Healthy Answers for Life
Natural ways to ease constipation
Dear Carolyn:
I ’ve been dealing with constipation off and on for some time now. I take laxatives sometimes, but I know it’s not good to take them all the time. Do you have any recommendations for things to help with constipation? I’m not signing my name since this is kind of an embarrassing question.
Though it may not be a glamorous subject to talk about, almost everyone has bouts of constipation at one time or another. Constipation can have a variety of causes. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the most common reasons, though there are quite a few medical conditions and medications which cause constipation as well.
Many people turn to over the counter laxative drugs when experiencing constipation, though laxatives should be used sparingly since long term laxative use can dependencies where the bowels become unable to function correctly without them. For short term use, laxative herbs like senna and cascara sagrada are a natural alternative to use than over the counter drugs. There are also several varieties of natural laxative teas available, which are a nice alternative to taking pills.
Diet is the first thing to look to when experiencing constipation. The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25-35 grams per day; unfortunately Americans on average consume only 15 grams of fiber per day. The easiest way to increase fiber intake is to eat less processed foods and more fruits and vegetables. Reducing dietary intake of meats and dairy products can also help since meats and dairy don’t contain fiber. Dairy products especially are well known to cause constipation, so reducing the amount of dairy in the diet may help.
Eating a high-fiber bowl of oatmeal is a good way to start the day and prevent constipation. If you aren’t crazy for regular oats, try steel cut oatmeal, which has a delicious slightly chewy consistency (I’m not a fan of regular oatmeal, but I love steel cut oats).
There are many fibers available which can help with constipation, though the one I would recommend most are flaxseeds. Flaxseeds, in addition to being a great source of fiber, are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health, joint function, and brain health. Flaxseeds must be ground to release the beneficial oils, however. One flaxseed product I’d especially recommend is Barlean’s Forti Flax, which has the date when it was ground on the label, to ensure freshness. I also like Forti Flax since it has a coarser grind than many brands which often grind the flaxseeds into an unappetizing powder. Ground flaxseed has a nutty taste and is delicious sprinkled on cereal and salads or mixed in with yogurt or orange juice.
Ground Flax Seed - News
This past week the largest ground-mounted solar farm in the region went on line at the 88-acre Lever Family Farm in Aurora. “It's been in potatoes, it's been in cucumbers, it's been in flax seed,” Carrie Jo Vincent said of the farm's many other crops.
I also like Forti Flax since it has a coarser grind than many brands which often grind the flaxseeds into an unappetizing powder. Ground flaxseed has a nutty taste and is delicious sprinkled on cereal and salads or mixed in with yogurt or orange juice.
"While our preliminary data from our 2007 pilot study showed a reduction in hot flashes associated with the consumption of ground flaxseed, our new study did not result in a significant decrease in hot flashes with eating flaxseed compared to placebo.
In order for a person to absorb all the nutrients of flax seed, the seeds must be ground into a meal. Otherwise, Reagan said, “you just get rid of it the way it goes in.” Flaxseed oil is also available, but is not quite as beneficial as ground flax
Cumin is available both in its whole seed form and ground into a powder. Flax seeds must be ground before eating to unleash the nutritional values, but the extra step is worth it. Flax seeds can improve digestion, reverse constipation,
Flaxsee Oil and its Many Health Benefits : Beauty Reviews
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Though a lot of different oils have been hitting the shelves in recent years, the health benefits of flaxseed oil have been known about for many years. Flaxseed, also called linseed, has actually been cultivated by man for a few thousand years. Because it's native to the Mediterranean region of the world, it has a rich tradition in Mediterranean cooking. Flaxseed oil is very rich in Omega 3 fatty acid content, similar to fish oils which also boast high contents of the essential fatty acids. But flaxseed oil is one of the few plant sources that's high in Omega 3s.
Flaxseed also contains a healthy amount of fiber and is consumed as a dietary supplement for that reason also. Flaxseed can be consumed in a variety of manners. Some prefer to take flax oil in seed form, others prefer it ground into a powder, whereas still others take it after it has already been processed down to the oil. To retain maximum benefits of the flax seed however, it's recommended that you either eat the entire seed or use it in ground powder form, instead of simply taking the oil.
1. Lowers Cholesterol. In an age where the majority of Americans over 50 have prescriptions for cholesterol controlling drugs like Lipitor, don't you think it's wise to at least explore controlling cholesterol in a natural way? Clinical studies have demonstrated that flaxseed oil helps the body to regulate levels of LDL cholesterol. That is the unhealthy type by the way. Before running to prescriptions, try boosting your fiber intake, and sprinkle some flax seeds over a salad or on top of some steamed vegetables. They're about the same size as poppy seeds and they have very little flavor.
2. Reduces Blood Pressure. Because of its levels of Omega 3 fatty acid and other factors, flaxseed oil is very good for the heart. In fact, because flaxseed is native to the Mediterranean area and has been used there for thousands of years, some researches speculate that the flax seed is one of the main components to why the Mediterranean diet is so heart healthy.
3. Reduces Inflammation. Recent studies have begun to show that flaxseed oil helps to reduce inflammation, and eases pain in the joints. These studies haven't been substantiated though, and the results are preliminary.
4. Fights Cancer. Flaxseed contains a category of chemicals which is known as lignans, which has been shown in studies to fight against cancer. Flaxseed oil though doesn't have that same grouping of compounds. That's why it was stated in the first paragraph that in order to obtain the full health benefits of flaxseed oil and flaxseed, it would need to be taken either as whole seeds, or ground up into powder.
RT : The Blacko Smoothie: Scoop of protien powder, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup Straberries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, 2 tablespoons ground flax seed.
The Blacko Smoothie: Scoop of protien powder, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup Straberries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, 2 tablespoons ground flax seed.
Avocado, Fish, freshly ground flax seed powder in yr food, Argan Oil , see what you got & say thanks to universe rather than be bummy 
Baby food success: milled extra firm tofu + ground flax seed + nutritional yeast + water to mix.
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Ground flaxseed: Better than whole? - MayoClinic.com
Most nutrition experts recommend ground flaxseed over whole flaxseed. Find out why.
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Is flaxseed the new wonder food? Preliminary studies show that flaxseed may help fight everything from heart disease and diabetes to breast cancer.
WHFoods: Flaxseeds
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Ground Flaxseed - North American Nutrition
Reap the Benefits of Ground Flax Seed and the Benefits of Flax Seed Meal. Get the quantity of ground flax seed you want today from North American Nutrition.