Ulcerative colitis is a digestive disorder that affects the colon. It often requires dietary changes and the use of regular medications for symptom relief. In some cases, ulcerative colitis may be treated with alternative remedies, such as flaxseed. Before using flax to treat your ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor about whether it's right for you.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. It causes inflammation in the tissue that lines the colon and the rectum. As its name implies, ulcerative colitis can also lead to painful sores in this lining tissue, usually where cell death has occurred. The sores and inflammation can cause a number of digestive disturbances, including bleeding and frequent, loose stools. Most people’s symptoms are mild, according to the National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse; however, some people may experience more severe symptoms that involve other bodily systems. Ulcerative colitis can lead to weight loss, joint pain, liver disease and disorders of the eyes.
Flax and Flaxseed
The flax plant produces seeds that, when mature, can be used as a dietary supplement. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil are popular dietary supplements. Flax seeds are high in fiber and mucilage -- sticky or gelatinous plant material -- and contain omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil contains a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, but without the fiber. In addition to their nutrient content, flaxseed supplements are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Flax seeds and flaxseed oil are available over-the-counter and do not require a doctor’s prescription, though you should talk to your doctor before trying any type of dietary supplement, including flax seeds and flaxseed oil supplements.
Flaxseed and Ulcerative Colitis
Whether or not flax improves ulcerative colitis symptoms is open to debate. According to the California Pacific Medical Center, both flax seeds and flaxseed oil have been used, along with other dietary supplements, for ulcerative colitis treatment. Despite this, there is little scientific data to support their effectiveness. Combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs, California Pacific reports that flax seeds, in either oral or enema form, have helped some people. Flaxseed oil, along with fish oil and probiotics, also improved some ulcerative colitis symptoms. Because they were taken with a number of other substances, however, it is unclear what role the flax itself may have played in symptom relief.
Guidelines
Some foods and supplements can trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms, including those with high fiber content. MayoClinic.com advises those with ulcerative colitis to avoid taking flax supplements, due to the potential laxative effects. While supplements have improved symptoms for some people, everyone responds differently to different treatments. Flax seeds and flaxseed oil should not replace your usual medications. Flax seeds may even interfere with the absorption of some medications. If your doctor approves flax for your ulcerative colitis symptoms, always choose products made only from ripe flax seeds, as unripe flax seeds may release cyanide when digested.
