Flaxseed Side Effects

Linum usitatissimum/flax is the plant from which flaxseeds are obtained. The ancient civilization of Ethiopia and ancient Egypt, saw the extensive cultivation of this plant. The seeds are obtained from the fruits of the flax plant, which grow in the form of round, dry capsules. The seeds are glossy brown and have the shape like that of an apple. Flaxseed has been associated with treating and curing several kinds of medical conditions and although it is a natural product, it does not lack its share of side effects.

Common medical conditions associated with digestion, such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis and even inflammation of the small intestine, are known to be treated with the help of flaxseed. Using this seed also aids in managing high cholesterol, high blood pressure and other disorders of the heart. Other disorders which can be treated with this natural product include acne, diabetes, depression, weight loss, cough, burns, boils, psoriasis and inflammation.

Risks of Using Flaxseed

To begin, diarrhea is known to be one of the common side effects that occur after using flaxseed. Although the seed actually helps in treating this condition, but when taken in large amounts, it causes it. Again, excess consumption of the seeds leads to increased production of stomach gases, eventually leading to bloating and feeling of being full.

Some people may suffer from hives, swelling, wheezing and trouble breathing after taking the flaxseed oil or the seed. These flaxseed side effects are a manifestation of an allergic reaction. Flaxseed is also known to slow down the process of blood clotting and hence, this increases the risk of heavy bleeding and easy bruising.

In rare cases, the use of this seed may induce bleeding in the brain. This is known as hemorrhagic stroke, clinically. The classic symptoms include changes in vision, weakness, feeling of numbness in limbs, severe headache and changes in speech.

Again, what we have learned from the above segment is that flaxseed helps treat constipation. However, if it is consumed without enough water, then it has an opposite effect; severe constipation and even intestinal blockage may occur.

Gastrointestinal bleeding may also be one of the severe side effects of flaxseed oil pills. This may be indicated by black or tarry stools. In some cases, there might be a small amount of bright red blood in the stool.

As flaxseed can slow down blood clotting. So it is important for people who are on blood thinning medications to get a prior consultation from their doctors, before they start using flaxseed.

Expecting or nursing mothers must avoid using the flaxseed. Also, using the substance when suffering from a condition such as endometriosis, can give rise to severe side effects.

Flaxseed is a rich source of fiber. Therefore, its consumption must be begun with a low dose and then it may be increased gradually. So it is the overuse of this seed which must be taken care of. It is also important to inform your health care provider if you suffer from any unusual symptoms after having taken flaxseed, so as to rule out any potential risks.