How to Use Flaxseed Oil to Treat Constipation

Everyone has experienced constipation at one time or another. We would all like an easy fix to this uncomfortable problem, yet it is not the kind of ailment you often want to discuss with your friends. The way to treat constipation is to get the stools moving easily and in a timely fashion. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil provide you with fiber and other nutrients that can help alleviate constipation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Flaxseed oil
• Flaxseeds (whole or ground)
• Coffee grinder

1. Start your morning off with a glass of flaxseed oil and juice. Add 1 tbsp. oil to 8 or more ounces of juice and mix well. You can also use yogurt and fresh fruit instead to make a healthy smoothie.
2. Eat some breakfast, giving your bowels 20 to 30 minutes to start moving. Flaxseed is absorbed into the body better when you take it with food. Stay close to a bathroom in case you need it quickly.
3. Make a salad dressing with flaxseed oil, olive oil and lemon juice. Add dijon mustard if you like, and salt and pepper. This healthy condiment can boost your heart health and lower cholesterol in addition to easing your gastrointestinal issues.
4. Use an electric coffee bean grinder to grind whole flaxseeds into a powder-like substance. This form of flax contains a lot of fiber. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can very effectively treat constipation.
5. Add ground flaxseed to your favorite foods like fruit salad, cereal and baked goods. Refrigerate or freeze any unused seeds for 3 to 6 months.
6. Keep your colon healthy even when you are not constipated. In this way, you can be proactive and treat constipation before it becomes a problem. Flaxseed oil is a good source of antioxidants, which can cleanse your body of harmful toxins. Also, increase the amount of water you drink daily. Use lemon wedges and lots of ice to make it more appealing to sip throughout the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Flaxseed oil is sensitive to light and heat and can spoil very quickly. Keep it in the refrigerator in an opaque container. When you buy flaxseed oil, look for the pressing date on the bottle. You want to buy oil that has been pressed within the past 6 months for optimum freshness.
• You should not used flaxseed products if you are pregnant, nursing or have bipolar disorder. Check with a doctor to make sure it is safe for you before using any herbal remedy.
• The useful components in flaxseed break down when heated, so don't use it for baking or frying.