Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsResearch on Flaxseed and IBSNutrition and Health BenefitsSide Effects of Flaxseed UseHow to Use and StoreFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Research on Flaxseed and IBS
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Side Effects of Flaxseed Use
How to Use and Store
Frequently Asked Questions
Constipationis one condition for whichflaxseed,also known as linseed, may offer benefits. The tiny seeds from the flax plant have a long history of medicinal uses because of their nutritional makeup.Flaxseed includes protein, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber (particularly soluble), and vitamins and minerals. Researchers have investigated ways flaxseed can address constipation and several other conditions.This article offers information about flaxseed. It will help you to make an informed decision on whether to add flaxseed to your diet, in order to easesymptoms of constipationand/or irritable bowel syndrome, including the IBS type with constipation (IBS-C).Bill Noll / Getty ImagesResearch on Flaxseed and IBSEmerging research suggests flaxseed may offer benefits in dealing with constipation. lt speeds up intestinal movement, with the results of one study of 90 people who added flaxseed flour to their diet showing an increased frequency of bowel movements.For people with IBS-C, there’s some consensus that flaxseed improves digestive health and eases symptoms. A tablespoon or two of flaxseed may help with constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. More research is needed to establish strong evidence, though.Flaxseed can help as a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.If you have other IBS types, likediarrhea-predominant IBS, (IBS-D) you may want to start with very small doses of flaxseed to allow your body time to adjust.You also may want to ask your healthcare provider about using flaxseed with other conditions in which some benefit has been demonstrated, such as constipation in people with diabetes.Can Constipation Be a Symptom of Diabetes?Nutrition and Health BenefitsWhen eaten in a ground form, flaxseed offers a wealth of healthful nutrients. Some research studies suggest evidence that flaxseed may work to:Improveheart healthLowercholesterollevelsLowerblood pressureReduce the risk of certain cancers (colon)Ease the symptoms ofmenopauseLarger studies need to be conducted before any firm conclusions can be made about the helpfulness of flaxseed and the nutrients it contains, like vitamin E andpotassium. Research continues on the benefits of flaxseed for treating obesity, high blood pressure, and a host of other conditions.Chia Seeds vs. Flaxseed: What Makes Each Uniquely NutritiousSide Effects of Flaxseed UseSome people may experience side effects from flaxseed use. Stomach upset is not uncommon and diarrhea may occur. Be sure to take your flaxseed in the recommended doses.It’s possible that flaxseed may make constipation worse in some people.It’s also possible that it can lead to diarrhea, so add flaxseed to your diet gradually to see how your body responds. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur.Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking flaxseed. As with other supplements and vitamins, it may affect other health conditions or the medications you take.Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of an omega-3 fatty acid derived from plants, known asalpha-linolenic acid(ALA). Yet your body doesn’t produce enough of the necessary enzymes to use it effectively, and only about 10% to 15% of ALA is available to deliver health benefits from the supplement.It’s one reason to be sure you know what’s in your flaxseed products and how they work.What Omega-3 Fatty Acids Do for Your Health, According to a DietitianHow to Use and StoreYou have the option to buy flaxseed pre-ground or to use a small coffee grinder to grind your own. Keep in mind that flaxseed oil lacks fiber and some of the other nutritional benefits of flaxseed in its seed form.Make sure to drink lots of water when consuming flaxseed. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your daily diet:Sprinkle ground flaxseed on cereal or yogurtAdd ground flaxseed to baked goodsAdd ground flaxseed to smoothiesFold ground flaxseed into your favorite meatloaf or sauce recipesIt is important to consider shelf-life requirements when deciding which form of flaxseed to use. Whole flaxseed has a shelf life of up to one year. Ground flaxseed should be refrigerated and used within a few months.Flaxseed oilshould be stored in the refrigerator.SummaryFlaxseed, the tiny seed of the flax plant, also is known as linseed and has a long history of medicinal uses. It may offer benefits in treating constipation and certain IBS symptoms.Some studies have shown that, beyond the digestive system, flaxseed also may offer heart health benefits, limit the risk of certain cancers, and ease menopause symptoms. Yet more research is needed to confirm the benefits of flaxseed products.Always discuss flaxseed use with your healthcare provider. They need to be aware of supplements you take, including vitamins and minerals, to ensure safe outcomes given your underlying medical history and the medications you may already be taking.Frequently Asked QuestionsStart with a small amount, about 1 teaspoon, to avoid an upset stomach. Thenwork up to 1 tablespoon a day, which will give you the recommended intake of fiberplus other nutrients to stay regular and healthy overall.Learn MoreCancer-Fighting Power of FlaxseedThere is research showing that flaxseed is an effective laxative.You’ll probably see the results and loosening of stool within 12 to 24 hours after taking flaxseed. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to help relieve the constipation.Learn MoreTypes of Laxatives
Constipationis one condition for whichflaxseed,also known as linseed, may offer benefits. The tiny seeds from the flax plant have a long history of medicinal uses because of their nutritional makeup.
