Does Anyone Use Flax-seed Oil to Supplement Their Diet?

Updated on April 08, 2008
M.R. asks from Amherst, MA
26 answers

I am trying to find out some more information on flax-seed oil and how it can help with mood problems, depression etc,. I was wondering if anyone has personally used it and what were the effects positive or negative? Also if you are using it for something else that would be helpful for me as well. Or if you know of other vegetarian sources of omeagas that would be useful. Thanks.

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L.N.

answers from Lewiston on

Hi: My name is L. & I take Flaxseed with Omega-3 every day. It is good for the Heart. I have had no side effects from it. I take one capsule in the morning after breakfast & one at night after dinner. I always take pills on a full stomach.

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J.J.

answers from Boston on

I have to take flax-seed oil for high cholesterol. It wasn't so high that I needed medication, my doctor wants to try this for now. I suffer from depression as well but didn't know that flax-seed would help. I don't notice a difference with the depression or mood swings. Sorry.

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C.O.

answers from Boston on

Hi R..
I use flaxseed and I also own a Holistic Yoga Spa. I would not recommend the flaxseed oil though, you do not absorb all the benefits when you use an oil. The best way to supplement with flaxseed is to use the ground up form and add it into your diet, such as in baking, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. You will get the most natural benefits from it in the ground up form. You can grind it yourself, but what I do is purchase ground flaxseed in a pouch from the health-food section of any supermarket. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Boston on

Hi R.,
I love that song!! What I love even more is that you recognized the benefits of flaxseed oil. I'm 42 and was diagnosed hypo-throid at 36. Two years ago my thyroid was the worst ever TSH 54....two months ago I was taken off my synthroid medication which my doctor claims is very rare. Two years ago I was introduced to Arbonne which sells a Fatty Acid Dietary Supplement that is certified vegan. I'm not saying that that was the cure but working on my body from inside out...I think helps. The supplement is NutriMin C Dietary supplement and on special this month $23 regularly $43. I also recommend Arbonnes Natural Balance Cream Phytoprolief that also gives results. Call or email me if you would like more information...you can also visit my website www.kellymcinnis.myarbonne

Happy to say I beat the thyroid odds so far.(hopefully)
~K.

1 mom found this helpful
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P.F.

answers from Providence on

Instead of using flax seed oil, which basically breaks down the moment you turn it into oil, I would suggest if you want flax seed in your diet, to buy whole seeds, store them in your fridge and grind them as you want to use them. In that form they will be more useful. I use a small coffee bean grinder for my seeds. (USE that grinder for seeds only NOT coffee)
BUT if you really want to feel better, I would use a tincture of Motherwort. You can put a dropper into a glass of water two times a day (even 3 if necessary) and you will notice a difference in your moods.

Herbalist
Pam

1 mom found this helpful
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L.D.

answers from Hartford on

Hi R.,

If you are into trying herbal supplements, I totally recommend taking Chasteberry fruit (Vitex) along with DIM. It supposedly helps your body make more progesterone and also to metabolize excess estrogen and forms of estrogen your body doesn't really need. It helped me tremendessly and was so effective.

Good luck.

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C.T.

answers from Bangor on

Omega-3: I currently use the fish oil, but Flax works just as well. It's been proven to help those with bipolar disorder in a case study... However.... I don't use it for my mood, at all.

If your looking for natural supplements to help improve moods... lets see... (I have a program that lists these kinda things (Keep in mind to talk to doctor if your unsure).

Bromine may induce subjective effects of Happiness and wellbeing, thereby improving Mood.

Up to 1,500 mg per day of Calcium may enhance the activity of Neurons associated with Mood and Emotion

Supplemental Selenium (100 mcg per day) may improve Mood.

Serotonin may improve Mood: Serotonin deficiency can cause impulsiveness and bad temper. Violent criminals in prisons are very often found to be deficient in Serotonin.

Vitamin B1 (50 mg per day) may improve Mood and Mood changes may occur as a result of Vitamin B1 deficiency

Mood changes may occur as a result of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin C (3,000 mg per day) may improve Mood

Vitamin D may improve Mood

Herbs:

Chamomile (oil used in Aromatherapy) may improve Mood.
Ginkgo biloba may improve Mood. <-- I used this and it helped. I had to come off due to trying to get pregnant and have noticed my mood has decreased drastically!)
Kava Kava may improve Mood.
Korean Ginseng may improve Mood.
Passion Flower may reduce the incidence of Mood swings.
Tribulus terrestris may improve Mood.

