does eating flax seed cause upset stomach

nanainkent
nanainkent Posts: 350 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Thinking about adding Flax seed to my diet. Cannot do Omega 3 and don't want to do the flax seed oil supplements so wondering if the actual ground flax seed causes the stomach and GI upsets that I read about. And if it does, does it go away?

Replies

  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    What do you mean by stomach upset? Vomiting? Pain? Or just loose stool? The latter is possible as flax seeds release oils when wet (eg in your bowel) and coat faeces in said oil.
  • wow29
    wow29 Posts: 283 Member
    bump
  • Ke22yB
    Ke22yB Posts: 969 Member
    flax seed or fiber can do that I cut down dosage 25% first few days 50% etc and so my system adjusted and I was fine
  • ClementineGeorg
    ClementineGeorg Posts: 505 Member
    Every 3 months I eat flaxseed every night for a whole months for a couple of years (I don't like to overuse any `supliments`). They actually make my stomach less upset. No problems with the stool.
    I use 1-2 teaspoons a day, in function of what I can get in that day. I don't like to over-do-it, because I have other sources of fibers in my diet.
  • nanainkent
    nanainkent Posts: 350 Member
    loose stools I can handle, diarreha I can't, I also don't want nausea and bloating. Thats what I am wondering about. I read some articles online that talked about those symptoms (along with belching, gas and stomach pain) being common. I wanted to ask someone who actually uses it before I trusted an internet article.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    I mix it into meatloaf, homemade breads, spaghetti sauce, sprinkle it on salads, anywhere I can hide it. Haven't noticed any ill effects, not sure it helps either though.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I love flax! I got flax on flax on flax.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    I have a tablespoon everyday. It doesn't bother my stomach.
  • Aviva92
    Aviva92 Posts: 2,333 Member
    I have around a tablespoon with yogurt every day. Sometimes more. It never hurts my stomach. I love it!
  • triciag_81
    triciag_81 Posts: 5 Member
    I put 1/2 tablespoon in my smoothies every morning and it keeps me full longer and I have had zero negative side effects as you mentioned. Give it a try but start small.
  • ajh1014
    ajh1014 Posts: 80 Member
    I eat 3 Tbs in a smoothie every day. You may want to start with only 1 Tbs - depending on your current weight. If you have a Costco available to you, they carry a great bag of it already ground up.

    It does not effect my stomach at all.
  • samlankford
    samlankford Posts: 334
    I usually put 1-2 tbsp milled flax seed in my shake every morning.... Never had any issues and I have a VERY sensitive stomach...
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    Whole flax seeds can cause problems, but ground flax shouldn't be an issue unless you are taking in outrageous amounts.
  • girlflw
    girlflw Posts: 1
    Hi,

    Yes, flax seed can cause stomach pain and nausea after meals. I would suggest starting with a small dosages and increase it accordingly. I was throwing a small scoop on my smoothie and it caused me to have severe stomach pain, and whatever I ate I had to vomit. I then started to decrease the use. I just throw one spoon on my smoothie instead of a small scoop (2 spoons). I also do throw a spoon of flaxseed on everything I cook. But depending on your system it does cause GI.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    Thinking about adding Flax seed to my diet. Cannot do Omega 3 and don't want to do the flax seed oil supplements so wondering if the actual ground flax seed causes the stomach and GI upsets that I read about. And if it does, does it go away?

    I love flax seed. It doesn't upset my stomach.
  • VelvetMorning
    VelvetMorning Posts: 398 Member
    I make flax crackers and get super super bloated and it takes about three days to go away. I love flax crackers but I avoid them. :(
  • chai_masala
    chai_masala Posts: 51 Member
    It gave me a horrible IBS episode once when I ate it with greek yogurt. But then again, I have IBS. Test the waters and start small.
  • flakypuff8777
    flakypuff8777 Posts: 1
    I was having a tablespoon a day then went a week without it. Once I started again and had stomach pain about 30 mins afterwards.
  • KaiserNiner
    KaiserNiner Posts: 19 Member
    I love flax! I got flax on flax on flax.

    Lol :)

    Also, you're using whole flax seed or ground? I'm assuming ground.

    Chuck a tablespoon into half a glass of water.

    You'll see it's super absorbent.

    You need drink a decent quantity of water with it.
  • beautifulwarrior18
    beautifulwarrior18 Posts: 914 Member
    It can it has a lot of fiber in it.
  • michelleneli
    michelleneli Posts: 132 Member
    I have been using 2 tablespoons once a day for almost a year. No stomach issues for me. I feel better when I use it.

    Michelle in Ohio
  • Lettee4
    Lettee4 Posts: 81 Member
    i've never had any issues with flax seeds, and i eat it quite often. but its very high in fibre so if you arent used to lots of fibre maybe only have a little bit. i dont think a tablespoon a day would hurt anyone.
  • MANDallasTX
    MANDallasTX Posts: 36
    No one can tell you exactly how your body will react to Flaxseed. Start off adding it slowly to your diet and see how your body reacts.

    For Flaxseed to be effectively utilized by your body get the "Ground" Flaxseed or grind your own. Store the Flaxseed in freezer to keep it from going rancid.

    I eat Spectrum Essentials cold milled Ground Premium Flaxseed. It comes in a resealable foiled pouch. I add a HEAPing tablespoon to my Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt. A great combination.
  • MissBabyJane
    MissBabyJane Posts: 538 Member
    I started eating flax seeds (and flax oil) very recently and I don't have any problems. I actually feel great. 1 tbsp flax oil in the morning (after workout, before breakfast) and 2 tbsp milled flax seeds with dinner.

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