Are There Any Drug Interactions I Should Be Aware Of
The following medications should be used with caution when given with flaxseed oil: anticoagulants, blood pressure medications, or insulin.
Vitamins, herbal therapies, and supplements have the potential to interact with each other, as well as with prescription and over the counter medications. It is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications that your pet is taking.
What Is Flaxseed Oil Used For
Flaxseed oil is used for a range of health concerns, including reducing inflammation and preventing cancer. It contains many active compounds that are thought to provide benefits, including:
- Healthy proteins that may decrease risk factors of heart disease
- Fiber to prevent digestive issues and constipation
- Phenolic compounds , which may prevent cancer
- Minerals, including calcium and magnesium
Here are some of the potential health benefits of flaxseed oil and evidence to back up these claims.
Ways To Get Your Flaxseed
Don’t Miss: What’s The Best Medicine For Arthritis Pain
Flaxseed Oil Helps In Reducing Pain In Arthritis
A study was conducted in rat models in which the anti-inflammatory property of flaxseed oil in chronic and acute arthritis.
In the study, arthritis was induced in the rat models and the effect of flaxseed oil in decreasing the progression of arthritis was observed.
A significant reduction in the swelling and pain was observed at the end of the study.
Another study was conducted to study the anti-inflammatory action of flaxseed oil. At the end of the study period, it was observed that flaxseed oil led to a reduction in the expression of TNF-α and IL-6.
A reduction in the swelling and pain in the joints was also observed.
What does this mean? This means that the flaxseed oil has therapeutic beneficial in treating inflammatory disorders like arthritis. The anti-arthritic property of flaxseed oil is due to the presence of alpha-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid.
Flaxseed Oil Acts As An Anti
Arthritis can be described as the inflammation of the joint tissues which causes stiffness and pain in the bones and joints.
Flaxseed oil can be useful in treating this swelling as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Flaxseed oil is a beneficial anti-inflammatory compound because of 3 reasons. Firstly, it contains a high content of alpha-linolenic acid.
It is an essential omega-3 fatty acid for good health and is not produced by the body. This fatty acid helps in maintaining the structure and function of the joints.
The alpha-linoleic acid in the flaxseed oil is known to transform itself into eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid .
The EPA further lead to the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes .
The Prostaglandins H2 synthetase acts as a catalyst in a certain reaction involved in the inflammation pathway.
It arachidonic acid is converted into an intermediate PGE2 through 5-cyclo-oxygenation and then finally converted into PGH2.
This PGH2 is further metabolized finally into prostaglandins.
Another pathway that plays an important role in triggering the inflammatory pathways in the synthesis of arachidonic acid.
The enzyme phospholipase A2 cleaves the arachidonic acid present in the phospholipids of the cell membrane.
An increased amount of arachidonic acid in the cell leads to the production of prostanoids like leukotrienes.
When the flaxseed oil is consumed the EPA and DHA are released from the phospholipids of the cell membrane.
Also Check: What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Psoriatic Arthritis
Health Benefits Of Ginger For Arthritis
Do you add ginger to your dishes? Maybe the concentrated forms of ginger should be in your medicine cabinet. Besides being a delicious spice, ginger is often used to enhance treats, diminish nausea, soothe upset stomachs, help with pain, and reduce inflammation. Like most superfoods on this list, ginger contains components that can reduce joint inflammation and pain caused by osteoarthritis. Ginger contains several chemical substances such as leukotrienes that fight joint inflammation. Ginger also contains the chemical salicylate, which our body converts into salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is used as an anti-inflammatory agent for treating peripheral nerve damage and is used extensively to ease pain and discomfort. Salicylic acid also elevates CDK-5 levels and reduces ischemia thanks to its cell signaling abilities and neuroprotective pathways that assist motor neurons prevent our nerve cells from making certain prostaglandins lipids that result in the sensation of pain. Ginger has long been considered a valuable spice in Thai food. The ginger root is very inexpensive and can be found in nearly every grocery store, making it easily accessible for all. Ginger can be added to many dishes or boiled to make a delicious ginger-infused tea.
Dosage Of Flaxseed Oil For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Flaxseed oil is available in different forms like liquid and capsule forms.
It is necessary to keep it refrigerated and requires special packaging as it is easily destroyed by heat, light, and oxygen.
No such recommended dose for flaxseed oil is given. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any recommended dose.
However University of Maryland Medicare Center recommends 1 to 2 tablespoons per day. If you are taking capsules, then the recommended dose is 1 to 2 capsules per day.
It is necessary to not increase the intake of flaxseed oil as it can interfere and inhibit the body from absorbing other medications and nutrients.
Most people use flaxseed oil in liquid form.
It contains 7 grams of alpha-linolenic acid in 15 ml of flaxseed oil, which is 1 tablespoon. 7 grams of alpha-linolenic acid has roughly 130 calories.
Recommended Reading: What Should You Eat If You Have Arthritis
Benefits Of Flaxseed Oil For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is among the most common type of arthritis which can affect both young and old people equally.
