How to use flaxseed?

[gc1379]

I have heard good things about flaxseed helping with constipation but what is the good recommended amount to take? They also have flaxseed meal and oil, which one would you recommend? And how can i use it to help with constipation?

[Georgiana]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

I have heard good things about flaxseed helping with constipation but what is the good recommended amount to take?

There's no exact recommended amount. I would make a muffin in a minute or pancakes... and have 1-2 extra glasses of water (on top of your usual water consumption).

They also have flaxseed meal and oil, which one would you recommend?

Well, flax oil doesn't have fiber. Extra fat might help with constipation though.

I'd still have a muffin or pancakes... not oil.

[Elizellen]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

I have heard good things about flaxseed helping with constipation but what is the good recommended amount to take?

As for amounts on induction to prevent/cure constipation Dr Atkins said

I recommend that you take one tablespoon of psyllium husks daily. Be sure to select a sugar-free product. You can also take one tablespoon of coarse wheat bran or flaxseed meal. Although it's derived from grain, coarse bran is pure fiber and therefore it too contributes zero to your carb count. Psyllium husks should be mixed with water. You can sprinkle bran over your vegetables or blend flaxseed meal into a shake.

To get the benefits of flax seed you do need to grind it or the seeds will just go straight through you untouched (ouch), I use an old coffee grinder t do this.
There are many recipes around that use flax (linseed in UK) - the one Georgiana mentioned contains 4 tablespoons of ground flax so is too large an amount to start with - maybe split the recipe between 2 small cups and make 2 muffins.

[Georgiana]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

As for amounts on induction to prevent/cure constipation Dr Atkins said

Actually, that quote is from Chapter 8, section Supplementing With Fiber. To use fiber as a cure for constipation (which is what the OP is looking for, if I understand her posts in the Metamucil thread correctly), Rule #12 of Induction applies:

12. If you are constipated, mix a tablespoon or more of psyllium husks in a cup or more of water and drink daily. Or mix ground flaxseed into a shake or sprinkle wheat bran on a salad or vegetables.

4 tablespoons of ground flax so is too large an amount to start with

Not according to Rule #12, in which there is no upper limit for flax.

Since flax is rich in soluble fiber, 4 tablespoons of flax meal might cause a scale hesitation, as the fiber is moving through the body. Also, since flax is high in calories and fat, one should make sure one does not overeat.

I've seen people have good results with the muffin in a minute. Only few experience problems from the amount of fiber in a muffin, and those indeed need to add fiber gradually.

[liv]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

Not according to Rule #12, in which there is no upper limit for flax.

How much flax do you think will nicely fit in a shake and still make it OK. I often add wheat bran to my pumpkin shakes and I think there must be an upper limit to it

Anyways if you are constipated flax may not be the best thing. It is not for me. Flax just further clogs me up. I try vegetables, exercise, water or magnesium.

[Georgiana]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

How much flax do you think will nicely fit in a shake and still make it OK.

There's no mention of the "two tablespoons" upper limit in DANDR.

[liv]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

I think if you are constipated and you eat a lot of flax seeds you have to be a bit careful. Drink tons and tons of water for sure.

I am adding this about the two tablespoons. (I know it does not really help us understand how many tablespoon flax Atkins though we could have with constipation but it does explain where the two tablespoon recommendation comes from). On page 193 in my book (this is in chapter 23 a subchapter called "Additional Advantages") Atkins writes

For constipation: My preference is psyllium husks. Start with one tablespoon in a large glass of water and increase or decrease the dose until the desired result occurs. Or sprinkle one or two tablespoons of oat bran or wheat bran (if you're not allergic to wheat) over your vegetables or salad. Increased exercise and increased water consumption also help relieve constipation.

[gc1379]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

Thank you all for the nice suggestions and information. Can someone tell me how to use flaxseed for pancakes?

[liv]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

There is a recipe here

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/main-dishes/40909-flax-seed-pancakes.html

[gc1379]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

I have tried the flax seed muffin and it was absolutely delicious ( i used one tablespoon of flaxseed) If this does work do you know how long I have to wait for it to work (I am drinking plenty of water)

[liv]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

So how long since you last went? Do you feel constipated or do you think you are constipated because it has been a while?

[gc1379]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

Like almost 5 days. I drink plenty of water, eat my veggies, exercise, take vitamins & also fish oil. I don't know whats wrong. Today i made the flaxseed muffin and im drinking water for it too. I feel constipated

[liv]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

Keep drinking water and see if something happens. If you have no luck you may have to take a product. I use either magnesium or mineral oil.

[gc1379]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

do you take magnesium pills or what?

[liv]

Re: How to use flaxseed?

Yup that is what I do.
But I only get constipated if I overdo iron supplement. I eat so much veggies on Atkins and combined with water and running I rarely have any issues.