Is Flaxseed Oil Good For Constipation?
Flaxseed Oil For Constipation
Are you suffering from constipation? Are you tired of using OTC medications that don’t give complete results? Then flaxseed oil is something that can serve as a solution to your problem.
Flaxseed Oil – An Overview
Flaxseed is also called linseed, and it comes from the flax plant, which is an annual herb. It is a crop that is grown in all parts of the world. The ancient Egyptians used these chewy seeds for both food and medicine. Flaxseeds are high in fiber, and are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Studies have proved that flaxseed is very healthy and reduces your risk of contracting various life-threatening diseases.
The seeds from the flax plant are crushed to derive oil from it that is called the flaxseed oil. Though this oil may not contain all the benefits of flaxseed, yet it is considered to be healthy and has a lot of healing properties. This oil contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linoleic acid that reduce inflammation.
Flax seed oil is very delicate and gets oxidised very fast, and hence, cannot be used for cooking. But it is nutrient rich plant-based oil that can be added to food after cooking.
Flaxseed oil is available in both liquid and capsule forms and is used in the treatment of arthritis, high cholesterol, and also for fighting against cancer.
Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil
- Flaxseed oil contains a significant amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- A diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains is good for reducing the level of cholesterol in our body. Along with that, the addition of flaxseeds also helps to promote a healthy heart. Omega-3 present in flaxseed oil helps to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the body.
- Omega-3 fatty acids and lignans present in flaxseed oil enable the body to fight against cancer. Alpha linoleic acid present in this oil inhibits tumour growth.
- It also helps to improve kidney function in people affected with lupus.
- Flaxseed oil contains omega-3 that is very well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it can be used as a treatment for arthritis. It can be taken daily as oil or in a capsule form.
Flaxseed Oil And Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive complaint due to which a person may experience infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in cleaning the bowels. It can be hard or painful too. It may be caused by not taking enough of fiber or fluids in the daily diet, or due to some medications.
Many people use laxatives to get relief from constipation, but they have side effects. Overuse of laxatives can cause your bowels to not work properly. So it is better to use natural laxatives like flaxseed oil that gives relief from constipation without any unwanted secondary effects.
While flaxseeds are a well-known remedy for constipation with their high fiber content, the oil obtained from them also promotes healthy digestion and gives relief from uneasiness caused due to constipation. Flaxseed oil is good for colon health and aids in the reduction of hard stools. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, manganese, copper, phosphorous and vitamin B6.
Is flaxseed oil good for constipation? Not much research is conducted in this area that gives a clear evidence of the benefits of flaxseed oil. More research needs to be conducted to find out the effectiveness of flaxseed oil in treating constipation.
How To Use Flaxseed Oil For Constipation
Add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil to a glass of juice or smoothie that you have early in the morning. You can also mix it along with your salad dressing if you don’t like juices or smoothies.
You can also directly take one spoonful of oil early in the morning. It is said that mixing the oil along with the food enables the body to absorb the oil better.
Flaxseed oil is a lipid that stimulates the gallbladder to release bile. Bile contains bile acid, which is very important for digestion and absorption of fats in the intestine. So, when bile enters our duodenum, the gallbladder gets stimulated, thereby releasing some amount of bile. Bile is a natural laxative, which softens the stool, and speeds up the movement of stool through the colon.
You can consume up to 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day. But never take a larger dosage of the oil than mentioned on the package by the manufacturer.
Side Effects Of Flaxseed Oil:
Some studies have proved that flaxseed oil may cause premature birth, and hence pregnant ladies should avoid the intake of this oil.
People with bleeding disorders must consult their doctors before using this oil. Otherwise, there might be chances of severe bleeding.
If you are on medication for diabetes or other hormonal problems, then it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking flaxseed oil.
Conclusion
Flaxseed is a fibrous seed from which the flaxseed oil is extracted. While extracting the oil, the fiber is discarded, which makes it less beneficial compared to flaxseeds. Whole grains are always a better choice as they contain whole fiber and other healthy components.
Natural flaxseed oil also contains fiber (though in a lesser amount) that helps in the digestion of food. It is packed with health benefits that cannot be neglected. Flaxseed oil can also be considered as a remedy for constipation, but always take care of the dosage mentioned on the package. Talk to a doctor and try to incorporate it into your daily routine.