Flaxseed Relieves Constipation and Stomach Pain

Flaxseed, commonly known as linseed, is a small, fibrous seed that can help with bowel movements, constipation, and upset stomach. Constipation is described as having less than three bowel movements per week, and it is commonly accompanied by stomach pain and discomfort.

Flaxseed, in the shape of ground flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil, has been demonstrated to help reduce constipation symptoms. Constipated people who took one ounce (4 ml) of flaxseed oil per day for two weeks had more bowel movements and improved stool consistency. Another study discovered that those who ate flaxseed muffins every day had 30% more bowel movements per week than those who did not eat flaxseed muffins. Additional flaxseed benefits have been discovered in animal studies, including the prevention of stomach ulcers and the reduction of intestinal spasms, although these effects have yet to be replicated in humans