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- "Nutrition Journal"; Flaxseed Supplementation Improved Insulin Resistance In Obese Glucose Intolerant People: A Randomized Crossover Design; Y. Rhee, et al.; May 2011
- "Nutrition Journal"; Flaxseed Supplementation Improved Insulin Resistance In Obese Glucose Intolerant People: A Randomized Crossover Design; Y. Rhee, et al.; May 2011
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Ground Flaxseed for Acne
Acne plagues most people at some point in their life, especially during the teen years. If you've tried topical remedies and oral medications with little success, it's worth considering the role your diet may play. For instance, foods such as ground flaxseed may be beneficial for improving acne. But you should still consult a dermatologist to check out all your treatment options.
Flaxseed and Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the main players in acne formation. Like other omega-3 essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid found in flaxseed is a potent anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce inflammation in a variety of health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease and some skin conditions. The typical American diet tends to be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which promote inflammation in your body. Adding flaxseed can help to restore a healthy balance and may improve acne.
- Inflammation is one of the main players in acne formation.
- Like other omega-3 essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid found in flaxseed is a potent anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce inflammation in a variety of health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease and some skin conditions.
Flaxseed and Insulin
Natural Relief for Painful and Itchy Acne
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In a study published in the "Nutrition Journal" in May 2011, researchers found that taking 40 g of ground flaxseed for 12 weeks improved insulin resistance in people who were obese and had glucose intolerance 1. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body doesn't properly use insulin, which leads to high insulin levels. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, some women with acne who are overweight have excess insulin. Reducing their insulin levels often helps their acne to improve.
- In a study published in the "Nutrition Journal" in May 2011, researchers found that taking 40 g of ground flaxseed for 12 weeks improved insulin resistance in people who were obese and had glucose intolerance 1.
- According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, some women with acne who are overweight have excess insulin.
Amount
A doctor or nutritionist can provide an appropriate amount of flaxseed to take to improve your acne and overall health. In general, adults can take 1 tbsp. of ground flaxseed two to three times daily, or 2 to 4 tbsp. once a day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Drink lots of water when taking ground flaxseed. Also, it's best to use up all the flaxseed within 24 hours of grinding them to reap the maximum benefit.
- A doctor or nutritionist can provide an appropriate amount of flaxseed to take to improve your acne and overall health.
- Drink lots of water when taking ground flaxseed.
Side Effects
Psyllium Husks & Acne
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Flaxseed is generally safe to take. However, flaxseed is a source of fiber and if you're not used to fiber in your diet, you may experience gas, constipation or abdominal pain. Drinking water helps to minimize these side effects. Also, flaxseed may slow the absorption of some medications and supplements so wait a few hours before or after to take it. Consult a doctor before taking flaxseed to treat acne if you also have breast cancer, diabetes, prostate problems or schizophrenia.
- Flaxseed is generally safe to take.
- Also, flaxseed may slow the absorption of some medications and supplements so wait a few hours before or after to take it.
Related Articles
References
- "Nutrition Journal"; Flaxseed Supplementation Improved Insulin Resistance In Obese Glucose Intolerant People: A Randomized Crossover Design; Y. Rhee, et al.; May 2011
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- Ren GY, Chen CY, Chen GC, et al. Effect of flaxseed intervention on inflammatory marker C-reactive protein: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):136. doi:10.3390/nu8030136
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- Cetisli NE, Saruhan A, Kivcak B. The effects of flaxseed on menopausal symptoms and quality of life. Holist Nurs Pract. 2015;29(3):151-7. doi:10.1097/HNP.0000000000000085
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil. Updated September 2016.
- O'Keefe A, Kapur S, Rex G, Watson W. Flax seed allergy in children: an emerging allergen? Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2010; 6(Suppl 2):P6. doi:10.1186/1710-1492-6-S2-P6
- Hackshaw-McGeagh LE, Perry RE, Leach VA, et al. A systematic review of dietary, nutritional, and physical activity interventions for the prevention of prostate cancer progression and mortality. Cancer Causes Control. 2015;26(11):1521-50. doi:10.1007/s10552-015-0659-4
- Carleton AJ, Sievenpiper JL, De Souza R, McKeown-Eyssen G, Jenkins DJ. Case-control and prospective studies of dietary α-linolenic acid intake and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2013;3(5). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002280
- Setayesh M, Sadeghifar AR, Nakhaee N, Kamalinejad M, Rezaeizadeh H. A topical gel from flax seed oil compared with hand splint in carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized clinical trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(3):462-467. doi:10.1177/2156587216677822
- UW Medicine Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. Medications to avoid before surgery.
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- Kajla P, Sharma A, Sood DR. Flaxseed--a potential functional food source. J Food Sci Technol. 2015;52(4):1857-71. doi:10.1007/s13197-014-1293-y
- Cockerell KM, Watkins AS, Reeves LB, Goddard L, Lomer MC. Effects of linseeds on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot randomised controlled trial. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2012;25(5):435-43. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2012.01263.x
- Kaithwas G, Majumdar DK. Effect of L. usitatissimum (flaxseed/linseed) fixed oil against distinct phases of inflammation. ISRN Inflamm. 2013;2013:735158. doi:10.1155/2013/735158
- Ward HA, Kuhnle GG, Mulligan AA, Lentjes MA, Luben RN, Khaw KT. Breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk in relation to phytoestrogen intake derived from an improved database. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(2):440-8. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28282
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Writer Bio
Kay Uzoma has been writing professionally since 1999. Her work has appeared in "Reader’s Digest," "Balance," pharmaceutical and natural health newsletters and on websites such as QualityHealth.com. She is a former editor for a national Canadian magazine and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from York University.