Short Answer: Flaxseed is good for arthritis. Because it has omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, and they can reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and modulate hormone and immune responses.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where two bones meet in your body.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system or normal wear and tear damages the cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows them to glide smoothly.
This can lead to various health problems, such as pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and reduced mobility.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Now, flaxseed is a small brown or golden seed that comes from the flax plant.
People usually eat flaxseed whole, ground, or as an oil.
Flaxseed is good for arthritis because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that can help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and promote digestive health.
Lignans are plant compounds that have antioxidant and phytoestrogen effects, and may help lower the risk of some cancers.
One tablespoon (10 grams) of ground flaxseed can give you about 1.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (90% of your daily needs), 2.8 grams of fiber (11% of your daily needs), and 85 milligrams of lignans.
Omega-3 fatty acids can positively affect arthritis by reducing the production of inflammatory molecules and enzymes that break down cartilage.
Fiber can positively affect arthritis by feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which can produce anti-inflammatory substances.
Lignans can positively affect arthritis by modulating the hormone levels and immune responses that are involved in inflammation.
Furthermore, flaxseed is a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for arthritis.
Because, they can provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can protect the joints from oxidative stress and inflammation.
You can eat up to two tablespoons (20 grams) of ground flaxseed per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, or allergic reactions.
Also, you shouldn’t eat flaxseed if you have a bleeding disorder, a bowel obstruction, a hormone-sensitive condition, or a history of kidney stones to prevent complications.
Because, flaxseed can interfere with blood clotting, intestinal motility, hormone levels, and oxalate metabolism.
You can buy fresh flaxseed in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose organic, non-GMO, and cold-milled flaxseed.
Because, these types of flaxseed are free of pesticides, genetically modified organisms, and heat damage.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to a year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.