mum and brother have diverticular disease and they have been told not to eat seeds or fruit with pips as they can get lodged in the diverticular pockets and cause inflammation or abcess.