Like I said, I've only used the Ginkgo Biloba... Hope this (maybe) helps. Most of these supplments are sold at local drugs stores.... :D

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R.G.

answers from Boston on

I was making a weight-loss shake at one time and it called for flax-seed oil.
Also, I actually cured my son's eczema by putting a teaspoon of flax-seed oil in a cup of chocolate milk for him every day for a week or so.
I hope this helps.
raelynn
kidzcomfort.com

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M.C.

answers from Bangor on

I take flax seed oil supplements daily. My midwife encouraged me to take it for the omegas for my baby and then my nurse practitioner recommended it to help boost my mood after having my baby in October. I took it before that, though, and before I even got pregnant for the omegas and their anti-inflammatory properties. So, it's hard to say if it's helped since I never really stopped taking it. I guess I'm not much help!

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J.A.

answers from Providence on

I was taking the Flax seed pills from GNC and Found out I would have to take like 10 to get the benifts of it. So then I bought fresh flax seed and I ground it up and put it on my salads. I then found out that the oil is the best. people need at least 3 servings of Heatlhy oils per day and flax seed oil is a great way to get it in. I do not know much about the benefits for depression but it is a great oil over all for you.

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G.D.

answers from New London on

I used the flax seed oil caplets. The only side effect I can tell you it had was going to the bathroom (BM)that is. I think maybe because it was helping flush out your system a bit. Kind of like eating a lot of salad greens/fiber. Puritans Pride is a natural dietary supplement company. They may help you with some of your issues. I know they do have an all natural stress relief medicine. I want to try it out. I bought some but got pregnant before I got them in and then nursed for 15 months so by the time I remembered I had them, which was the other day it was too late. I plan to order more and try them because I have anxiety issues as well.

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C.R.

answers from Boston on

Hi there- flax-seed oil is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), otherwise known as omega-3, similar to what is found in fish oil. This nutrient tends to be out of balance in people, as we get tend to get a lot more of another type of fatty acid in our diet, omega 6's. While both are important to health, too much of the latter has been implicated as an aggravating factor in a lot of inflammatory conditions in the body- think aches, pains, mood problems, allergies, and many more. I am a naturopathic doctor, and I do often recommend omega-3's to patients, but for vegetarians I really prefer going to whole foods- such as using a spoonful of freshly ground flax seeds, and even sesame and pumpkin seeds, and adding it to foods once a day. These oils are volatile, and sometimes they can actually be rancid in supplements containing the oils, making them lose their beneficial effects. And, this way you get other beneficial properties of the seed as well, (and the extra fiber helps to keep one regular!) Good luck-

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A.M.

answers from Hartford on

I use flax-seed oil, but not for the reasons that you mentioned. When I was pregnant with our 2nd child, to be blunt, I was quite constipated. I looked for a natural way to help move things along rather than the Colace which I usually use. At my gym they recommended that I add flax seed oil to my shakes. So sometimes I use that, and other times I take 2 capsules a day--however, I could take up to 6 capsules/day. For that purpose, it worked great. During pregnancy, I used the oil itself in my breakfast shakes and I also took the 6 capsules/day and, although I can't say that I was regular, it certainly helped the situation. Now the baby is 13 1/2 months old and I still take 2 capsules/day and I couldn't be happier with the results. Along the way I was told about what a great source for Omegas it is and that makes it all the more better!

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W.C.

answers from Boston on

hello, M.,

yes! i have been taking flax for years. you can get the pills of it just like the fish oil source. i am a vegan. i know a lot of sources. it is in green leafy veggies like kale and spinach. it is in broccoli, walnuts, soybeans, hemp seeds, tofu, squash. it is suppose to help EVERYTHING from cancer to alzheimer to respiratory to mood. i would definitely recommend it. you can even get flaxseed bread and margarine which are both delicious.

bye!

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S.S.

answers from Providence on

Hey R.,

You sound like me! (meredith brooks reference). Flax oil and flax seed both help with depression and about a thousand other complaints. GLAs, Omegas, etc all help balance the body both hormonally and ph. Generally and not scientifically speaking, Omega oils lubricate each of the systems in the body. With depression, though, you also want to look at making sure you are getting enough calcium, magnesium and B vitamins. I have struggled with depression for many years, and I've finally got it well managed without meds. Flax, nutrition (mostly organic and 'clean' unprocessed foods), and meditation have been the keys. Feel free to email me for more info. I'm happy to share, but yeah, get going on the Flax oil...oh, and take a cold-pressed product, not a pill. I like Barlean's best.