Flaxseed includes protein, omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber (particularly soluble), and vitamins and minerals. Researchers have investigated ways flaxseed can address constipation and several other conditions.
This article offers information about flaxseed. It will help you to make an informed decision on whether to add flaxseed to your diet, in order to easesymptoms of constipationand/or irritable bowel syndrome, including the IBS type with constipation (IBS-C).
Bill Noll / Getty Images
Emerging research suggests flaxseed may offer benefits in dealing with constipation. lt speeds up intestinal movement, with the results of one study of 90 people who added flaxseed flour to their diet showing an increased frequency of bowel movements.
For people with IBS-C, there’s some consensus that flaxseed improves digestive health and eases symptoms. A tablespoon or two of flaxseed may help with constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. More research is needed to establish strong evidence, though.
Flaxseed can help as a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.If you have other IBS types, likediarrhea-predominant IBS, (IBS-D) you may want to start with very small doses of flaxseed to allow your body time to adjust.
You also may want to ask your healthcare provider about using flaxseed with other conditions in which some benefit has been demonstrated, such as constipation in people with diabetes.
Can Constipation Be a Symptom of Diabetes?
When eaten in a ground form, flaxseed offers a wealth of healthful nutrients. Some research studies suggest evidence that flaxseed may work to:
Larger studies need to be conducted before any firm conclusions can be made about the helpfulness of flaxseed and the nutrients it contains, like vitamin E andpotassium. Research continues on the benefits of flaxseed for treating obesity, high blood pressure, and a host of other conditions.
Chia Seeds vs. Flaxseed: What Makes Each Uniquely Nutritious
Some people may experience side effects from flaxseed use. Stomach upset is not uncommon and diarrhea may occur. Be sure to take your flaxseed in the recommended doses.
It’s possible that flaxseed may make constipation worse in some people.It’s also possible that it can lead to diarrhea, so add flaxseed to your diet gradually to see how your body responds. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are taking flaxseed. As with other supplements and vitamins, it may affect other health conditions or the medications you take.
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of an omega-3 fatty acid derived from plants, known asalpha-linolenic acid(ALA). Yet your body doesn’t produce enough of the necessary enzymes to use it effectively, and only about 10% to 15% of ALA is available to deliver health benefits from the supplement.It’s one reason to be sure you know what’s in your flaxseed products and how they work.
What Omega-3 Fatty Acids Do for Your Health, According to a Dietitian
You have the option to buy flaxseed pre-ground or to use a small coffee grinder to grind your own. Keep in mind that flaxseed oil lacks fiber and some of the other nutritional benefits of flaxseed in its seed form.
Make sure to drink lots of water when consuming flaxseed. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your daily diet:
It is important to consider shelf-life requirements when deciding which form of flaxseed to use. Whole flaxseed has a shelf life of up to one year. Ground flaxseed should be refrigerated and used within a few months.Flaxseed oilshould be stored in the refrigerator.
Summary
Flaxseed, the tiny seed of the flax plant, also is known as linseed and has a long history of medicinal uses. It may offer benefits in treating constipation and certain IBS symptoms.
Some studies have shown that, beyond the digestive system, flaxseed also may offer heart health benefits, limit the risk of certain cancers, and ease menopause symptoms. Yet more research is needed to confirm the benefits of flaxseed products.
Always discuss flaxseed use with your healthcare provider. They need to be aware of supplements you take, including vitamins and minerals, to ensure safe outcomes given your underlying medical history and the medications you may already be taking.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStart with a small amount, about 1 teaspoon, to avoid an upset stomach. Thenwork up to 1 tablespoon a day, which will give you the recommended intake of fiberplus other nutrients to stay regular and healthy overall.Learn MoreCancer-Fighting Power of FlaxseedThere is research showing that flaxseed is an effective laxative.You’ll probably see the results and loosening of stool within 12 to 24 hours after taking flaxseed. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to help relieve the constipation.Learn MoreTypes of Laxatives
Start with a small amount, about 1 teaspoon, to avoid an upset stomach. Thenwork up to 1 tablespoon a day, which will give you the recommended intake of fiberplus other nutrients to stay regular and healthy overall.Learn MoreCancer-Fighting Power of Flaxseed
Start with a small amount, about 1 teaspoon, to avoid an upset stomach. Thenwork up to 1 tablespoon a day, which will give you the recommended intake of fiberplus other nutrients to stay regular and healthy overall.
Learn MoreCancer-Fighting Power of Flaxseed
There is research showing that flaxseed is an effective laxative.You’ll probably see the results and loosening of stool within 12 to 24 hours after taking flaxseed. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to help relieve the constipation.Learn MoreTypes of Laxatives
There is research showing that flaxseed is an effective laxative.You’ll probably see the results and loosening of stool within 12 to 24 hours after taking flaxseed. Be sure to drink water throughout the day to help relieve the constipation.
