Flax... can't take any more without wretching...

Gizmo · 01-20-2003, 03:35 AM

I have known for a long time that flax was good, have bought it, ground it, sprinkled it on this or that. Upon recently reading the study where 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed a day lowered testosterone levels in men by 15%... I have been consuming it more dilligently... and realizing that the amounts I took before probaly did not good... and realizing that 2 tablespoons of flax is a LOT. I have been mixing it with just enough yogurt (plain) to form a nasty looking paste which I them consume quickly. It wasn't too bad at first. However... as of yesterday... when I take my flax seed, I start to wretch. It is quite nasty. How on earth does one consume 2 T of ground flax seed a day in a palatable manner? How much flax seed oil a day is a good substitute??? My biggest concern is hair loss... I will do just about anything to stop this hair loss... I will keep gagging down my flax seeds... but I'd love to find a better way!

Hezzer · 01-20-2003, 11:38 AM

I started by mixing it in with other foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. but you're right . . . after a while you want to gag. It takes too long to eat that way.

So, I have found it easier to just eat it plain. I take a tablespoon of flax seed and just pop it in my mouth and chew and swallow as quickly as I can. It helps to have a flavored drink handy to gulp down as soon as I swallow it. I also consume a whole table spoon of flax oil in the same manner.

highhopes · 01-20-2003, 01:48 PM

Have you considered taking flax seed oil capsules or "soft-gels?" I've taken them for a year or two, and it has been much more pleasant than trying to swallow spoonfuls of ground flax seeds.

Hezzer · 01-20-2003, 03:41 PM

I too considered the gel caps until reading the quote below from another thread on this subject:

:

Quote:

So, this doctor suggested some supplements, that will stimulate hair growth, and he mentioned some stuff I hadn't heard before, so I thought I would share it with you all.

He recommends taking a daily multi-vitamin for women with extra trace minerals. Also, he recommends taking Bromelein. This is some kind of pineapple extract, which will stimulate hair growth. He recommends a Biotin supplement. And, he recommends taking a tablespoon of flaxseed oil every single day. He told me to look for a brand called Udo Oil. I haven't been able to find it yet, but I haven't tried very hard (I've been in bed with a head injury after being bucked off my horse). Anyway, he says that flaxseed oil gelcaps are not a good source of flaxseed oil (processing the oil into the gelcaps degrades the oil), and that the oil you buy in bulk is 10 times more potent. Also, he recommends that you rub the flaxseed oil directly onto your scalp a few times a week as well, to really stimulate growth.

Gizmo · 01-20-2003, 03:54 PM

My hair is so thin... and gets so flat from the oils of only one day of not washing... that I can't IMAGINE rubbing oil into my head would help!

Have you tried this at all?

Hezzer · 01-20-2003, 04:26 PM

I have rubbed the oil into my scalp. I would usually do it in the evening and then wash it out in the morning.

My one complaint is that my shedding in the shower in the morning seemed to be worse. I made a post on this asking if others experienced this but nobody has responded.

I thought the shedding might be worse because the massaging of the scalp loosened hairs that were ready to fall out anyway.

Gizmo · 01-20-2003, 07:21 PM

I found something that makes this a little easier... today when I took my flax, I mixed a tiny dribble of vanilla and a packet of splenda into the sludge... (I had been using plain unflavored yogurt...) ... it was about 50% more tolerable, meaning it wasn't delicious, but neither did it activate my gag reflex.

Guess I'll do it this way till it makes me sick, then figure out a new trick...

emma42 · 01-20-2003, 08:02 PM

I chug down 1-2 tablespoons of flax oil every morning. Here is my trick. I scoop some peanut butter (creamy not chunky) into my mouth and coat it around a bit, then swallow a tablespoon of flax (or 1/2 tablespoon depending on spoon size available), then immediately I scoop some more peanut butter into my mouth. It actually isn't that bad this way, but it still isn't great.

Off subject, has anyone tried that bromelein suggestion? Does it really help growth?

blazinghussy · 01-20-2003, 09:40 PM

I toss back two tablespoons of flax oil every night before bed. I take it right before I take my chewable multi-vitamin (can't stand to swallow huge pills). Yes, it's nasty, but it's over in two seconds and the taste of the chewable (which isn't bad at all) covers it up completely. Along with the s. palmetto and the primrose oil AND the b-complex it took about two weeks before my hair stopped falling out completely, but it DID stop and I do mean completely. (Not to mention my acne cleared up considerably!)

If you do decide to take the oil, keep it refrigerated!!! It goes bad fast and it's very unstable so don't cook with it or you'll destroy all the good stuff you're taking it for

BH

Maygoddess · 01-25-2003, 06:11 AM

I used ground flax seed in my protein shakes in the morning. You have to blend well..the protein shake will be a little more thick than normal and you still have the taste of flax seed..but I use a rice protein powder recommended by a naturopath..ground up fresh flax seed in a small coffee grinder and add it to protein powder, milk and I usually add frozen fruit like peaches or strawberries to mak eit cold..blend..and you have breakfast and your flax seed.

flax seed breaks down fast..so by the time you are buying even that refridgerated oil at the health food store..it is long past broken down. The BEST form to use it is freshly ground for each use.

Hmmm..peanut butter..that is about 200 calories per 1 tlbs..so if you do that 7 days per week..1,400 calories per week..so every 2 1/2-3 weeks you would gain a lb on peanut butter alone..just for a spoonful..best off skipping that method, in my opinion.

Good luck gals!

Patty

DonnaD · 01-25-2003, 09:12 AM

Try to taking Flaxseed oil cold from fridge and drink some apple julice afterwards its really not to bad and easy after a while it works for me hope its some use to you.

Good Luck
Donna