Eating flax seeds daily may lead to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and can cause digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, stomachache, and nausea. These side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses.
Adding flaxseed to your daily diet introduces fiber and other compounds that can impact your digestive system. Based on available information:
Potential Digestive Side Effects
A primary effect of daily flaxseed consumption is a potential increase in the number of bowel movements throughout the day. This is often attributed to its fiber content.
Beyond increased bowel activity, eating flax seeds daily might also trigger specific side effects within the digestive tract. These include:
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
- Gas: Increased flatulence.
- Stomachache: Discomfort or pain in the stomach area.
- Nausea: A feeling of sickness with an urge to vomit.
It is important to note that the likelihood and severity of these side effects can be related to the amount consumed. Higher doses of flaxseed are generally more likely to result in these side effects compared to smaller amounts.
While whole or ground flax seeds can cause these issues, taking flaxseed extracts, particularly those containing lignans, is noted as possibly safe. However, for standard daily consumption of seeds, awareness of these potential digestive disadvantages is key.