Learn MoreTypes of Laxatives
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: a randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009Di Rosa C, Altomare A, Terrigno V, et al.Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): effects of different nutritional patterns on intestinal dysbiosis and symptoms.Nutrients. 2023;15(7):1647. doi:10.3390/nu15071647Damianos J, Nguyen L, Pimentel M.Fiber wars: are mixed soluble and insoluble fibers the answer for irritable bowel syndrome?.Gijournal. 2021;1(7). doi:10.52697/gijournal.v1i1.12Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: a randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;29:41-48. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.11.002Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017Deluca JAA, Garcia-villatoro EL, Allred CD.Flaxseed bioactive compounds and colorectal cancer prevention.Curr Oncol Rep. 2018;20(8):59. doi:10.1007/s11912-018-0704-zGhazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-83.Rizvi Q, Shams R, Pandey V, Dar AH, Tripathi A, Singh R.A descriptive review on nutraceutical constituents, detoxification methods and potential health benefits of flaxseed.Appl Food Res. 2022;2(2):100239. doi:10.1016/j.afres.2022.100239National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.Harvard Health Publishing.Why not flaxseed oil?.U.S. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central.Seeds, flaxseed.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: a randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009Di Rosa C, Altomare A, Terrigno V, et al.Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): effects of different nutritional patterns on intestinal dysbiosis and symptoms.Nutrients. 2023;15(7):1647. doi:10.3390/nu15071647Damianos J, Nguyen L, Pimentel M.Fiber wars: are mixed soluble and insoluble fibers the answer for irritable bowel syndrome?.Gijournal. 2021;1(7). doi:10.52697/gijournal.v1i1.12Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: a randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;29:41-48. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.11.002Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017Deluca JAA, Garcia-villatoro EL, Allred CD.Flaxseed bioactive compounds and colorectal cancer prevention.Curr Oncol Rep. 2018;20(8):59. doi:10.1007/s11912-018-0704-zGhazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-83.Rizvi Q, Shams R, Pandey V, Dar AH, Tripathi A, Singh R.A descriptive review on nutraceutical constituents, detoxification methods and potential health benefits of flaxseed.Appl Food Res. 2022;2(2):100239. doi:10.1016/j.afres.2022.100239National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.Harvard Health Publishing.Why not flaxseed oil?.U.S. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central.Seeds, flaxseed.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: a randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009Di Rosa C, Altomare A, Terrigno V, et al.Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): effects of different nutritional patterns on intestinal dysbiosis and symptoms.Nutrients. 2023;15(7):1647. doi:10.3390/nu15071647Damianos J, Nguyen L, Pimentel M.Fiber wars: are mixed soluble and insoluble fibers the answer for irritable bowel syndrome?.Gijournal. 2021;1(7). doi:10.52697/gijournal.v1i1.12Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: a randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;29:41-48. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.11.002Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017Deluca JAA, Garcia-villatoro EL, Allred CD.Flaxseed bioactive compounds and colorectal cancer prevention.Curr Oncol Rep. 2018;20(8):59. doi:10.1007/s11912-018-0704-zGhazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-83.Rizvi Q, Shams R, Pandey V, Dar AH, Tripathi A, Singh R.A descriptive review on nutraceutical constituents, detoxification methods and potential health benefits of flaxseed.Appl Food Res. 2022;2(2):100239. doi:10.1016/j.afres.2022.100239National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.Harvard Health Publishing.Why not flaxseed oil?.U.S. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central.Seeds, flaxseed.
Sun J, Bai H, Ma J, et al.Effects of flaxseed supplementation on functional constipation and quality of life in a Chinese population: a randomized trial.Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020;29(1):61-67. doi:10.6133/apjcn.202003_29(1).0009
Di Rosa C, Altomare A, Terrigno V, et al.Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): effects of different nutritional patterns on intestinal dysbiosis and symptoms.Nutrients. 2023;15(7):1647. doi:10.3390/nu15071647
Damianos J, Nguyen L, Pimentel M.Fiber wars: are mixed soluble and insoluble fibers the answer for irritable bowel syndrome?.Gijournal. 2021;1(7). doi:10.52697/gijournal.v1i1.12
Soltanian N, Janghorbani M.Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: a randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019;29:41-48. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.11.002
Parikh M, Netticadan T, Pierce GN.Flaxseed: its bioactive components and their cardiovascular benefits.Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(2):H146-H159. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00400.2017
Deluca JAA, Garcia-villatoro EL, Allred CD.Flaxseed bioactive compounds and colorectal cancer prevention.Curr Oncol Rep. 2018;20(8):59. doi:10.1007/s11912-018-0704-z
Ghazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Latifnejad Roudsari R, et al.Effects of flaxseed andHypericum perforatumon hot flash, vaginal atrophy and estrogen-dependent cancers in menopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2016;6(3):273-83.
Rizvi Q, Shams R, Pandey V, Dar AH, Tripathi A, Singh R.A descriptive review on nutraceutical constituents, detoxification methods and potential health benefits of flaxseed.Appl Food Res. 2022;2(2):100239. doi:10.1016/j.afres.2022.100239
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil.
Harvard Health Publishing.Why not flaxseed oil?.
U.S. Department of Agriculture: FoodData Central.Seeds, flaxseed.
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