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C.H.

answers from Boston on

I am by no means vegetarian, however anytime i bake something bread, muffins, cornbread, cakes even oatmeal, I add a few tablespoons of milled flaxseed. No one knows the difference because there is no taste. As for mood/ depression...not sure there, I have some pretty bad depression/ anxiety, tried natural stuff but they didnt work so Im in the process of finding the right Rx for it right now...it has made a difference but the side effects are aggravating. Good luck!

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L.D.

answers from Boston on

Hi R.,

I take a supplement called NutriMinC RE9 REsist Essential Fatty Acid Dietary Supplement. It contains a concentrated blend of flaxseed oil, CoQ10 and beneficial RE9® elements to support younger-looking skin and good health ... from the inside, out ... and formulated in a vegetarian capsule.* Ingredients such as: flaxseed oil, vitamins A, C, E, Coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid. It has really helped my skin a lot. It is much clearer and I know I'm doing something really good to help my heart! Here are some other facts about flax seed oil:

Benefits of Flax seed Oil - Heart Disease/Cholesterol Lowering
Its high content of alpha linolenic acids has made flax seed oil become our modern miracle food. Alpha linolenic acid is a type of plant-derived omega 3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed oil as shown in many studies include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the Bad cholesterol) levels. Other benefits of flax seed oil show that flax seed may also help lower blood triglycerides and blood pressure. It may also keep platelets from becoming sticky therefore reducing the chance of a heart attack.

Other Benefits of Flax seed Oil: Aside from alpha linolenic acid, flax seed is rich in lignan. Lignan is a type of phytoestrogen and also provides fiber. Researches reveal that lignan in flax seed shows a lot of promise in fighting disease -- including a possible role in cancer prevention especially breast cancer. It is thought that lignan metabolites can bind to estrogen receptors, hence inhibiting the onset of estrogen-stimulated breast cancer.

Recent studies also showed positive benefits of flax seed oil in IBD (Crohn's Disease and Colitis). Flax seed oil seems to be able to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

REGARDING YOUR MOOD SWINGS
Try using one of Arbonne's natural balancing creams:
www.arbonne.com/products/balance/phytoProlief.asp

You can only buy these products through an Arbonne Independent Consultant. You may purchase from me on my Web site at:

www.lizdorsett.myarbonne.com

or you can go to www.arbonne.com and search for someone in your area. The great thing about this business is I can sell anywhere - even in the UK, Canada and Australia!

Hope this helps. Contact me anytime with other questions.

Hugs, L. Dorsett

D.B.

answers from Boston on

HI,

I add flax seed oil (and meal, which contains oil) in a variety of ways. I add a tablespoon or so to my oatmeal - add it after you cook it and just before eating. If the taste bothers you, add a little brown sugar. I also use flax seeds (ground or whole) in various recipes - add them to anything where you might add sesame seeds - like meatballs, breading for chicken or roasted vegetables, muffins, on top of salads, in falafel, as a crunchy topping on casseroles, etc. I make "power pancakes" for my teen son, adding flax meal instead of margarine (although I still think you need some margarine or they will stick to the pan) along with soy milk (Silk Plus has omega 3's added) & added soy powder. Some eggs now say they have added omega 3's. Some vegetarians eat eggs, some don't. I also use Silk Plus soymilk with added soy protein powder and some eggs to make "power French toast" for him, and I use Nature's Promise whole wheat and flax bread for it and for sandwiches. There are a lot of recipes on the flax meal package.

Another fantastic source of omegas, protein, amino acids, minerals, vitamines, enzymes and herbs are Reliv products. They are patented nutritional products available through Reliv distributors who give you the time and attention you don't get buying some vitamin supplement off the store shelf. Reliv is science-based, has been around 20 years, and is a company that has been highly reviewed and recommended by Forbes, Fortune, Success from Home, and Business Week magazines, and highly rated by DeMarche and the Direct Selling Association. Despite all the flax and protein in the recipes I listed above, I have gotten the most dramatic results in the 5 months I've been on Reliv. My cholesterol is down, my sugars are down, my blood pressure is down 40 25 points, I have more energy, I have not been sick once with a cold or bronchitis (my usual winter "friends"), I HAVE CUT MY USE OF ANTI-DEPRESSANT MEDS by half!!!! and my doctor is THRILLED.

