Hi there.
As far as I know, studies about flax seed and cancer are still in their infancy stage. The cancer more frequently associated with this is prostate cancer. I'm quoting this text from the american cancer society website:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_Flaxseed_Ginseng_Show_Promise_for_Cancer_Patients.
Something I have found very helpful for my IBS is the use of flaxseed meal as my fiber supplement. I noticed that a couple of other people have been mentioning this as well. If you've been using psyllium fiber, I suggest switching to flaxseed meal. I'm sure you and your mother will see some improvement in your IBS symptoms by using flaxseed meal instead of psyllium fiber. Psyllium fiber is known to be harsh and irritating to the gut.
Also, for men concerned about prostate health, some studies have shown a possible link between the ALA fatty acids in flaxseed oil and prostate cancer. In general, omega-3 fish oils have been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health so I wonder if you have some sort of special situation that would cause your internist to recommend against it. Please contact him to find out why.
I found the new inulin fibers are easiest to take. Or, you can try flaxseed meal. Or, you can try Metamucil or Citracel. Just take the fiber. You need to try a laxative, too. It's not one or the other--it's both. Try Miralax. If you don't like it in water, try apple juice. I find that Miralax is suitable in plain water, though. Make sure you drink loads and loads of water.
Is the "flaxseed meal" you speak of come already ground up? I have read that flaxseed does no good unless it's ground up.
When my wife was preparing for an operation, her lab work showed her liver counts to be very high, near 200. The Dr. said, many things eaten could raise these levels. They wanted to know if she had eaten cereal with flaxseed and said flaxseed could have a large effect. I mention this so you'll know if it happens to you.
A couple of members have mentioned using activated charcoal for the really bad gas. Most gastro doctors tell people to use psyllium fiber, like Metamucil. I have had to use other fibers, like flaxseed meal. It's true that you need to build up slowly how much fiber you use, especially when your system is obviously sensitive already. Like sparkle40, I can't use the wheat bran either. My gastro doctor mentioned Metamucil and the like to me.
Some holistic health enthusiasts believe that cancer patients are deficient in essential lipids that cottage cheese mixed with flaxseed can replace. The scientific journal “Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift” published a study in 2012 that determined that cancer diets, such as the Budwig, diet do not cure cancer and can have adverse health effects.
The bad selenium lung cancer result follows another big study in which selenium and vitamin E were found to do nothing to prevent prostate cancer. A big third trial a few years ago found that taking beta carotene supplements increased lung cancer risk. "People thought beta caroten was like chicken soup, that it couldn't possibly be bad. But it was clearly harmful," says Karp.
I do alright using flaxseed meal rather than the psyllium based fibers that you mentioned. I can use just a little in water, like the fiber drinks, or just sprinkle a little on my food. It's an actual food product and it has nutritional benefits, like omega 3. I buy the Bob's Red Mill that is available at Trader Joe's, because it's more affordable. It's already ground flaxseed meal.
I haven't heard of the Heather's Tummy Fibers, so I'll have to look for that.
I can relate to some of this, because I have the same kind of IBS that you do. I don't know if I have FMS (I have the symptoms to indicate the strong possibility), but I do have CFS and MCS, so I can relate. We have a special problem, since we have many food sensitivities and allergies. I am sure you are already aware of the gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance issues, since they go with the territory.
I was hospitalized with renal failure not too long ago myself.
There is a gentler fiber that I have found to be less irritating to the gut. This is flaxseed meal. I read of a woman who said that she used it much like one uses Metamucil and drinks it down first thing in the morning and last thing at night and has done so for years. Taking psyllium fiber (the main ingredient in Metamucil) wasn't helpful for her bowel troubles, but the flaxseed meal was. I find it helpful for me, too, but I simply add it directly to whatever I'm eating.
- Prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cells in remaining prostate tissue or in other parts of your body can release PSA. Checking for signs of prostate cancer is the main reason men have PSA tests.
- Recurrent benign prostate growth. Some prostate tissue remains even if your entire prostate is removed. This tissue may continue to grow, leading to increased PSA levels.
- Inflammation of prostate tissue (prostatitis).
I hope it's normal bcuz Im in the same boat, but only 24weeks. I feel like I eat a meal & soon as I take my last bite Im looking for my next meal. I hve a crazy pattern of sleep bcuz I need 2 wake up & feed my belly. I thnk ur fine!
I am a 75 year-old male with a PSA of 4.5 at my last yearly physical. Prostate related symptoms are having to get up 3 or 4 times a night and painful and weak stream. My doctor is a young man who referred me to an older, experienced urologist who seems to know all the right questions to ask.
The new Dr.
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