Problems taking linseeds

I suffer from IBS Constipation. Went to a dietitian 10 days ago and was asked to follow the fodmap diet. My symptoms have gone after 20 years of misery. She also told me to take linseed. I used to without seeing much difference. Have you not been told about the FIDMAP diet. For me, it’s a miracle.

Linseeds are hailed as the golden ticket for IBS sufferers - this is sometimes not the case at all. They make my symptoms much much worse.

Sounds familiar - linseed also gives me serious pain! Dieticians seem to love them!

Linseed alone doesn’t help for me. You need to take a high amount of magnesium citrate or oxide. About 800mg. I have had Ibs c almost my whole life and am now in my fifties. This is the best natural supplement to take for this condition and I have tried many. Even my consultant recommended it. I take it every day. You must take it on an empty stomach just before bed with lots of water. I would start with a high dose initially just to clear you out. Even if it means taking a few capsules. I sometimes take 6 200mg capsules. Capsules are the best not tablets and it has to be citrate or oxide as these are the ones that work for constipation. There is a lot of information about constipation and magnesium on the internet. The ones I take are either Now foods Magnesium citrate, Solgar Magnesium Citrate or Life extensions. I get mine from the US on a site called iHerb, but you can get them on Amazon. There are other magnesium oxide products specifically for colon cleansing called Mag 07, Colosan and Oxypowder. They are a bit expensive but are amazing. I use these in between. No cramps no bloating, just relief. You can get these on Amazon as well. By the way I also follow a low fodmap diet through a dietician but this alone does not help constipation.

Do you soak the linseeds first? They used to work wonders for me (sadly not anymore), but I took the whole linseeds, not milled, and had to soak them in water first. I used to mix them with mashed banana - not the nicest but it got them down!

I have the same problem with incomplete evacuation and, as for others who have replied, linseeds did me no favours.

I agree with Pat1 about colon cleansers - they're so much more effective than laxatives. However, magnesium didn't work for me so, on the advice of another forum member, I now use Aloe Pura Colon Cleanse tablets. As I'm not very big, I just take 1 of these a night instead of the recommended dose of 2 and the difference they've made has been incredible; they're available from Holland & Barrett and are very reasonably-priced.

Cat

I know chia seeds can have a laxative effect too, plus if you soak them overnight they burst and create a gel like substance. I know a friend who uses this as a thickening agent instead of flour in gravy type dishes or put them in with gluten free overnight oats, salads etc

You could also try looking at the Fast Tract diet. There's a book called Fast Tract digestion, an app and there's also a website and a Facebook group. I used to follow low FODMAP which sort of worked and I took linseeds but this Fast Tract diet has been a revelation and although I'm not perfect it is so much easier and my life has changed over the last year. It is like the FODMAP but reduces the amount of fibre and carbs. It works on a point system and I try to keep my points to 20 a day. Linseeds are 3 points per tablespoon therefore eat into your allowance for the day. After a while you don't need to count the points and can reintroduce things. For example last night I was able to have a burger and bap at the fireworks with no adverse consequences. Good luck. Also agree that we're all different so what works for one won't for others.

Thanks I`ll look at that

I find yakult works very well for constipation.

I would ask for a specialist opinion if it goes on as the doctor can refer you.

Also you may find it helpful to put your feet up on a platform - you can use books either side of the loo to help. This helps the bowel evacuate more naturally. There is a thing called a squatty potty which is just a platform (not a potty) you put your feet on but is does help evacuation for adults. Google it to see the reviews - ignore the silly cartoon which is selling a serious product.

Keep talking to the dietician that is treating you. Eventually you will find a solution that suits you as an individual.

Incidentally linseed works for me but only in combination with all the other adjustments my NHS dietician made to my diet.