So, I have two problems. 1. horrible constipation and 2. I'm trying to gain weight EVENLY throughout my body, but I seem to be gaining the most in my gut. So I've heard that flaxseed oil *might* help with my constipation problem, but then again I heard that fats can make constipation a lot worse (even if it is "healthy" fat). Plus, won't it make my second problem worse? I'm wondering if even though flaxseed oil is a "healthy" fat, is it going to just pack more weight onto my stomach? I'd like to know everyone's thoughts on flaxseed oil. Plus...what to eat it with if you DO think I should eat it....would it make both situations even worse if i ate it with bread?
2006-10-07 06:23:43 · 4 answers · asked by gurlygurly_17 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Other - Food & Drink
The way your weight is distributed around your body has to do with your genes, not the food you eat.
I have not heard of flaxseed oil helping constipation, but its shouldn't hind things. And the Omega 3's in it are really good for you.
The best thing for constipation is lots of water, fruit and veg and exercise. And take some psyillium husks in water daily - available from any chemist or health shop.
Hope those bowels get moving soon - happy crappin'
2006-10-07 06:28:11 · answer #1 · answered by Trin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Olive oil in OJ with pulp works like a laxative because the pulp is roughage to help scrub your intestines so to speak, and the oil is for lubricating. Also 2 tbsps olive oil in 20 oz. of warm water is another laxative. If olive oil can work like that I would assume flaxseed oil can too.
I was actually taking flaxseed oil capsules in the wintertime to help with my dry skin. It did seem like it helped me go a little easier too. The only thing is...flaxseed oil capsules don't give you an appitite. I ended up losing about 8 pounds. It works like an appetite supresant. So it's not going to make you gain a lot of weight. I've also heard this from other people at work that it's a supressant and helps you lose weight, so it's not just me.
The only thing I suggest...do not open the bottle of capsules and sniff them. They smell gross! But they don't have an aftertaste if you burp, so that's good. :-) Try drinking it with some juice or water. Have a piece of whole wheat bread toast with it too. If you're still hungry afterwards, eat an apple or banana. Bananas are tricky because they regulate you. So if you want them to help you drink a full glass of water after them. If you don't it'll have the reverse effect and make you constipated. Try going on some hikes or walks where there are hills. This will help get your stomach moving.
2006-10-07 13:40:59 · answer #2 · answered by H.L.A. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your body weight, divide by 2, then drink that many ounces of water daily. For example I'm 120, so I drink 60 ounces of water a day. You're probably not actually gaining weight in your gut, but the constipation is making you bloat. Don't drink anything but water, teas, and 100% juices. The extra ingredients in other drinks (soda, coffee, etc.) aren't processed the same in your body because of all the extra ingredients. Avoid caffeine, it's a diuretic, which means it takes fluids out of your system, so the less caffeine you have the more hydrated you'll be. Eat fresh and frozen fruits and veggies as much as possible, and take a calcium supplement (generic store brand is fine, and I personally love Viactive). Honestly I'd wait on trying something else until you've tried the things I've mentioned above. If you use oils and such you could be depleting your body of vital nutrients that would help you to gain healthy weight. If you go into your grocery store and (I prefer the whole foods section for this) get a meal replacement mix, it will help you to gain weight, but doing it in a healthy way. It will provide your body with nutrients and calories, but not in a bad way. Activia yogurt by Dannon also helps with digestion, as does Acidophiles (you can find this even at Walmart) which works wonders for me! The things I've mentioned will work after a week or two because they're far less drastic, but will work easier on your body and digestive system. Hope it works out for you! And it's great to hear of someone trying to gain weight not loose it!!! Good Luck!
2006-10-07 13:35:34 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa, That's me! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flaxseed oil is suitable for human consumption, and is used as a nutritional supplement. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid, which appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and a variety of other health conditions. Flaxseed also contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer.
One Tbsp liquid flaxseed oil per day, or 3,000 mg (capsules) twice daily is generally recommended as an appropriate initial dose.
I would take the capsules
2006-10-07 13:31:06 · answer #4 · answered by MARY L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