It is known as an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation in the joints of hand and feet.
It affects the lining of the joints which leads to swelling in these joints and subsequently deformation and erosion of the joints.
This disease usually occurs when the immune system of the body starts attacking its own cells and tissues.
This autoimmune affects not only the joints but also other parts of the body like the lungs, eyes, and blood vessels.
This condition can develop due to certain genes which can be genetically inherited.
It can occur due to infection or environmental factors that can initiate the conditions for rheumatoid arthritis.
Consume Ground Seeds Instead Of Whole
Ground flaxseed is much easier to digest than whole flaxseed. Thats partly because your intestines are unable to break down the tough outer shell of whole seeds.
That said, you can still buy whole flaxseed, grind it in a coffee grinder, and store the ground flaxseed in an airtight container for easy use.
Also Check: Is Drinking Wine Bad For Arthritis
It Is Safe For The Stomach
Consumption of painkillers and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastric side effects such as gastric erosion and bleeding.
In an animal study flaxseed oil was found to protect from gastric erosions caused by painkillers, psychiatric medications, ethanol and stress.
It demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity and reduced acid secretion.
Another study reported hat anti-ulcer effect of flaxseed oil is comparable to that of ranitidine, a drug used to treat acidity and GERD.
What does this mean? Flaxseed oil has anti-ulcer activity which can protect from gastric side effects caused by painkillers.
How Much Flaxseed Oil Should You Take
Peart says its perfectly fine to take flaxseed oil every day, and adds that theres no standard recommended dosage. However, she notes a couple teaspoons to a tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day is a typical amount.
That amount will ensure you get the bulk of the recommended daily intake of the ALA omega-3 fat. The daily ALA recommendation for women is about 1,100 milligrams, while for men, its about 1,600 milligrams, Peart says. A tablespoon of flaxseed oil provides about 730 to 1,095 usable milligrams of ALA.
Flaxseed oil benefits arent necessarily different if you opt to take the supplement in pill or capsule form rather than straight oil.
Peart says, Its easier to store flaxseed oil when its in the capsule form. And for people who dont want to eat it such as, for example, adding the oil to salad dressing you can have it in the capsules.
Don’t Miss: Is Gluten Bad For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Type-2 diabetes is a major growing problem across the world. It is caused by the body’s inability to secrete insulin or resistance to it. A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that the insoluble fibre content in flaxseeds helps slow down the release of sugar in the blood and reduce blood sugar levels.
Are There Any Risks To Eating Flaxseed
Although flaxseed is associated with many health benefits, there are a few downsides to consider.
For starters, keep in mind that ground flaxseed is high in fiber, with 2 grams packed into each tablespoon . While fiber is beneficial, increasing your intake very quickly can lead to digestive issues, including gas and bloating (
Also Check: How To Explain Rheumatoid Arthritis To Family
What About Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is usually produced by a process called cold pressing, which helps extract the oil from the seeds effectively .
Since this oil is very sensitive to heat and light, its best kept in dark glass bottles and stored in a dark, cool place like a kitchen cabinet .
Because some of its nutrients are heat sensitive, flaxseed oil isnt suitable for high heat cooking methods, such as frying. Nevertheless, some studies show that light stir-frying of up to 350°F didnt cause any reduction in the oils quality .
Its worth noting that flaxseed oil contains more ALA than ground flaxseed. Just 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains 1.6 grams of ALA, while 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil boasts around 7 grams .
Nonetheless, flaxseed contains a host of other beneficial nutrients that arent found in its oil, such as fiber. To fully reap this foods health benefits, ground flaxseed should be your first choice.
Is Flaxseed Oil Really Effective In Arthritis
The only study that evaluates the effectiveness of flaxseed oil in arthritis is by Nordstrom et. al in 1995.
Nordstrom et. al report that ALA from flaxseed oil does not have beneficial effect on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms despite of increase in ALA in treatment group.
The possible explanation for this well explained by Harvard Health.
1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil provides 7g of alpha-linolenic acid making it the richest source of ALA.
But the problem is that this ALA is not efficiently converted to EPA and DHA- omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil. So 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil is worth to 700mg EPA and DHA.
In terms of human studies there are some that show that flaxseed oil brings a reduction in inflammation while some show it does not affect inflammation.
You May Like: Can Marijuana Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Could Benefit Heart Health
Several studies have found that flaxseed oil could benefit heart health.
One study in 59 people compared the effects of flaxseed oil to those of safflower oil, a type of oil high in omega-6 fatty acids.
In this study, supplementing with one tablespoon of flaxseed oil for 12 weeks led to significantly lower blood pressure levels than supplementing with safflower oil .
High blood pressure can harm heart health, as it places extra strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder.
Flaxseed oil may also improve the elasticity of the arteries. Both aging and increased blood pressure are generally linked to decreases in elasticity .
These benefits are likely due to the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil, as supplementing with it has been shown to significantly increase the amount of omega-3s in the blood .
