Causes of Constipation and Flaxseeds

[vvicin02]

The last few weeks I have been adding flax seed meal to my granola (1 tsp) and salads (1 tsp) every day for health and to help with my constipation.
It seemed to help a little but has started to happen is that I developed some form of discomfort around my sternum area. I thought it might be some form of heart
burn or inflammation (like costochondritis from working out). Has anyone experienced issues with adding flax seed to their meals? I stopped it for a few days to see if it
helps with the discomfort. I really have a hard time believing it is related to that but I thought I would ask. Is there a better way to incorporate flax seed to meals which might
be more mild or are chia seeds better?

 

[Awol cast iron stomach]

I bake with both flax and chia seeds. I will put a tsp or 2 of chia seeds in water or a tbsp of chia in coconut milk to make chia pudding. 

I have not just sprinkled on my food as knowing my GI tract and my other tag along issues I require lots of water.

My daughter can use either sprinkled on her smoothie bowls etc. They do not bother her.

I have read in the past go slow if new to them and slowly increase. Also I have read some people ( on other forums/sites) have issues with flax they believe went rancid if not stored properly after opening.

Good luck. I hope you find some recipes that let you use both.

PS one other item helpful to gi you can use is psyllium husk. I also use it in my homemade baked goods 

Edited January 17, 2020 by Awol cast iron stomach
One more thought

[vvicin02]

Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it. I decided to give flaxseeds another go. I am starting with a low dose and so far so good. I really think the health benefits of chia and flax seeds are worth the try. Also, psyllium husk is next on my list of things to add to my baked good. Good information. Thanks

[Ennis-TX]

Try Ground Flax Seeds like by Gerbs Allergen Friendly Foods. Whole flax seeds do not break down well and can clump up. They might be irritating your gut, a ground version can be easier broken down and does not form rough clumps.

Psyllium Husk is good in baked goods but same thing used ground, and it will also clump up and slow digestion a bit. IT does really help to form some interesting textures and I use it in my Paleo Breads and for getting the tougher texture of dinner rolls.

Chia is another one I can not do as whole seeds, they tend to clump up and bother my GI tract, but using chia meal seems better again I get from that Gerbs Company.

BTW with constipation it might be related to Magnesium Deficiency if Celiac, see if any other symptoms line up, Magnesium Citrate like Magnesium Calm is best for this just use a good digital scale and try 2 grams and up the dose each day by 2 grams til you get loose stools later in the day then back it down 2 grams so it is about a normal BM. This is called dosing to tolerance and is useful if it is caused by magnesium deficiency.

[vvicin02]

I have been sprinkling a little chia seeds (from costco) on my toast and granola the last week or so. I have noticed that it does improve constipation but I am experiencing stomach discomfort throughout the day. Is this possibly due to the chia seeds? Should I soak them or maybe I just cannot tolerate the fiber? I am only consuming no more than a 1/4 tsp a day. Thanks