Suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis can lead to a limited diet. The National Institutes of Health recommends people who have certain types of colitis avoid ingesting any substance that can irritate or stimulate the colon. Flaxseed has a laxative effect on the body due to its high fiber content. Contact your health care provider if you have colitis and are thinking of adding flaxseed to your diet.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is the omega-3-rich seed of the flax plant. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to promote overall health, including that of the heart and brain. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are naturally rich in the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA is an important nutrient for the body because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. Flaxseed is naturally high in a fiber called mucilage, which expands when it comes in contact with water. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, flaxseed has been used for centuries as a laxative for this reason.
Colitis
Colitis is a bowel disease that results in swelling of the large intestine and colon, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It can be caused by food poisoning, irritable bowel syndrome or a shortage of blood flow to the intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, gas and bloody stool. Treatments for colitis vary based on the severity of the condition. In some cases, such as those caused by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, patients are advised to avoid ingesting any substance that stimulates or irritates the colon or intestines.
Contraindictions
The ALA in flaxseed could be beneficial to people with inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis. However, according to MayoClinic.com, when consumed in large quantities or without adequate water, flaxseed may have laxative effects. It is recommended that people with diarrhea or bowel diseases, including colitis, avoid flaxseed because of these effects. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects of oral ingestion of flaxseed, according to MayoClinic.com.
Usage and Dosage
Flaxseed oil, a derivative of flaxseed, does not appear to have any laxative qualities and may be safe for people with colitis. Flaxseed oil is available in capsule or liquid form. Adults 18 and over can safely ingest up to 250 g of flaxseed oil by mouth per day. Talk to your doctor before taking any form of the flaxseed plant if you suffer from colitis.
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