Early research shows that taking brown milled flaxseed daily for 12 weeks and making lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of fat and damage in the liver in adults with liver disease. Some research shows that taking flaxseed extract for 6 months reduces symptoms and hot flashes in postmenopausal women. It is not certain whether flax is effective in treating any medical condition. Flaxseeds are the golden yellow to reddish brown seeds of flax. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Flax is the product of Linum usitatissimum, a herbaceous plant which has been cultivated from the dawn of history. Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Some call it one of the most powerful plant foods on the planet. But it's unclear which form or dose of flaxseed works best. Quiz: What Do You Know About Vitamin B12 Deficiency? CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It is not known whether flax passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Other uses not proven with research have included enlarged prostate, heart disease, constipation, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, menopausal symptoms, weight loss, diverticulitis, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cancer (prostate, breast, lung, endometrial), and others. Flax is a blue-flowered plant grown in the cool, northern climate of the Western Canadian prairies and the Northern United States. This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or How might it work, and how good is the evidence? any herbaceous plant or shrub of the genus Linum, esp L. usitatissimum, which has blue flowers and is cultivated for its seeds (flaxseed) and for the fibres of its stems: family Linaceae the fibre of this plant, made into thread and woven into linen fabrics any of various similar plants Flaxseed may help reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist size in adults who are overweight or obese. This includes angelica (dong quai), capsicum, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, turmeric, and willow. Research suggests that blood levels of lignans, which are found in flaxseed and other foods, are not associated with endometrial cancer risk. Available for Android and iOS devices. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Similar findings were found for older men and women who took flaxseed extract. Flax is a tall, reed-like plant, with long fibers which make it easy to spin into thread. Other research shows that eating ground flaxseed reduces menopausal symptoms similarly to hormone therapy. A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Early research shows that using a warm poultice containing boiled flaxseeds on the hands might help to reduce pain in people with hand osteoarthritis who are also taking their regular medications. You can buy flaxseed in bulk — whole or ground — at many grocery stores and health food stores. High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Could Benefit Heart Health. A widely cultivated plant, Linum usitatissimum, having pale blue flowers, seeds that yield linseed oil, and slender stems from which a textile fiber is obtained. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. The health benefits of flax seeds come from the high amounts of fiber, antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids present in it. Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of lignan, an estrogen-like chemical compound that scavenges the f… The fine, light-colored textile fiber obtained from this plant. It also doesn't seem to help people walk farther before feeling pain. Avoid using flax together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others. Flaxseed is high in soluble fiber and in lignans, which contain phytoestrogens. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Narrowing of blood vessels that causes poor blood flow to the limbs (peripheral arterial disease). medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. packages. Early research shows that eating a muffin containing 25 grams of ground flaxseed daily for about 40 days reduces tumor cell growth in women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers believe this fiber binds with cholesterol in the intestine and prevents it from being absorbed. It's unclear if this effect significantly improves overall breast cancer outcomes. Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Flaxseed has been eaten as a food or used as a medicine since 5000 BC. It's also unclear if dietary flaxseed reduces the risk of breast cancer. Taking flaxseed might improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The flax plant is a slender annual that grows to 0.3 to 0.9 m in height. Taking at least 30 grams of flaxseed per day for at least 12 weeks seems to work best. health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. People eat more flaxseed and other lignan-containing foods don't seem to have a lower risk of heart disease. Consumer Version. Flaxseed oil is pressed from flaxseed. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments. Flax has been used until the 1990s principally for the fabrication of clothes (linen) and papers, while flaxseed oil and its sub-products are used in animal feed formulation (Singh et al. It is perennial and grows to a height of 2 to 3 ft.; it has blue flowers and very fibrous stalks. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? b. Find out here. Flaxseed comes from the flax plant, which is grown in countries all over Asia, Europe, as well as the Mediterranean. 2011). Diabetes. It's unclear if flaxseed help reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Flaxseed is a top source of particularly health-protective … A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Flax is a food and fiber crop that grows in Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean. Before using flax, talk to your healthcare provider. Although not all side effects are known, flax is thought to be likely safe for most people when taken by mouth. The following doses have been studied in scientific research: Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Watch Daily Interviews With Leading Experts. Similar to the hormone estrogen, phytoestrogens might have anti-cancer properties. These seeds are usually golden yellow to reddish-brown in colour and contain phytoestrogens, which is very similar to estrogen. However, research has shown that flax may not be effective in treating this condition. Eating ground flaxseed might help to reduce the inflammation in the colon and improve symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis. Flaxseed oil contains the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseeds also contain oil and soluble fibre. Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Early research shows that taking milled flaxseed daily doesn't improve blood sugar levels in adults with prediabetes. It may improve heart, skin, gut, and brain health, though much more research is required. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. Breast pain (mastalgia). Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Flax is a herbaceous annual. Research shows that consuming 40 grams of ground flaxseed daily for up to one year doesn't improve bone density in women. Flaxseed is a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Research on the effect of flaxseed on colorectal cancer risk is inconsistent. Build up of fat in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD). But more research is needed. Just one tablespoon of flax seeds contains 3 grams of fiber, … Early research shows that taking flaxseed extract daily for 6 months reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome. Taking whole or ground flaxseed by mouth seems to improve kidney function in people with SLE. Eating flaxseed in muffins or other foods seems to increase bowel movements in young adults and people with diabetes. Drink plenty of water each day while you are taking this product. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Do not use extra flax to make up the missed dose. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with flax does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Some research shows that consumption of lignans, which are in flaxseed, is not associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Generic Name: flax (FLACKS)Brand Name: Flax Seed Oil, Flax Oil, Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 24, 2020 – Written by Cerner Multum. Flaxseeds are the golden yellow to reddish brown seeds of flax. Flax seeds were grown over 5 000 years ago in temperate and tropical areas, where they were used for different purposes. The tough fibers of the latter, after the decay and removal of the softer woody and gummy material, make up the crude "flax." The therapeutic and health benefits of flax seeds are popular around the world. Flax Seeds Are Rich in Dietary Fiber. Flaxseeds are rich in a number of nutrients that benefit your health, including dietary fiber -- a type of carbohydrate important to digestive health -- and omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat essential for brain function. Other drugs may interact with flax, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Taking flaxseed by mouth seems to help reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, It is also a good and certified source of dietary fiber. Flax can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding. Cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Constipation. Flax is a food and fiber crop that came from Southern Europe and Asia. Osteoarthritis. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. The flaxseed oil dosage will vary depending on the product, but taking one to three 1,000 milligram flaxseed oil capsules daily is commonly recommended. A tablespoon of ground flaxseeds contains 2 grams of polyunsaturated fatty acids and 2 grams of fiber with just 37 calories. The seeds of the flax plant are a rich source of carbohydrates, oils and phytochemicals that can benefit your health. It also seems to improve quality of life. Early research suggests that taking ground flaxseed twice daily for 8 weeks during hemodialysis reduces total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Add flax milk or ground flaxseed to smoothies No matter which option you choose, flax is a foolproof smoothie add-in—just dump a small amount of … Flaxseed, also referred to as linseed is a leading and rich source of the much-needed by the body plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids. Benefits of Whole Ground Flaxseed Meal. Stop using flax and call your healthcare provider at once if you have: bloating, gas, stomach ache, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. interactions or adverse effects. flax Linum usitatissimum flax (flăks) n. 1. a. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. Prediabetes. High cholesterol. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you Flax should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. These seeds contain phytoestrogens, which are similar to the hormone estrogen, as well as soluble fiber and oil. If you are looking for an egg substitute to replace flax seeds, you have several options available aside from chia seeds. Monitor your blood sugar closely. start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment Flaxseed oil comes from ripened flaxseeds that manufacturers have cold pressed to extract the oil. It branches at the top and has small, pale green, alternating leaves. The seed from flax is full of disease-fighting compounds, including omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), fibre, lignans (which are … What Are the Benefits of Flaxseed Lignans?. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Overall, flaxseed’s effects on cholesterol and blood clotting may lower the risk of “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis). It seems to work the best in people with high cholesterol. It's unclear if taking flaxseed improves triglyceride levels. The difference in benefit might be due to the dose of flaxseed used. Flaxseed is high in potent antioxidants too. Do not take flax without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications: any medications for diabetes or high blood pressure; This list is not complete. Flaxseed comes from the flax plant (also known as Linum usitatissimum), which grows to be about 2 feet tall. Flax was introduced to North America from Europe and now grows widely in Canada and the northwestern United States. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide. A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke (metabolic syndrome). Flax has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and some autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). If you need surgery, dental work, or a medical procedure, stop taking flax at least 2 weeks ahead of time. It's unclear if flaxseed is beneficial for metabolic syndrome. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have: Flax is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use. For professional medical information on natural Flax has also been used to treat osteoporosis. Flaxseed may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. You can add wheat germ to oatmeal and other cereals, or you can use it as a topping for your yogurt. Taken before a meal, flaxseed fiber seems to make people feel less hungry, so that they might eat less food. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Another name for flaxseed oil is linseed oil. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Each branch is tipped with 1 or 2 delicate blue flowers that bloom from February through September. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Flaxseed also seems to reduce inflammation in people on hemodialysis. It also might help lower some fats in the blood. Taking flaxseed along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. From chia seeds new drug approvals, alerts and updates to make platelets, the blood cells in... 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