Whats more, numerous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids improve heart health, with benefits such as reduced inflammation and lower blood pressure .
Summary: Some studies have shown that flaxseed oil could improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and increasing the elasticity of the arteries.
Turmeric And Curcumin The Osteoarthritis Diet
Turmeric and Vegetable Thai Curry
Turmeric and its most active compound, curcumin, offer many scientifically-backed health benefits. Although the ingredient is not popular in western dishes, it is trendy in south Asian cuisines and curries. Scientists have noted that Turmeric and curcumin is a simple spice with superfood powers. Its anti-inflammatory properties alone make it a perfect option for those looking to reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. The secret ingredient in Tumeric spice is curcumin, which essentially blocks inflammation from forming, rather than just dealing with it after the fact. Cooking with turmeric might is usually the best option as curries are easy to prepare. Still, for those who want the benefits of Turmeric without the curries, curcumin supplements might be a good option.
Don’t Miss: What Supplements Good For Arthritis
May Help You Manage Your Weight
Several studies suggest that flaxseed may aid weight management.
One older study found that a drink with flax fiber tablets containing 2.5 grams of soluble fiber reduced feelings of hunger and overall appetite .
This is likely because soluble fiber slows digestion and increases feelings of fullness, which may be especially useful if youre trying to lose weight (
Flaxseed may help you feel full for longer, which may support weight management.
Amazing Flaxseed Oil Benefits
Flaxseed oil is amazing and has many health benefits about which most people do not know. One of the main benefits of flaxseed oil is that it can help subdue inflammation, but there are so many other health-related uses for it as well. This simple oil can do so much for the human body and it is worth incorporating into your daily routine.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about this oil, and the many flaxseed oil benefits available to you.
Read Also: Does Dry Needling Help Arthritis
Flaxseed Oil Lowers Inflammation
A typical Western diet provides 20-25 more omega 6 fats than omega 3 and this said to be responsible for inflammation.
Therefore consumption of oils rich in omega 3 fatty acids like canola oil or flaxseed oil is advised.
Flaxseed oil is rich in omega3 fatty acid alpha linoleic acid. Once consumed this ALA is converted to eicospentaenoic acid .
Arachidonic acid is the prime molecule in initiating production of inflammatory enzymes.
EPA inhibits the conversion of Arachidocnic acid to prostaglandin 2 and leukotriene 4- both of which have pro-inflammatory action. They cause pain, redness and swelling.
EPA inhibits the production of these enzymes and lead to production of less inflammatory agents such as prostaglandin 3 and leukotriene 5.
Additionally EPA inhibits production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha and Interleukin-1.
James et. al report that use of flaxseed oil in the diet reduces the production of inflammatory mediators.
Flaxseed oil is found to act on acute phases of inflammation like migration of inflammatory cells and dilation of blood vessels.
This inhibitory action of flaxseed oil is comparable to that of aspirin.
What does this mean? Flaxseed oil contains omega 3 fatty acid, ALA which inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators. This could be of help in reducing inflammation in arthritis.
Good For Digestive Health
According to the Journal of the American Dietic Association, one tablespoon of whole flax seeds has 3 grammes of fibre, which is 8 12% of the daily recommended fibre consumption for both men and women. Furthermore, flax seeds contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, so adding them to your diet can help you have more regular bowel movements and improve your digestive health.
Also Check: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Cause Hair Loss
May Stabilize Your Blood Sugar Levels
Flaxseed may stabilize blood sugar levels and promote blood sugar control.
According to a review of 25 studies, whole flaxseed may decrease blood sugar and prevent insulin resistance, a condition that impairs the bodys ability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively .
This blood-sugar-lowering effect may be due to this seeds soluble fiber content. Research shows that soluble fiber slows the absorption of sugar in the blood, which may reduce blood sugar levels .
As such, flaxseed may be particularly helpful if you have type 2 diabetes.
Keep in mind that the benefits of flaxseed for blood sugar control apply mostly to whole flaxseed rather than flaxseed oil. This is because flaxseed oil lacks fiber .
Summary
Flaxseed may lower blood sugar due to its soluble fiber content. Thus, its a beneficial addition to your diet if you have type 2 diabetes.
May Help Treat Constipation And Diarrhea
Flaxseed oil may be effective at treating both constipation and diarrhea.
A recent animal study showed that flaxseed oil acted as a laxative to promote regularity, all while acting as an antidiarrheal agent .
Another study gave 50 constipated patients on hemodialysis either flaxseed oil, olive oil or mineral oil.
After four weeks, flaxseed oil increased the frequency of bowel movements and improved stool consistency. Also, it was found to be as effective as both olive oil and mineral oil .
However, research on the effects of flaxseed oil on constipation and diarrhea is currently limited to animal studies and studies on people with specific conditions.
Additional studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in the general population.
Summary: Some animal and human studies have shown that flaxseed oil may help treat both constipation and diarrhea, but further research is required.
Read Also: Does Heat Ease Arthritis Pain