Flax & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Flax & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis is a challenging condition to live with and treat. It is a chronic condition, and many patients turn to complementary therapies to try to manage the pain and stiffness. One of those complementary therapies is the use of flaxseed. Even though some patients may benefit from taking it, flaxseed should only be used under medical supervision, as there can be side effects and interactions with other medications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means the immune system is attacking itself. The exact cause of RA is still not known, however, this disease attacks the synovial lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, pain and joint deformity. RA can also affect the eyes, mouth, lungs and heart and may cause fatigue and a general sense of not feeling well. Each case is different, and for some, the symptoms are mild, while others can become disabled. Treating RA requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and maintain mobility.

Flaxseed

Flaxseeds come from the flax plant, and the seeds contain fiber, protein and lignans, which are compounds similar to the hormone estrogen and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. ALA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that may help to fight inflammation, and it may be useful in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions, such as heart disease, digestive diseases and arthritis, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can add ground flaxseed to foods or take flaxseed capsules or oil.

Benefits

To date there is not enough research to prove if taking flaxseed can help manage the symptoms of RA, however omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation, notes the Arthritis Foundation. Some patients taking flaxseed may experience a reduction in pain, stiffness and swelling. Since the benefits of flaxseed are still being studied, there is no known dose that improves symptoms, however, a general guideline is to take 30 g daily if using ground flaxseed or capsules or 1 to 3 tbsp. of flaxseed oil each day.

Precautions

Flaxseed also acts as a laxative and may cause side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation, abdominal cramps, nausea and others. Drinking plenty of water while taking flaxseed may help to prevent some of the above symptoms. The safety of flaxseed has not been fully studied in women who are pregnant or nursing. Flaxseed also contains chemicals that act as blood thinners, so it should not be used if you have a bleeding disorder or take other blood-thinning medications. In some patients, flaxseed can cause a drop in blood sugar levels or an increase in triglyceride levels. Flaxseed may affect the way many other medications work in the body, so it should only be used under medical supervision.

source : livestrong.com