7 Flaxseed Side Effects You Should Know

Flaxseed side effects include decreased mobility and other allergic reactions. Read on to learn more.

Although the benefits of flaxseed are often discussed in detail, some of the side effects of flaxseed should not be ignored. Flaxseed is a food plant native to Southern Europe and Asia. This golden to red-brown seed has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. These seeds are considered healthy as they provide good fats, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, which have estrogenic and antioxidant properties. Side effects of flaxseeds include constipation, allergic reactions, bleeding, and more. Read on to find out how excessive consumption of these seeds can affect your health.

What is flaxseed?

Flaxseeds are small seeds that have health benefits. They are rich in nutrients as they contain omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. They are good for digestion and weight loss.

Side effects of flaxseed

Some side effects of flaxseed to watch out for are:

1. May cause allergic reactions

One of the biggest side effects of flaxseed is that you may be allergic to flaxseed and flaxseed oil. If you experience itching, swelling, redness or irritation, you should stop eating these seeds. Vomiting and nausea can also be symptoms of allergies. People who regularly consume flaxseed are more likely to have allergic reactions. Although this allergy is rare, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology described a case in which an 11-month-old child developed an allergic reaction after eating flaxseed.

2. It can cause severe inflammation in the body

One of the benefits and side effects of flaxseed is that it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation. So, while this may help you, it can also cause problems. According to a study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition, flaxseed can be harmful. Yes, it can cause pain in the body when consumed in large quantities.

3. Be careful if you are trying to get pregnant

Flaxseed often has estrogen-like effects, which means it can interact with hormones in the body. It can sometimes cause changes in the menstrual cycle. Some women also suffer from other hormonal problems such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), uterine fibroids, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.

4. Not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Flaxseed is similar to estrogen and can be harmful to pregnant women. Therefore, it is recommended that you only consume flaxseed if your doctor deems it necessary. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that it has very little hormonal activity. However, more research is needed.

5. It can cause loose stools

The National Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics says that looseness is another side effect of flaxseed that you should watch out for. Flaxseed is rich in dietary fiber, but a sudden increase in the diet will speed up the digestive system. You may also experience stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.

6. It can cause intestinal blockage

It is best to take flaxseeds with water or other liquids, but if you drink flaxseeds without enough liquid, you can cause constipation and obstructions. It is especially dangerous for people with scleroderma because flaxseeds can cause severe constipation and blockage. So do not take it unless your doctor tells you to!

7. Reactions with other medications

Flaxseed can cause constipation and diarrhea because it contains a lot of fiber. This can affect the absorption of some medications and supplements. It is best to avoid it, especially if you are taking oral medications to lower your blood sugar.