Thursday, August 30, 2012

Flaxseed oil?





I have not found any solid, replicated studies on flax seed oil being effective in aiding with conception or pregnancy but my naturolpath swears by it. 


When I was tyring to conceive, I have read studies which have shown it to be effective in aiding with conception. It used the principles of the glycemic index for "good carbs" and "bad carbs" and would be effective in helping those with insulin resistant fertility issues. I don't know how effectibe it would be in assisting those without insuin resistant issues in conceiving but, there again anything that contributes to overall health, contributes to conception. 


Flaxseed oil contains mega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, potassium, lecithin, magnesium, fibre, protein, zinc and is considered to be natur's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids. Nearly every system in the body can benefit from flax seed oil's natural properties including the reproductive system. 

My nauturopath told me that Flaxseed oil is great to treat menopausal symtoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility and endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilise a women's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of perimenopause and menopause. 





There are however differing views as it relates to the taking of the flax seed oil supplement while pregnant. On one side there are those who believe that taking the supplement is good for you and your unborn child, and can only aid with pregnancy. The other view of this is that there is information that suggests that taking flaxseed oil while pregnany should not be done as this can be extremely harmful to the unborn baby. They point to the fact that animal studies have been done that has shown a negative correlation between flaxseed oil and pregnancy. There are no studies that have been done on humans but people do base their results on the animal study.


It should also be noted that flaxseed oil does not contain the same levels of DHA as fish oil. Overall fish oil can be considered better at providing you with the amount of DHA that you need. There have been some studies that have been done that show fish oil greatly support pregnancy and healthy baby development and may even help prevent miscarriage. 

So if you are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant and are concerned about the effects that flaxseed oil will have on your pregnancy, it is best to consult your physician. Your GP should be able to tell you specifically if it is safe or not for you to take this supplement.

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