Comments on: Flax Seed and Oil: Phytoestrogens, Phytic Acid and Pregnancy Risks

By: KimiHarris

KimiHarris — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:27:15 +0000

Hey Serenity,

Thanks so much for the link. It’s always interesting to read what someone else has to say and I just read it. I believe that Sally’s stance on the phytic acid/cancer issue is that yes, that could be true. Many traditional societies did eat unsoaked grains at some points in the year, which could have easily acted like a cleansing period for them. I think that the two things that really convince me that eating mostly soaked grains and nuts is best for my family is that first, I can get stomach aches from eating unsoaked things (especially nuts) so there’s the personal angle there. And secondly, I see example after example of “soaked” grains in traditional societies. I understand that many don’t care what traditional societies did, but it carries a lot of weight with me. Shannon shares a similar experience here.

It works for us!

By: Serenity Kimball

Serenity Kimball — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:57:43 +0000

I came upon your site while researching phytic acid and had just finished reading this article:
http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:MLW6he7_BCgJ:www.sustainablesuppers.com/pdfs/SustainableSuppersSoakingNuts.pdf+do+anti+nutrients+in+grains+and+seeds+fight+cancer&cd=27&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

that has great documentation and scientific evidence pointing out the minimal negative effects of phytic acid and a lot of positives. It is well researched and especially interesting to me in my debates with my mother ( a firm believer in the Paleo Diet) I am mostly a follower of Nourishing Traditions ideology though I have wondered about the necessity of soaking nuts and a few other minor points. Anyway, just thought you might be interested in this article. I wonder what Sally Fallon would have to say about it?

By: Lynn K

Lynn K — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:56:02 +0000

I have been a vegetarian since I was a teenager. I used to consume large amounts of soya products including veggie burgers and soya milk and always felt unwell. I was constantly feeling fatigued and had continual stomach problems. I stopped the soya some years ago. I have a family history of breast cancer so over a year ago I started taking 2 tablespoons of flax a day and also started eating soya again (not sure why I made this decision). I have a breast fibroadenoma which started to grow and grow over a period of a year. The doctor wants me to have this removed but I asked to wait. I go for acupuncture and TCM and stopped taking the ground flax and soya. I feel wonderful and I can’t say for sure but I think the fibroadenoma has stopped growing. I believe the large quantity of flax I was ingesting caused the fibroadenoma to grow. It never grew before I took the flax. Too much of a coincidence.

By: Jacquie P

Jacquie P — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:21:47 +0000

Interesting. I am on a yeast-free vegan diet and have been using ground flax with black beans to make my own veggie burgers. They are so awesome but I did notice heavier than normal periods. It could be that I am vegan and 43 so menopause is lurking. Wonder if its the flax too? I am totally against soy anything as all soy is genetically modified. Everyone concerned with health should research genetically modified foods. Not good. I am yeast free because I have an intolerance and vegan because of my need to live a planet healthy life style. I really watch the effects of anything I eat so I will experiment further. My choices are limited so to eliminate flax would be difficult.

By: MariaK

MariaK — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:19:17 +0000

Thanks for the info.

I have also noticed that having flax (especially grounded flax seed) in my diet caused mid-cycle menstruation bleeding.
After reading some comments that painful periods were linked to flax…I now also think that’s the case with me.
Everything in moderation.

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:25:32 +0000

I am menopausal. After reading the benefits, I began placing two tablespoons of grounded flaxseeds on my cereal last week. During that week I began having PMS symptoms-tender breasts. Oh yea, I thought. Another side effect to deal with during this stage of my life. Then out of the blue, I began having a period with heavy bleeding and cramps. Although I will go to the doctor to have it checked out, I am suspicious of the flaxseeds because they are my only dietary change. I stopped taking the flaxseed about four days after beginning. I wish that I had found this site before beginning.

Also, several years ago I tried replacing 1/2 cup of milk on my cereal with soy milk. Within the week I was extremely depressed. The day after I stopped with the soy, my mood went back to normal. I do take medication for hypothyroid. It’s amazing how little changes in one’s diet can have great effects, both positive and negative.

I am considering taking chia seeds. Does anyone have an opinion with regards to white vs. black seed? Name brand vs generic?

By: Maria

Maria — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:40:50 +0000

Flax is like other natural foods great and I agree that should be taken in moderation. It is not only about quantity but quality also. Organic is probably a better choice. Hormonal health seems to respond very well to some women who take Flax. I have known a number of people, including myself, develop a sensitivity to soy, so it is very important to listen to your body and trust it!

By: Abbie

Abbie — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:39:01 +0000

This was a very informed article and I enjoyed reading something that sounded like it was coming from a person with a very similar dietary philosophy to mine! I came over from Linday’s blog, Passionate Homemaking. I had just started taking flax oil every day and wasn’t sure how much to take. I got pregnant, nursed for 9 months, got pregnant again after weaning and then nursed for another 5 months. My husband’s dietary philosophy growing up was nothing like mine, and my diet has definitely gone downhill since getting married. Now I feel depleated and I am seeking new information about what I need to be comsuming to up my energy and restore my body. So thanks for this great info. I can’t wait to read more. Abbie

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:32:12 +0000

Interesting information! I took flax seed oil throughout my last pregnancy, and I had to be induced at 41 1/2 weeks. I wish I had been able to go into labor earlier! I find that flax definitely helps balance out my moods, and my DH has taken it to successfully lower his cholesterol. Soy, on the other hand, definitely affects me. I have found that it causes the same kind of effects that dairy does… large cyst-like pimples on my face and back.

By: Terri

Terri — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:18:26 +0000

I think everyone’s body is different, and you have to listen to your body and consume foods that are GOOD for your body. Flax oil must be cold pressed and kept refrigerated, and can easily spoil in 15 minutes. I personally do not trust flax oil pills for this reason. However, me and my mother have both consumed 2 – 4 Tbs. of ground flax (I grind my own with a coffee grinder) with fantastic results. My mother’s cholesterol is in a normal range for the first time in 20 years (she cannot tolerate statin drugs) and I personally have lost 30 pounds due to blood sugar stabilizing effect it has. I currently take the depo provera (progesterone) shot for birth control and have experienced absolutely no side effects in the way of spotting or all out bleeding and cramps. I asked my OBGYN if the flax could effect the shot’s efficiency and she said absolutely not, and in fact, it was known to increase sex drive in women.
Again, I think every body is different, you need to listen to your own body and with the help of your doctor make decisions that are good for you.