Flaxseed is a supplement that can help you get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Flaxseed or linseed oil is made when flaxseeds are grounded and pressed to release their natural oil. The oil, like seeds, is jam-packed with health benefits but in this article, you will get to know the possible Flaxseed Oil side effects.
Flaxseed oil or flax oil helps in the reduction of cholesterol as well as the prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. The reason is your body can not create omega-3 on its own, you must eat it or you may take it as a supplement to get it into your system.
Flaxseed oil includes a-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that the body can convert. Flaxseed oil does not have as many health advantages as other omega-3 sources such as salmon, fish oil, and flax seed.
You can get flaxseed oil through capsules, or even in enriched food products. Cold-pressed flaxseed oil is the most common type of flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is available in a variety of forms, including oil, pills, and fortified foods.
Flaxseed Oil Risk and Side Effects
When using flaxseed oil, it’s necessary to exercise caution because it comes with a number of hazards and adverse effects. The advantages of flaxseeds may exceed the hazards of utilizing the product for many people. When you are adding flaxseed oil to your diet or taking it as a supplement, proceed with caution.
Here is a list of all the side effects that can be caused by the intake of flaxseed oil.
1. Lack of definitive research
Many studies are now being conducted to correlate the usage of flaxseed oil to beneficial health effects, but there is no established protocol for using the supplement. Before you start using flaxseed oil, talk to your doctor about the health benefits of flaxseeds. You should also talk about how long it’s safe to use it and what dosage is recommended.
2. Lower Blood Pressure
Flaxseed oil is known to reduce blood pressure. If combined with any other blood pressure-lowering medicine or herbs, it can result in hypotension.
The blood pressure-lowering effect is imparted due to the ALA component in flaxseed oil. The ALA components have a blood pressure-lowering effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
However, this effect is more significantly observed in flaxseeds as compared to oil.
3. Lower blood sugar level
Low blood sugar can be caused by flax seeds or flaxseed oil. If you have diabetes or any illness that affects your blood sugar levels, you should use these supplements with caution. If you use drugs that affect your blood sugar levels, you should avoid flaxseed oil consumption.
4. High risk of bleeding
Flaxseed oil side effects include the risk of bleeding as it reduces blood clotting and cause bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder or are using certain medications that can induce bleeding, such as blood thinners, aspirin, or other NSAIDs then this could be an issue.
Immediately stop using flaxseed oil in case of bleeding from the nose, ears, or any other part of the body.
5. Hormonal adjustments
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding women, avoid flaxseed oil and seeds. Because of its tendency to influence hormones in the body such as changes in the metabolism of estrogen, flaxseed oil may create difficulties in pregnant women.
6. Allergy
There’s a chance you’re allergic to flax seeds. Stop using flaxseed oil if you feel itching, swelling, redness, or hives after doing so. An allergy can also produce nausea and vomiting.
If you have a constriction of the throat or shortness of breath as a result of your reaction to flaxseed oil, see a doctor straight away. These symptoms could indicate anaphylactic shock.
7. Prostate cancer
There is still debate about whether the ALA present in flax seeds and flaxseed oil promotes prostate cancer to become more aggressive. Flaxseed oil lacks the vitamin lignan, which has been related to prostate cancer slowing.
Furthermore, if you have prostate cancer, the fat in flaxseed oil may not provide your body with the nutrients it requires. According to Oncology Nutrition, you should talk to your doctor about flax seeds and avoid flaxseed oil because it has no benefit for people with prostate cancer.
8. Constipation and diarrhea
Flax seeds are thought to aid in constipation relief. Flaxseed oil, on the other hand, lacks the fiber found in flax seeds as it is grounded and pressed to release its natural oil. Hence, the fiber content is lost during this process.
As a result, utilizing flaxseed oil to cure constipation is not the same as using flax seeds. If you take flax seeds as a supplement, you should drink plenty of water. You might get diarrhea from flaxseed oil.
Interactions with Medications and Health Conditions
If you take flaxseed oil plus take certain medications or have certain medical problems, the flaxseed oil side effects may cause adverse responses. Flax seed can sometimes prevent other drugs from being absorbed. To ensure that your body absorbs medications efficiently, you may need to take flaxseed oil for a few hours before administering them. Additionally, you may have to completely avoid the supplement. The following drugs may have a detrimental interaction with flaxseed oil:
- Blood thinners
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Glipizide
- Glucophage
- Glyburide
If you have any of the following conditions, you should get medical advice before consuming flaxseed oil:
- Bleeding problems
- Intestinal obstruction
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea (prolonged or severe)
- Diverticulitis
Caution: Flaxseed oil should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Bottom Line
Flaxseed oil has many health benefits which include lowering cholesterol levels, promoting heart health, and lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes but the flaxseed oil side effects can not be overlooked.
If you experience allergic reactions, bleeding, or any of the above-listed side effects, stop using flaxseed oil and consult the doctor immediately.
However, it is generally recommended to consult the doctor before using flaxseed oil if you are already using certain medicines or herbal supplements to avoid the flaxseed oil side effects.
FAQs
1. Does flaxseed oil clog arteries?
Because of its high fibre content, flaxseed can help unclog arteries. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help to prevent inflammation and regulate blood pressure.
2. Is flax seed oil safe?
Flaxseed with its oil is typically safe to consume when taken in prescribed dosages. Flaxseed, on the other hand, may cause bloating if consumed in high quantities and with insufficient water.
3. Is it safe to take flaxseed oil every day?
Most researchers recommend at least 1,600 mg of ALA omega-3 fatty acids daily for males and 1,100 mg for women if they aren’t getting enough DHA and EPA in their diet ( 5 ). One tablespoon of flaxseed oil can provide enough ALA to fulfill and surpass your daily requirements.
