What's the deal with flax seed oil?

[wakeride74]

I broke my femur about 15 years ago on a 4wheeler and it was almost a compound fracture. I also damaged my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) which I will be going in for my second surgery on in October. I've heard that flax seed oil pills may help with my joint movement, daily pain, and overall daily condition of me knee, is there any truth to this? Are there any specific brands or types I should try?

 

[iluvcans]

hello,

flax seeds and their oil can benefit you in many ways.. there are several natural products that can make your life so much happier/ easier and bring in some zest to it! check out some of these raw/ uncooked food sites-- it will make a lot of sense and you can slowly incorporate these ideas into your diet. it's so easy. it will literally change your life-- and you will be a much happier person for it. i've been doing this over the course of this past year and am much happier for it.

to learn a bit:

http://www.davidwolfe.com/

for products:

http://www.rawfood.com/

 

[ken36]

I've always been a DMSO kind of guy.

 

[F1GTR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakeride74 I broke my femur about 15 years ago on a 4wheeler and it was almost a compound fracture. I also damaged my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) which I will be going in for my second surgery on in October. I've heard that flax seed oil pills may help with my joint movement, daily pain, and overall daily condition of me knee, is there any truth to this? Are there any specific brands or types I should try?

I've never heard of this before and I'm huge on health and nutrition. I'm not 100% positive but I would be willing to wager that whoever told you this had flax seed oil, somehow, confused with Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM.

Glucosamine Sulfate is an essential component of joint tissue and can be utilized to produce synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. Sulfur is also utilized in the production of cartilage tissue.

Chondroitin Sulfate stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (a component of synovial fluid) which is the lubricant for joints as well as a major component of connective tissue in the skin.

Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM) is an organic source of sulfur, an antioxidant mineral and critical component of structural body tissues such as cartilage. The sulfur from MSMis incorporated into joint tissues as glycosaminoglycans (or mucopolysaccharides) such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid.

I imagine there was just some confusion in the communication. Flax seed oil is simply a good source of OMEGA-3 fatty acids. Never have I heard it associated with joint formulas and the like.

 

[MuZI]

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1GTR I imagine there was just some confusion in the communication. Flax seed oil is simply a good source of OMEGA-3 fatty acids. Never have I heard it associated with joint formulas and the like.

Fish oils and Flax oils are recomended for their anti-inflammatory benefits, usually helps certain people with joint pain and such. ( Don't take these around surgery time

)

I know runners take Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM for joint pains (knees). I've never tried them so I don't know but haven't seen any major positive feedback.

Since I'm a lifter I hear alot of people use Cissus Quadrangularis, feedback has shown that it works well for joint pains. These guys lift very heavy weights and say their wrists and knees feel better within a 2-3 weeks.

 

[Mercuttio]

My understanding is that Flax Seed oil contains certain natural fats that facilitate some chemical reactions in the brain; I've known people who take it to improve their general mood.

 

[MuZI]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercuttio My understanding is that Flax Seed oil contains certain natural fats that facilitate some chemical reactions in the brain; I've known people who take it to improve their general mood.

EFA,
ALA -> EPA, DHA.

EDIT: Fish Oils > Flax Oils..

They're more efficient.

 

[GreatDane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1GTR I've never heard of this before and I'm huge on health and nutrition. I'm not 100% positive but I would be willing to wager that whoever told you this had flax seed oil, somehow, confused with Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM. Glucosamine Sulfate is an essential component of joint tissue and can be utilized to produce synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. Sulfur is also utilized in the production of cartilage tissue. Chondroitin Sulfate stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (a component of synovial fluid) which is the lubricant for joints as well as a major component of connective tissue in the skin. Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM) is an organic source of sulfur, an antioxidant mineral and critical component of structural body tissues such as cartilage. The sulfur from MSMis incorporated into joint tissues as glycosaminoglycans (or mucopolysaccharides) such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. I imagine there was just some confusion in the communication. Flax seed oil is simply a good source of OMEGA-3 fatty acids. Never have I heard it associated with joint formulas and the like.

Good info.

I've used a Glucosamine/Chondroitin combo (with some other goodies mixed in). I recently stopped using it as a test to see if it was helping my knee joint pains....I think is was and plan to begin using it again.

I use fish oil, flax seed oil, and at times a mix of oils. I've even used hemp seed oil...looks green with a green flavor.

It's good to start out with 100% flax seed oil since most peoples diet is lacking in OMEGA-3. After a while it's best to use a blend of oils that have a better balance.

I like Udo's blend(made by Flora). I also will recommend his book titled "Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill"

If you read and can digest most of the info you will have a very good knowledge base regarding how essential fatty acids interact with your body....that and a whole lot more.

I agree with MuZI in that fish oils and Flax oils are recomended for their anti-inflammatory benefits.

http://www.udoerasmus.com/products/oil_blend.htm

 

[MuZI]

^ I love your avatar..

 

[wakeride74]

Thanks for all the information! Sounds like I was a bit mislead. Ryan, can you recommend any all in one pills for the Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM combo or maybe a couple that would have combos or are they better taken individually? The Dr. just gives me 800 Motrin and vicodin but it bothers me every day and I'd like to look at other options while I'm waiting to go under the knife.

GreatDane - What were you using and what was your condition?

 

[spaceman]

Alpha Linolenic Acid! A type of Omega 3 Fatty Acid. Can help to lower your LDL and triglycerides. Also has antioxidant properties and a great source of fiber. I prefer to buy my flax seed milled, and sprinkle it on my cereal. My wife bakes muffins, cakes, etc with milled flax. It has a pleasant, nutty/light grainy taste to it.

 

[Teerawit]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaceman I prefer to buy my flax seed milled, and sprinkle it on my cereal. My wife bakes muffins, cakes, etc with milled flax. It has a pleasant, nutty/light grainy taste to it.

That's a good point. Your body will not absorb flax seed's goodness if you eat whole flax seed (ie. unmilled or uncrushed).

 

[MuZI]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spaceman Alpha Linolenic Acid! A type of Omega 3 Fatty Acid. Can help to lower your LDL and triglycerides. Also has antioxidant properties and a great source of fiber. I prefer to buy my flax seed milled, and sprinkle it on my cereal. My wife bakes muffins, cakes, etc with milled flax. It has a pleasant, nutty/light grainy taste to it.

R-ALA can also help regulate blood sugar...

 

[JahJahBinks]

good lubricant?

 

[iSleipnir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken36 I've always been a DMSO kind of guy.

Isn't that for horses? Yeah, I've used that.