Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
I heard some cultures take 2 or 3 tablespoons of flax seeds with hot water as a natural laxative. is that safe to do? how about daily for fiber?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Flax is good: Any plant contains fiber which can help with digestive processes and bowel movements. Pysllium, a plant fiber, is the most often used and is available in many over the counter preparations. Flax seed also contains beneficial plant oils which are good for cholesterol.
Answered 9/5/2018
6k views
Flax seed: Flax seed is indeed an excellent source of fiber, whether eaten whole on cereal or salad or washed down with water. Some recommend the ground form to enhance absorption of nutrients—omega 3's & lignans, which, when converted by body into phytoestrogens, may help prevent breast, colon, & prostate cancer. Fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels. If you have diverticulosis, be careful with seed form.
Answered 2/27/2012
6k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
I eat several small meals, i eat plenty fruits and fibers, i take plenty water, i excercise regularly but I have nearly 1 bm daily. Is it healthy?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Is it OK to take miralax daily (or every other day) until a fissure heals? I increased water, fiber, & exercise but still need extra help w softening.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I take plenty fiber, plenty water, several small meals but I have nearly 1 bowel movement daily. Is that normal?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
It's been about a year now I've been on laxatives & lots of fiber gummies to be able to have one daily bowel movement. If I don't take one of the two I won't have a bowel movement for days. I drink plenty of water & my diet is healthy. I'm also having tro
I can't have a bowel Movement without laxatives. I take in the daily recamended amount of fiber, have 64 ounces of water a day, and work out. ?
Is it safe to take miralax (polyethylene glycol) to maintain regular bowel movements? Fiber laxatives back me up worse unless i drink excessive amounts of water
I've increased fiber, water, exercise and still only pass pebbles. Have to use a laxative at least 1 every 2 weeks. Suppository doesn't clean out?
Constipation. Laxatives, fiber, water, diet changes, even castor oil haven't worked. Colonoscopy 3 years ago showed no bowel obstruction. Help?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