My son was extremely ill with mono last fall, and after 4 days on Reliv, his dangerously enlarged spleen was normal size again and he was cleared for all sports and activities, and he is setting track records again! My husband was running 10-12 miles per week, and is now up to 25 - and he is 60 years old! He also was hurt in a car crash, and got the fastest recovery from whiplash after he started Reliv.

Reliv stories are part of the way they network - I've talked to so many people in person and listened to so many on the phone, I can't tell you - migraines, sinus infections, focus issues (even ADD), muscular problems like MS, digestive problems like IBS and Crohn's, etc. Reliv works by being 95-99% absorbed (unlike pills), by having the right nutrients in the right balance (that's key), and by giving you the highest quality nutrition which you can't get from your diet anymore no matter how hard you try.

Reliv has a few basic products, and then special formulas for people with special problems (heart, PMS/menopause, etc.) - so you don't take all of them. You work with a Reliv distributor to figure out what your goals are. You can do Reliv for the cost of a daily latte even if you pay full price (and there are discount plans available) AND you get rid of all those little expenses that add up during the month - like no more vitamins, calcium supplements, over the counter meds, co-payments for office visits, lost productivity, etc. My son's athletic performance improved so much that he just got a huge college scholarship.

Reliv was formulated by Dr. Carl Hastings, who is the genius behind Enfamil and ProSoBee infant formulas, and who helped Weight Watchers develop the nutritional standards for their food line. He's world renowned and still directs the science aspect of the company. I can't say enough about it. I've met with people who've been on the products for 2, 5, 10, even 15 years and you would not believe the results. If you want more info, let me know. You can look at the website on your own, but it's easiest and more informative if you do it with a Reliv distributor - many are making a nice extra stream of income with Reliv, but it's done by helping people, which is the company's mission.

Good luck!

D.

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B.G.

answers from Barnstable on

Have you tried going to your local health food store. They usually have books that can help you on this plus whoever works there should have a clue as well. I do know that it has Omega 3 acids (which we had in our prenatal vitamins), so there is a plus. I also heard not to serve it warm.

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C.H.

answers from Providence on

be careful, i tried and and had an allergic reaxtion. I have no allergies, also my brother tried it w/ his daughter and she also was allergic. I have not heard of flax seed oil but Omega 3's fish oil has been known to work wonders for blood pressure, cholesterol, behaviors, attention... Try it it is also great for your skin and bones and circulartory system.

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C.W.

answers from Boston on

I don't use the oil but I eat two tablespoons of flaxseed mixed in my soy yogurt every morning for my osteoarthritis. (I'm vegan.) Anyway, I started 3 years ago and the pain in my hip joints is almost completely gone. I don't use any other medication except the occasional Advil.

For depression, here's a big hug and a question: are you exercising daily? I take an hour walk almost every day and it is a huge help with mood issues. Try also to eliminate white sugar from your diet. I did that a year ago and was really surprised at the change I felt in energy level, ability to sleep better, and overall happiness.

Good luck and another hug, :-)

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

I went to a PhD Naturapath until she retired... To replace my prozac, she put me on St. John's Wort, Phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine and Inositol (three times a day.)

I do take Flax seed oil as well, but that replaces the fish oil. This was at a suggestion of a friend of mine who is a PhD., Neuro-psychologist... Given his credentials, I forgot what he said about why, I just did it!

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L.P.

answers from Boston on

M. R.
Hi I use flaxseed oil, 1 tablespoon every day. I also add flaxseed 1-2 tablespoons to yogurt every day! It helps with my mood. I buy organic whole flax seeds at the health food store and grind them in the coffee grinder once a week. Store them grinded in the fridge. Store them whole in the freezer. Good Luck and Good MOOD. L. P

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D.D.

answers from Burlington on

try StJohns Wart it help with depression.

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

I take flax-seed oil for my moods and also for a shoulder problem I have. I was told it helps with the inflamation of the joint also. It seems to work because when I have been off of it for more than a few days I know it. Just more sore and edgy, although that may be from the soreness of the shoulder

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A.L.

answers from Providence on

I have used it and it helped my moods. I also used a blend with flax, borage, and evening primrose oil that was designed for women.

Btw, I love your about me!

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