All posts by Flax Lady

Overcoming MS: Plant Based Omega-3 (ALA) vs. Fish Oil

Overview of Flaxseed Oil (ALA) vs. Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) Omega-3 in Multiple Sclerosis Management

The Overcoming MS Program favours flaxseed oil omega-3 (ALA) over fish oil omega-3 (EPA, DHA) for MS protection and management of symptoms.  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting the central nervous system, where inflammation and demyelination lead to symptoms like fatigue, disability progression, and relapses. Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant sources like flaxseed oil and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from fish oil, have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in MS. While both types show some associations with improved outcomes, evidence from large observational studies suggests plant-based ALA  in flaxseed oil may offer stronger benefits in reducing relapse rates, improving quality of life (QoL), and lowering MS risk or progression compared to Continue reading Overcoming MS: Plant Based Omega-3 (ALA) vs. Fish Oil

Studies Comparing Flax with Psyllium for digestion

Psyllium v Flax for constipation and digestive health

Psyllium is the go-to remedy advised by doctors and pharmacies. It is effective, well-tolerated and reliable. It is just a fibre that absorbs water to make stools larger and more frequent.

Flax is a real whole food, it is also known to absorb water, increase stool bulk to support digestion and prevent consitpation.  In addition flax offers a range of further nutritional benefits. Continue reading Studies Comparing Flax with Psyllium for digestion

St. James’s Hospital Study on Flaxseed for Constipation in Elderly

Review of the 2001–2002 St. James’s Hospital Study on Flaxseed for Constipation in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

This is a practical, hospital-based interventional study led by Roslyn Tarrant (RD), along with J.B. Walsh and Cathal Walsh, conducted in the Medicine for the Elderly Unit at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin. The work, dated 2001–2002 (presented around 2002), focused on adding flax (referred to as linseed in the original text) to the diets of hospitalized elderly patients to manage constipation. Continue reading St. James’s Hospital Study on Flaxseed for Constipation in Elderly

Flax or Chia for the digestion?

Studies Comparing Ground Flaxseed and Chia Seeds on Digestive Health

While direct head-to-head clinical trials on humans specifically for constipation relief between ground flaxseed and chia seeds are limited, there are comparative studies on their effects on gut health, microbiota, and fermentation, which relate to digestion. Below are quotable studies that indicate ground flaxseed may have superior effects in certain digestive aspects, such as microbiota modulation and fermentation. Note that many general reviews highlight both seeds as beneficial for digestion due to fibre content, but flaxseed often shows stronger evidence in specific areas like pathogen suppression and SCFA production. Continue reading Flax or Chia for the digestion?

Flax Flower Fairy

The Flower Fairy & the Magic of Flax

Flower Fairies were wonderfully whimsical creations, tiny beings imbued with the spirit and symbolism of flowers. Their popularity blossomed in the Victorian era, when they appeared in beautifully illustrated books and prints that blended nature, folklore, and imagination.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) now tends to be better known for its practical health benefits. Continue reading Flax Flower Fairy