Flaxseed: Effect and Side Effects

Flaxseed is a typical bulking and swelling drug, which stimulates intestinal motility and thus has a laxative effect. After ingestion, the seeds are transported to the large intestine. There, due to the high water-binding capacity of the mucous cells, water is deposited in the seeds, causing them to swell to 4-8 times their volume.

The increased volume raises the pressure, which triggers reflexes in the intestinal wall. This in turn leads to stimulation of intestinal motility and faster excretion of stool. The protective effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract comes about, among other things, through an increase in bacterial flora.

Side effects of flaxseed

Sometimes flatulence may occur when taking flaxseed, very rarely hypersensitivity reactions occur. However, if the correct dosage is observed and, above all, sufficient fluid intake, approximately in a ratio of 1:10, further side effects are currently not known.

Interaction and contraindications

As with many mucilage drugs, the use of flaxseed may interfere with the adequate absorption into the blood of medications taken at the same time. Therefore, flaxseed should always be taken at least 1 hour before or after swallowing other medications.

In addition, bulking agents and antidiarrheal medications that inhibit the natural movement of the intestines should not be taken at the same time as flaxseed, as this may result in intestinal obstruction.